University of Toronto launches initiative to accelerate advanced EV technologies
The University of Toronto announced the launch of Electric Vehicle Innovation Ontario (EVIO), a new industry–academic partnership that looks to accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation electric vehicle (EV) and mobility technologies.
Led by the University of Toronto, in collaboration with seven other southern Ontario universities, EVIO will embed 37 highly skilled graduate researchers directly inside 20 Ontario EV and mobility companies. The researchers will work on real-world challenges in battery chemistry, charging reliability, power electronics, mobility software, cold-weather performance, and advanced manufacturing—areas critical to promoting EV adoption and strengthening Canada's position in a rapidly evolving global EV market.
Supported by a $2.5-million Government of Canada investment, through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), and matched by industry and academic partners for a total program value of $7.9 million, EVIO is expected to generate over $30 million in economic activity, expand firm-level R&D capacity, and accelerate the creation of new Canadian intellectual property (IP) in EV.
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Industry partners will contribute $45,000 towards a $90,000 project designed to enable companies to scale innovations while providing researchers with competitive compensation, hands-on experience, and direct pathways into high-growth careers.
EVIO is modeled on internationally proven approaches, including Germany's Fraunhofer Institutes and DARPA-style applied innovation teams, which have catalyzed breakthrough technologies across G7 economies for decades.
"AI and clean technology are vital to helping build a strong economic future for Canada,” said The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. “Through this investment in University of Toronto's Electric Vehicle Innovation Ontario, we are backing Canadian ingenuity to grow a world-class EV supply chain, strengthen our competitive advantage, and create good, meaningful jobs. This is how we build Canada strong: with innovation, skills, and a clean economy that works for everyone."
"The development of Electric Vehicle Innovation Ontario represents a major step forward for southern Ontario's EV ecosystem,” added Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Taiaiako'n-Parkdale-High Park. By connecting companies with top R&D talent and leveraging advanced technologies, EVIO will help our local firms innovate faster, scale responsibly, and compete globally. This investment strengthens the province's clean-tech supply chain and ensures that Canada remains at the forefront of the next generation of electric mobility."
