There is a dedicated Automobility stream in the Hardware Catalyst Initiative - a two-year program for startups developing novel hardware products. The program is the first of its kind in Canada and includes tailored advisory sessions, investment readiness preparation, and access to our $9M hardware lab to accelerate the commercialization of HardTech products and decrease time to market.

‍Apply to the Hardware Catalyst Initiative

‍ventureLAB is one of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Regional Technology Development Sites (RTDS). ventureLAB received a $1 million investment from OVIN to establish an automotive-specific stream within its Hardware Catalyst Initiative. This funding allows the Hardware Catalyst Initiative to grow the program for hardware startups focusing on novel and silicon-focused automobility technology solutions with a focus on automotive and smart mobility companies. This enables the creation of transformative technologies that will power the transportation of tomorrow with Electric Vehicles (EV), Battery Technologies, charging infrastructure, last-mile solutions, and more.

As part of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, all automobility companies at ventureLAB can participate with each Regional Technology Development Site.

Please reach out to hci@venturelab.ca if you’d like to inquire.

No, you are not required to be part of the Hardware Catalyst Initiative to be referred to the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network- administered by the Ontario Centre of Innovation.

If you would like to speak to somebody in the network and be referred, contact hci@venturelab.ca

The ventureLAB ecosystem will facilitate connections to the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, other regional testing and development sites, Demonstrations Zones in the Network, and related opportunities depending on your company's specific needs.

To get to know more about our programs and speak to an advisor, click here

As a recognized Regional Technology Development Site, ventureLAB supports companies developing solutions using hardware, software, artificial intelligence, and software solutions with embedded sensors or silicon technologies in combination with hardware. There are several programs at ventureLAB that startups can apply to join, but only the Hardware Catalyst Initiative enables official enrollment in an ‘automobility stream’. This involves receiving advisory services from an industry expert, and dedicated access to our $9M testing and prototyping hardware labs.

The Hardware Catalyst Initiative is a two-year program for the development of hardware solutions. We understand the prohibitive obstacles that hardware entrepreneurs encounter with the testing, development, and regulatory requirements for your products. The support - up to two years - helps provide necessary resources to minimize your time to market and optimize your prototyping and testing time. 

ventureLAB has programs dedicated to advisory services specific to business development, enterprise software, and other industry pillars.

To get to know more about our programs and speak to an advisor, click here