Government of Canada strengthens Ontario’s EV supply chain through investment in next-gen automotive innovation

With a $2.5-million investment, the University of Toronto will deliver programming to help Canadian companies bring their EV innovations to market

December 12, 2025 – Toronto, Ontario

The Government of Canada is taking action to build a strong, competitive and clean economy by supporting the researchers, innovators, and companies who are developing advanced technologies that will power the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries.

Today, Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Taiaiako'n-Parkdale-High Park, on behalf of the Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), announced an investment of $2.5 million for the University of Toronto to establish Electric Vehicle Innovation Ontario (EVIO).

Led by the University of Toronto’s Department of Computer Science, in collaboration with seven other southern Ontario universities, EVIO will unite industry associations, economic development organizations, companies and EV employers to support the sector into the future.

The University of Toronto will embed graduate researchers directly within Ontario EV and mobility firms, where they will work on real-world challenges across battery systems, charging, power electronics, AI-enabled mobility software, and advanced manufacturing. Matched by industry and academic partners for a total project value of $7.9 million, EVIO is expected to generate more than $30 million in economic activity. Industry partners will contribute $45,000 toward each $90,000 placement, enabling companies to scale innovations while providing researchers with competitive compensation, hands-on experience, and direct pathways into high-growth careers.

Leveraging artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies, the network will develop tailored technology plans for companies, accelerate commercialization, and connect firms with cutting-edge research and expertise to help scale the next generation of EV, battery innovation and mobility technologies in Ontario.

Quotes

“AI and clean technology are vital to helping build a strong economic future for Canada. 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 Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“The development of Electric Vehicle Innovation Ontario represents a major step forward for southern Ontario’s EV ecosystem. 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.”– Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry and Member of Parliament for Taiaiako'n-Parkdale-High Park

“EVIO connects graduate researchers directly with industry, speeding up the development of advanced EV technologies while generating new IP and future economic growth for Canada. This is exactly the kind of partnership that positions Canadian innovators to lead globally.”– Dr. Arvind Gupta, Professor of Computer Science at the Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto and Scientific Director of EVIO

Quick facts

• The University of Toronto is Canada’s largest university, with more than 102,000 students across its three campuses in 2024‑25. It is widely recognized as a global leader in research, innovation and technology commercialization.

• EVIO will be delivered through a network of eight participating universities: Toronto (lead), Windsor, Western, Waterloo, York, Toronto Metropolitan University, Queen’s and Ottawa.

• The Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto is a global leader in computing research and education, consistently ranked among the top computer science departments worldwide. Known for its pioneering contributions to areas such as AI, machine learning, human-computer interaction and systems, the department fosters a vibrant academic community that brings together world-renowned faculty, innovative researchers, and ambitious students.

• New EVIO projects will continue to launch through 2026–2028, strengthening Canada’s innovation and commercialization pipeline.

• Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested more than $125 million in over 40 EV/ZEV-related projects, creating and maintaining over 6,800 jobs.