OSHAWA, ONTARIO, November 4, 2022 – The fifth installment of the Future of Transportation and Mobility Series (FTMS) attracted over hundreds of attendees from around the world, interested in exploring the trends, opportunities, and changes in transportation. Co-hosted by the Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility (CITM) and Durham RTDS, yesterday’s conference offered a look into the future of connected transportation and electrified vehicles.

FTMS guests started their day with a virtual conference featuring presentations by industry thought leaders from Toyota Canada, Geotab, Road and Transport Authority Dubai, and General Motors. In-person receptions were also hosted in the afternoon in both Durham Region and Hamilton, Ontario, allowing attendees to network with representatives of the automotive, transportation, and innovation communities.

Following FTMS, Durham RTDS was thrilled to host a dynamic pairing of in-person events: a Partner Kick-Off at which Durham RTDS shared its exciting accomplishments and what’s still to come with its vast array of industry partners and; a highly curated networking event, sponsored by Durham Region, at which members of Government and economic development, industry leaders, startups, SMEs and partners of Durham RTDS came together to meet the organizations driving Durham RTDS, network and learn more about how Durham RTDS has been accelerating innovation in electric and connected vehicles, smart mobility and smart community solutions.

“As a proud co-host every year, we feel that FTMS is an important vehicle for discussion and collaboration to bolster our mission of accelerating the adoption of innovation in electrified and connected transportation, smart mobility and smart community solutions.” says Sherry Colbourne, President and CEO of Spark Centre, the leading organization for Durham RTDS, “FTMS enables us to showcase how our world-class ecosystem of innovation centres, research and development and testing facilities and municipalities in the Durham Region work together to act as a sandbox where local and international startups and SMEs can develop and test their technology and innovation for community adoption.”

“Our in-person partner kick-off and networking events that followed FTMS were shining examples of how Durham RTDS brings together industry leaders, startups, SMEs, municipalities and members of Government to create a live test bed in Durham Region for the actual deployment of technologies for community advancement and to bring these innovative solutions to market.”, adds Chris Gillis, Manager of Applied Research Business Development with Durham College and a core partner of Durham RTDS.

Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), a flagship initiative for the automotive and mobility sector driving economic development and catalyzing a future with safe, clean, and efficient transportation, is ensuring is the province of Ontario is a global leader in accelerating the development, testing, commercialization, and deployment of the next generation of electric, connected, and autonomous vehicle and mobility technologies.

“Through the Government of Ontario’s OVIN, we are making sure our innovators, entrepreneurs, and small and medium-sized enterprises in every region of the province have the opportunity to be showcased, and events like this are important to ensure they get the visibility and spotlight they deserve to bring Ontario-made products and solutions to the world,” said Raed Kadri, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Business Development, and Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN).