About Us!
About Us
Durham RTDS connects the Key Players in Durham Region
Durham RTDS connects the key players in Durham Region’s innovation ecosystem to launch and advance electric vehicle technology and smart mobility solutions.
Through the investment of more than $85 million from the Ontario Centre for Innovation, six Regional Technology Development Sites (RTDS) were formed across Ontario to support startups and SMEs in the development, testing, prototyping, validation and commercialization of electric and connected vehicle technology and smart mobility solutions. Durham Region is one of these six Regional Technology Development Sites.
Established in 2017, Durham RTDS, (or DRTDS for short) is a collective of post-secondary institutions, regional innovation centres, incubators/accelerators and regional partners in the Durham Region that collaborate to foster the research, development, production and application of electric and smart mobility solutions to be adopted by Canadian and global communities. From access to specialized equipment, hardware and software to business and technical advisory services, specialized programming and access to funding, Durham RTDS is dedicated to supporting the advancement of technologies and solutions for municipalities, transportation and smart mobility.
Many successful startups and projects have spun out from Durham RTDS including Kevares, WAVE, Project Arrow and Synkar Autonomous
Our Main Focus
Durham RTDS welcomes Startups and SMEs with technology and innovation
Transit and vehicle electrification. Safe and accessible transportation. Smart and Connected mobility and infrastructure
Who We Are
Spark Centre is a Regional Innovation Centre (RIC) that provides world-class innovation services — like educational programming, advisory from industry experts, co-working space, access to funding and more — to early-stage tech and innovation startups. It also acts as a high-touch gateway for global entrepreneurs relocating their businesses to Eastern Ontario.
With four out of five applied research centres supporting the OVIN initiative — the AI Hub, the Centre of Cybersecurity Innovation, MRC Studio and Social Impact Hub — Durham College assists startups and SMEs in developing tech and innovation, including smart transit technologies.
Ontario Tech University is a forward-thinking university that houses more than 80 specialized research laboratories and facilities, like the Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE) and its Climatic Wind Tunnel, for real-time development and validation of new AV technologies and the advancement and acceleration of social innovation, technology and regional development. Ontario Tech University is also a manufacturing partner of APMA’s Project Arrow.
Durham Region is one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Ontario. Durham is known for its strength in the automotive sector and as a leader in energy innovation. Today, these sectors are converging and creating new opportunities and highlighting Durham as a location for innovations in electric and autonomous mobility. We’re committed to collaborating with industry, academia, and innovation leaders to grow a modern innovation economy and support new businesses, business investment and expansion in the region.
Our Mission
Our Mission
Our Support
Our Support
Our Approach
Our Approach
durham's REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION TECHNOLOGY FOCUS
Contact Us For More Information
Durham RTDS is at the forefront of Durham Region’s Automotive and Transportation Technology Ecosystem. We accelerate technology and innovation in the automotive and smart mobility sectors and steer startups and SMEs in the right direction. Contact us today to find out how we can help you.
Let Us Drive
Your Tech and Innovation
If you are a startup or SME with tech and innovation in electric and autonomous vehicles, smart transportation and mobility and connected infrastructure, you need Durham RTDS to accelerate your success.
Get in touch with us to find out what we can do for you.
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Our Expertise
Our Partners
Durham RTDS has strong ties with industry and community partners who provide high-impact support to startups and SMEs developing technologies and innovations that advance smart mobility and communities. Learn more about Durham RTDS’ partners.
Click here for the full list of our industry and additional partners.