Highlights of Key Trends and Innovations in Automotive Technology from the 7th Annual Future of Transportation and Mobility Series

On November 8, 2024, the seventh annual Future of Transportation and Mobility Series (FTMS) convened global leaders in electrified, connected, and autonomous technologies to discuss Ontario's burgeoning automotive innovation sector. Co-hosted by the Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility (CITM) and the Durham Regional Technology Development Site (Durham RTDS), and supported by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), this year's conference theme was "Build, Scale and Adopt Innovations in Automotive Technology." The focus was on advancements in transportation technologies that are paving the way for the future of mobility.

The virtual event attracted attendees from around the world, featuring discussions from key players in the ecosystem, including Venture Ontario, Linamar Corporation, the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association (APMA), Geotab, The Globe and Mail, General Motors Canada, and Blackberry. These organizations explored Ontario's leadership in developing sustainable and connected transportation solutions.

Keynote speakers included Dr. Ali Emadi, a renowned McMaster University Professor and Canada Excellence Research Chair Laureate, along with Flavio Volpe, the President of APMA. The conference included several panel discussions that examined various topics, such as the role of artificial intelligence in transportation, the growth of electrification, and the benefits smaller innovators are experiencing amidst these advances.

Richard Dunda, Director of CITM, emphasized the importance of the FTMS as a platform for bringing together innovators, industry leaders, and policymakers to shape the future of transportation. He highlighted the urgency of building, scaling, and adopting innovations crucial for the next generation of automotive technology, asserting Ontario's position as a leader in this movement.

Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, noted that in the past four years, Ontario has attracted $45 billion in automotive investments from global automakers and suppliers of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and related materials. He expressed pride in the province's commitment to nurturing local talent and supporting innovation, essential for establishing a comprehensive EV supply chain. According to him, events like FTMS are instrumental in exploring emerging trends and solutions that will advance Ontario's automotive industry.

The FTMS continues to foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strategic connections that drive the acceleration of Ontario's automotive sector, preparing it for future challenges and opportunities. It serves as a crucial gathering for leaders to address issues and developments within the industry and to strategize the adoption of new technologies and business models.

The Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility (CITM) plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem. As a business accelerator, CITM supports innovations in electrified, connected, and autonomous vehicles from the ideation stage to commercialization and scaling. The center aims to drive market adoption, increase revenues, create jobs, and develop new intellectual properties. CITM connects innovators with industry experts and provides pathways for product-market fit, pilot projects, and growth opportunities, making it an essential contributor to Ontario's automotive innovation landscape.

For more information about how to scale transportation innovations or access industry partnerships, interested parties can visit the CITM website.