Mercedes-Benz has partnered with the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) to establish three new incubators focusing on fostering startup creation and automotive innovation in Ontario. The partnership, announced at an event in Toronto, will focus on areas such as electric vehicles, AI and vehicle components.
Overview:
Mercedes-Benz is expanding its innovation efforts in North America through a new partnership with OVIN, Ontario’s flagship automotive and mobility innovation program. The incubators, located in Toronto, Windsor and Waterloo Region, will “focus on identifying and fostering innovation in future software & AI, future vehicle components and future electric drive.”
Mercedes-Benz and the University of Waterloo will also collaborate on research in neuromorphic computing. Led by Professor Chris Eliasmith, the research will focus on developing algorithms for advanced driving assistance systems, using neuromorphic computing to mimic brain functionality, which could improve AI processing speed and efficiency while reducing energy consumption by up to 90%.
Highlights:
- Mercedes-Benz and OVIN are establishing new incubators in Toronto, Windsor and Waterloo Region to foster startup creation and support the commercialization of automotive innovation.
- The initiative will focus on innovation in electric vehicles, future vehicle components and AI-driven technologies, providing startups with access to Mercedes-Benz’s expertise and the international STARTUP AUTOBAHN network.
- Mercedes-Benz will also partner with the University of Waterloo on neuromorphic computing research, which aims to improve the speed and efficiency of AI-powered driving assistance systems.
- Mary Wells, Dean, Faculty of Engineering at the University of Waterloo, highlighted the value of research collaboration: “Industry collaboration is at the heart of our success as Canada’s largest engineering school. We recognize that research partnerships with companies such as Mercedes-Benz bring opportunities to directly apply and test our work, while introducing our students to the highest standards in industry.”
Why it matters:
This partnership demonstrates Ontario’s leadership in automotive innovation, particularly in electric vehicles and AI. For companies considering expansion or investment in Waterloo, the collaboration between Mercedes-Benz, OVIN and the University of Waterloo highlights the strength of Ontario’s innovation ecosystem and our region’s ability to support groundbreaking technologies in the automotive industry.
Learn more about the automotive and mobility ecosystem in Waterloo.
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