Invest WindsorEssex/Media Release
TORONTO, ONT. (June 18, 2024) – Invest WindsorEssex (IWE), the City of Windsor, the County of Essex, University of Windsor, St. Clair College, WEtech Alliance and Workforce WindsorEssex have partnered to showcase the Windsor-Essex region on a global stage at the Collision conference in Toronto.
Collision provides a platform for an array of companies, organizations and thought leaders to meet under one roof to connect and share insights with tech professionals and analysts representing companies from around the world. Participants can experience the latest technologies and innovative platforms from global tech leaders, suppliers and high potential start-ups showcasing cutting-edge and industry-shaping advancements.
The goal of this regional participation in Collision is to build awareness of Windsor-Essex as a premier location for mobility innovation and to showcase the technological advancements and programming available to companies and individuals looking to expand into Canada’s Automobility Capital.
As one of seven Regional Technology Development Sites (RTDS) specializing in cross-border technology, advanced simulation, virtual reality and automotive cybersecurity, Invest WindsorEssex and partners will promote the programs and supports available to companies through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN).
The Windsor-Essex booth will also include a talent attraction component, supported through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), with a focus on highlighting advanced career opportunities in Canada’s fastest growing economy.
Over the next three days, partners will network extensively with major industry leaders, start-ups and professionals to bolster the region’s reputation and opportunities for career advancement and investment. The region’s strategic location at the heart of North America’s mobility and innovation corridor, great quality of life, access to global talent and rapidly growing mobility and tech sectors will be shared with hundreds of prospective companies and individuals.
Quotes
“Collision attracts global industry leaders and tech professionals from around the world, providing the perfect opportunity to showcase the innovation and technology advancements happening in Windsor-Essex. This year, we have brought together a cluster of strategic partners to collaborate, compete and showcase Windsor-Essex on a global stage as the Automobility Capital of Canada.”
– Joe Goncalves, Interim CEO and Vice President Investment Attraction & Strategic Initiatives, Invest WindsorEssex
“The City of Windsor has been identified as one of the fastest growing and most important cities to watch in Ontario and Canada. As an international gateway between Canada and the United States, and home to the busiest trade corridor between the two countries, we are experiencing incredible economic growth that is fueling new jobs and a rapidly growing population. Large-scale infrastructure projects like the NextStar EV battery manufacturing plant and the Gordie Howe International Bridge, both under construction in Windsor, have solidified our status as the Automotive and Automobility Capital of Canada. Our region specializes in cross-border technology, advanced simulation, virtual reality and automotive cybersecurity, and it’s great to see regional stakeholders team up with Invest WindsorEssex to tell industry leaders what is possible in Windsor-Essex.”
– Drew Dilkens, Mayor, City of Windsor
“Windsor-Essex is a region on the rise. We have a rich history of agricultural and automotive innovation and excellence, a highly-skilled workforce and an enviable location at the nexus of the North American economy. Whether you’re buying a home or building a factory, your dollar goes further in Windsor-Essex. We offer an affordable quality of life, stunning water views, and a balmy, sun-soaked climate with an abundance of greenspace and recreational and cultural opportunities. We are on the precipice of historic growth and poised to leverage our designation as a Regional Technology Development Site through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network.”
– Hilda MacDonald, Warden, Essex County
About Invest WindsorEssex (IWE)
Invest WindsorEssex is the lead economic development agency for the Windsor-Essex region. The focus of the organization is to develop and execute strategies to retain, expand, attract and help new businesses start-up in Windsor-Essex. Invest WindsorEssex is led by a board of distinguished community leaders. A team of professional staff provides assistance with location and investment decisions by working one-on-one with businesses to facilitate the process of starting, growing or locating a business in Windsor-Essex. InvestWindsorEssex.com
About FedDev Ontario
For 14 years, the Government of Canada, through FedDev Ontario, has worked to advance and diversify the southern Ontario economy through funding opportunities and business services that support innovation, growth and job creation in Canada’s most populous region. The Agency has delivered impressive results, which can be seen in southern Ontario businesses that are creating innovative technologies, improving productivity, growing revenues, creating jobs, and in the economic advancement of communities across the region. Learn more about the impacts the Agency is having in southern Ontario by exploring our pivotal projects, our Southern Ontario Spotlight, and FedDev Ontario’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
OVIN is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in advanced automotive technology and smart mobility solutions such as connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies. Through resources such as research and development (R&D) support, talent and skills development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-made automotive and mobility technology companies.ovinhub.ca
Media Contact
Gina Meret-Dybenko Director, Marketing and Communications
Invest WindsorEssex
Mobile: 519-791-6223
Email: gmeret@investwindsoressex.com