Toronto, Ontario – December 16, 2024 – The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) is proud to announce the expansion of Ontario’s Critical Industrial Technologies (CIT) initiative, an ambitious program designed to accelerate Ontario’s technology ecosystem. Through strategic partnerships with technical resources across the province like the University of Waterloo’s RoboHub, CIT provides Ontario-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with unprecedented access to advanced technology infrastructure, testing capabilities, and funding support to drive the commercialization of critical technology products.

“Academic-industry initiatives play a key role in driving the growth and development of Ontario’s innovation ecosystem,” said Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “Our government is proud to support this new partnership between the University of Waterloo and the Ontario Centre of Innovation as they continue to develop, drive and deploy cutting-edge critical technologies. By expanding access to specialized supports, SMEs will be positioned to push the boundaries of innovation and accelerate the deployment of next-generation products.” 

As part of the CIT program, OCI partners with technical sites, equipped with comprehensive technology infrastructure and testing environments, to bridge the gap between research and market-ready products. These sites enable SMEs to develop, test, and refine their innovations in real-world settings, positioning Ontario as a leader in cutting-edge technology.

“Ontario’s CIT initiative is integral to the Province’s efforts to support innovative SMEs in developing solutions that can compete on a global scale,” said Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of OCI. “Our partnership with the University of Waterloo’s RoboHub, a world-class facility, exemplifies the collaborative spirit we’re fostering across Ontario’s tech sector. By providing access to leading-edge resources like 5G-enabled robotics, we’re ensuring that Ontario remains at the forefront of critical technologies that will define the future.”

One of CIT’s flagship TDS sites, the University of Waterloo’s RoboHub, is a leading-edge robotics research facility that doubles as Canada’s first 5G-enabled smart campus. In collaboration with Rogers Communications, RoboHub integrates robotics and next-generation 5G technology, providing SMEs with access to an advanced testing environment and state-of-the-art robotic systems.

“RoboHub was designed for multipurpose use as a state-of-the-art robotics research facility open for industry to collaborate with researchers on real world problems,” said Dr. Mary Wells, Dean of Engineering at University of Waterloo. “We are pleased to be approved by OCI as a Technology Demonstration Site and are committed to partnering with Rogers and SMEs to grow trust in technology and advance Ontario innovation through this initiative.”  

This partnership enables Ontario-based SMEs to push the boundaries of robotics and 5G, testing real-world applications in industries such as advanced manufacturing, agri-food, construction, and mining.

“Thank you to our partners at OCI for your significant support of the Rogers 5G Lab with RoboHub. RoboHub is a vital collaboration space for industry, researchers and students to advance the future of robotics research in Ontario with far-reaching societal benefits,” said Dr. Charmaine Dean, Vice-President of Research and International at University of Waterloo. “Importantly, this investment is another example of how our valued partnership with Rogers continues to grow and evolve.”

Through RoboHub, SMEs gain access to Rogers’ 5G spectrum bands, cutting-edge robotic systems, and technical expertise, allowing them to conduct comprehensive testing and develop new applications. Rogers Communications, a key partner in this initiative, enables access to experimental devices and offers guidance from technical experts to help SMEs refine their products. RoboHub’s combination of 5G capabilities and robotics offers SMEs a unique opportunity to innovate in sectors critical to Ontario’s economy, from smart cities to mobility solutions.

Located on Ontario’s first 5G smart campus, RoboHub offers an unparalleled environment for SMEs to explore applications for robotics and next-generation technology across industries. By supporting emerging technologies like millimeter wave (mmWave) testing and 3.5GHz small cells, RoboHub enables Ontario-based companies to tackle complex challenges in public safety, smart cities, manufacturing, and mobility.

“The CIT program and Technology Development Sites like RoboHub empower SMEs by providing them with the infrastructure and support to accelerate their technologies from concept to market,” said Philippa King, Assistant Vice-President of Strategic Programs at OCI. “By giving companies access to specialized robotics and high-speed 5G networks, we’re helping them not only innovate but also stay competitive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.”

About the Ontario Centre of Innovation
The Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) brings industry, academic, and government partners together to invest in collaborative R&D, technology development, and commercialization opportunities that generate the highest return on innovation for Ontarians.

As an ecosystem connector, OCI initiates unparalleled partnership opportunities, develops and manages successful industry-academic collaborations, supports high-potential SMEs in commercializing ground-breaking research, and provides hands-on training and skills development opportunities for the next generation of highly-skilled talent.

OCI drives economic growth and job creation through investments in the development, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies.

For more information: https://www.oc-innovation.ca

About the University of Waterloo
University of Waterloo is a leading global innovation hub that drives economic and social prosperity for Canada and the world. With more than 42,000 students, we are home to the world’s largest co-op education talent pipeline, to game-changing research and technology, and to an unmatched entrepreneurial culture. Together, these create partnerships and solutions to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. Find out more at: www.uwaterloo.ca

Media Contacts:
Alicia Pereira, apereira@oc-innovation.ca
Rebecca Elming, relming@uwaterloo.ca