Research and Innovation Case for Support
Impactful solutions driven by innovation.
Ontario Tech University is one of Canada’s youngest research-intensive institutions, with a rapidly growing community of researchers, students and partners focused on real-world impact. In a short time, we have built world-class facilities, strong industry and community connections, and exceptional opportunities for students to engage in meaningful, hands-on research.
Our approach to research and innovation is purpose-driven and responsible. Rather than pursuing discovery in isolation, we follow a market-informed pull strategy, shaping research around the needs of industry, communities and society. This ensures our work delivers practical solutions that drive economic growth, strengthen regions, support healthy communities and advance social progress.
At the core of this work is a commitment to human-centred technology and entrepreneurship. From artificial intelligence (AI) and smart systems to social innovation, our researchers and students work together to ensure technology serves the public good.
Join us on this transformative journey as we continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Explore the Research and Innovation Case for Support
Partnerships
In the driver's seat of transforming the automotive sector
Ontario Tech is advancing Canada’s automotive future through leading research, industry collaboration and hands-on student innovation. From improving autonomous vehicle safety in extreme weather to building Project Arrow, the first all-Canadian, zero-emission electric vehicle showcased globally, our work is accelerating sustainable mobility. Project Arrow 2.0 will deepen this impact by integrating AI and advanced 3D printing in a new series of concept vehicles, supported by donor investment in dedicated space, high-tech equipment, internships and co-ops, and vital expertise.
Through advanced research and large-scale collaboration, Ontario Tech is tackling complex challenges facing modern transportation, from climate resilience to the safe deployment of autonomous technologies. Researchers are generating new insights into how environmental conditions affect vehicle performance, helping accelerate adoption in regions with extreme weather while improving safety and reliability.
Flagship initiatives like Project Arrow demonstrate the power of hands-on, industry-connected learning. By engaging students directly in the design, build and global showcasing of a zero-emission concept vehicle, the project has elevated Ontario Tech’s reputation and highlighted the depth of talent emerging from its engineering programs.
Your support will allow us to:
- Advance next-generation electric vehicle concepts using AI, advanced manufacturing and sustainable design.
- Provide students with hands-on experience, internships and industry connections that prepare them for the future workforce.
- Equip a dedicated home for Project Arrow with high-tech tools and resources to accelerate innovation.
- Strengthen Canada’s EV ecosystem through collaboration with industry partners and global experts.
- Drive progress toward a cleaner, more sustainable transportation future with real-world impact.
Partnerships
Energizing a greener tomorrow
We are helping power Canada’s transition to net zero through world-class energy research spanning electrification, advanced materials, nuclear applications and hydrogen innovation. With initiatives like the Clean Energy Research Laboratory advancing cleaner hydrogen production and technologies that cut emissions, and a proposed Clean Energy Commercialization Facility to prototype and scale solutions, we are bridging discovery and real-world impact. Donor support will accelerate breakthroughs, strengthen industry collaboration, develop talent and help bring the next generation of clean energy technologies and startups to market.
Ontario Tech is advancing Canada’s transition to a sustainable energy future through world-class research, innovation and leadership across clean and alternative energy systems. With energy as its strongest research focus, the university is driving breakthroughs in electrification, advanced materials, nuclear science and hydrogen technologies that support net-zero goals. Researchers are developing AI-enabled energy storage and charging solutions, next-generation fuel cells and clean hydrogen production methods while shaping energy policy through global partnerships such as Canada’s first IAEA Collaborating Centre. Together, these efforts are delivering practical, ethical and scalable energy solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help build a cleaner, more resilient future.
Your support will allow us to:
- Establish a Clean Energy Commercialization Facility that enables prototyping and market-ready clean energy technologies.
- Accelerate hydrogen innovation while expanding solutions to other critical clean energy challenges.
- Support clean energy startups with funding, mentorship and access to advanced facilities and expertise.
- Create hands-on learning and talent development opportunities that prepare students to lead the clean energy economy.
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Strengthen industry partnerships and deliver scalable innovations that reduce emissions and drive a sustainable future.
Partnerships
A clean energy change agent
A clean energy transformation is underway, and leadership in research, policy and talent development is essential to achieving Canada’s net-zero future. Through sector-leading energy research, specialized programming and the work of the Brilliant Energy Institute, this effort is advancing smart grids, clean fuels and equitable energy solutions while preparing the skilled workforce needed to power one of the country’s fastest-growing industries.
As Canada accelerates toward a net-zero future, we're playing a critical role in advancing clean energy innovation, talent development and policy leadership. With more than 30 energy-focused laboratories and specialized programs in areas such as smart grids, electrification and clean fuels, Ontario Tech is preparing the workforce needed for a rapidly growing clean energy sector. Through the Brilliant Energy Institute, the university brings together researchers, students, industry, government and community partners to advance equitable energy solutions, strengthen energy security and drive measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions at both regional and national levels.
Your support will allow us to:
- Advance deep decarbonization research that delivers clean, sustainable energy solutions and strengthens climate resilience.
- Expand opportunities for students to work alongside sector leaders, gaining real-world experience in Canada’s growing energy economy.
- Help address the clean energy talent shortage by preparing confident, highly skilled graduates to lead the energy transition.
- Support evidence-based policy leadership by informing and influencing government and industry decision-making.
- Enable the creation of a dedicated research chair and additional expertise within BEI to amplify long-term impact in the energy sector.
Partnerships
A catalyst for entrepreneurial success
Entrepreneurial skills are essential in today’s rapidly evolving economy, and cultivating bold thinkers who see challenges differently is key to driving tomorrow’s solutions. Through the Brilliant Catalyst startup incubator, students, alumni and faculty gain hands-on experience, industry mentorship and real-world opportunities to turn innovative ideas into impactful ventures that strengthen communities and place Canadian innovation on the global stage.
Brilliant Catalyst empowers students, alumni, and faculty to turn bold ideas into viable ventures by combining entrepreneurial education with hands-on, industry-connected experience. Through tailored programs, mentorship from a global network of experts, and initiatives such as hackathons and community partnerships, participants gain the skills to solve real-world challenges and bring solutions to market. With a strong track record of startups launched, entrepreneurs mentored, and global impact achieved, Brilliant Catalyst is nurturing the next generation of innovators who will lead, create, and drive meaningful change.
Your support will allow us to:
- Expand access to entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship opportunities for more students and early-stage startups.
- Advance experiential learning and mentorship programs that equip innovators with real-world skills and confidence.
- Strengthen a dynamic ecosystem that helps Canadian ventures launch, grow and compete globally.
- Accelerate the development of bold, paradigm-shifting solutions that drive social and economic prosperity.
- Build a powerful network of mentors, partners and innovators that propels startup success and long-term impact.
Partnerships
Transforming ideas into impact
Innovation and entrepreneurship are essential to solving today’s most complex challenges, but turning bold ideas into viable businesses requires more than vision alone. Through targeted funding, mentorship and a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, early-stage tech-powered ventures are being supported to grow, scale and deliver meaningful social and economic impact in Canada and beyond.
As innovation and entrepreneurship drive global progress, Ontario Tech is supporting the next generation of founders by helping transform visionary ideas into viable businesses. Through the Brilliant Ventures Fund, tech-powered startups receive early-stage funding, expert mentorship and access to industry networks within a collaborative, purpose-driven community. From expanding clean mobility solutions to launching specialized accelerators, the fund helps ventures grow, forge lasting partnerships and deliver meaningful social and economic impact while keeping technology human.
Your support will allow us to:
- Remove financial barriers to market entry through essential early-stage capital and resources.
- Expand mentorship and support that helps founders refine, pivot and grow market-ready solutions.
- Create more experiential learning opportunities by connecting startups with students, talent and university facilities.
- Strengthen a community of experts, advisors and entrepreneurs that accelerates venture success.
- Fuel economic growth and social innovation locally and globally by growing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Partnerships
Placing the spotlight on student entrepreneurship
Student entrepreneurs are turning bold ideas into real-world solutions that strengthen Canada’s knowledge-based economy. With targeted funding, mentorship and hands-on support, emerging innovators are empowered to move from concept to market and create products that drive economic growth and social impact.
Students are developing bold, market-ready ideas that strengthen Canada’s knowledge-based economy, and the Firefly Student Entrepreneurship Fund helps turn that potential into real-world impact. Through startup awards and access to expert mentorship, student founders can focus on building, testing, and launching their ventures. Recent successes include Stellar Octopians, whose award-winning game Moonset earned top pitch honours at the June 2024 Brilliant Incubator finale, and Axcessiom, founded by software engineering alum Shanjay Kailayanathan, which developed a driver assistance prototype and earned recognition, including the Jim Flaherty Accessibility Award and an invitation to speak at the Collision Conference. Together, this support sparks student innovation and accelerates new products that energize the marketplace.
Your support will allow us to:
- Provide meaningful start-up funding so students can build, test and launch their ventures.
- Remove financial barriers that often prevent promising ideas from becoming viable businesses.
- Help students navigate the realities of entrepreneurship, from early development to real-world problem solving.
- Fuel a campus culture of creativity, risk-taking and innovation that drives societal and economic progress.
- Empower the next generation of innovators to deliver market-ready solutions with lasting impact.
Together, we can build a university where every discovery serves humanity. A place where creativity, ethics and collaboration guide progress, and a place where research transforms lives, innovation uplifts communities and technology moves the world forward with a conscience.
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