Mercedes-Benz has partnered with an Ontario government-run initiative that aims to foster the development of cars of the future.

The German automaker announced its partnership with the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), which aims to expand startup creation and scouting activities in North America, and to promote the commercialization of automotive innovation.

OVIN’s Incubators Program, of which Mercedes-Benz is a founding partner, intends to focus on identifying and fostering innovation in future software and AI as well as future vehicle components and future electric drive.

Mercedes-Benz will help startups progress promising projects, and selected projects will also be able to benefit from Mercedes-Benz’s own Startup Autobahn network.

“Innovation is part of Mercedes-Benz DNA. In our global R&D strategy, open innovation gives us rapid and direct access to the latest ideas and developments around the world. We are therefore delighted to further expand our activities in Canada as a founding partner of the OVIN Incubators. In a fast-paced environment, it is another important channel for developing exciting future products and elevating our customer experience through new technologies,” said Markus Schäfer, member of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, chief technology officer, development and procurement, in a news release.

To start, OVIN Incubators Program will scout for startups to identify opportunities within Ontario that are relevant to Mercedes-Benz’s field of study.

“This new partnership between the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network and Mercedes-Benz is going to be a significant boost for our province’s automotive and mobility sectors. By bringing together the best of industry, research, and entrepreneurial talent, we’re fostering innovation that will strengthen our economy, create good jobs and position Ontario as a leader in the auto and electric vehicle technologies of the future,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford in the release.

R&D in Canada

Mercedes-Benz has a number of research and development projects happening in Canada. In 2022, the automaker signed a memorandum of understanding with the Canadian government with an aim to strengthen co-operation across the EV value chain.

The company says innovation draws ideas, inspiration and technologies from external sources and partners, which is part of an established Mercedes-Benz R&D strategy.

University of Waterloo research

Separate from its work with OVIN, Mercedes-Benz also plans to start a research collaboration with the Ontario’s University of Waterloo with a focus on neuromorphic computing for automated driving applications.

The focus of this research is for the development of algorithms for advanced driving assistance systems, such as systems that detect traffic signs, lanes and objects, even in poor visibility. Neuromorphic computing, which mimics the functionality of the human brain, could improve AI computation and make it faster and more energy efficient, the automaker said in the release.