Discover Brilliant Solutions
Brilliant Solutions connects organizations with top Ontario post-secondary talent to develop bold, actionable solutions for real-world problems—through customized, collaborative experiences.
What Makes It Brilliant?
Tap into Ontario’s brightest minds. We match you with students ready to bring fresh ideas and actionable solutions to your organization.
Choose what fits you best: short ideathons, multi-week innovation challenges, or project-based collaborations. Mix and match to meet your goals.
From digital tools to strategy roadmaps, our student teams have delivered real outcomes — and they’re ready to build your next breakthrough.
What is DRIVE?
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Durham Region Innovation and Vehicle Ecosystem (DRIVE), Durham’s Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS) supports automotive and smart mobility SMEs looking to test, validate, and scale their technologies in real-world environments.
With access to advanced, world-class prototyping facilities such as the Automotive Centre of Excellence (ACE), municipal pilot opportunities, industry experts, designated workspaces, and targeted accelerator programming, participating companies gain coordinated support designed to reduce risk and shorten time to market.
DRIVE is supported by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), powered by Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), bringing together public, academic, and industry partners to accelerate automotive and smart mobility innovation in Durham Region.
This forward momentum has earned global recognition. In 2025, Durham region was named Community of the Year by the Intelligent Community Forum, recognizing leadership in innovation, workforce development, sustainability, digital inclusion, broadband, and community engagement. This distinction reflects a region that is actively investing in the systems, talent, and infrastructure required to support next-generation industries.
DRIVE positions SMEs at the centre of this momentum. Through coordinated access to specialized equipment, advanced testing facilities such as the ACE Research & Testing Facility, municipal pilot opportunities, funding pathways, and entrepreneurial and technical support, companies can validate and deploy their technologies in real-world environments.
Led by the City of Oshawa and delivered in partnership with Ontario Tech University, 1855 Whitby Accelerator, the Region of Durham, and the Town of Whitby, DRIVE aligns regional strengths, infrastructure investments, and commercialization supports to advance mobility-focused SMEs. Industry leaders including Protexxa, Alstom, IlluminexAI, and Scooty Mobility contribute specialized expertise in cybersecurity, rail, artificial intelligence, and micro-mobility, strengthening the technical depth available to participating companies.
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DRIVE supports companies across the business lifecycle, from ideation and early validation through commercialization and scaling. While companies at any stage may apply, most program offerings, including advanced testing, municipal pilots, and specialized prototyping support, are best suited for SMEs with a defined product concept, prototype, or commercialization roadmap.
The program supports companies developing technologies in areas including, but not limited to:
- Automotive and Mobility: Electric vehicles (EVs), connected vehicles, and autonomous vehicles (C/AVs), as well as smart mobility solutions.
- Manufacturing: Modernization of manufacturing processes, including the production of components and vehicles, with a particular focus on the EV supply chain.
- Technology and Information Communication Technology (ICT): Artificial intelligence (AI), software, sensors, semiconductors, and hardware for vehicles and infrastructure.
- Transportation and Infrastructure: Intelligent transportation systems (ITS), transit-supportive systems, and infrastructure that enables connected/autonomous vehicles.
- Utilities: Advanced charging, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology, and grid readiness.
- Rail and Advanced Transit: Rail technologies, signalling systems, electrification, and transit modernization solutions.
World-Class Testing and Prototyping Facilities: Validate your technology in advanced testing environments at Ontario Tech’s world-class ACE Research & Testing Facility.
Companies can gain access to:
- Advanced and repeatable testing facilities for thermal, environmental, structural, and acoustic performance, including climatic chambers, the ACE Wind Tunnel, and shaker tables
- Experienced engineers and technicians specializing in durability testing, climatic performance, and high‑quality data collection
- Custom design and fabrication of test fixtures and components tailored to project needs
- Collaborative workspaces supporting efficient project development and close client engagement
Real-World Demonstration Zones: Test your technology in live municipal environments across various demonstration zones across Durham Region.
Companies can test within:
- Roads and intersections
- Transit systems and municipal fleets
- Airport and infrastructure environments (where applicable)
Companies may also access municipal data and staff expertise to inform testing, modelling and deployment.
Industry Expertise and Mentorship: Work with industry leaders who contribute specialized expertise across rail, cybersecurity, AI, and micro-mobility.
Participating companies gain:
- Technical mentorship and advisory sessions
- Cybersecurity audits and AI integration support
- Access to rail construction environments and digital twin data
- Discounted consulting services
Capital and Funding Pathways: Gain access to early-stage investment, curated investor introductions, and strategic funding programs.
Participating companies can gain:
- Grant discovery support through AI-powered funding search
- Guidance on OVIN Research & Development Partnership Fund opportunities
- Referrals into OVIN central hub programs and provincial mobility initiatives
- Ecosystem referrals to regional and provincial funding programs
- Support identifying and applying to MITACS programs and other non-dilutive funding sources
- Investment exploration through Ontario Tech’s Brilliant Ventures Fund
Dedicated Workspace and Co-Location: Access and work within the ecosystem where mobility innovation is happening.
Participating companies can gain:
- Discounted workspaces within the Innovation Garage at ACE
- Co-working and office space at 1855 Technology Accelerator
- Immediate proximity to testing facilities, researchers, and industry partners
Startup Growth and Acceleration Support: Accelerate your early-stage mobility venture with structured programming, investor readiness support, and direct access to Ontario Tech’s mobility ecosystem.
Participating companies receive:
- Expert-led workshops and industry mentorship
- Investment readiness support and pitch refinement
- Business model validation
- Pathways to Brilliant Ventures and OVIN programs
- Access to software and the Brilliant Catalyst resource library
- Streamlined access to opportunities with municipal and industry partners
For startups that are too early-stage for the 1855 Whitby Accelerator program, Brilliant Catalyst will also provide access to the Brilliant Incubator program to support ideation to MVP creation.
DRIVE supports companies across multiple stages, from early-stage startups refining prototypes and preparing for validation to growth-stage SMEs seeking testing, piloting, commercialization, or capital. Most advanced testing and municipal pilot opportunities are best suited for companies with a working prototype or clearly defined technology.
No. Ontario-based SMEs are eligible. However, companies must be able to engage with DRIVE facilities, municipal partners, and programming in Durham Region when required.
Yes! The courses are open to learners worldwide, as long as they have internet access and can complete the modules in English.
All courses are delivered fully online through our digital learning platform. Learners can access video lessons, readings, and activities at their own pace.
It depends on the learner! Since the program is self-paced, completion time can range anywhere from a week to a month, depending on each learner’s schedule and the amount of time they’re able to dedicate. Learners will have access to the platform for one year from their enrollment date.
Companies participate in a structured intake process to assess technical needs. Following scoping and feasibility review, SMEs receive a cost estimate and testing plan. Upon approval, companies may access the testing and prototyping facilities.
Eligible SMEs may access ACE testing and prototyping facilities at approximately 66% below standard commercial rates. The SME contributes approximately 33% of total testing costs. Subsidized access is subject to eligibility, budget availability, and alignment with program objectives.
Yes. Subsidized testing is subject to annual program budgets and availability. Testing allocations and eligibility are determined based on project scope, readiness, and alignment with DRIVE objectives.
All sales are final, and refunds will not be issued.
DRIVE works with the City of Oshawa, Region of Durham, and Town of Whitby to support real-world demonstration opportunities. Pilot opportunities may include roads and intersections, transit systems and fleets and infrastructure and airport environments (where applicable).
All pilots are subject to municipal approvals, safety requirements, insurance considerations, and infrastructure feasibility. Participation does not guarantee pilot deployment.
Participants will receive a digital certificate issued by Brilliant Catalyst at Ontario Tech University, recognizing their successful completion of the program.
The micro-credential is issued by Brilliant Catalyst at Ontario Tech University and signifies verified learning in innovation and entrepreneurship. It can be shared on LinkedIn or added to your professional portfolio.
Digital certificates and micro-credentials will be issued on the first working day of each month. To be included in the monthly issuance, all final deliverables must be submitted at least 24 hours prior.
If the course is not completed within one year of enrollment, access will expire. Learners would need to re-enroll to continue their progress.
Participating SMEs receive structured support to identify and pursue funding opportunities. Some of these opportunities include the OVIN Research & Development Partnership Fund, introduction to MITACS programs, provincial and federal non-dilutive funding programs, and ecosystem funding referrals.
Additionally, SMEs may be considered for investment through Ontario Tech’s Brilliant Ventures Fund. Investment decisions are made through a separate evaluation and due diligence process and are not guaranteed through program participation.
Participation in DRIVE programming does not automatically require equity. Investment opportunities through Ontario Tech’s Brilliant Ventures Fund follow a separate evaluation and due diligence process.
Certain materials and templates may be downloadable for personal reference, but most course content must be accessed through the online platform.
The Brilliant Incubator Program supports early-stage founders moving from ideation to prototype. The Mobility Accelerator Program is designed to support mobility-focused SMEs preparing for validation, commercialization, or investment.
Companies may be guided into the most appropriate stream based on stage of development and readiness.
Participating companies may access a discounted workspace within the Innovation Garage at ACE, a co-working and office space at 1855 Technology Accelerator, and event and networking spaces through municipal partners. However, workspace access is subject to availability and eligibility.
Absolutely. Learners with existing businesses or teams are encouraged to participate, as the content can help strengthen and grow their current ventures. Please note that only the individual who purchases the course will have access to the learning content.
No. You can join as an individual learner, with or without a business idea or team.
Participation in the pitch competition and pitch deck submission is optional. However, to earn the Microcredential in Entrepreneurship, completing the pitch deck is required. If you choose to only complete the course, you will receive a certificate of completion instead.
Companies retain ownership of their intellectual property. Separate agreements would govern any formal research collaborations or investment terms.
There are no grade requirements to enroll in or complete the courses.
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