FedDev Ontario is making a $10-million investment in McMaster University’s iHub, an automotive, aerospace and advanced manufacturing network.
iHub, located at the McMaster Innovation Park, in Hamilton, Ontario, will support manufacturers, automotive and aerospace suppliers and SMEs in developing, testing and incorporating the latest technologies required for the production of next-generation electric and autonomous vehicles and energy-efficient and intelligent aircraft.
iHub will then connect participants with large automotive and aerospace manufacturers that require these solutions, expanding opportunities for local suppliers from across southern Ontario to integrate into these global supply chains.
“McMaster University has a successful track record of partnering with industry and we’re grateful for the opportunity to advance our work with Canadian manufacturers in automotive and aerospace electrification through iHub,” said David Farrar, president and vice-chancellor, McMaster University.
“This investment from FedDev Ontario will help iHub achieve great things by connecting our manufacturers and SMEs, providing training and access to technology, and commercializing new products.”
The project is expected to support more than 230 SMEs, spanning the automotive corridor from Windsor to Oshawa, to facilitate the commercialization of 100 new products or services, and support up to 170 direct jobs. iHub will also provide direct industry training of at least 200 high-quality personnel in SMEs looking to join global aerospace and automotive value chains.
Industry partners, including Ford, Honda, Bombardier, Stellantis (Fiat Chrysler), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and De Havilland are expected to contribute and additional $16.8 million.
iHub will provide access to expertise and resources in electrification in southern Ontario to support the shift to electrification, encouraging investments in expertise to be made domestically.
Since November 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested more than $567 million in 261, in both advanced manufacturing and manufacturing sectors and $162 million in 86 clean tech projects across southern Ontario. In 2011, FedDev Ontario provided $11.5 million in support of the establishment of the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC), a globally-unique facility supporting the development of next-generation vehicles, housed at the McMaster Innovation Park.
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