Windsor-Essex Regional Technology Development Site

The Windsor-Essex Regional Technology Development Site (WE RTDS), led by WEtech Alliance, is one of nine Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)-funded hubs in Ontario, designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises developing mobility, automotive, and advanced transportation technologies from early validation through commercialization and market entry.

Built on the region’s deep strengths in automotive manufacturing, cross-border trade, multimodal logistics, and applied innovation, the WE RTDS provides SMEs with access to technical expertise, simulation and digital tools, testing and validation environments, and industry-driven partnerships. Companies benefit from hands on programming that reduces technical and market risk while accelerating development and supporting commercial growth.

Through OVIN-aligned pathways, the WE RTDS connects SMEs to specialized infrastructure, real-world data, pilot opportunities, and domestic and international markets, including cross-border partners. The site also fosters collaboration across industry, post-secondary institutions, municipalities, and ecosystem partners, strengthening Ontario’s mobility innovation network and supporting the deployment of scalable, market-ready technologies.

INNOVATION WEEK 2026

Innovation doesn’t happen in a single moment. It happens when ideas connect, partnerships form, and communities come together around a shared vision for the future.

From June 22-26, WEtech Alliance is proud to launch the first annual Innovation Week, a series of announcements, events, workshops, and community celebrations designed to showcase the momentum building across Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent while setting the stage for what’s next.

Innovation Week is a celebration of the entrepreneurs, researchers, students, industry leaders, investors, and community partners who are helping shape the future of our region. It is also a catalyst, highlighting new opportunities, strategic investments, and collaborative initiatives that will continue driving economic growth and innovation long after the week concludes.

Whether you’re a founder, innovator, student, business leader, or simply curious about the future of our region, Innovation Week offers something for everyone.

Learn more about Innovation Week

PROTOTYPE PATHWAY

The Prototype Pathway stream is part of the P3 Pathways program, the anchor commercialization initiative of the Windsor-Essex Regional Technology Development Site (WE RTDS), powered by WEtech Alliance and the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN).

This cohort provides selected Ontario mobility and automotive SMEs with access to advanced engineering simulation tools and structured technical training, delivered in partnership with SimuTech Group. The goal is straightforward: help early-stage companies build stronger prototypes, reduce technical and market risk, and accelerate the path from validated idea to real customers.

Learn more about the Prototype Pathway

PROSPECTING PATHWAY

The Prospecting Pathway stream is part of the P3 Pathways program, the anchor commercialization initiative of the Windsor-Essex Regional Technology Development Site (WE RTDS), powered by WEtech Alliance and the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN).

This cohort gives Ontario mobility and automotive SMEs (TRL 7-9) a practical framework for getting more out of their trade show investments. Across three working sessions, participants will build a real plan for selecting, preparing for, and following up on B2B trade shows and conferences, with hands-on workbook exercises and the marketing fundamentals you can put to work right away.

Trade shows are one of the biggest line items in most SME marketing budgets, and one of the easiest to waste. This program is built to fix that.

Learn more about the Prospecting Pathway