Prototype Pathways

The Prototype Pathways 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.

At a glance

ANSYS Package Value	Software Access	Target TRL	Application Window
~$450,000	12 Months	3–6	Apr 27 – May 29

Who this is for

The ANSYS Simulation Program is designed for Ontario-based small and medium-sized enterprises working in mobility, automotive, and advanced transportation technologies. If you have a real engineering challenge that could benefit from advanced simulation and you have the internal capacity to put the tools to work, this program was built for you.

Ideal participants are at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3 through 6, with a product concept that is past initial research and ready for structured validation, testing, and iteration.

What you receive

Every participant in this cohort receives a comprehensive package of tools, training, and support designed to move your product forward.

ANSYS Software Package	Access to a full suite of industry-grade ANSYS simulation tools for 12 months, covering structural, thermal, fluid dynamics (CFD), electromagnetic, and multiphysics analysis. Valued at approximately $450,000. Provided at no cost through the program.
SimuTech Technical Support	Structured onboarding, simulation methodology training tailored to your use case, dedicated 1-on-1 mentoring hours with an application engineer, and ongoing technical support throughout the program. Delivered by SimuTech Group.
IPON IP Support	Intellectual property guidance through the Innovation, Protection, and Optimization Network (IPON), covering IP landscaping, freedom-to-operate analysis, and strategic IP planning relevant to your simulation and product development work.
Growth Coaching	A dedicated Growth Coach matched to your company, helping you define milestones, track progress against simulation and validation objectives, and connect your technical work to broader commercialization goals.
Founder Exchange	Peer networking and knowledge-sharing sessions with other P3 Pathways participants. Designed to surface shared challenges, build connections across the ecosystem, and create opportunities for collaboration.

Program timeline

The program runs on a structured 12-month cycle, with clear phases and milestones from application through close-out.

PHASE	TIMING	KEY ACTIVITIES
Apply	April 27 – May 29, 2026	Submit application \| Eligibility review
Selection	Early June 2026	Applications evaluated \| Selected companies notified
Phase 1	June 2026	Intake forms and agreements \| DISP registration \| Participant Agreement signed
Phase 2	June – July 2026	Program orientation \| ANSYS install and config \| Growth Coach matching \| Simulation plan set
Phase 3	July 2026 – April 2027	Simulation execution \| SimuTech training sessions \| IPON IP review
Phase 4	May – June 2027	Outcomes measurement \| OVIN surveys and testimonial \| Results review and next steps

Selection criteria

Applications are evaluated based on five areas. There is no weighting formula published, but all five carry real weight in the review.

1. TECHNICAL CHALLENGE	Clarity and specificity of the engineering problem you are seeking to address through simulation.
2. SIMULATION FIT	Suitability of your challenge for ANSYS-based simulation (structural, thermal, CFD, electromagnetic, or multiphysics).
3. TEAM READINESS	Internal engineering capacity to actively engage with the software and training, including a named team lead for simulation work.
4. COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL	How simulation outcomes will strengthen your product validation, customer conversations, or investment readiness.
5. OVIN ALIGNMENT	Alignment with Ontario mobility and automotive innovation priorities.

YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH THE PROGRAM

Once selected, your path through the program follows four structured phases. Each phase has clear expectations and deliverables, so you always know where you stand and what comes next.

PHASE 1: Intake and Documentation

Before any services begin, you will complete the required onboarding documentation:

Complete WEtech intake forms (company and contact information through HubSpot)
Complete the DISP Registration Survey (Formstack) to capture your consent and acknowledgment for OVIN reporting requirements
Sign the P3 Pathways Universal Base Participant Agreement
Review and acknowledge this Participant Guide (Appendix A to the BASE Agreement)

Note: The DISP Registration Survey must be completed before any services are provided. This is a hard requirement from OVIN.

PHASE 2: Onboarding and Setup

With paperwork complete, you move into setup:

Attend the program orientation session
Complete ANSYS software installation and configuration with SimuTech support
Worth with Ansys to establish your simulation plan, milestones, and success metrics

Connect with a WEtech Growth coach to work on Go-to-market approach strategy.

Expectation: Software installation and initial configuration should be completed within the first 30 days of onboarding.

PHASE 3: Simulation and Technical Support

This is the core of the program, where you put the tools to work:

Execute your simulation work using the ANSYS tools
Attend structured training sessions delivered by SimuTech
Engage with WEtech Growth Coaches
Participate in 1-on-1 mentoring sessions with an application engineer
Apply to IP-Ontario Services
Engage in Monthly Founders Exchange Peer Group sessions

Provide regular progress updates to your Growth Coach and Program Manager.

PHASE 4: Close-Out and Outcomes

As the program wraps, you complete your reporting and capture what you have built:

Complete outcomes measurement and final reporting
Submit OVIN surveys and provide a program testimonial
Meet with your Program Manager to review results, document learnings, and identify next steps

WHAT WE EXPECT FROM YOU

This program is a real investment in your company, and we take participant commitments seriously. In addition to the general expectations in your BASE Agreement, ANSYS Simulation Program participants are expected to:

Designate a named internal team lead responsible for simulation engagement and communication with SimuTech
Complete software installation and initial configuration within 30 days of onboarding
Actively participate in all scheduled SimuTech training sessions and technical support calls
Complete all program elements within the timelines communicated by your Program Manager
Provide regular progress updates at scheduled check-in intervals
Complete all required OVIN reporting, surveys, and testimonials by the program close-out date

Key dates

MILESTONES	DATES
Applications Open	Sunday, April 27, 2026
Applications Close	Friday, May 29, 2026
Selection Notification	Early June 2026
Program Start	June 2026
Program Duration	12 months from onboarding

APPLY NOW

Applications for Cohort 1 of the ANSYS Simulation Program are open from April 27 through May 15, 2026. SMEs must apply and be selected to participate.

Before you apply, make sure you meet the eligibility requirements above and can commit to the program expectations. Review the selection criteria carefully and be ready to describe your specific engineering challenge and how simulation will move your product forward.

PARTNERS

The Prototype Pathways stream is made possible through collaboration across the Windsor-Essex innovation ecosystem.

PROGRAM LEAD & COORDINATION

PROTOTYPE PATHWAY CO-DELIVERY

SOFTWARE & TECHNICAL DELIVERY

ENGINEERING & APPLIED RESEARCH

IP STRATEGY & GUIDANCE

PROVINCIAL FUNDING & NETWORK

QUESTIONS?

Contact our Director of Venture Services & Partnerships, Adam Castle

Connect with Adam