Strategic Partnership Formed with EnerTech Capital, Alectra, Linamar, and Western University to Help Build an Ecosystem for Mobility Technologies in Ontario
A new partnership is aiming to create an enhanced environment for commercialization of advanced mobility innovations in the Ontario region. A new Memorandum of Understanding between key mobility technology partners EnerTech, Alectra, and Linamar, along with Western University will allow for research and development collaborations in the mobility sector. Mobility technology focuses on autonomous vehicles, electrification, fleet management, and connectivity and transportation logistics.
The objectives of the relationship are two-fold; to help create improved opportunities for student employment in the mobility area and to leverage off the research capabilities at Western to help accelerate development of new technologies for Canadian mobility startups. Some of those technologies could include the development of enhanced batteries, autonomy, hydrogen as a fuel source, smart cities, and renewable energy.
As a leading firm in the mobility space, EnerTech has taken a key role in building broad innovation partnerships, specifically working to create improved business engagements between industry leaders and early-stage innovation companies. EnerTech co-architected the California Mobility Center (CMC) with the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), an EnerTech Strategic Partner. The California Mobility Center has also partnered with two notable academic institutions – University of California-Davis, and Sacramento State University.
“We are excited to have Western University join the expanding ecosystem we are building in the mobility space. Their significant research expertise in a number of key areas will provide valuable insight as we build out our portfolio of mobility companies in both Ontario and North America.” said Wally Hunter, Managing Director, EnerTech Capital.
“Western is proud to join the Ontario ecosystem EnerTech is building with Alectra, Linamar, and their links to the California Mobility Center. As a university we see significant opportunities to add value through our research capabilities and commercialization of research which create employment opportunities for our students in the mobility space by paving a path in exciting start-up world.” said Souzan Armstrong, Executive Director of WORLDiscoveries.
“As an alumni of the University of Western Ontario, and as the CEO of Alectra, I am pleased to have UWO join us in helping to build a mobility ecosystem in Ontario. The combination of the relationships with EnerTech, California Mobility Center, Linamar, Western, and Alectra provides a strong base for leadership in innovation as we look to continue to develop the next generation grid. As we expand the power of our partnerships going forward, we will advance our sustainability and resiliency goals together.” said Brian Bentz, President and CEO of Alectra.
“As Dean of the Western Engineering School I believe there will be significant partnership opportunities for Western as we leverage our engineering research capabilities into new market opportunities in mobility” said Ken Coley, Dean of Engineering at Western.
About EnerTech Capital
For over 20 years EnerTech’s fundamental focus has been investing and partnering with innovative companies driving change across the energy landscape; with a focus on Mobility, Industry 4.0, and Connected Customer. Since our founding in 1996, we have made 72 investments and have managed over $500 million in LP Capital Commitments. We have had an active role in building world class management teams who have created new lasting ways to use energy resources more efficiently and have been a part of building companies that have, and continue to, transform industries.
EnerTech has offices in Toronto, Philadelphia, Palm Beach Gardens, Boston, Montreal, and Sacramento.
For more information, visit: http://www.enertechcapital.com
CONTACT: Wally Hunter: 416-363-8563, whunter@enertechcapital.com
About Alectra Inc.
Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative and customer-focused energy solutions.
Our mission is to be a key ally in the changing world of energy, helping our customers and the communities we serve discover the possibilities of tomorrow’s energy future.
For more information, visit: https://www.alectra.com/
About Linamar
Linamar Corporation (TSX:LNR) is an advanced manufacturing company where the intersection of leading-edge technology and deep manufacturing expertise is creating solutions that power vehicles, motion, work and lives for the future. The Company is made up of two operating segments – the Industrial segment and the Mobility segment, both global leaders in manufacturing solutions and world-class developers of highly engineered products. The Industrial segment is comprised of Skyjack and MacDon. Skyjack manufactures scissor, boom and telehandler lifts for the aerial work platform industry. MacDon manufactures combine draper headers and self-propelled windrowers for the agricultural harvesting industry. The Mobility segment is subdivided into three regional groups: North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. Within the Mobility segment, the regional groups are vertically integrated operations combining expertise in light metal casting, forging, machining and assembly for both the global electrified and traditionally powered vehicle markets. The Mobility segment products are focused on both components and systems for new energy powertrains, body and chassis, driveline, engine and transmission systems of these vehicles. McLaren Engineering provides design, development, and testing services for the Mobility segment. Linamar has 26,000 employees in 60 manufacturing locations, 12 R&D centres and 25 sales offices in 17 countries in North and South America, Europe and Asia which generated sales of $7.4 billion in 2019.
For more information about Linamar Corporation and its industry leading products and services, visit http://www.linamar.com or follow us on Twitter at @LinamarCorp.
