Who We Are:
Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI) was established in 1987 and is a leading not-for-profit organization that works with industry, academia, and government. OCI focuses on ensuring that the people of Ontario reap the personal and economic benefits of leading-edge research underway at our publicly funded universities, colleges, and research hospitals - research that can be transformed into technologies and services that enhance quality of life and help build a globally competitive, job-creating economy in Ontario.
Specifically, OCI supports the commercialization of academic intellectual property (IP), industry-academic collaborations, and the development and adoption of emerging technologies. This includes overseeing the execution of advanced technology platforms that will equip Ontario companies to compete in a competitive global digital economy.
We also support and invest in early-stage projects where the probability of commercial success and investment return on innovation are substantial. OCI’s strong expertise in de-risking innovation helps attract private investors and other funders to new ventures, bolstering their success. We also contribute to the development and retention of talent to ensure that industry has access to personnel with the most advanced skills and knowledge and that highly trained personnel find opportunities to apply their expertise in Ontario.
OCI leads the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) initiative on behalf of the Government of Ontario. OVIN builds upon Ontario’s position as a world-leading automotive manufacturing and supply jurisdiction in addition to the large cluster of information and communication technology companies operating in the province. Ontario’s high-quality post-secondary institutions, first class talent, innovative small and medium sized enterprises, and infrastructure to support entrepreneurship ensure that the province is uniquely positioned to capture the economic opportunity of the automotive technology and smart mobility innovation space and lead the global mobility transformation.
Through resources such as research and development (R&D) funding, talent development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-based automotive and mobility companies – allowing Ontario to reinforce its position as a North American leader in transformative automotive technologies, as well as transportation and infrastructure systems.
The Opportunity: OVIN, in collaboration with industry partners, post-secondary institutions, municipalities and regional stakeholders is launching automotive and mobility incubators, designed to:
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Foster a collaborative ecosystem where researchers, entrepreneurs, startups and scale-ups can systematically engage with industry
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Support research and the commercialization of IP through interdisciplinary projects
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Support the translation of IP and new technologies into the creation of new ventures across the province
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Provide resources and programming to support the success and viability of new ventures and regional incubation and acceleration space in the province
Reporting to the Manager, Incubators, the Lead, OVIN Incubators will be the regional representative for all incubator activities, manage the day-to-operations, and play a coordinating role between all key stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
The Lead is expected to assume operational responsibilities, including, but not limited to:
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Support the Manager on the strategic planning and design of OVIN Incubators, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
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Apply knowledge of research commercialization and start-up incubation/acceleration to make recommendations on program development, execution and improvements, in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
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Develop and maintain a database of enterprises active in the sector.
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Develop and maintain a database of academic researchers active in the sector.
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Pursue extensive outreach to enterprises in the sector.
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Develop and manage the incubator intake and review processes, timelines, program budgets and the day-to-day delivery of the program.
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Work collaboratively and liaise with incubator partners, including members of industry and post-secondary institutions, to ensure that key requirements are defined, and program delivery executed within the appropriate framework.
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Execute on the promotion of incubator programming, working in tandem with the key stakeholders and departments within OCI.
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Support steering committee and other stakeholder meetings.
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Support OCI/ OVIN Incubator presence at external events and functions, including delivering content at meetings, workshops, and events in support of incubator programming.
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Work cross-functionally across departments and collaboratively with other OCI staff (Business Development Operations, Programs, and MARCOM etc.).
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Manage program stewardship, including program monitoring and metrics, outcomes, and impacts for internal strategy and external reporting.
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Support Manager to identify and manage program outcomes, and work with marketing and communications teams to develop success stories.
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May be required to perform other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
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Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business, Technology, Project Management).
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3-5 years experience in program management, incubators, start-up/SME support or technology/IP development particularly in: automotive and mobility, research projects or technology integration.
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Strong project management skills, including budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
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Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
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Problem-solving abilities and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
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Highly developed, interpretive and analytical skills in MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
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Innovation, technology commercialization, or entrepreneurship program management experience; experience with automotive and mobility programs would be a strong asset.
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Occasional requirement to attend events outside of normal business hours.
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Occasional travel within Ontario.
Competencies:
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Team player with highly developed interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively and collaborate with people at all levels within the organization and externally.
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Demonstrated high degree of initiative, efficient, organized and able to produce high quality work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, with the ability to manage numerous conflicting and changing priorities simultaneously.
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Ability to work with minimal supervision and take accountability to address obstacles and overcome barriers by identifying possible resolution options and alternatives.
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Intellectually curious about developments and trends in a sector.
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Able to demonstrate integrity and ethics in decision making and in relationships with colleagues and clients.
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Able to reflect and promote OCI’s values through work with colleagues, clients and stakeholders.
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Embody OCI’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
This role is being recruited to fill a current vacancy.
OCI is committed to creating a diverse and equitable environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. OCI welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
