McMaster launches $28M hub to study and help build eco-friendly cars and planes
Published June 15, 2021 at 1:29 am
Every day in Hamilton, thousands of emissions-producing vehicles drive by the McMaster Innovation Park, which is perched above King Street West and Highway 403.
Now, engineers from the Hamilton university have been given a boost with helping refine energy-efficient vehicles. McMaster is launching a $28-million integrated automotive, aerospace and advanced manufacturing network. Known as iHub, McMaster engineers will help develop and test products such as self-driving vehicles and energy-efficient aircrafts, with the aim of increasing Canada’s presence in these emerging industries.
Member of Parliament Filomena Tassi (Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas) announced the endeavour on Monday. The federal government is providing $10 million in funding. Industry partners such as Ford, Honda, Bombardier and Stellantis are kicking in another $16.8 million.
“Today’s investment will boost our economy by supporting almost 170 local jobs and helping Canadian innovators succeed in a thriving industry,” Tassi said in a release.
The iHub will also provide training for about 200 people and will help about 230 small- to medium-sized enterprises in Ontario’s Oshawa-to-Windsor corridor.
Including ancillary costs, the total funding for the project is $28.49 million.