Energizing innovation: Durham Region to exhibit research and development expertise at HANNOVER MESSE

Whitby, Ontario – Durham Region’s innovation community is showing global decision makers our collective strengths at HANNOVER MESSE 2025—the world’s most important tradeshow for industrial and energy technologies, taking place in Hanover, Germany, from March 31 to April 4, 2025. Durham Region is home to impressive research and development assets, strong industrial clusters, and world-renowned academic institutions that are backed by collaborative efforts among its eight local municipalities.

“Durham Region is energizing industrial innovation,” says John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for the Region of Durham. “We are building a future that turns research and development into job creation and investment. Collaboration, alongside a strong talent pipeline, is leading to innovators in Durham Region solving some of the world’s biggest challenges.”

Leading the way

“Durham Region has purposefully, and successfully, built an innovation ecosystem that supports cutting-edge research and development,” shares Simon Gill, Director of Economic Development and Tourism at the Region of Durham. Businesses are supported by a “collaborative environment that supports innovation, sees businesses achieve their full potential, and cultivates robust economic growth,” adds Gill.

Research partnerships and innovation

Durham Region’s success in research partnerships will be showcased at HANNOVER MESSE with the groundbreaking Project Arrow. An initiative of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA), Project Arrow is the first all-Canadian, zero emission, connected concept vehicle. Engineered and built in Durham Region at Ontario Tech University’s ACE Climatic Aerodynamic Wind Tunnel, “Project Arrow is a testament of the achievements that can be realized when industry leaders, research and post-secondary partners come together with a shared vision,” says Flavio Volpe, President of the APMA. “Together, we are not just building cars; we are shaping the future of transportation.”

Access to rare talent

Durham Region offers a distinct advantage for the innovation and business community.  More than 30,000 students study annually in post-secondary institutions that include Ontario Tech University, Durham College, and Trent University Durham GTA. Each of these institutions plays an important role in the region’s innovation ecosystem, moving industry forward. “Ontario Tech is a research-driven institution that partners with global industry to provide our students with opportunities to solve real-world challenges and develop their learning competencies,” says Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice-President, Research and Innovation at Ontario Tech University.

Helping Durham Region Businesses Respond to U.S. Tariffs  

U.S. Tariffs will have widespread impacts across Durham’s manufacturing sector. With Canada as the partner country for HANNOVER MESSE, this is a great opportunity for Durham businesses that have, for years, relied on trade with the U.S. to explore diversification through Germany and the European Union. “Invest Durham and our partners are here to assist local businesses. Please reach out to us if you would like to explore trade opportunities in Europe, and we would be happy to make connections and keep a lookout for potential customers of your products at the trade fair,” said Gill.

Meet us in Hall 2

Durham Region has the talent, assets and community to support your business expansion in Canada. At HANNOVER MESSE, Durham Region looks forward to fostering international collaboration and attracting businesses to join its vibrant business ecosystem. Meet Invest Durham in hall 2 at booth B42 to energize your business together.

Quotes

"Ajax is defined by leadership, innovation and a strong commitment to Canada. These traits have helped us navigate an increasingly complex world and have allowed us to build a modern hub of industry, working with businesses to develop the next generation of manufacturing, logistics, and transportation infrastructure."

– Mayor Shaun Collier, Town of Ajax

“With a thriving agriculture sector and agri-tourism industry, the Township of Brock actively supports using technology to yield new growth. Our farmers and food producers are pioneering new opportunities in ways that strengthen our economy.”

–Mayor Walter Schummer, Township of Brock

“Clarington stands at the heart of Canada’s energy sector, driving innovation in power and advancing low-carbon energy solutions. With transformative projects we are energizing industry and serving as major catalysts for economic growth and development.”

– Mayor Adrian Foster, Municipality of Clarington

“The great City of Oshawa has consistently positioned itself as a city ready for the future. Home to leading post-secondary institutions, Oshawa is a thriving hub for cutting-edge research and development in key sectors like EV and automotive technologies, AI, cybersecurity, and one of North America’s strongest growth centres for tech talent. Our successes are built upon strong partnerships between our academic community and private sector innovators, propelling us towards a prosperous and sustainable future."

– Mayor Dan Carter, City of Oshawa

"As one of Canada's energy capitals and fastest-growing municipalities, Pickering is at the forefront of transformative projects and initiatives that drive economic growth. Strategically located just east of the City of Toronto, we offer a prime location and unparalleled investment opportunities. With abundant available land, a dynamic energy sector, and a burgeoning agri-food hub, Pickering is a key destination for future investment and development."

– Mayor Kevin Ashe, City of Pickering

“The Township of Scugog is dedicated to building industry while ensuring our rural community thrives and sets a benchmark for sustainable farming worldwide."

– Mayor Wilma Wotten, Township of Scugog

“As a leading producer of agricultural and agri-tourism products for Durham Region, the Township of Uxbridge excels by adopting innovative practices. Our commitment to sustainable lifestyle and industry efficiency ensures our businesses thrive.”

– Mayor Dave Barton, Township of Uxbridge

“Whitby is a hub of innovation and manufacturing, making it a premier destination for businesses that operate internationally. With strong sectors in advanced manufacturing and information and communication technologies, Whitby offers the resources needed for success in a dynamic economy.”

– Mayor Elizabeth Roy, Town of Whitby

“At Durham College, creativity and technology are shaping the future of industry. Consistently ranked as one of Canada's top research colleges, we focus on experiential learning and initiatives that engage students, faculty, industry and the community to tackle global challenges.”

– Dr. Elaine Popp, President, Durham College

“Trent University Durham GTA is committed to fostering sustainability through our dynamic ecosystem of social entrepreneurship and environmental research. By integrating interdisciplinary learning with real-world applications, we empower our students to drive positive change and build resilient communities for a sustainable future.”

– Dr. Scott Henderson, Vice-President & Head, Trent University Durham GTA

“As a business incubator and start-up visa designate, Spark Centre’s support services are vital to Durham Region’s innovation ecosystem. Our commitment to fostering a dynamic entrepreneurial community ensures startups can thrive and scale globally, driving economic growth and technological advancement in Durham and beyond."

– Gary Jarosz, Interim CEO, Spark Centre

Quick facts:

• Durham Region is located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). It is made up of eight local municipalities, including the cities of Oshawa and Pickering; the towns of Ajax and Whitby; the Municipality of Clarington; and the townships of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge.
• Durham’s location on the eastern side of the GTA offers prime access to Canada’s largest consumer market of more than five million people, and 135 million more American and Canadian consumers within a day’s drive.
• Durham Region is home to four post-secondary institutions, across seven campuses—including two Ontario Tech University campuses, two Durham College campuses, two Trent University Durham GTA campuses, and one Queen’s University campus.
• Durham Region has a strong history of technological innovation and is the number one region for high-tech job growth across North America.
• Durham Region was named one of Canada’s best locations to invest by Site Selection Magazine in September 2024.

About Durham Region

Located on the eastern side of the GTA, Durham is a region with momentum. Offering a competitive advantage like no other, Durham is a community where talented, smart, diverse and ambitious people—known for their innovation, creativity, skills and education—bring access to world markets, insights, invention and traditions. A place where an innovative ecosystem helps propel new ideas forward. Where ingenuity and industry help tackle global challenges. Visit InvestDurham.ca to learn more about one of Canada’s fastest growing communities.

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For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.