University of Ottawa partners with Kanata North Business Association on autonomous shuttle program

Supported by $1.4 million in federal funding from Transport Canada through the Enhanced Road Safety Transfer Payment Program (2024–2026), this initiative is testing sustainable, zero-emission transportation solutions in Kanata North, Canada’s largest tech park. 

The project, titled Smart Mobility Solution: Testing and Deployment of a Medium-Speed Autonomous Shuttle in Canada’s Largest Tech Park, focuses on evaluating the performance, safety and environmental impact of medium-speed autonomous shuttles operating on public roads in mixed traffic, while also providing shuttle service within the tech park. Designed to handle Canada’s varying weather conditions, the year-long pilot aims to inform future policies and regulatory frameworks for autonomous vehicles.

Initial testing will take place at Area X.O, a secure research and development site in Ottawa and home to a private autonomous vehicle test track. The shuttle will then transition to public roads in the Kanata North Tech Park, which will serve as a “living lab” to test how autonomous vehicles can improve urban transportation by addressing challenges like congestion, accessibility and sustainability. 

“By combining the expertise of academia, industry and government, we will contribute to solutions that prioritize sustainability, safety and accessibility. This initiative marks an important step toward developing smarter, more efficient mobility systems, and we look forward to the insights it will provide for the future of transport in Canada’s largest tech park and beyond,” adds St-Pierre.

This ambitious project brings together academia, industry and government to tackle the complexities of autonomous vehicle deployment. The University of Ottawa, through its Smart Connected Vehicles Innovation Centre (SCVIC) at the Kanata North campus, contributes critical research expertise in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, software development, sensor integration and battery systems.

The University also plays a central role in fostering innovation through its connections to entrepreneurial ventures, including EcoSafeSense, a company founded by uOttawa alumna Olga Koppel. A product of the uOttawa Entrepreneurship Hub’s Startup Garage accelerator program, EcoSafeSense specializes in air quality monitoring by leveraging advanced hardware and AI. For this initiative, the company is installing advanced air quality sensors inside and outside the shuttle to assess and report on the environmental conditions during operation.

“This opportunity aligns perfectly with our mission at EcoSafeSense: to improve air quality in the cities we call home and contribute to the future of autonomous vehicles. Being part of Kanata North’s thriving tech community is an incredible opportunity, and we’re proud to bring our innovative technology to this transformative project,” says Koppel.

In addition to EcoSafeSense, the project benefits from industry leaders and active uOttawa research and innovation partners like Aurrigo, a global developer of autonomous vehicle technology, and Wesley Clover, a major investor in tech innovation. These collaborations create a dynamic ecosystem where academic research and industry expertise intersect to address the needs of the community, industry and government. 

The autonomous shuttle pilot in Kanata North highlights how collaboration between academia, industry and government can drive innovation. By bringing together experts in a variety of fields, this initiative is setting the stage for safer, more sustainable transportation solutions.

As the project unfolds, it promises to deliver critical insights that will help shape the future of mobility to create smarter, greener and more connected communities across Canada.