Silicon Valley autotech - Canadian Technology Accelerator
The Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) AutoTech Silicon Valley, a partnership between the Trade Commissioner Service and the Province of Ontario, is a program designed to support Canadian startups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access the global automotive industry through Silicon Valley tech scouts and corporate strategic investors.
Silicon Valley is home to open innovation technology scouts, venture, and corporate strategic investors, and research and development offices for global auto makers, original equipment manufacturers, and suppliers including Ford Greenfield Labs, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota Research and Development, BrightDrop (GM), DENSO, Hyundai CRADLE, Suzuki, Kanematsu Ventures, MuRata Electronics, ZF Corporation, AISIN, Honda Innovation, Bosch, and more.
Open Innovation teams, Technology Scouts and Corporate Strategic Investors are actively looking for early-stage companies who have technology in areas such as:
- energy transformation
- batteries and energy storage
- digital health
- semiconductors
- factory automation
- entertainment/infotainment/vehicle interactions
- edge computing, fleet servicing, and more
Important dates
| Application deadline | Program dates | Time commitment |
|---|---|---|
| July 31, 2024 | September to October 2024 | 2 hours per week virtual plus 1 week in Silicon Valley |
Benefits of joining
The CTA AutoTech in Silicon Valley offers:
- Market intelligence on the automotive sector
- Programming emphasizing raising capital, engaging in pilot projects, establishing partnerships with multinational enterprises, and technology integrations with suppliers and manufacturers for the automotive industry
- Strategic guidance and mentoring on entering the highly competitive Silicon Valley innovation ecosystem
- Networking and pitch opportunities to prospective partners, investors, and customers
Who should apply
We believe that the applicants best positioned for success:
- Know their value proposition to the automotive industry and mobility sector stakeholders
- Has established clear and realistic business goals
- Have done research on where their technology fits into the interests and priorities of the automotive sector players and suppliers
- Can effectively communicate their competitive advantage
- Have strong executive management and the financial resources to commit to sending at least one senior member to participate in the mandatory Silicon Valley component (week of October 14th)
The Trade Commissioner Service supports equity, diversity, and inclusion in trade. We strongly encourage companies led by Canadians of all backgrounds to apply.
How the program works
The CTA AutoTech runs virtual programming (market intelligence, mentoring, preparation) approximately 2 hours per week for September to October. Participants are expected to be in Silicon Valley for October 16th and 17th for advanced market intelligence, B2B meetings, and a pitch event with demo table at the Autotech Council Science Fair.
Virtual Programming (September to October)
- Program Orientation: The Trade Commissioner Service
- Legal Issues and Protecting Your Intellectual Property: Foley & Lardner LLP
- Virtual Mentoring: The Kerton Group
- Auto Sector Market Intelligence
Silicon Valley In-Market Programming (October 16th and 17th)
- Advanced Market Intelligence
- One-on-One B2B Meetings with tech scouts and investors
- Automotive Sector Networking Reception
- Autotech Council Science Fair: Stage Pitch, Demo Table at Expo, and B2B Meetings
Contact us
Learn more about this program by contacting:
Michael Wozniak
Trade Commissioner
Canadian Consulate: Palo Alto
Canada's Trade Commissioner Service
michael.wozniak@international.gc.ca
