Durham Region is set to showcase its growing reputation as a hub of industrial innovation at HANNOVER MESSE 2025, one of the world’s leading trade fairs for industrial technology. The Canadian region, located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), is highlighting its strengths in research and development, industry collaboration, and a strong talent pipeline.
John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for Durham Region, said the area is increasingly recognised as a centre for technological advancement.
“Durham Region is energising industrial innovation,” he said. “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.”
Innovation at the forefront
Simon Gill, Director of Economic Development and Tourism at the Region of Durham, emphasised the region’s deliberate focus on building an innovation-driven economy.
“Durham Region has purposefully, and successfully, built an innovation ecosystem that supports cutting-edge research and development,” he said. “Businesses benefit from a collaborative environment that drives innovation, helps companies reach their full potential, and cultivates robust economic growth.”
One of the key highlights of Durham’s presence at HANNOVER MESSE is Project Arrow, an initiative by the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA). This all-Canadian, zero-emission, connected concept vehicle was engineered and built at Ontario Tech University’s ACE Climatic Aerodynamic Wind Tunnel in Durham Region.
Flavio Volpe, President of APMA, described Project Arrow as a testament to the achievements possible when industry leaders, researchers, and post-secondary institutions unite with a shared vision.
“Together, we are not just building cars; we are shaping the future of transportation,” he said.
Talent and research partnerships
A key factor behind Durham’s innovation success is its access to a highly skilled workforce. More than 30,000 students enrol annually at post-secondary institutions such as Ontario Tech University, Durham College, and Trent University Durham GTA.
Dr Les Jacobs, Vice-President of Research and Innovation at Ontario Tech University, highlighted the role of the institution in preparing students for real-world challenges.
“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,” he said.
Durham Region’s strategic location also provides access to Canada’s largest consumer market, with more than five million people in the GTA and an additional 135 million consumers within a day’s drive in Canada and the United States.
Meet Durham Region at HANNOVER MESSE
Durham Region will be engaging with global industry leaders at HANNOVER MESSE to foster international collaboration and attract businesses to its growing innovation ecosystem. Companies interested in expanding into Canada are invited to meet the Invest Durham team in Hall 2 at Booth B42.
Recognised as one of Canada’s top investment destinations by Site Selection Magazine in 2024, Durham Region is positioning itself as a key player in industrial innovation. More information is available at InvestDurham.ca.