EV Innovation & Technology Conference 2025
This third annual conference brings together industry leaders shaping Canada’s electric vehicle supply chain and advanced manufacturing.
Your one-day conference pass includes access to all speaker sessions, lunch, coffee breaks and a networking cocktail reception in the evening: C$409
“One of the most important conferences throughout the year… a must-attend”
Hon. Vic Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Government of Ontario
2025 Speakers
Flavio Volpe
President
Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association
Collin Shaw
President
MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association
Francisco N. González Díaz
Executive President
Industria Nacional de Autopartes, A.C.
Prof. Linda Nazar
University Professor, Canada Research Chair in Solid State Energy Materials
University of Waterloo
Joseph McCabe
President & Chief Executive Officer
AutoForecast Solutions
Marilyn Spink
Director, Operations
Canadian Critical Minerals & Materials Alliance
Désirée Tremblay
Manager Innovation and Finance Strategy
Dana Canada
John Laughlin
Chief Technology Officer
Next Generation Manufacturing Canada
Sheri Williams
Industry X Lead
Accenture Canada
Matthew Fortier
Chief Executive Officer
Accelerate ZEV
Ibrahim Yimer
Vice President , Transportation & Manufacturing Division
National Research Council
Norm Marks
Global Vice President – Automotive Industry
NVIDIA
Maciej Hryniewicki
Canada Data & AI Lead for Utilities
Accenture Canada
Caroline Olsen
R&D Director, NAM
SGS Canada Inc. (Québec)
Jeff Gaulin
General Manager, Corporate Affairs – Canada, U.S., U.K., E.U.
Vale Base Metals
Kimberly Berman
Principal Consultant – Energy Transition Metals and Technology Specialist
Pivot Research
Eddy Zuppel
Program Director (acting), e-Auto
National Research Council
Ali Emadi
Professor and Canada Excellence Research Chair Laureate
McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC), McMaster University
Tom Schnekenburger
Director, Research Partnerships
University of Windsor
David Wilson
Vice President and CEO
Siemens Digital Industries Software
Paulina Karwowska-Desaulniers
Executive Director
SmartTO
Brett McQueen
Director of Innovation, North America
Linamar Corporation
Greta Cutulenco
Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder
Acerta Analytics Solutions
Dan Blondal
Chief Executive Officer
Nano One Materials Corp.
Emma Jarratt
Executive Editor
Electric Autonomy
Rob Burton
Mayor
Town of Oakville
Brian Petrie
Mayor
Town of Ingersoll
Ilana Weitzman
Vice President Strategic Development
Electric Autonomy
View the full speaker bios here.
Conference program: Navigating the road ahead
Canada’s electric vehicle and battery supply chain is at a critical juncture. With shifting dynamics in the North American market, including potential U.S. policy changes following the election of the new administration, the path forward demands collaboration and a focus on long-term impact.
Securing Canada’s EV leadership requires that we maintain momentum and take this opportunity to craft a cohesive ecosystem that can withstand external pressures while capitalizing on our unique strengths. From critical minerals to battery production, advanced manufacturing, and EV assembly, the future of this industry depends on building partnerships and fostering innovation across the value chain.
At the EV Innovation & Technology Conference 2025, Canada’s industry leaders will come together to turn challenges into opportunities and ensure sector resilience.
This is the moment to define Canada’s future in electrification. Be part of it.
Agenda
View the full speaker bios here.
| 7:45am | Registration and Breakfast |
| 8:45am | Conference Begins Welcome, Land Acknowledgement and Introductions Speakers: • Ilana Weitzman, Vice President Strategic Development, Electric Autonomy Canada • Paulina Karwowska-Desaulniers, Executive Director, SmartTO • John Laughlin, Chief Technology Officer, Next Generation Manufacturing Canada |
| 9:15am | The Automotive Outlook: Forecast, Disruption & Industry Transition The global automotive industry is experiencing unprecedented volatility, with little stability expected soon. Factors such as new market entrants, consumer sentiment, and geopolitical pressures are driving daily critical business decisions. Key issues include production locations, powertrain portfolio mix, tariffs, supply chain viability, and shareholder value. This presentation will address these topics, focusing on global and North American vehicle outlooks, manufacturing plans, opportunities, risks, and strategies through the decade’s end. • Joe McCabe, President & Chief Executive Officer, AutoForecast Solutions |
| 10:00am | Building Canada’s ZEV Growth Agenda: Priorities for a Resilient and Competitive Future As the global landscape evolves and market demands shift, Canada’s task is to build an industry based on its competitive advantages and national interests. This session will explore where to focus energy and capital to ensure sustainable growth, maintain industry relevancy, and the long-term resiliency of Canada’s ZEV supply chain sector. • Matthew Fortier, Chief Executive Officer, Accelerate ZEV |
| 10:15am | Networking Coffee Break |
| 10:45am | Panel: U.S., Mexico and Canada: EV Manufacturing in the Time of Trump Canada’s electric vehicle supply chain and manufacturing sector is reliant on deep integration with the U.S. and Mexico. With the Trump administration reshaping trade policy and a pivotal Canadian election on the horizon, what’s next for the North American automotive landscape? This panel will explore critical questions around import tariffs, the renegotiation of the USMCA, protectionist measures, and their impact on competitiveness. Panelists will discuss strategies for companies and governments to navigate these shifting dynamics in a rapidly evolving political climate. Speakers: • Flavio Volpe, President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (Canada) • Collin Shaw, President, MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association (U.S.) • Francisco N. González Díaz, Executive President, Industria Nacional de Autopartes, A.C. (Mexico) • Emma Jarratt, Executive Editor, Electric Autonomy (Moderator) |
| 11:45am | Presentation: The Future of EV Batteries: From Lithium-Ion to Solid-State Innovation Battery technology is at a pivotal moment of transformation, with new advancements promising to redefine the automotive landscape. In this session, Professor Linda Nazar, a leading expert in battery materials, will provide an overview of the current state of lithium-ion batteries and the emerging battery breakthroughs on the horizon, including solid-state technologies. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how these innovations could impact EV manufacturing, performance and adoption in the years to come. • Prof. Linda Nazar, University Professor, Canada Research Chair in Solid State Energy Materials, University of Waterloo |
| 12:00pm | Lunch |
| 1:00pm | Presentation: Understanding the opportunities of the new e-Auto Challenge program This presentation will help existing and new Canadian suppliers in the automotive industry understand the opportunities for collaborative partnerships through the e-Auto Challenge program. The program is designed to help de-risk and commercialize novel electric vehicle technologies. • Eddy Zuppel, Program Director (acting), e-Auto, National Research Council Canada |
| 1:15pm | Panel: Future-Proofing Canada’s EV Innovation Ecosystem: Strategies for Long-Term Global Competitiveness Canada has a strong history of driving innovation across the EV automotive supply chain, but maintaining leadership in a rapidly evolving global landscape requires bold action. This panel will explore how to accelerate domestic R&D, foster collaboration between industry and academia, and ensure long-term Canadian leadership in the ecosystem. Speakers: • Désirée Tremblay, Manager Innovation and Finance Strategy, Dana Canada • Brett McQueen, Director of Innovation, North America, Linamar Corporation • Dan Blondal, Chief Executive Officer, Nano One Materials Corp. • Ali Emadi, Professor and Canada Excellence Research Chair Laureate, McMaster University / McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC) • Tom Schnekenburger, Director, Research Partnerships, University of Windsor • Ibrahim Yimer, Vice President, Transportation & Manufacturing Division, National Research Council (Moderator) |
| 2:00pm | Panel: Artificial Intelligence, Digital Twins and Advanced Robotics: Building the Factory Floor of the Future The rapid advancement of Generative AI, digital twins, and advanced robotics is revolutionizing how EVs are designed and manufactured. How are these technologies reshaping factory floors and accelerating the EV transition? This panel will explore real-world applications of GenAI in the EV sector, highlight its role in improving competitiveness, and discuss future innovations. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leaders in AI technology development and manufacturing innovation on how to harness these tools for long-term success. Speakers: • Norm Marks, Global Vice President – Automotive Industry, NVIDIA • Greta Cutulenco, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Acerta Analytics Solutions • Maciej Hryniewicki, Canada Data & AI Lead for Utilities, Accenture • David Wilson, Vice President and CEO, Siemens Industries Software • Sheri Williams, Industry X Lead, Accenture (Moderator) |
| 2:45pm | Networking Coffee Break |
| 3:15pm | Panel: Riding the Waves of EV Supply Chain Volatility for Critical Minerals The EV supply chain faces mounting challenges: from geopolitical instability and fluctuating demand to the complexities of scaling projects amid uncertain growth. This panel will examine strategies to accelerate the development of resilient supply chain projects, mitigate risks and enhance the value of Canada’s ethical and sustainable practices in the global marketplace. Speakers: • Joe McCabe, President & Chief Executive Officer, AutoForecast Solutions • Kimberly Berman, Principal Consultant – Energy Transition Metals and Technology Specialist, Pivot Research • Jeff Gaulin, General Manager, Corporate Affairs – Canada, U.S., U.K., E.U., Vale Base Metals • Caroline Olsen, Research & Development Director, SGS Canada Inc. • Marilyn Spink, Director, Operations, Canadian Critical Minerals & Materials Alliance (Moderator) |
| 4:00pm | EV Manufacturing Auto Towns: Navigating Change, Building the Future Municipalities with proximity to major manufacturing plants are at the centre of the electric vehicle transition, with local governments playing a crucial role in shaping the future of EV production in Canada. In this panel, Auto Mayors from key automotive manufacturing hubs in Ontario will share how their cities are adapting to political and industry shifts, attracting investment, and ensuring their communities remain competitive in the North American EV supply chain. Speakers: • Rob Burton, Mayor, Town of Oakville and Chair, Ontario Auto Mayors • Brian Petrie, Mayor, Town of Ingersoll • Emma Jarratt, Executive Editor, Electric Autonomy (Moderator) |
| 5:00pm-7:00pm | Cocktail Reception |
View the full speaker bios here.
Special feature: SmartTO is offering (subject to availability) special lab tours of the Lassonde School of Engineering state-of-the-art-facilities including the Power Electronics Laboratory for Sustainable Energy Research, Smart Grid Lab, Resilient Intelligent Sustainable Energy Lab and novel tools for EV optimization. Register here or on arrival at their booth.
Who should attend?
- Automotive industry professionals
- Researchers and innovators in the electric vehicle sector
- Strategic investors
- Government and policymakers
Media attendance
- Understand the latest innovations across the EV value chain
- Meet Canadian companies working on cutting-edge technology
- Collaborate to develop a national capability for advanced manufacturing
Date: Thursday February 6, 2025
Venue: York University
Second Student Centre, Second Floor, 15 Library Lane, North York, ON M3J 2S5
This LEED gold certified building features modern conference facilities. Register for transit and on-site parking details.
Hotel Accommodation
Attendees have access to a special rate at Courtyard by Marriott Toronto Vaughan, an 8-minute drive away. Rooms are available for $209 CAD per night (plus applicable taxes) until January 19, 2025, or until our block sells out. Book here.
Your one-day conference pass includes access to all speaker sessions, lunch, coffee breaks and a networking cocktail reception in the evening.
Conference pass: $409
Sponsorship packages are available for industry-relevant organizations.
Please contact us for more information.
The EV Innovation & Technology Conference is brought to you in partnership with NGen
NGen is the industry-led, non-profit organization leading Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing. It is founded on the principle that digital transformation in advanced manufacturing will enrich the lives of Canadians, delivering better products and good jobs while generating the economic growth essential to a better future.
The EV Innovation & Technology Conference is powered by Electric Autonomy
Electric Autonomy is an independent media and events company reporting on the transition to zero emission vehicles and autonomous mobility. Its mission is to accelerate change by bringing together thought leaders across industry, government and research through editorial, events, education and other innovative programming.
