The Government of Ontario is organizing a Smart Transportation Export Business Mission to Australia on the margins of the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) Australia Global Summit https://www.itsaustraliasummit.com.au/. In addition to participating in the ITS Australia Summit in Sydney, the mission program also includes a visit to Melbourne, the largest city in Australia in terms of population.

Why Australia – Opportunities Exist
Australia is a market with a rapidly growing population which needs ongoing development of its transportation infrastructure to meet congestion and safety challenges, as well as net zero emissions goals. In Australia, transport accounts for seven per cent of the Australian economy, and transport technology demand is growing by 27 per cent per annum. The three layers of Australian governments have invested heavily in the development and implementation of smart city technologies, including transportation systems, and actively seek partnerships with international companies. This presents great opportunities for Canadian developers of intelligent transportation systems and technologies.

Major cities in Australia, such as Sydney and Melbourne, are home to established innovation hubs and accelerators focused on transportation technology. Sydney has a mix of integrated transport modes suited to its topography, such as ferries, heavy and light rail, buses,  toll roads, bicycle infrastructure, and pedestrian precincts. The ongoing development of this infrastructure to meet the increase in population while maintaining efficiencies and liveability presents opportunities for the application of niche technologies. One such example is the build of the Sydney Metro; a multi-stage driverless train project currently underway connecting various suburbs and hubs across the harbour and the city generally which will continue to be implemented in the next few years. In other areas, new road infrastructure is required in Australia’s most populous cities, these being Melbourne and Sydney.

Melbourne has an extensive tram network with plans for more infrastructure development since it is now Australia’s largest city in terms of population. Over the next decade there will be a pipeline of construction works in the State of Victoria across other transport modes, this is broken down to 5 major projects teams: West Gate Tunnel Project, Major Road Projects Victoria, Level Crossing Removal Project, North East Link Project and Rail Projects Victoria.

Across all of Australia, there are opportunities for the application of technologies to supply chain problems at ports and with freight supported by government backing for new solutions.

In the lead up to the Brisbane Olympics 2032, new infrastructure projects are planned in South East Queensland.

Opportunities also exist in the following areas:

• Electric and zero emission vehicles: There is growing demand for automated vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles.
• Battery technology and infrastructure: There is increasing climate awareness and improvements in battery technology performance/cost driving consumer interest. Governments will also maintain electric and automated fleets for their transport systems.
• Smart sensors, data analytics and intelligent systems are also critical for the future operation of connected and automated vehicles and plans for these vary from state to state.

Innovators such as Genetec, Tritium, Bosch, Investible, Cubic, Kapsch, Tempus Partners and Textron Systems have established a presence in Australia and are developing  products that will provide safe and supported transport solutions into the future.

Canadians with niche technologies could explore partnership opportunities with local companies to access emerging opportunities or develop partnerships with research institutions to create new technologies.

Why ITS Australia Summit – Great Learning and Networking Event
The ITS Australia Summit is Asia Pacific’s largest face-to-face transport technology event. The Summit will explore strategies for advancing smarter, safer, and more sustainable transportation through technology. Summit 2024 is where industry leaders come together to discuss cutting-edge themes and innovations driving transportation progress, tackle the critical issues and help shape the future of transportation alongside government, industry, and academic experts from around the world. ITS Australia Summit consists of conferences, exhibition and networking activities which are perfect for networking and building strong business connections.

The themes for the 2024 session include:

• Smart Infrastructure and Data Ecosystems: This theme explores innovative strategies to seamlessly integrate smart infrastructure, harnessing the power of data-driven insights to optimize efficiency, enhance connectivity, and ensure our systems are not just future-ready but at the cutting edge of technological advancements.
• Sustainable and Inclusive Transport: This theme delves into how we create transport systems that cater to diverse needs, ensuring accessibility, affordability, and seamless integration for all individuals and communities. It examines the equitable deployment of technology, addressing barriers to access, and reducing disparities while advancing sustainable solutions to curb emissions and promote long-term environmental responsibility.
• Electric, Connected, Automated Transport: This theme explores the transformative journey, encompassing not only CAVs but also the rising prevalence of electric and shared vehicles, each poised to significantly impact and reshape our transportation network.
• Future Mobility: From Mobility as a Service (MaaS) to Mobility on Demand (MoD) and beyond, this theme explores the multifaceted dimensions of innovative solutions shaping the future of transportation, enriching the liveability and connectivity of our diverse environments.
• Governance Frameworks: The Governance Framework theme explores the vital role of policies in accelerating transport innovation. Focused on enhancing liveability, accessibility, and sustainability, it emphasizes robust regulations for safeguarding critical infrastructure from physical and digital threats. Addressing the increasing use of data analytics, the theme ensures customer privacy and security. Drawing from global reforms, it promotes best practices.
• Freight and Services: This theme propels the freight and logistics industries into a new era characterized by automation, intelligence, and the integration of drones and multi-modality. Concurrently, regulatory reforms guide these industries toward a safer, greener, and more sustainable future. Explore how these advancements reshape the landscape, ensuring resilience, efficiency, and environmental responsibility in the delivery of freight and services.

Why Join the Mission – Exposure & B2B Meetings
Joining the Ontario Smart Transportation Mission to Australia represents an excellent opportunity for Ontario firms who offer solutions and products to the transportation and infrastructure sector and who are interested in exploring business opportunities in the Australian and Asia-Pacific markets. The mission provides an opportunity to network and showcase the latest technologies and products from Ontario and offers optimal visibility for suppliers to access potential clients and partners from Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

The mission will include and present the following opportunities and activities:

• Pre-mission Briefing Session in late June
• 1:1 export advice and consultation
• Showcase opportunity in the Ontario pavilion at the ITS Australia Summit (poster and meeting space only, no individual exhibit pod)
• Access to ITS conference program and networking event (value of $2,000)
• Curated B2B matchmaking program in Sydney and Melbourne
• Government and Corporate meetings (TBC)
• Networking activities throughout the mission
• Site Visits (TBC)
• Company listing in the Ontario SourceFromOntario website
• Marketing support including a listing in the mission directory
• In-market follow-up and support

Proposed Mission Program: (subject to change, draft only)

How to Apply – Early Bird Rate Available Until May 31

• Registration Fee: Early Bird Rate $3,500 per company until May 31, 2024; $4,000 per company after May 31, 2024.
• Apply by: June 21, 2024
• Available Spot(s): 8
• Applications may close early due to space limitation. Applications are taken on a “First come, First Served” basis.
• Application Link: https://www.eventreg.mgcs.gov.on.ca/?eventid=AD52993F-0876-4778-8A81-0DF1C179F02E&lang=en

CanExport Funding Program – 50/50 Cost-Sharing; Apply Before June 1, 2024

 CanExport SMEs program is now open for new applications until May 31^st, 2024.

Program Highlights Tips:

• Business employs fewer than 500 full-time employees and have $100,000 to $100 million in declared revenue in Canada during its past fiscal year (or 12 months for quarterly filers) is eligible for the funding
• Provides $10,000-$50,000 in funding per project (maximum of $99,999 per fiscal year). You can apply for funding several times a year, as long as you complete each project before starting a new one with a 50/50 cost share.
• CanExport helps you explore new markets. It covers various types of export related costs such as market research, translation, trade show space, mission participation, accommodation and transportation etc.
• If you had significant revenue from a market during the past year (over $100K or over 10% of your total sales), you cannot use CanExport for that market. Please refer to the Applicant’s Guide for detailed explanation.
• Minimum budget for each project is $20,000 and maximum budget per project is $100,000. You may include up to five markets in each project.
• CanExport SMEs strives to provide funding decision within 60 business days. These service standards may vary depending on the volume of applications received.

When to incur eligible costs if you apply for CanExport program

Applicants may only submit project related expenses that are incurred after April 1, 2024, or after your application date – whichever date is later. Of note, though, is that incurring them after April 1 but before funding is approved is at your own risk. If you submit your application and are not approved for funding, those expenses are your own responsibility. These costs won’t be covered by the program if they are not approved for funding.

How to prepare your application

CanExport is a competitive program. The program encourages applicants to provide a business case for undertaking a project. That is best demonstrated by including not only a trade mission in the application, but also including other initiatives that you will undertake in the year to support your entry into the targeted market. As you know, developing an export market involves much more than just participating in a mission or tradeshow. Will you be generating specific marketing materials for that market? Will you be doing a second/third visit to the market to meet a specific potential customer or customers (or meet with a potential distributor for that market) at a specific date in the future? Will you be using a third party to conduct a market research before visiting the market? Frame all those activities into a project that demonstrates the strategic actions the applicant will take to successfully develop that market.

Sample application is available upon request.

Other Suggestions:

This program is very popular and competitive. You are encourage to:

• Submit your application as soon as possible.
• Craft a detailed, high-quality application. The reviewers may not have time to seek clarification on vague details and may turn down incomplete or poorly completed applications.
• Have a plan for covering costs if they are not approved for funding.
• Keep all receipts for reporting/auditing purposes.

Please browse and review the following webpages carefully and thoroughly before submitting your application.

• CanExport SME portal https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/funding-financement/canexport/sme-pme/index.aspx?lang=eng
• Applicant’s Guide https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/funding-financement/canexport/sme-pme/applicant-guide-requerant.aspx?lang=eng#sme6.1

Estimated Travel & Accommodation Costs: Helpful for Travel Planning and CanExport Application

• Airfare: Mission participants are responsible for booking and purchasing their own flights. Please check with travel agent for all available flights. As of May 14, 2024, the lowest available standard economy tickets for Air Canada flights from Toronto to Sydney on Aug 9 and from Melbourne to Toronto on Aug 17 are priced at $2,414. And, the lowest available economy ticket for a flight from Sydney to Melbourne costs $101 as of May 14, 2024.
• Air Canada Discount Code: As part of the “Going Global” partnership between the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), Ontario Centres of Innovation (OCI) and Air Canada, OVIN/OCI has obtained a Discount Code from Air Canada that may reduce your cost of travel on Air Canada flights for the Ontario Smart Transportation Mission to Australia. The discount code along further instructions will be shared with the companies who have registered to participate in this mission at a later time.
• Accommodation: Mission participants are responsible for all the costs associated with their accommodation, meals, and other personal and incidental expenses.
• Sydney Hotel: Hotels near ICC Sydney (ITS Summit venue) are conveniently close, providing varied options for every preference. From upscale to boutique, these lodgings offer easy access for event attendees, allowing a smooth transition between the venue’s vibrancy and the comfort of nearby stays. Hotels that offer special rate to ITS Summit participants are available at https://www.itsaustraliasummit.com.au/pages/accommodation.
• Melbourne Hotel: group activities in Melbourne may take place in downtown Melbourne while B2B meetings may be conducted at client’s office. Please consult with your travel agent or use hotel booking websites or apps to find hotels that meet your needs.

Visa Requirement(s): Canadians Need ETA for Trip to Australia

 Unless you are an Australian citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country.

• If you are holding Canadian passport, you do need to apply for an ETA before visiting Australia. It is an easy process and you will get the visa/travel authority upon submitting your application on the app.
• Please visit government website to get more information about ETA application. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/electronic-travel-authority-601#Overview. If you hold other passport, please consult with the Australian Consulate in Toronto. https://canada.embassy.gov.au/