The Durham Region innovation community is eager to showcase its diverse capabilities and talents to global decision-makers at HANNOVER MESSE 2025. By their own account, the Durham Region boasts impressive research and development facilities, strong industry clusters and world-renowned academic institutions, supported by collaboration among eight local municipalities.

A strong talent pipeline

“Durham Region is driving industrial innovation,” says John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer for Durham Region. ”We are building a future where R&D leads to job creation and investment. Collaboration and a strong talent pipeline are leading innovators in Durham Region to solve some of the world's biggest challenges.”

Leading the way

“The Durham Region has single-mindedly and successfully built an innovation ecosystem that supports cutting-edge research and development,” explains Simon Gill, Director of Economic Development and Tourism for the Durham Region. The companies are nurtured through a collaborative environment that favors innovation and helps companies reach their full potential to cultivate robust economic growth.

Research partnerships and innovation

Durham Region's success in research partnerships is showcased at HANNOVER MESSE 2025 with the groundbreaking Project Arrow. Project Arrow, an initiative of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association (APMA), is the first all-Canadian, zero-emission, connected concept car. Project Arrow was designed and built in the Durham Region at Ontario Tech University's ACE Climatic Aerodynamic Wind Tunnel. “Project Arrow is a testament to what can be achieved when leading companies, research and post-secondary partners come together with a shared vision,” said Flavio Volpe, President, APMA. “Together, we are not just building cars, we are building the future of transportation.”

Access to rare talent

The Durham region offers a distinct advantage for the innovation and business communities. More than 30,000 students study annually at post-secondary institutions such as Ontario Tech University, Durham College and Trent University Durham GTA. Each of these institutions plays an important role in the region's innovation ecosystem and advances industry. “Ontario Tech is a research-driven institution that works with global industry to provide our students with opportunities to solve real-world challenges and develop their learning skills,” says Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice President of Research and Innovation at Ontario Tech University.

Meet and greet in Hall 2

The Region of Durham has the talent, resources and community to support business expansion in Canada. Durham Region looks forward to promoting international collaboration and attracting businesses to participate in its dynamic economic system at HANNOVER MESSE 2025.

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