Project Arrow: Real skills, real careers

At the 2026 Canadian International AutoShow, the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) announced the global debut of the next vehicle in the Project Arrow series, marking an exciting new chapter in Canada’s electric mobility story. From the very beginning, Ontario Tech University has been central to this national initiative, serving as the lead academic partner for the initial build, Project Arrow Vector. Designed, engineered and validated at the university’s high-tech ACE facility, the original concept showcased the strength of Canadian innovation and collaboration. Today, Ontario Tech continues its leadership role on the newest concept, advancing research and development in electrification, connected and autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and sustainable mobility, reinforcing Canada’s position at the forefront of clean transportation innovation.

Project Arrow is advancing Canada’s automotive innovation, and preparing the next generation of industry leaders. Their journeys reflect the power of experiential learning at Ontario Tech, where students study innovation, help build it and go on to lead it.

Izzy Cossarin contributed to the original Project Arrow vehicle while completing her Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics at Ontario Tech University. After graduation, while working in industry, she returned to Ontario Tech to complete a Master of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering. Today, she has come full circle, returning to join the ACE team as a Research and Development Engineer. 

Andrew Genovese, an Automotive Engineering graduate, also played a key role in Project Arrow Vector during his studies. He now works with APMA, where he focuses on the Project Arrow initiative and maintains close collaboration with ACE throughout its ongoing development.

"Ontario Tech’s role in this ambitious undertaking is a trailblazing example of our exceptional competencies and faculty and student talent in world-class research and engineering projects. We know how to get things done collaboratively at Ontario Tech. Our DNA contains the ideal ecosystem to drive innovation and commercialization forward that will better our planet.”
- Dr. Steven Murphy, President and Vice-Chancellor, Ontario Tech University

“Project Arrow is about the entire Canadian movement into electric mobility, and creating a vision for a sustainable and innovative tomorrow. Canada has the power to change the automotive world.”
- Flavio Volpe, President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association

“Project Arrow symbolizes what’s possible in Canada’s automotive industry when academia and industry partner to drive innovation. Ontario Tech was chosen as the build partner for its track record of on-time and on-budget innovation and its global reputation for research excellence in energy, automotive, smart mobility, and advanced manufacturing engineering. The Arrow is about creating a future where new and emerging technology is harnessed to make all of our lives better.”
- Dr. Les Jacobs, Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Ontario Tech University

“I am grateful to have been given this opportunity to utilize my automotive background to be part of such a talented and hard-working team. To see this vision of a Canadian electric vehicle prototype being designed and built right here in Canada, with some of the most incredible academic talent, skilled trades talent, supplier technology and like-minded people, is truly a once-in-a-career opportunity.”
- Paula Ambra, Senior R&D Engineering Manager, ACE, Ontario Tech University

“Being hands-on and developing almost every Arrow component has helped me further understand the challenges faced when designing and building a vehicle, and the purpose each part serves. I have learned how to use and operate many new tools and machines, and have advanced my soft skills such as teamwork, communication and problem-solving.”
- Andrew Genovese, Automotive Engineering graduate, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Ontario Tech University

“Working with different suppliers and learning the entire vehicle design-and-build process firsthand has been such an amazing learning opportunity.”
- Izzy Cossarin, Mechatronics Engineering graduate, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Ontario Tech University

• October 2020: Ontario Tech named lead academic institution for Phase 2 of Project Arrow all-Canadian concept vehicle
• November 2021: Pointing Canada’s Project Arrow zero-emissions concept vehicle forward at Ontario Tech
• January 2023: Driving onto the world stage: The Ontario Tech Project Arrow story
• July 2023: Getting up to speed: How Ontario Tech research development helped move Project Arrow forward
• August 2024: Ontario Tech lab wins Engineering Research Project of the Year Award for work on Project Arrow
• March 2025: Project Arrow 2.0: Ontario Tech University’s next bold step into the future of transportation