Where Real Tech Gets
Built & Proven
Core5 is Ontario's Northern Regional Technology Development Site under the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). We accelerate hard-tech innovation across the critical minerals and EV supply chain.
Our Mission
Core5 exists to accelerate the commercialization of technologies across the full critical minerals and EV value chain - from exploration and extraction to processing, battery materials, and EV manufacturing.
Led by NORCAT Innovation, we operate as a pan-Northern Ontario consortium, bringing together public and private partners across Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie, Temiskaming Shores, and North Bay. Each region offers unique services, facilities, and expertise.
Mission-Driven
Tech Acceleration
Coverage
6 Northern Regions
Network
22 Partners
Facilities
20+ Labs
Why Northern Ontario?
The region is uniquely positioned at the heart of the critical minerals revolution.
Rich in Critical Minerals
Home to significant deposits of nickel, cobalt, lithium, graphite, and other minerals essential for EV batteries.
Established Mining Expertise
Generations of mining knowledge combined with world-class research institutions and skilled workforce.
Real-World Testing
Access to operating mines, processing facilities, and the NORCAT Underground Centre for authentic validation.
NORCAT Underground Centre
A defining asset of Core5 is access to real-world testing environments, including the NORCAT Underground Centre — an operating mine used for testing, validation, and demonstration of mining technologies.
- Authentic underground mining conditions
- Technology testing & validation
- Demonstration for investors & partners
- Safety-focused innovation environment
Our Core Partners
A consortium of leading institutions driving innovation across Northern Ontario.
As Sudbury's Regional Innovation Centre, NORCAT Innovation is focused on supporting early-stage tech startups and the people founding them. We help by providing access to key resources and connections to the networks they need to start, grow and scale their ventures.
Located in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Cambrian R&D helps you access funding, support, and skilled workers to facilitate research & development to help grow your business. With Cambrian R&D, you gain access to all of the facilities and more than 80 programmes at Cambrian College.
IION connects Northern Ontario innovators with the resources, expertise, and networks they need to grow. As a regional innovation centre, IION supports entrepreneurs and businesses in developing and commercializing new technologies across Northern Ontario.
Canadore College is a college of applied arts and technology located in North Bay, Ontario, Canada. Combining cutting-edge manufacturing technologies with highly knowledgeable technical personnel and flexible service offerings, iCAMP at Canadore College is a critical resource for manufacturing businesses in nearly every industrial sector.
The Timmins Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) is dedicated to fostering economic growth in the Timmins region. TEDC supports businesses and entrepreneurs with resources, connections, and expertise to drive innovation in the critical minerals and clean technology sectors.
Core5 Partners
Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network
Core 5 is one of six regional technology development sites that are part of OVIN (Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network). A key component of the Government of Ontario's plan for positioning Ontario as a North American leader in developing emerging technologies and advanced manufacturing processes, OVIN is accelerating the development and commercialization of next-generation electric, connected and autonomous vehicle and mobility technologies and supporting Ontario's role as the manufacturing hub of Canada, while leveraging critical minerals development in Ontario's North.
