The federal government is providing over $1.1 million to eight projects to help reduce auto theft across the country, according to an announcement from Anita Anand, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade.
The projects are part of the Vehicle Theft Prevention challenge that was launched last August under the Innovative Solutions Canada Program. It is being funded by Transport Canada and will be done in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and Public Safety Canada.
“Our Government is actively working to deter auto theft. I am pleased to see the number of promising proposals from small and medium-sized enterprises that emerged from this challenge,” said Anand in a statement. “This is Canadian ingenuity in action, and I look forward to seeing these proposals evolve into working prototypes.”
The challenge allows for small or medium-sized Canadian enterprises to propose innovative solutions that will help prevent or discourage auto theft.
Eight proposals were selected for funding. Some of the ideas brought forth include: smartphone-based security using biometrics and proximity detection; AI-monitoring locking devices; a system to replace the vehicle’s starter relay; fingerprint authentication; AI-powered steering wheel locks; sensors with gesture recognition; a smart key fob protector; and mini devices to disable vehicle components if a theft is detected.
François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, said Canada must remain ahead of new technologies that could be used to steal vehicles.
“That is why we launched the (challenge) … which has helped us identify technologies that will enhance vehicle security and keep our communities safe,” he said in a statement. “These are proactive measures our government is taking to combat auto theft in the long term, and I look forward to the results of the proposals.”
