Virtualware’s XR Technology Boosts Canadian EV Manufacturing through Battery Boost Program
In a bold move toward electric vehicle (EV) leadership, the Windsor-Essex region is emerging as a cornerstone of Canada’s clean-energy manufacturing economy. Backed by Invest WindsorEssex (IWE), the region is home to the flagship NextStar Energy EV battery manufacturing plant, a $5 billion joint venture between Stellantis and LG Energy Solutions announced on March 23, 2022, set to create 2,500 high-paying direct jobs and thousands more across the supply chain.
Building on this momentum, the newly launched Battery Boost program, administered by Invest WindsorEssex with delivery support from NextStar Energy, aims to prepare participants for roles such as Product and Process Technicians in EV battery manufacturing. Running from February 2025 to March 2026, the program provides innovative technical training tailored for laid-off workers and individuals pursuing a career transition.
Battery Boost is backed by more than $3.8 million in funding from Upskill Canada and powered by Palette Skills with support from the Government of Canada.
As the technology partner in the program, Virtualware contributes its expertise in immersive technology by designing and delivering advanced Virtual Reality (VR) training modules, covering battery cell assembly, safety protocols, quality control, and production line operations, all delivered through Virtualware’s VIROO® XR platform.
Through VIROO’s deployment capabilities, including VR CAVEs and collaborative Immersive Rooms (known as VIROO Rooms), participants gain hands-on experience in simulated, real-world manufacturing environments, preparing them for immediate employment.
As the technology partner in the program, Virtualware contributes its expertise in immersive technology by designing and delivering advanced Virtual Reality (VR) training modules, covering battery cell assembly, safety protocols, quality control, and production line operations, all delivered through Virtualware’s VIROO® XR platform.
Through VIROO’s deployment capabilities, including VR CAVEs and collaborative Immersive Rooms (known as VIROO Rooms), participants gain hands-on experience in simulated, real-world manufacturing environments, preparing them for immediate employment.
Since its launch, the Battery Boost program has already demonstrated significant impact, delivering measurable outcomes for participants, partners, and the Windsor-Essex community.
Early signs are promising:
- 500+ candidates expressed interest within the first 24 hours of program launch. To date, over 2,500+ candidates have applied, showing strong demand and accessibility.
- 400+ participants are scheduled to complete the training over 11 cohorts.
- 98% of participants who have completed the program have been placed in roles in the battery manufacturing sector, demonstrating the program’s high effectiveness.
By connecting Virtualware’s expertise and its VIROO XR Platform capabilities with Windsor-Essex’s growing EV ecosystem, the Battery Boost program is helping to build Canada’s next-generation battery workforce, while reinforcing the region’s reputation in advanced manufacturing and clean-tech innovation.
“How do we prepare hundreds of new workers for jobs that don’t yet exist in a physical space? That’s where VIROO comes in. By leveraging virtual reality, we’re not just solving today’s training challenges. We’re setting a new standard for the future. Our region is leading the way in innovation and our workforce is ready to meet the demands of tomorrow“
– Ed Dawson, Interim Executive Director, Automobility & Innovation Center
By connecting Virtualware’s expertise and its VIROO XR Platform capabilities with Windsor-Essex’s growing EV ecosystem, the Battery Boost program is helping to build Canada’s next-generation battery workforce, while reinforcing the region’s reputation in advanced manufacturing and clean-tech innovation
ABOUT INVEST WINDSORESSEX
Invest WindsorEssex is the lead economic development agency for the Windsor-Essex region. The organization’s focus is to develop and execute strategies to retain, expand, attract, and help new businesses start-up in Windsor-Essex. Invest WindsorEssex is led by a board of distinguished community leaders. A team of professional staff will assist you with all your location and investment decisions by working one-on-one with businesses, to facilitate the process of starting, growing or locating in Windsor-Essex. investwindsoressex.com
ABOUT NEXTSTAR ENERGY
As Canada’s first EV battery manufacturer, NextStar Energy is at the forefront of innovation in EV battery production. Their trailblazing approach and deep industry knowledge provide invaluable insights into the skills and expertise required for roles in the battery manufacturing sector. NextStar’s involvement ensures that the curriculum is directly aligned with the real-world demands of technician roles, preparing participants to excel in these positions.
ABOUT UPSKILL CANADA
Upskill Canada is a national talent platform that helps fast-growing companies access the talent they need to compete and succeed globally while creating new career pathways for workers to rapidly transition into high-demand roles. Upskill Canada will target all regions of the country and support Canadian-based employers, with a particular focus on small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It will focus on strengthening key growth sectors, including digital technology, cybersecurity, agricultural technology, advanced manufacturing, clean technology and biomanufacturing. To learn more, visit paletteskills.org
ABOUT VIRTUALWARE
With 20 years of expertise in building business applications globally, Virtualware is considered one of the world’s leading experts in 3D-driven enterprise software as a service. The company delivers a professional and practical approach to real-time 3D by providing companies and institutions with the tools and support they need to grow, strengthen, and advance in their adoption of this technology.
Virtualware’s client base includes GE Vernova, Ontario Power Generation, Gestamp, ADIF, the Spanish Ministry of Defense, Invest WindsorEssex, McMaster University, St. Clair College, EAN University and the Basque Government.
The company is headquartered in Bilbao, Spain, and has offices in Orlando, United States, and Toronto, Canada. Virtualware is publicly listed on Euronext Paris since April 2023-
