Toronto, Ontario – November 12, 2026 – The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is further expanding OVIN Incubators with the addition of York University as an academic partner. The partnership will combine the OVIN Incubator platform with York University’s expertise in mobility technologies, artificial intelligence, smart materials, digital twins, space technologies, and advanced manufacturing, as well as its strong culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. This will strengthen connections between academia and industry to accelerate the commercialization and adoption of Ontario-made automotive and mobility solutions.
York University has established expertise in research and entrepreneurship, advancing sustainable transportation systems and next-generation mobility solutions. Through York Region’s Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS), one of the OVIN’s RTDSs, Smart Mobility Applied Research and Testing-Technologies of Ontario, (SmartTO @YSpace) has enabled Ontario companies in developing, validating and commercializing mobility solutions over the past three years.
Through other initiatives such as the Mobility Innovation Centre (MOVE), the Manufacturing, Technology and Entrepreneurship Centre (MTEC), York’s network of research centres, testing facilities, and industry partnerships provides researchers and entrepreneurs with opportunities to develop, validate, and commercialize solutions to real-world mobility challenges. As the newest academic partner of OVIN Incubators, York University brings YSpace, its pan-university entrepreneurship and innovation hub to help expand opportunities for transforming research into successful ventures.
Through its New Venture Creation program, OVIN Incubators supports the creation of new companies emerging from academic research by providing access to funding, industry connections, mentorship, and commercialization support.
Since launching in October 2024, OVIN Incubators has brought together post-secondary institutions, industry partners, and SMEs to support the commercialization of Ontario-developed technologies and strengthen pathways from research to market. The program helps founders validate technologies, develop market-ready products, attract customers and investment, and build Ontario-based companies positioned for growth.
The program currently includes post-secondary institution partners at York University, McMaster University, the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, the University of Windsor, and Western University, as well as industry partners including Mercedes-Benz, Infineon Technologies, and Schaeffler.
QUOTES
“The future of Ontario’s automotive and mobility sector depends on our ability to transform research breakthroughs into globally competitive technologies and successful companies. By partnering with York University, we are strengthening the connections between researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry, creating new opportunities to advance and accelerate promising technologies from lab to market. Together, we are helping build the companies, talent, and made-in-Ontario solutions that will drive economic growth and strengthen Ontario’s leadership for years to come.”
– Raed Kadri, Head of OVIN at the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
“Ontario’s greatest competitive advantage is its ability to bring together world-class research, entrepreneurial talent and industry expertise to turn innovative ideas into commercial success. Welcoming York University to OVIN Incubators builds on this strength, creating new opportunities for researchers and entrepreneurs to transform breakthrough discoveries into Ontario-made companies and technologies. By strengthening the pathways between academic innovation and industry adoption, we are not only accelerating commercialization, but also attracting investment, creating high-value jobs and positioning Ontario as a global leader in the future of mobility.”
– Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO, OCI
York researchers and entrepreneurs are building the technologies that will shape how Ontario moves. Joining OVIN Incubators gives them a faster path from discovery to market, with the funding, mentorship, and industry partners to turn great ideas into strong Ontario companies. Through YSpace, Lassonde School of Engineering, MOVE, MTEC, and our partners across the mobility sector, York is proud to help propel the province’s automotive future and the good jobs that come with it.”
– Lisa Philipps, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, York University
“The future of mobility will be shaped by advances in artificial intelligence, connected systems and sustainable technologies. Building on York’s work through SmartTO, our participation in OVIN Incubators will create new opportunities for Lassonde researchers to bring their expertise to industry challenges, advance collaborative research and translate promising innovations into real-world applications.”
— Jane Goodyer, Dean, Lassonde School of Engineering, York University
About the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)
The Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) is an initiative of the Government of Ontario, led by the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), designed to reinforce Ontario’s position as a North American leader in advanced automotive technology and smart mobility solutions such as connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and electric and low-carbon vehicle technologies.
Through resources such as research and development (R&D) support, talent and skills development, technology acceleration, business and technical supports, and demonstration grounds, OVIN provides a competitive advantage to Ontario-made automotive and mobility technology companies.
For more information: https://www.ovinhub.ca.
About York University
York University is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change, and prepare our students for meaningful life and career paths. York’s Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario’s Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. York’s campus in Costa Rica offers students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs, while at the Markham Campus, innovation, technology, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration are built into every program. York’s new School of Medicine, the first Canadian medical school to focus on community-based primary health-care education, will welcome its first cohort in September 2028 (subject to accreditation). York was recently named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the 14th consecutive year. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.
YSpace is York University’s pan-university entrepreneurship and innovation hub supporting startups and entrepreneurs from a variety of sectors and communities — including student entrepreneurs, researchers commercializing their work, and founders from Canada and around the world. Our programming spans from scaling innovative technologies through customer and investor capital, to sector-specific programs like SmartTO supporting mobility founders, to scaling agri-food businesses into mass retail, to diversity-focused initiatives like ELLA for women-led businesses and in partnership with the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) for Black-led businesses. We are also home to three physical hubs located in the City of Toronto, City of Markham, and the Town of Georgina
Media Inquiries
Alicia Pereira, apereira@oc-innovation.ca