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Research & Innovation

Markham is one of the most diverse communities and fastest growing technology hubs in Canada, making it the ideal location for York University’s exciting new research programs.

Markham Campus is set to create positive change through three innovative research clusters designed to offer exceptional research, training, education and collaboration opportunities to support a more inclusive and responsible world.  

Markham Campus will offer research, training and teaching opportunities in three specific cluster areas designed to support a technologically advanced and sustainable society: AI & Society, FinTech, and Digital Cultures.

Public Policy

Public policy considerations will underpin each of the three research clusters, addressing the broader issues of ethics, governance and public policy in an era of technological disruption and rapid innovation.

More Information Coming Soon

Markham Campus will drive collaboration with industry and community partners, world-class researchers, and students to form dynamic relationships in York Region and beyond. These partnerships – combined with the campus’ pioneering approach to research, development, and innovation – will address society’s most pressing technological, social and global challenges.

— Amir Asif, Vice-President, Research & Innovation

amir headshot

Research Clusters

AI & Society

We are bringing together researchers from the arts, humanities, sciences and digital technologies to construct a more responsible and sustainable digital future that harnesses AI technologies.

FinTech

We are advancing the future of the financial world by developing, evaluating and implementing next-generation financial technologies to address complex, real-world financial problems in a socially responsible manner.

Digital Cultures

Our examination of digital cultures facilitates collaboration between the arts, humanities, science and digital technologies to support a more responsible and digital future.


World-class location and equipment


Markham Campus will offer dedicated research, meeting and teaching spaces to facilitate ground-breaking collaborative research.

To learn more about applying and conducting research at York, and for more information on agreements, knowledge mobilization and commercialization, visit the research website.

Innovation in York Region

YSpace

YSpace is York University’s entrepreneurship and innovation hub. YSpace creates positive change by tapping into the region’s community of innovators, entrepreneurs and changemakers.

YSpace Markham

YSpace Markham will provide researchers with direct access to York’s entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem, working with revolutionary industry partners, such as IBM, the City of Markham and York Region District School Board.

YSpace Northern York Region

YSpace is continuing a partnership with the Town of East Gwillimbury and the Town of Georgina to deliver a two-year Business Incubator/Accelerator project to support entrepreneurs and economic growth.

Our Impact in Markham

52

Technology ventures supported

$19.3 M

Raised

286

Jobs created by York-supported ventures


Connected Minds: Neural and Machine Systems for a Healthy, Just Society

Mobilizing transdisciplinary expertise to develop socially responsible technologies.  

The Connected Minds Program envisions a world where breakthroughs in technology, will promote social health and justice for all, with an intentional focus on the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. Supported by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) and 50+ industry, hospital, and community partners, Connected Minds will support programs, researchers, and trainees to create a global hub of critical transdisciplinary scholarships on the configuration of social power and systemic barriers that underpin advances in emerging technologies. 

Learn more about Connected Minds