Published June 4, 2025
This article was written in February 2025 and published as part of our news section launch on June 4, 2025.
York University was at the heart of cutting-edge transportation discussions on February 6 as it hosted Electric Autonomy’s third annual EV Innovation & Technology Conference at Keele Campus. The event showcased York’s growing leadership in sustainable mobility and smart transportation solutions, with SmartTO playing a key role in bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and innovators. As a sponsor, SmartTO hosted a booth where attendees connected with its team to learn more about key SmartTO offerings, including its programs, resources, and expertise in the mobility sector.
The day began with a powerful land acknowledgment delivered by Paulina Karwowska-Desaulniers, Executive Director of SmartTO, setting the stage for meaningful conversations on the future of electric vehicles (EVs) and sustainable energy solutions. SmartTO, a sponsor of the conference and one of seven regional technology development sites that are part of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), is led by York University in partnership with Centennial College. It is dedicated to driving mobility innovation by providing resources such as feasibility studies, living and virtual lab testing environments, workshops, and mentorship programs. It also connects startups to key resources, including expertise and labs at the Lassonde School of Engineering and Centennial College’s School of Transportation, helping them drive their mobility technology forward.
A major highlight of the conference was the opportunity for attendees to experience firsthand the groundbreaking research happening at York. SmartTO led exclusive lab tours at Lassonde School of Engineering, where participants explored:
- Advanced Power Electronics Laboratory for Sustainable Energy Research & Smart Grid Integration – focusing on EV integration with power grids.
- Resilient Intelligent Sustainable Energy (RISE) Lab – dedicated to building resilient and sustainable energy systems.
- Freire-Gormaly Lab – pioneering research on sustainable energy technologies.
- BEST Lab – where engineering and entrepreneurship intersect to drive innovation.
“These labs are where big ideas turn into real-world solutions,” said Karwowska-Desaulniers. “The conference exemplified the collaborative spirit and innovative drive at York University. Through SmartTO, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the mobility sector, fostering sustainable energy solutions, and supporting the next generation of innovators.”
Beyond the lab tours, visitors had the chance to get up close with the SARIT (Safe, Affordable, Reliable, Innovative Transport) micro-mobility vehicle, an exciting step toward sustainable urban transportation. Representatives from the Faculty of Science, Lassonde School of Engineering, and the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) also showcased York’s extensive co-op programs, emphasizing the university’s commitment to hands-on learning and industry collaboration.
The event also provided a platform to celebrate partnerships and innovation. SmartTO reconnected with key partners like Dan Ruby, Director of Sector and Regional Development at the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), and recognized the winners of the SmartTO Innovation Challenge: Henry Agorua, founder of RenMobi Inc., and Mark Donaldson, Founder and CEO of Quantuity Analytics Inc.
With York University playing an increasingly pivotal role in the transportation and mobility sector, the success of this year’s EV Innovation & Technology Conference further solidified its position as a hub for cutting-edge research, industry collaboration, and sustainable solutions.
As SmartTO continues to champion innovation and collaboration, events like the EV Innovation & Technology Conference highlight the powerful impact of connecting research, industry, and community to shape the future of sustainable mobility.