York University is expanding its role in Ontario transportation innovation through a collaboration supporting York Region's designation as a Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS) – a designated hub to develop, test and advance new technologies.
Designated by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) – a government initiative to help companies develop and bring automotive and smart mobility technologies to market – the York Region RTDS will strengthen Ontario’s position in connected, autonomous and electric vehicles.
It joins eight other sites across the province in a network backed by nearly $15 million from public and private investment to strengthen the testing and commercialization of new mobility technologies.
York will help lead those efforts through SmartTO, a mobility development stream led by YSpace, the University’s entrepreneurship and innovation hub. The initiative connects startups and small- to medium-sized enterprises with York’s research expertise, facilities and student talent and offers access to advanced labs and technical support.
These efforts already support projects such as AI-driven accessibility tools for transportation systems, real-time safety solutions for micromobility and research aimed at improving electric vehicle efficiency.
Delivered in partnership with ventureLAB, the York Region RTDS features 12 integrated offerings from ideation to commercialization, bringing together academic, industry and government partners to support companies across the development lifecycle. Within that ecosystem, SmartTO serves as a key entry point for companies seeking York University's research expertise, facilities and talent.
“Through YSpace’s SmartTO program, we are creating opportunities for industry, researchers and government partners to collaborate on transformative approaches to smart mobility, from electrification to micromobility and connected transportation systems,” says Amir Asif, vice-president, research and innovation at York. “By leveraging York University’s interdisciplinary expertise and our campus living lab environment, we are accelerating made-in-Canada innovation while driving meaningful economic, environmental and social impact.”
The RTDS designation marks a new phase in SmartTO's growth since its 2024 launch as part of Ontario’s effort to strengthen its position as a leader in emerging automotive and mobility technologies.
Since its launch, SmartTO has focused on helping companies overcome technical and commercialization barriers by linking them with interdisciplinary expertise and specialized infrastructure. With its integration into the RTDS network, that work now expands within a coordinated provincial system that aligns regional strengths and provides comprehensive resources to innovators.
“York and YSpace’s role in the RTDS reflects a broader approach to research and innovation that emphasizes collaboration across disciplines and partnerships with industry and government,” says David Kwok, director, entrepreneurship and innovation at YSpace. “Through SmartTO, companies are able to engage directly with faculty researchers, access student talent through co-op and capstone opportunities and test and refine new technologies with the support of University facilities and technical expertise.”
"SmartTO has been instrumental in advancing York University’s capability in smart mobility and transportation by serving as a hub and a living lab that connects industry with leading researchers, talent and state-of-the-art facilities," says Paulina Karwowska-Desaulniers, executive director at SmartTO.
As the RTDS network develops, SmartTO is expanding York University’s role in the development and commercialization of mobility technologies across Ontario.