Hackathon - Automotive Innovation Challenge

Automotive Innovation Challenge

The Automotive Innovation Challenge (AIC) is an immersive hackathon that invites post-secondary students to tackle real-world challenges in Ontario’s automotive and mobility sector. Unlike traditional hackathons, AIC is not about coding or building software — it’s about solving problems in the industry through brainstorming, design thinking, and business innovation. In partnership with SmartTO and VinFast and sponsored by Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), this sprint brings together students, startups, and industry leaders to drive innovation, enhance talent development, and foster networking opportunities. Participants will also have the chance to win exclusive prizes, including career mentorship conversations with industry leaders and a dinner with the executives.

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Who is this program for?

The Automotive Innovation Challenge is open to undergraduate and graduate students from any Canadian university and college who are passionate about innovation in automotive and smart mobility. Whether you’re from engineering, computer science, business, or design, this is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build your network, and make an impact in the future of mobility.

What to expect

Participants will tackle real-world challenges through industry-sponsored problem statements developed in collaboration with VinFast, a global leader in electric vehicle manufacturing. These challenges focus on key areas such as mobility, EV adoption, AI in transportation, and sustainability. Throughout the hackathon, you’ll join workshops on design thinking, ideation, and pitching, guided by hands-on mentorship from industry professionals. You’ll also enjoy exclusive access to VinFast’s cutting-edge vehicles during the event and connect with leading automotive companies, startups, and investors.

Business Challenge: Dive into strategic innovation, from go-to-market strategies for electric vehicles to optimizing sustainable supply chains and enhancing customer engagement models.

Technical Challenge: Push the boundaries with solutions improving battery efficiency, expanding charging networks, or developing cutting-edge connected vehicle technologies.

Step 1: Complete the Application Form

To participate in the hackathon, applicants must complete the registration form, providing details about their interest in hackathons, knowledge of the automotive and mobility sector, and relevant skills.

A $35 commitment fee is required when submitting the application to secure your spot, which will be fully refunded (minus any processing fees) to participants who attend both days. This process helps ensure a dynamic, well-balanced event with participants who are fully committed.

Step 2: HACKATHON Sprint

Participants will attend a series of dynamic workshops on design thinking, ideation, pitching and more to spark creativity and innovation. With hands-on mentorship from industry professionals, participants will collaborate in teams to tackle a challenge and develop an innovative solution.

Step 3: Final Pitch

The top three teams will focus on developing their pitches, preparing to showcase their solutions to a panel of judges and industry professionals for a chance at an exclusive networking opportunity with industry executives. These finalists will be celebrated during the Closing Ceremony with a “Dinner with the Executives” Award valued at $500, plus the career mentorship conversation with industry leaders.

Timeline

Applications Open

September 2025

Applications Close

October 31, 2025

Kick Off Day

November 8, 2025

Hackathon Duration

November 8 - 9, 2025

Final Pitch Day

November 9, 2025

Application process

Step: One

Applications are now closed. Join our program waitlist to stay updated!

If you have any questions, email us at yspace@yorku.ca

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Step: Two

Students will be notified of their acceptance to participate by October 31st.

Step: Three

Students will take part in an immersive 2-day hackathon on November 8–9 at Sandbox, Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence, where they’ll work together to solve real-world challenges in the automotive and mobility industry.

Program eligibility

Undergraduate or graduate students from any Canadian university

Frequently asked

We are looking for undergraduate or graduate students from any Canadian university and college who are passionate about innovation in automotive, electric vehicles, and smart mobility and might be interested in a career in the automotive industry.

The hackathon is open to students from all academic backgrounds. We welcome applicants with diverse skill sets, including those studying engineering, computer science, business, design, sustainability, and more. The key is a passion for innovation and a willingness to learn about the automotive and mobility sector.

NOTHING! This is a free innovation challenge. To secure your spot, there is a $35 commitment fee, which will be refunded in full to participants who attend both days. Please note: the deposit is fully refundable, minus any applicable processing fees.

Participants will work on industry-sponsored problem statements related to mobility, electric vehicle adoption, AI in transportation, and sustainability.
Participants can select from two challenge streams:
- Business
- Technical

The hackathon runs from November 8th to November 9th. Kickoff Day (November 8th) and Pitch Day (November 9th) are full-day events. In this 2-day challenge, you’ll also have scheduled mentorship sessions, with additional time required for collaboration and working on your project.

You can register individually or as part of a team. If you're applying as an individual, you'll have the opportunity to join a team during the event.

Bring your laptop, your creativity and a willingness to collaborate. We’ll provide the necessary tools, resources, and mentorship to help you succeed.

It is hard to measure the impact or value of the hackathon as it will be different for everyone involved. However, by participating in the hackathon, you'll gain hands-on experience in solving real-world industry challenges, develop valuable skills through workshops and mentorship, and have the opportunity to network with industry leaders. It’s also a great way to showcase your innovative ideas and potentially earn industry recognition and prizes.

Pitches will be judged based on creativity, impact, feasibility, and the quality of the solution in addressing the challenge statement.

Registrations are open until 11:59pm on October 31, 2025. If you have trouble submitting your application please contact yspace@yorku.ca

The program is in-person. Students will take part in an immersive 2-day hackathon-style challenge (no coding!) on November 8–9 at Sandbox, Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence, York University.

Join the Waitlist

Applications are now closed. Join our waitlist to stay updated!

Join the Waitlist

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Contact us

For more information, please contact us at
yspace@yorku.ca
416-736-2100 ext. 44940