Smart Mobility Technology - Accelerator

Smart Mobility Technology Accelerator

The Smart Mobility Tech Accelerator, created by YSpace's SmartTO (Technologies of Ontario) - a transportation and mobility hub led by York University, supports market ready automotive and smart mobility tech startups as they execute their go-to-market strategies, acquire customers, and prepare for fundraising.

Who is this program for?

This program is tailored to founders who are working on an innovation or technology in smart mobility including, but not limited to, smart materials and lightweighting, system reliability, battery testing, or Smart Grid Integration.

What to expect?

Leveraging YSpace's extensive expertise and infrastructure and access to the state-of-the-art labs, vehicles, facilities and industry leading automotive and mobility partners , you can expect to:

Develop and strengthen your knowledge on growth foundations & fundraising strategies through educational workshops and focused sprints.

Engage with experienced mentors, program advisors, & industry experts to strategize and execute on your growth goals.

Access over $60k in startup support and special startup perks.

Community

Build connections with fellow entrepreneurs that share the same mindset and goals. Gain access to various events and programming to build long lasting relationships with our community of 600+ founders.

R&D Support

Access to R&D support with a full suite of technologies, test vehicles, specialized equipment, and technical support including access to Canada's largest on-site transportation training facility.

Leadership development

The program will feature ample opportunities for hands-on experience, accountability sessions, customized mentorship, and dedicated growth hours with key partners in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Growth frameworks

Develop the sales and marketing playbook needed to scale your venture. Founders work with dedicated growth mentors who provide strategic & tactical guidance for founders to build their growth foundations.

Milestone driven

Our programs are goal driven, using proven frameworks that put founders in the driver seat while we help them reach their end destination.

SmartTO (Technologies of Ontario) is led by YSpace, York University in partnership with Centennial College and powered by OVIN (Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network) and York Region. The hub aims to empower startups and SMEs to develop, test and prototype advanced automotive technologies and smart mobility solutions through accessing state of the-art equipment, innovative labs and research centres, world-renowned expertise, and concierge-style business advisory and technical services.

Timeline

Applications open

June 1, 2026

Applications Close

July 20, 2026

Program kick off day

October 13, 2026

Weekly Sessions

October - February 2027

Demo day

February 2027

Application process

Step: One

Applications have now closed for this year's cohort.

Join the Waitlist

Step: Two

Short-listed candidates invited to interview in July - August.

Step: Three

Candidates finalized in August.

Step: Four

If you have any questions about the application process, email us at yspace@yorku.ca

Program eligibility

Companies need to have an MVP launched in the market already with at least some early traction (while we typically define early traction by revenue, exceptions can be made for highly innovative deep tech products)
Innovative tech products and a high growth business potential
Driven, coachable, and collaborative founders with a growth mindset
This is a hybrid program. Selected cohort will be expected to engage in 1 week of in-person activities each month.

Frequently asked

We are looking for Full-Time Founders who are driven, coachable, and have a growth mindset. The ideal company will have their technology in the market, and have a focus on developing traction and unlocking their roadmap to scale.

Yes, the program welcomes entrepreneurs who are working on an innovation or technology in the areas of smart mobility, smart materials and light weighing, system reliability, battery testing, or Smart Grid Integration.

NOTHING! It is a free program for everyone and we do not take any equity in the company!

The program is open to everyone in the community, as long as they are dedicated founders who are willing to put in the time and commitment to grow the venture.

The program runs from the beginning of September to the end of January with a Demo Day scheduled for early February for the Top 5 ventures. On a weekly basis, the venture should devote a minimum of 5 hours for workshops, mentorship sessions, and office hours.

There are four (4) key components within the program:

Hands-on workshops on venture growth frameworks with leading industry experts
Office hours with a private network of investors, industry experts, and growth advisors
A dedicated EiR mentor that has insights into the industry that your venture is disrupting
Engaging in an active community of over 700 ventures and like-minded peers supporting your journey

A maximum of 10 ventures will be chosen for the accelerator.

It is hard to measure the impact or value of the program as it will be different for everyone involved. However, the program offers over $60k worth of startup support via dedicated mentorship, exclusive startup perks, and office hours with growth mentors.

You are encouraged to apply here. Shortlisted candidates are invited for a round of interviews in August for further due diligence. The cohort will be finalized mid August and onboarding commences for the program launch in September.

Please note that if you are not selected there still may be other opportunities to support you at YSpace or SmartTO. Get in touch at yspace@yorku.ca or smartto@yorku.ca

Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm on July 22, 2024. If you have trouble submitting your application please contact yspace@yorku.ca

The program has a hybrid format. Majority of the content will be delivered virtually, with a blend of in-person component. Ventures are expected to be on-site for 1 week of each month. Reach out to yspace@yorku.ca if you have questions about the format.

Apply

Applications have closed for this year's cohort.

Join the Waitlist

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Contact us

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