SmartTO
The future of mobility is here!
SmartTO, hosted by YSpace at York University, is a provincially funded mobility hub and part of the York Region's Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS), funded by the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN).
SmartTO empowers startups and SMEs to develop, test and prototype advanced automotive technologies and smart mobility solutions through accessing our state of the-art equipment, innovative labs and research centres, world-renowned expertise, and concierge-style business advisory and technical services. We focus on Smart Materials and Light-weighting along with Smart Mobility, Connectivity and Reliability.
What We Offer
SmartTO brings the power of research expertise, engineering, and unrivalled access to state-of-the-art equipment, cutting-edge labs, vehicles, facilities, and expert technicians through Centennial College, and several areas of York University: the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation, the Lassonde School of Engineering with its Mobility Innovation Centre (MOVE), Manufacturing, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Centre (MTEC) and Mechanical Engineering Department, York MicroFabrication Facility, the Centre for AI and Society, Electrical Engineering Facilities.
Whether you’re launching a venture, scaling a team, or aiming for a boardroom seat, these academy programs provide the edge you need—delivered by people who’ve been there and built that. This is part of our broader mission to equip our founders and community with not just access, but advantage.
Business Advisory Services
Smart Mobility Technology Incubator (SMTI)
The Smart Mobility Technology Incubator (SMTI) is a flexible 4-month pre-accelerator program tailored for early-stage startups developing innovations in the mobility sector. Designed to meet founders where they are, SMTI offers a goal-driven, personalized experience that helps companies progress from ideation to early market validation.
Participants receive:
- Biweekly advisory sessions with startup and technical advisors
- Access to self-paced learning modules, including 100+ recorded workshops
- Bespoke support across areas such as go-to-market planning, investor readiness, and product development
- Preparation for advancement into accelerator-level programs such as the Smart Mobility Tech Accelerator (SMTA)
With a sector-specific focus on transportation, SMTI equips founders with the knowledge and guidance to navigate regulatory, technical, and commercialization challenges unique to the industry.
Whether you're validating a new idea or preparing to scale, SMTI helps build momentum, attract talent, and accelerate innovation in Ontario’s smart mobility sector.
Applications will be on a rolling basis with a maximum of four months engagement.
Venture Mobility Catalyst
Venture Mobility Catalyst is a 6-week mentorship program exclusively for SmartTO clients developing technologies in smart mobility, materials, energy systems, and related sectors. This program provides tailored 1:1 mentorship and strategic guidance to help startups with an MVP validate their solution, sharpen their go-to-market strategy, and accelerate traction.
Participants receive:
- Weekly one-on-one mentorship with experienced startup advisors
- Customized support aligned to each venture’s goals and technical focus
- Access to peer insights, growth tools, and commercialization resources
Whether you're refining your product, testing market fit, or preparing to scale, Venture Catalyst is designed to accelerate your next stage of growth.
Applications for 2026 cohort are now closed. Join our program waitlist to stay updated!
Smart Mobility Tech Accelerator (SMTA)
The Smart Mobility Tech Accelerator is a hands-on, milestone-driven 4-month program. Designed for ventures developing innovations in smart mobility, materials, battery systems, or smart grid technologies, SMTA connects founders to a deep bench of mentors, technical advisors, and peer entrepreneurs to accelerate venture growth.
Participants receive:
- Structured workshops on growth strategy, fundraising, and commercialization
- 1:1 mentorship from experienced Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EiRs) with relevant domain expertise
- Peer-to-peer facilitated sessions to deepen knowledge sharing and connections
- Office hours with a curated network of investors, technical specialists, and advisors
- Access to a community of 700+ like-minded ventures and $60K+ in exclusive startup perks
By combining the technical infrastructure and industry networks of SmartTO with the venture-building expertise of YSpace, SMTA is your launchpad for scalable, investment-ready growth in the mobility sector.
Applied Technical Projects
The Applied Technical Projects (ATP) program offers startups a unique opportunity to rapidly advance their technologies by partnering with expert faculty, researchers, and students from the Lassonde School of Engineering at York University and the School of Transportation at Centennial College. This program is tailored for ventures looking to solve technical challenges, increase their technology readiness level (TRL), and accelerate product development.
Program features include:
- Customized matching between startups and academic experts based on technical needs
- 1–3 month applied research and prototyping engagements
- Development of design solutions, MVPs, tests, applications, or advanced prototypes
- Access to engineering labs, testing infrastructure, and student talent
Each project cohort supports a select number of companies through either an open intake or themed competitive calls (e.g., automobility, electrification, robotics).
By enabling technical advancement and real-world validation, ATP helps startups push past technical barriers and unlock scalable innovation.
View our experts page and technical capabilities page to learn more about how your startup can be supported.
Our team
Join us and unlock endless opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and growth. Whether you're a startup founder, a freelance visionary or an established entrepreneur, our doors are wide open to assist your journey.
Alina Ali
Entrepreneurship Manager
David Kwok
Director, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Nafis Ahmed
Associate Director of Entrepreneurship
Paulina Karwowska-Desaulniers
SmartTO Executive Director
Connect with us
If you have any questions about SmartTO's programs, contact us at smartto@yorku.ca.
OUR PARTNERS AND FUNDERS
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Contact us
For more information, please contact us at
yspace@yorku.ca
416-736-2100 ext. 44940
