YSpace GBA Startup Sprint Challenge

YSpace GBA (Greater Bay Area) Startup Sprint Challenge

The YSpace GBA Startup Sprint Challenge is a competitive program designed to fast-track early-stage tech entrepreneurs in the GBA region through essential startup-building fundamentals. Kicking off September 2025, participants will gain access to access to practical learning, hands-on support, and deeper engagement with the opportunity to win CAD $30,000 worth of prizes that includes funding and mentorship.

This hybrid program includes interactive five-day virtual workshops, culminating in an in-person final pitch day.

What to expect

By participating in the YSpace GBA Startup Sprint Challenge, founders will tackle real-world startup milestones through a focused week of interactive workshops and guided tasks. Designed for MVP-stage tech startups ready to scale, the program offers actionable insights on entering the North American market, validating your solution, and building sales funnels that convert. You'll also gain exposure to expert feedback, connect with a growing network of founders, and pitch your progress for a chance to win a prize package valued at CAD $30,000, including funding and mentorship.

Timeline

Application opens

July 28, 2025

Application closes

September 3, 2025

Program starts

September 8, 2025

Program Schedule

Participants will work on 4 selected tasks that represent critical milestones for an early-stage startup. Tasks will be shared ahead of the program to set expectations.

Day 1

September 8, 2025

Introduction to North America: A Continental Outlook

Day 2

September 9, 2025

How to Setup in North America

Day 3

September 10, 2025

Achieving Customer Validation with your MVP

Day 4

September 11, 2025

Designing Sales Funnels that drive customer purchases

Day 5

September 12, 2025

Your 20 most important metrics for success

Final Pitches & Prizes

At the end of the program, participants will pitch their progress, with three standout teams selected to present their final pitches in person. Top-performing startup(s) will be awarded a prize package valued at ~CAD $30,000.

Program eligibility

Based in or connected to the Greater Bay Area (GBA) region, Hong Kong, Macao and Guangdong.
Have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or be at a more advanced stage.
Able to attend all five program sessions from September 8 to 12, 2025.
Actively pursuing or planning expansion into the North American market (Canada and the U.S.).

Frequently asked

The program runs for five consecutive days with 1-hour interactive virtual workshops each day. Throughout the week, participants will complete four startup-building challenges. Only selected startups will be invited to present at the final pitch session.

The program runs from September 8 to 12, 2025.

The deadline to apply is September 3, 2025.

Yes. Due to the condensed format and progressive content, full participation across all five sessions is expected.

Sessions are led by YSpace, industry experts, and experienced entrepreneurs from the North American startup ecosystem.

No, the program is free to participate in, but spots are limited.

Join the Waitlist

Applications for YSpace GBA Startup Sprint Challenge are now closed.

Please reach out to yspace@yorku.ca if you have any questions.

Join the waitlist

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Contact us

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