{"id":10688,"date":"2025-02-07T09:06:39","date_gmt":"2025-02-07T14:06:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yorku.ca\/yspace\/?page_id=10688"},"modified":"2026-03-10T14:53:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-10T18:53:20","slug":"hackathon-automotive-innovation-challenge","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.yorku.ca\/yspace\/programs-streams\/hackathon-automotive-innovation-challenge\/","title":{"rendered":"Hackathon - Automotive Innovation Challenge"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Automotive Innovation Challenge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The\u00a0Automotive Innovation Challenge (AIC)<\/strong>\u00a0is an immersive hackathon that invites post-secondary students to tackle real-world challenges in Ontario\u2019s automotive and mobility sector.\u00a0Unlike traditional hackathons, AIC is not about coding or building software<\/strong>\u00a0\u2014 it\u2019s about solving problems in the industry through\u00a0brainstorming, design thinking, and business innovation. In partnership with SmartTO (Technologies of Ontario)<\/a> and VinFast<\/a> and sponsored by Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN)<\/a>, 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<\/strong> and a dinner with the executives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Join the Waitlist<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Who is this program for?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The Automotive Innovation Challenge is open to undergraduate and graduate students from any Canadian university and college<\/strong> who are passionate about innovation in automotive and smart mobility. Whether you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What to expect<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Participants will tackle real-world challenges through industry-sponsored problem statements developed in collaboration with VinFast<\/strong>, a global leader in electric vehicle manufacturing. These challenges focus on key areas such as mobility<\/strong>, EV adoption<\/strong>, AI in transportation<\/strong>, and sustainability<\/strong>. Throughout the hackathon, you\u2019ll join workshops on design thinking, ideation, and pitching, guided by hands-on mentorship from industry professionals. You\u2019ll also enjoy exclusive access to VinFast\u2019s cutting-edge vehicles during the event and connect with leading automotive companies, startups, and investors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Business Challenge:<\/strong> Dive into strategic innovation, from go-to-market strategies for electric vehicles to optimizing sustainable supply chains and enhancing customer engagement models.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technical Challenge:<\/strong> Push the boundaries with solutions improving battery efficiency, expanding charging networks, or developing cutting-edge connected vehicle technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 1: Complete the Application Form<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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Step 2: HACKATHON Sprint<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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Participants will attend a series of dynamic workshops on design thinking, ideation, pitching<\/strong> and more to spark creativity and innovation. With hands-on mentorship<\/strong> from industry professionals, participants will collaborate in teams to tackle a challenge and develop an innovative solution<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Step 3: Final Pitch<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n
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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 \u201cDinner with the Executives\u201d Award<\/strong> valued at $500<\/strong>, plus the career mentorship conversation with industry leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Timeline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Applications Open<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

September 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Applications Close<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

October 31, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Kick Off Day<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

November 8, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Hackathon Duration<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

November 8 - 9, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Final Pitch Day<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

November 9, 2025<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Application process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Step: One<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Applications are now closed. Join our program waitlist to stay updated!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have any questions, email us at yspace@yorku.ca<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Join the Waitlist<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Step: Two<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Students will be notified of their acceptance to participate by October 31st.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Step: Three<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Students will take part in an immersive 2-day hackathon on November 8\u20139<\/strong> at Sandbox, Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence<\/strong>, where they\u2019ll work together to solve real-world challenges in the automotive and mobility industry.<\/strong>

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Program eligibility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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  • Undergraduate or graduate students from any Canadian university<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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    Frequently asked<\/h4>\n\n\n