YSpace Network
York University's connected, university-wide entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem
The YSpace Network is York University’s new hub-and-spoke model for entrepreneurship and innovation; created by YSpace and the Schulich School of Business, under the joint leadership of York University’s Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation David Kwok, and Schulich’s Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship's Executive Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Chris Carder, with strategic oversight and institutional support from the Office of the Vice President Research & Innovation (VPRI).
This model connects all of our Faculties to a central hub of programs, mentors, industry partners, and commercialization support, while maintaining their own distinct identity and priorities. Each Faculty will gain access to shared resources, proven programming, and a strong cross-campus network.
David Kwok
Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, YSpace
Chris Carder
Executive Director, Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Schulich School of Business
Why the YSpace Network? Why now?
York is at a pivotal moment for innovation. York was recently named a Top 100 University for Entrepreneurs by PitchBook (2025) and Top 4 in the Panache Ventures' Startup Formation Report (2025). York is gaining global recognition for founder success and startup growth.
By combining YSpace’s award-winning inclusive programs with Schulich’s dynamic innovation community (Schulich Startups), the YSpace Network unifies campus entrepreneurship under one powerful, coordinated model — giving every Faculty access to shared programs, expert mentors, and commercialization pathways while maintaining their unique identity.
Collective Impact:
The Lassonde School of Engineering joins The YSpace Network!
We are excited to announce the launch of YSpace Lassonde, a new dedicated innovation hub connecting engineering & science students, alumni and researchers with the tools, mentorship, and networks needed to gain innovation-related experiences and commercialize new technologies.
What to expect
- Turnkey programming, curated mentorship, digital infrastructure, and an investor/industry network
- Cross‑faculty collaboration, economies of scale, and a single front door to York’s innovation assets
- Alignment with national funding priorities and York’s research commercialization strategy
Faculties & Departments
A scalable, cost-efficient model to expand entrepreneurship education, experiential learning, and research commercialization — without building everything from scratch.
Students & Alumni
Practical startup learning, mentorship, industry exposure, and venture pathways that help translate ideas into real-world opportunities and career-ready experience.
Researchers & Staff
Guidance and support to translate research into impact — through commercialization pathways, licensing support, venture creation, and industry partnerships.
How to Begin
YSpace and Schulich are scheduling individualized consultations with each Faculty to create alignment and better understand the specific Faculty needs. These discussions include, but are not limited to:
- Reviewing current needs and opportunities
- Mapping student, research, and industry priorities
- Identifying the right participation and investment pathway
- Identifying philanthropy or fundraising opportunities
- Co-designing programs, staffing models, and success metrics
- Planning for launch, onboarding, and continuous improvement
Contact Us
Ready to explore? Contact us to learn more about the YSpace Network.
David Kwok
Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, YSpace
davekwok@yorku.ca
Chris Carder
Executive Director, Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Schulich School of Business
ccarder@schulich.yorku.ca
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YSpace is committed to working with emerging technology, agrifood, products and services. Get in touch today to find out how you can become a part of our community.
Contact us
For more information, please contact us at
yspace@yorku.ca
416-736-2100 ext. 44940
