Last month, York Region’s innovation ecosystem thrived with big announcements on exciting new projects and programs to support startups, the development of new technology, and help businesses expand!
This includes the launch of Canada’s semiconductor council, a new green economy collaboration, a major announcement involving the United Nations and York University and more. All these collaborative innovation efforts speak to the diversity and interconnectedness of York Region’s tech ecosystem between public, private, and academic institutions.
Below are the top 5 major innovation announcements coming out of York Region in May 2021!
A group of Canadian industry leaders, investors and chip manufacturers joined together to create the Semiconductor Council, with the goal of strengthening Canada’s position in the global semiconductor market valued at $7 trillion! Leaders from ventureLAB and AMD Canada were named to the council board; both have a significant presence in York Region.
The current global chip shortage could impact the livelihood of many Canadian and international industries. But, as Canada establishes its position as a manufacturing leader with some of the best Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) talent available and the paired consistent flow of graduation talent from renowned universities, this council lays the groundwork for international success.
Seneca and Kingbridge Centre Team Up to Support Environmental Innovation in York Region
Seneca College and Kingbridge Centre have come together to develop an exciting new innovation hub in King Township! Focusing on growing the green economy, this hub will give entrepreneurs and companies access to a network of expertise and resources to support sustainable business and technology in the agriculture, food production and processing, energy, and environmental sector.
This partnership isn’t just about creating new companies and building technology – its goal is to improve the community through collaboration.
ventureLAB Announces New Participants, Broadening Canada’s Hardware Catalyst Initiative
Dell Canada, Dassault Systémes, and NeuronicWorks are bringing their expertise to ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Initiative (HCI). As the only hardware and semiconductor incubator in Canada, hardware-focused startups are looking to ventureLAB and the HCI for support.
Accelerate Newmarket – Three Unique Organizations. The Perfect Mix to Accelerate Your Business
A new accelerator is coming to northern York Region! Newmarket-based digital marketing company Treefrog, York University’s Schulich School of Business and the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to create Accelerate Newmarket. This free program, valued at $50,000, will support entrepreneurs looking to scale their business through high-quality expertise and resources.
First Canadian UN Leadership Training Centre Opening at York University’s Markham Campus
York University’s Markham Campus, when it opens in 2023, will be the site of the first United Nations UNITAR CIFAL Centre in Canada! CIFAL centres give training to individuals across the world, while acting as hubs for a variety of sectors to exchange knowledge. This exciting news and the selection of York Region as the centre’s location shows the importance of the Region’s location, expertise, and innovation ecosystem.
Innovation is continuous in York Region, to find the latest startup and innovation-related news, jobs, resources and events, check out the YR Innovation Portal.