Toronto Area's York Region | Startup, Entrepreneurship, & Innovation Portal

Collaboration Drives Innovation //

The YR Innovation Portal is a collaborative initiative run by The Regional Municipality of York with support from our innovation network partners. Our goal is to create a digital extension of our innovative community – where people can learn about local events, read stories on businesses, find jobs in the innovation and tech sector, and most important of all — find support to launch your next big idea.

One of Canada’s key innovation engines and an economic powerhouse, York Region is home to a unique and exceptionally diverse network of accelerators, incubators, startups, small and medium sized enterprises and multinational corporations.

60,000+
Tech Workers

A strong and highly educated tech workforce help drive innovation.

70+ Startup
Support Facilities

Startups and entrepreneurs have extensive support across the Region.

4,500+
Tech Companies

As Canada’s 2nd largest tech hub, York Region is a hub for global innovation.

Startup Resources & Colocation Spaces //

There are many different innovation resources available to help entrepreneurs and startups grow. Whether you’re in the early stages and need a place to incubate your idea, or you need a push to help scale-up your existing venture, York Region is the place to launch your next big idea.

Entrepreneurs can accelerate and incubate their ideas with the help of Seneca’s HELIX, York University’s YSpace, ventureLAB or CreateIT Now, an incubator at SouthLake Regional Hospital specializing in health care.

There also four Small Business Enterprise Centres providing business advisory services and training to business owners that are not building technology companies. Makerspaces across the region provide access to 3D printing and other tools and technology to get your innovative design into prototype and testing.

VIEW STARTUP RESOURCES & COLOCATION SPACES

“The innovation ecosystem in York Region has grown immensely. York University is proud to be a key partner, supporting start-up companies, industry collaborations, community-engaged research and the infusion of talent. The Markham Centre Campus, opening in 2023, will amplify these activities, enhance student experience and provide economic benefit to the Region.”

– Dr. Amir Asif, Vice-President, Research & Innovation | York University

“We have a strong entrepreneurship ecosystem in the York Region. Collective collaboration within this ecosystem is important because it is here that ideas can be developed and supported as they grow to a larger scale impacting more people. The stronger the community, the farther its reach and impact.”

– Chris Dudley, Director | Seneca HELIX

“With a vibrant startup ecosystem, York Region is one of the best places to not only launch your next venture, but to get the right help at the right time to grow.”

– Melissa Chee, CEO | ventureLAB

Your New Job Awaits //

Looking for the latest jobs in innovation, tech, and our vibrant startup ecosystem? The Workforce Planning Board of York Region has developed a job board and resources to help job seekers, employers, students, educators, and the community. Check it out below, but please be advised that job listings will open in a new tab on the Workforce Planning Board of York Region website.

Regional Job Map

Source: Workforce Planning Board of York Region

Latest Startup & Innovation News //

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May 10, 2022
The local success story of Mr. Loo and Dr. Hong was the focus of the inaugural Emerging Aurora event, an initiative of the Aurora’s Economic Development Board.
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York Region Business Update // April 2022
April 28, 2022
York Region Economic Development’s monthly e-newsletter shares highlights and news from the business community, small business supports, events, economic data, and more. Check out the April edition now!
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2021 Year In Review // York Region Economic Development
April 28, 2022
On behalf of York Region Economic Strategy, I am pleased to present the 2021 Economic Development Year in Review. This is an overview of economic development activities undertaken this past year, highlights of business news from across the Region, and important economic indicators showing the strength and resilience of our business community in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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