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.
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.
Latest Startup & Innovation News //
- York Region’s Regional Innovation Centre, ventureLAB, Releases 2020 Annual Review
Despite the economic and business challenges of COVID-19, ventureLAB program companies and alumni made an outstanding impact in 2020. From the launch of Tech Undivided and the Hardware Catalyst Initiative, discover everything else that this regional innovation centre supported in their 2020 Annual Review. - York Region Business Update // August 2021
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 August edition now! - Former YSpace and ventureLAB-Supported Company Mero Technologies Closes Seed Round to Improve Cleanliness of Commercial Buildings
Mero Technologies, a former YSpace and current ventureLAB-supported company in Markham, York Region has completed a $2.5M USD seed round, led by Fresco Capital and IX Labs.
Upcoming Events //
YR Innovation Portal Partners //
