York University and ventureLAB signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their collaboration in talent development, research, and industry-driven innovation. This agreement reinforces their commitment to bridging academia and industry, creating opportunities for students, researchers, and entrepreneurs to drive growth in Canada's technology sector.
As a leading innovation hub, ventureLAB's mission is to power hardtech founders to build and scale globally competitive ventures that advance Canada's knowledge-based economy, making this partnership a natural extension of its work in fostering a globally competitive technology ecosystem.
"York University has long been a valued partner with ventureLAB, and this enhanced collaboration advances our shared goal of not only fostering tech talent in the region but giving that talent the platform to turn their learning and research into commercial success," said Sophia Chan-Combrink, VP, external relations.
The MOU establishes a strong talent pipeline, connecting York University's distinguished professors and researchers with ventureLAB's influential network of founders. It also provides York University students with hands-on internship opportunities, equipping them with real-world experience in the hardtech, semiconductor, AI and medtech industries.
From left: Sophia Chan-Combrink, VP, external relations, ventureLAB; Hugh Chow, CEO, ventureLAB; Amir Asif, VP research and innovation; Amir Sodagar, associate professor, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science at Lassonde School of Engineering; Hossein Kassiri, associate professor of electrical engineering; Gerd Grau, associate professor of electrical engineering, Lassonde School of Engineering; Courtney Cole, industry partnerships, Division of Research & Innovation; and Christina Corre, research & partnerships manager, Lassonde School of Engineering
With the launch of York University's new Markham Campus, this partnership is expanding to create even greater opportunities for students, faculty, and industry professionals. Located near the new campus, ventureLAB will serve as a key hub for experiential learning, giving students direct access to its state-of-the-art Innovation Centre and resources. This collaboration will drive new joint programming initiatives and strengthen the synergy between York University's STEM, management, and business programs and ventureLAB's dynamic innovation ecosystem. By fostering cutting-edge research, commercialization, and talent acceleration, York University and ventureLAB are shaping the future of Canada's technology sector.
"For decades, York University researchers have been at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries that drive meaningful change and improve lives. As the world's largest markets compete for top talent in fields such as medical technology, digital innovation, and semiconductors, York is committed to ensuring our research translates into tangible, real-world impact," said Amir Asif, vice president, research and innovation at York University.
"To achieve sustainable, lasting outcomes, York University continues to cultivate strategic partnerships that amplify the reach and influence of its research. Through collaboration with ventureLAB, York is advancing the MedTech, digital technologies and semiconductor innovation ecosystems by harnessing the expertise of York University's Lassonde School of Engineering researchers. This collaboration will accelerate the creation of intellectual property and highly skilled talent, fuelling growth in critical industrial sectors."
Inside ventureLAB
York University continues to be a valuable partner in ventureLAB's flagship programs, including the Hardware Catalyst Initiative and Accelerate AI. As part of this renewed agreement, York University professors will now have direct access to ventureLAB's leading-edge hardware lab, enabling groundbreaking research and industry collaborations that will drive advancements in Canada's semiconductor, AI, and deep-tech industries. This renewed partnership underscores the transformative potential of collaboration between academia and industry, creating a stronger pipeline of talent and innovation that will shape the future of Canada's tech sector. As York University and ventureLAB continue to strengthen their alliance, they remain dedicated to fostering technological advancements, supporting high-impact research, and equipping the next generation of leaders with the tools to thrive.
About ventureLAB
ventureLAB is a leading global founder community for hardware technology and enterprise software companies in Canada. Located at the heart of Ontario's innovation corridor in York Region, ventureLAB is part of one of the biggest and most diverse tech communities in Canada. Our initiatives focused on raising capital, talent retention, commercializing technology and IP, and customer acquisition have enabled thousands of companies to create over 7,200 jobs and raise more than $420 million in investment capital. ventureLAB is powering hardtech founders to build and scale globally competitive ventures that advance Canada's knowledge-based economy.
