The YSpace Technology Accelerator program is designed to support market-ready technology startups in executing their go-to-market strategies, acquiring customers, and preparing for fundraising. The program aims to guide founders through challenges and milestones by providing comprehensive support to help them scale their ventures.
Program Overview and Benefits
• Develop and strengthen knowledge on growth foundations and fundraising strategies through educational workshops and focused sprints.
• Engage with experienced mentors, program advisors, and industry experts to strategize and execute on growth goals.
• Participate in exclusive Mastermind programming designed to elevate leadership skills.
• Access over $60,000 in startup support and compete for up to $30,000 in equity-free cash awards for the top ventures.
Key Program Components
• Monthly Mastermind Sessions: Led by a trained facilitator for leadership development.
• Hands-on Workshops: Focus on venture growth frameworks with leading industry experts.
• Office Hours: Access to a private network of investors, industry experts, and growth advisors.
• Dedicated Mentorship: An Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) mentor with insights into your venture's industry.
Eligibility Criteria
• Product Status: Companies must have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) launched in the market with at least some early traction. Exceptions can be made for highly innovative deep tech products.
• Business Potential: Must have an innovative tech product and high growth business potential.
• Founder Attributes: Seeking driven, coachable, and collaborative full-time founders with a growth mindset.
• Program Format: This is a hybrid program. The selected cohort will be expected to engage in one week of in-person activities each month.
Program Timeline and Key Dates
• Applications Open: January 19th, 2026
• Applications Close: March 2nd, 2026
• Program Kick-off Day: May 5th, 2026
• Weekly Sessions: May - September 2026
• Demo Day: September 2026
Application Process
• Step One: Applications are open for the 2026 cohort.
• Step Two: Short-listed candidates will be invited to interview in March for further due diligence.
• Step Three: The final cohort will be selected in early April, with onboarding commencing for the program launch in May.
• For questions about the application process, please contact yspace@yorku.ca.
Program Logistics and Commitment
• Cost and Equity: The program is free for all participants, and no equity is taken from the company.
• Affiliation: The program is open to everyone in the community, not exclusively for York University students or alumni.
• Time Commitment: Ventures should expect to devote a minimum of 5 hours per week for workshops, mentorship sessions, and office hours.
• Cohort Size: A maximum of 10-15 ventures will be chosen for the accelerator.
• Program Format: The program is delivered in a hybrid format. While the majority of content is virtual, ventures are expected to be on-site for one week each month.
This is a competitive program with a high volume of applications each year. Interested founders are encouraged to apply for the 2026 cohort by the March 2nd deadline to accelerate their venture's growth. If not selected, other opportunities for support may be available.