AIC Hackathon Fall 2025
The Automotive Innovation Challenge (AIC) is a hackathon-style competition designed to engage post-secondary students in solving real-world challenges within Ontario’s automotive and mobility sectors. In partnership with SmartTO and VinFast and sponsored by Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), this sprint brings together students, startups, and industry leaders to drive innovation, enhance talent development, and foster networking opportunities.
Participants will tackle real-world challenges (Business or Technical) through industry-sponsored problem statements developed in collaboration with VinFast, a global leader in electric vehicle manufacturing. These challenges focus on key areas such as mobility, EV adoption, AI in transportation, and sustainability.
Business Challenge: Participants will tackle business-focused challenges such as building consumer trust in EV ownership costs, growing brand awareness for a new entrant in the market, and developing innovative business models that make EVs more accessible and appealing to Canadian communities.
Technical Challenge: Participants will explore how to optimize charging infrastructure at dealerships, leverage technology to improve the ownership journey, and create smarter, more efficient systems that support sustainable transportation at scale.
Throughout the hackathon, Participants will join workshops on design thinking, ideation, and pitching, guided by hands-on mentorship from industry professionals. Participants will also enjoy exclusive access to VinFast’s cutting-edge vehicles during the event and connect with leading automotive companies, startups, and investors.
Challenge Duration: November 8 & 9
Application Deadline: October 31
Eligibility: Open to undergrad and graduate students from all disciplines with a focus on engineering, computer science, business, and design.
Location: The Sandbox, Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence, York University (Keele Campus)
Registration Deposit:
To secure your spot, a $35 deposit is required at registration. This deposit is fully refundable, minus any processing fees, once you attend and participate in the hackathon. If you do not show up or withdraw without notice, the deposit will not be refunded.
Deposit Payment:
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Note that to complete your registration you need to make a payment through Eventbrite. The date listed on the Eventbrite page has been adjusted to allow for refunds. The official hackathon date is November 8 & 9.
Why Join:
Solve real challenges: Tackle problems shaping the future of mobility, sustainability, and EV innovation with VinFast and industry partners.
Build experience: Learn through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and real-world collaboration.
Grow your network: Meet industry leaders, startups, and investors driving change in the mobility sector.
Win big: The 1st place team will earn an exclusive dinner and career mentorship with VinFast executives. The 2nd and 3rd place teams will enjoy dinner with mobility industry leaders (valued at $500).
Learn more: https://www.yorku.ca/yspace/programs-streams/hackathon-automotive-innovation-challenge/
About VinFast
VinFast is a global electric vehicle manufacturer founded in Vietnam and backed by Vingroup, one of the country’s largest private companies. The company designs and builds a full range of EVs, from smaller crossovers to large three-row SUVs, with a focus on clean energy, advanced technology, and accessible ownership. VinFast is also a publicly traded company, listed on the NASDAQ.
VinFast entered the Canadian market in 2022, with sales beginning in 2023. Today, VinFast Canada offers two models: the VF 8, a mid-sized electric SUV, and the VF 9, a full-sized three-row electric SUV. Both are designed to meet the needs of Canadian families while supporting the broader shift toward sustainable transportation.
Learn more: https://vinfastauto.us/investor-relations/videos