​YSpace at York University , the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance and SmartTO (Technologies for Ontario) are pleased to invite you to the Venture Catalyst Showcase 2026 

​Join us for an evening celebrating the next generation of innovative founders as ventures from our Venture Catalyst Winter 2026 cohort take the stage to present their startups through short fire pitches. 

​The Venture Catalyst program supports early-stage technology startups as they validate their business models, refine their product, and build a strong foundation for early go-to-market and customer acquisition.   Throughout the program, entrepreneurs receive targeted training, mentorship from experienced founders and industry experts, and access to YSpace’s and BEA’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

​This year’s showcase features the Venture Mobility Catalyst cohort, delivered in collaboration with SmartTO, and highlights startups shaping the future of transportation and urban mobility. 

​The evening will also include the announcement of SmartTO (Technologies of Ontario) becoming part of YSpace, as part of York Region’s Regional Technology Development Site (RTDS), supported by OVIN, strengthening collaboration and support for automotive and smart mobility innovation across the region. 

​Event Details

​Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026 
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM 
Location: YSpace Markham 

​Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with founders, mentors, partners, and members of the innovation ecosystem while celebrating the power of entrepreneurship and the collaborative spirit of our community. 

​We look forward to welcoming you for an inspiring evening of innovation and collaboration!

Warm Regards,

​YSpace & BEA

​About YSpace

​​YSpace is York University’s pan-university entrepreneurship and innovation hub supporting startups and entrepreneurs from a variety of sectors and communities. Our programming spans across scaling innovative technologies through customer and investor capital to scaling agri-food businesses into mass retail to diversity-focused initiatives like ELLA for women-led businesses and in partnership with Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) for Black-led businesses. We are also home to two physical hubs in the City of Markham and the Town of Georgina.

​​​​https://www.yorku.ca/yspace/

​About BEA:

​​​​​Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) is a Black-led initiative to amplify and advance the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. The BEA gives Black entrepreneurs and professionals access to fully funded programs and partnerships to launch successful ventures.

​​​​​www.thebea.co