Tested in Toronto: TTC Partnerships Driving Transit Innovation
The TTC is forging new partnerships with Toronto’s brightest innovators – start‑ups, academic institutions, and industry trailblazers. This collaboration model is a win‑win for the city, strengthening the local tech ecosystem while enabling the TTC to trial cutting‑edge transit solutions. The approach is speeding up innovation, shaping a more modern rider experience, and redefining what transit looks like in a world‑class city.
Join us and our collaborators from the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, Centennial College, Toronto Metropolitan University, and the DMZ for an inside look at how we are transforming transit through collision‑avoidance technology, digital twins, advanced analytics, and other emerging tools.
Panelists:
Naina Dewan (Moderator) leads Innovation at the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), driving the strategy, piloting, and scaling of emerging technologies to improve public transit through human-centered design and operational impact. With leadership experience across TTC, Scotiabank, Loblaw, and Walmart, she specializes in building enterprise innovation capabilities and advancing inclusive transit innovation through initiatives like the Bus Design Innovation Program.
Josh Colle is the Chief Strategy & Customer Experience Officer at TTC, overseeing communications, customer experience, innovation, planning, fare payment, sustainability, and FIFA World Cup readiness. With 20+ years in transit and municipal leadership, including roles at EY, Toronto City Council, and the TTC Board, he brings expertise in strategy, stakeholder engagement, and transit operations.
Hayley Waldman is the Acting Head of Communications & Marketing at TTC, where she has advanced through senior leadership roles since 2018 and helped establish the TTC’s partnership with TMU and DMZ. She specializes in communications and stakeholder engagement and received a TTC Excellence in Leadership Award in 2023.
Andrea Kerswill is an Expert-in-Residence at DMZ, advising the organization on AI adoption, innovation strategy, and growth. Her background spans financial services, startup ecosystems, and executive-level transformation initiatives.
Mona Eghanian is the Assistant Vice-President at the Ontario Centre of Innovation and Deputy Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network, where she leads strategic initiatives advancing automotive and mobility innovation across Ontario. She is a professional engineer with expertise in technology transformation and commercialization and was named one of Automotive News Canada Canadians to Watch in 2024.
Wenzi Ckurshumova, PhD is the Associate Director Sustainable Transportation and Transit Research at Centennial College. She also serves as Chair of the Academic Committee for the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium.
Itinerary:
9:30 – 10:00 am: Arrival, Refreshments & Networking to settle in and connect with fellow attendees
10:00 – 11:30am: Panel Discussion featuring innovators from OVIN, Centennial College, TMU, and the DMZ
11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Audience Q&A with an open question period for the full panel
Why You Should Be Here:
Get an inside look at how the TTC is partnering with startups, colleges, and industry to pilot cutting-edge transit solutions
Hear directly from innovators working on collision-avoidance technology, digital twins, and advanced analytics
Connect with leaders from OVIN, Centennial College, Toronto Metropolitan University, and the DMZ
Explore partnership and collaboration opportunities within Toronto's growing transit innovation ecosystem
Be part of the conversation shaping the future of transit in a world-class city
Who Should Attend:
Transit planners, enthusiasts and urban mobility strategists
Startups and entrepreneurs in the mobility and tech space
Academic researchers and students
Industry and corporate partners interested in urban innovation
Access Information: DMZ is located on the northeast corner of Yonge and Dundas Streets, in the same building as Cineplex. Take the office tower elevator (located in front of Starbucks) to the 6th floor.
Recommended Parking: Underground Parking at the Atrium building is available 24/7. The garage entrance is located at 39-41 Edward Street (one block north of Dundas Street, between Yonge and Bay Sts). Once parked, walk up to street level and look for the Yonge Street exit doors. Then walk south half a block to Dundas Street.
Nearest subway station: TMU Station (formerly Dundas Station)