YSpace Lassonde Launch Event
YSpace Lassonde is excited to invite you to the official launch of YSpace Lassonde, hosted at the Sandbox, Bergeron Centre for Engineering Excellence.
This inaugural launch event marks the introduction of YSpace Lassonde to the Lassonde School of Engineering community and celebrates the expansion of innovation and entrepreneurship support for Lassonde students.
Attendees will get an inside look at upcoming workshops, programs, and student-focused initiatives designed to support innovators at every stage, whether you’re exploring an idea, building a prototype, or preparing to launch a venture.
What to expect:
A formal program launch and 2026 roadmap preview
A live AMA (Ask Me Anything) with the YSpace team
Interactive games and giveaways
Snacks and networking with peers, mentors, and ecosystem partners
Join us as we celebrate this exciting new chapter for innovation at Lassonde and discover how YSpace Lassonde can support your entrepreneurial journey.
Program Launch
Hear from Dean Jane Goodyer, alongside David Kwok and Chris Carder, as they share the vision behind YSpace Lassonde, the opportunities it unlocks for students, and how innovation and leadership continue to shape the Lassonde experience. The team will also preview the 2026 programming roadmap, outlining what students can expect in the year ahead.
Meet the New YSpace Lassonde Entrepreneur in Residence – AMA with Helen Kontozopoulos
Join a 30-minute Ask Me Anything with Helen Kontozopoulos, Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EiR) at YSpace Lassonde, Co-Founder of ODAIA.ai and Founder & CEO of Resiin.
Helen supports student founders in developing ideas, refining products, and navigating early-stage entrepreneurship. In this interactive AMA, she’ll share insights on student pathways, founder mindset, and how to make the most of YSpace Lassonde’s resources, followed by live Q&A.
Event Agenda
3:00–3:10 — Arrival, check-in & snacks
3:10–3:15 — Welcome and introductions
3:15–3:22 — Remarks from Dean Jane Goodyer
3:22–3:30 — Remarks from David Kwok & Chris Carder
3:30–3:45 — Program overview & 2026 roadmap
3:45–4:15 — Live AMA with Helen Kontozopoulos
4:15–4:25 — Games & giveaways
4:25–5:00 — Networking
About YSpace Network
The YSpace Network is York University’s new hub-and-spoke model for entrepreneurship and innovation; created by YSpace and the Schulich School of Business, under the joint leadership of York University’s Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation David Kwok, and Schulich’s Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship's Executive Director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Chris Carder, with strategic oversight and institutional support from the Office of the Vice President Research & Innovation (VPRI).
This model connects all of our Faculties to a central hub of programs, mentors, industry partners, and commercialization support, while maintaining their own distinct identity and priorities. Each Faculty will gain access to shared resources, proven programming, and a strong cross-campus network.
Media & Photo Notice
By attending, you acknowledge that YSpace Lassonde may capture photos, video, and audio for storytelling, promotional, and archival use. If you prefer not to be included, please inform a team member on arrival.
We look forward to celebrating this launch with you and welcoming you into our growing community.
Warm regards,
YSpace Lassonde team