About
At SmartTO, we are driving innovation in Ontario’s transportation and mobility sectors. The SmartTO Innovation Challenge Competition invites startups to propose innovative solutions to today’s most pressing challenges.
After months of open ideation featuring 123 ideas, 132 comments, and contributions from 68 participants our analysis of the results has shaped our final challenge statement. The ideation phase has officially closed, and SmartTO is excited to announce that the competition is now open! Teams of startups are invited to submit their groundbreaking solutions in response to the key challenge statement below.
Challenge Statement
How can your startup leverage smart materials and enabling technologies to advance mobility and transportation while enhancing Ontario's position in innovation across:
- Sustainable Energy
- Intelligent Systems
- Last-Mile Delivery
Apply by March 7, 2025, 12 pm
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About the Challenge Statement
SmartTO is seeking Ontario-based startups in the mobility and transportation sector to help address challenges in the province.
- Sustainable energy, including but not limited to electrification, alternative fuels, energy storage, and grid integration.
- Intelligent systems, such as robotics, AI, automation, connected infrastructure, and advanced control technologies.
- Last-mile delivery, covering micromobility, urban logistics, autonomous delivery, and innovative distribution models.
These are just a few examples—if your startup is developing cutting-edge solutions, we want to hear from you! Now, we invite you to apply and bring your innovations to life.
The Process
SmartTO has collaborated with a network of industry experts to identify six critical challenges shaping the future of mobility. Startups have the opportunity to submit their innovative solutions and be part of driving impactful change.
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1. Information Session
All potential applicants are invited to join an information session on Feb. 19th, 12pm-1pm online to receive valuable insights from our team on how to prepare for submissions.
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2. Apply
Submit your innovative solution and demonstrate how your idea can shape the future of mobility. Be sure to align with the criteria below for the best chance to be selected as a finalist.
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3. Judging
A panel of industry leaders will evaluate and select the winners based on meeting the challenge competition criteria.
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4. Winners Announced
The competition will culminate in a SmartTO Demo Day event on March 26, 2025, where the winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded.
Key Dates
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Competition Eligibility Criteria
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Company Information
Must be Incorporated in Ontario.
Fewer than 500 employees.
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Industry Focus
Business must operate in the transportation, automotive, or mobility sectors.
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Experience & Traction
Demonstrated relevant industry experience and traction.
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Challenge Alignment
Solution must align with the objectives of the challenge.
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Innovative Tech Solutions
Must leverage innovative technology.
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Risk Compliance
Solution must comply with privacy, security, and liability standards.
Applicants who meet all of the above criteria will then be assessed based on both Commercialization potential and Additional Considerations, as outlined below.
SmartTO Demo Day & The Prize
Our exclusive SmartTO Demo Day event on March 26, 2025 will be held at a state-of-the-art venue - The Well in the heart of Downtown Toronto. The event will celebrate the SmartTO Innovation Challenge as well as another flagship initiative, the Smart Mobility Tech Accelerator (SMTA) program, in collaboration with YSpace. Finalists will be selected to pitch to key OVIN representatives, startups, academia, and valued industry partners. Top winners will be recognized for their innovation and impact, with valuable prizes to be awarded. Stay tuned for the full prize details, coming soon!
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Partners
Thank you to our partners who play a crucial role in driving innovation and fostering collaboration throughout the challenge. Their expertise, resources, and commitment help create an environment where bold ideas can thrive and make a real-world impact.
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We’re adopting a cutting-edge, open ideation approach powered by our partner, Innovation 360. With over a decade of expertise in successful innovation strategies, Innovation 360 offers comprehensive tools for ideation and commercialization, backed by data from thousands of global organizations.
SmartTO and its partners will collaborate with our community and external contributors to co-create, refine ideas, and drive innovation together.