Spark Centre Partners with TEDxOshawa 2026

TEDxOshawa returns to Oshawa on Saturday, May 2, 2026, bringing together 16 speakers from the local community for an afternoon of ideas and innovation under the theme, “The Future Decoded.”

Just like Spark Centre, which is the go-to organization for innovation in the region, this live event will help to showcase local voices on a global stage.

Spark Centre is Durham Region’s leading technology and innovation business incubator. We offer accessible entrepreneurship support to early-stage and growing technology and innovation ventures through advisory services, mentorship, funding connections, co-working space, educational programs, and ecosystem-building activities.

According to Martin Yuill, Spark Centre’s Executive Director, “Our goal at Spark is to ignite innovation, drive economic growth, create jobs, and help local entrepreneurs scale ideas into successful businesses in Durham-Northumberland and beyond. That’s why our partnership with TEDxOshawa makes such good sense.”

“Our goal at Spark is to ignite innovation, drive economic growth, create jobs, and help local entrepreneurs scale ideas into successful businesses in Durham-Northumberland and beyond. That’s why our partnership with TEDxOshawa makes such good sense.”

Martin Yuill

Executive Director

Yuill states that, “TEDxOshawa’s theme ‘The Future Decoded’ directly overlaps with Spark’s emphasis on innovation, technology, and future-thinking and human-centered solutions. Events like this spotlight local innovators and the thought leaders of tomorrow, which helps build the entrepreneurial culture Spark aims to cultivate across our region.”

TEDxOshawa will take place at the Biltmore Theatre, located in the heart of downtown Oshawa. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., with the program running from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

It is dedicated to creating a TED-style experience at the community level.

“What makes TEDxOshawa truly special is that our speakers are from this community,” Faris Mahoon Siddiqui, the lead organizer told us.

“These are individuals whose ideas, research, and lived experiences reflect the depth and diversity of Oshawa itself. Through TEDxOshawa, we have the opportunity to amplify those voices far beyond our city.”

This year’s speaker lineup covers a wide range of topics, including resilience, leadership, ADHD, nuclear energy, autism, hormones, and women’s health, among others.

“All of the talks from this event will be published on the official TEDx YouTube channel, which reaches over 44 million subscribers worldwide,” Zehra Mahoon, speaker coach for TEDxOshawa says. “This creates a rare opportunity for local speakers to contribute to global conversations and positions Oshawa as a hub for innovation and thought leadership.”

Yuill believes that “By combining local talent with global reach, TEDxOshawa helps to elevate the region’s profile and meaningful dialogue within the community.”

Tickets can be purchased online at: https://tickets.biltmoretheatre.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=158

About TEDxOshawa

TEDxOshawa is an independently organized TEDx event, licensed by TED, dedicated to sharing ideas and fostering conversation within the Oshawa community. Operated entirely by volunteers, TEDxOshawa brings together local thinkers, creators, and leaders to explore ideas that matter, both locally and globally.

About Spark Centre

Spark Centre is Durham Region’s leading technology and innovation business incubator. We offer accessible entrepreneurship support to early-stage and growing technology and innovation ventures through advisory services, mentorship, funding connections, co-working space, educational programs, and ecosystem-building activities. Click here to learn more about our various program options!

Spark Centre Partners with TEDxOshawa 2026

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