York Region students take science innovation to the next level
Youth from across York Region recently unveiled science projects that could one day shape the future—from a smart compression suit designed for astronauts to research on duckweed growth and nutrient recycling in space, and even a machine-learning model aimed at discovering active asteroids.
More than 115 projects were presented by over 160 students in Grades 7 to 12 during the York Region Science and Technology Fair (YRSTF), held April 11 at York University’s Markham Campus. Students from 37 schools across York Region competed for a chance to advance to the national competition, which will take place in Edmonton in late May.
YRSTF is an affiliate of Youth Science Canada, and winning students will be among roughly 500 participants from across the country competing for the title of Canada’s top science fair project. Some may also go on to represent Canada at international competitions.
While York University and YRSTF have partnered on the fair for more than a decade—typically hosting the event at the university’s Keele campus—2026 marked the first time it was held at the university’s Markham campus, which opened in 2024.
This year’s projects tackled a wide range of challenges, including rechargeable pacemakers, smart helmets that detect and monitor brain injury, snow removal robots, and the use of AI to detect disease. To see more of this year’s projects, visit https://partner.projectboard.world/ysc/region/york.
“The students showcasing their research at the York Region Science and Technology Fair never fail to amaze me,” said Nathalie Rudner, Youth Science Canada regional coordinator for York Region. “Their curiosity, innovation, and passion for tackling real-world issues leave me incredibly inspired and confident in the bright future ahead.”
Students from previous competitions have also gone on to present their research at prestigious international events such as the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. Matthew Shen, who won gold at the York Region Science and Technology Fair in 2025 and 2026, will be one of eight Canadian students competing at this year’s Regeneron ISEF, which takes place in Phoenix, Arizona, from May 9 to 15. He will also be heading to Edmonton along with three Markham students, Tyler Zeng, Leo Tang, and Amy Wang to represent York Region at the Canada Wide Science Fair.
This year’s fair is supported by Connected Minds, a leading neuroscience research collaboration focused on building a healthy and just society. Additional sponsors included York Region District School Board, York Catholic District School Board, City of Markham, City of Richmond Hill, Sofina Foods, and Markham District Energy Inc.
If you are interested in supporting YRSTF, as a volunteer, judge or donor, or learning more about participating in the fair, reach out to Nathalie Rudner at [email protected].
Photo: Milliken Mills High School students Alex Wu Zheng and Peigi Gan are shown explaining their Bionic Heart project at this year’s York Region Science and Technology Fair. (Matthew Fletcher photo)