The DMZ

Specialties

The DMZ (formerly the Digital Media Zone) at Ryerson University is one of Canada’s largest business incubators for emerging tech startups. The top-​ranked university incubator in Canada and fifth in the world, it helps startups succeed by connecting them with customers, advisors, influencers and other entrepreneurs. It’s a space and community that encourages, supports and fosters new technologies that transform lives and businesses.

The DMZ is based at Ryerson, but it’s not just for students; this unique community is home to entrepreneurs and innovators of all ages from across Toronto, Canada and the world. Overlooking the heart of downtown Toronto at Yonge-​Dundas Square, the DMZ is a hub of innovation and collaboration.

History

Established in 2010.

The DMZ opened its doors in April 2010. Ryerson University president Sheldon Levy saw the value in creating a space on campus that would encourage students, alumni and young entrepreneurs from the wider community to collaborate, innovate and create. The goal was to forge a home for digital industry and entrepreneurship in Toronto, and keep talent in Canada.

Five years after launching, more than 180 startups have incubated at the DMZ. They’ve raised over $ 70 million in seed funding and have fostered the creation of more than 1,500 jobs. They’ve acquired customers, won awards, grown their teams, and developed products and solutions that are positively changing lives and businesses in Canada and abroad.

Entrepreneurship isn’t a trend; it’s key to the future of economic prosperity in Canada. The DMZ is helping strengthen that future by fuelling the success of emerging entrepreneurial leaders.