Digital Media Zone at Ryerson University

The Digital Media Zone (DMZ) at Ryerson University is one of Canadas largest business incubators and co-working spaces for entrepreneurs. 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. The DMZ is based at Ryerson but its 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, collaboration and experiential learning. 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. Since then, the DMZ has incubated more than 130 startups that have raised over $40 million in funding and fostered the creation of more than 1,200 jobs. The success of the DMZ has inspired a thriving multidisciplinary ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship at Ryerson University. A network of other zones has been created, each specializing in sectors that are poised for growth and transformation. These zones are helping to support the next wave of entrepreneurs from Ryerson and beyond. Entrepreneurship isnt a trend; its key to the future of economic prosperity in Canada. The DMZ is helping strengthen that future by fuelling the success of emerging entrepreneurial leaders.