As Japan sets its sights on becoming a top global startup hub, DMZ Japan is playing a key role in making that vision a reality. By offering mentorship, targeted programming and access to global markets, DMZ Japan empowers founders to grow their businesses by connecting Canada and Japan’s innovation ecosystems.
As an official global hub of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Digital Media Zone, DMZ Japan builds on over 15 years of experience helping founders validate, build and scale globally competitive startups. With a track record that includes supporting over 2,400 startups, raising $2.94 billion in capital and creating over 25,000 jobs, DMZ is recognized as a world-leading tech incubator.
Backed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, DMZ Japan supports the country’s national strategy to drive its startup economy. “As Japan works to attract global talent and boost its innovation economy, it’s crucial to equip founders with the tools to compete on an international scale,” said Yumiko Namiki, head of DMZ Japan. “We’re bridging Canada and Japan’s innovation ecosystems and opening up powerful opportunities for market expansion and high-impact growth,” Namiki said.
“Compared to the U.S., and Silicon Valley in particular, Toronto offers a more inclusive environment for international founders, with a supportive ecosystem for startups, lower living costs and a social fabric rooted in multiculturalism. Canada is often overlooked in favor of the U.S., but Toronto is where innovation meets genuine opportunity,” Namiki said.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in Japan, the Launchpad for Women program offers targeted mentorship, resources and guidance to help them navigate the business landscape with confidence.
“We’re also supporting early-stage founders through Launchpad for Entrepreneurs and Basecamp — an immersion program in Toronto for youth — which offers early-stage founders the chance to learn startup fundamentals, explore the Canadian market and build a global mindset from day one.”
“Looking ahead, DMZ Japan is focused on deepening its global reach and creating even more opportunities for collaboration. Innovation is borderless — and so is DMZ,” Namiki said.
As part of the Osaka Expo, DMZ Japan and Chiba University are launching a student entrepreneurship exchange, connecting Canadian and Japanese students to codevelop solutions, join workshops and participate in networking events.
To learn more about DMZ Japan’s programs or explore partnership opportunities, contact Yumiko Namiki, head of DMZ Japan, at: [email protected].
DMZ Japan is hosting a workshop at the Osaka Expo’s Canada Pavilion on Sunday, June 1, to highlight its entrepreneurial programs and student innovators.
dmz.torontomu.ca/japan/
