DMZ’s Black Innovation Summit is taking place on May 28, 2024, and will incorporate several events throughout the day, including a networking breakfast, founder and industry roundtable sessions and a pitch competition.

The pitch competition is for Black tech founders with a functional MVP and business dedicated to solving a compelling problem using innovative technology. Founders must apply and be available to attend the Summit in person at DMZ’s HQ in downtown Toronto.
Pitch applications closed on April 15, but applications were evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Product stage
• Scalability
• Leadership proficiency
• Market assessment
• Technological capabilities

Investors who are interested in participating in the Black Innovation Summit should reach out to Annie Long at annie.long@torontomu.ca.

The Steering Committee is comprised of industry leaders from a variety of verticals within business and technology. Their role is to ensure a wide range of perspectives, experiences and ideas to reduce bias in event planning and facilitate an equitable review process of pitch finalists. The Committee’s feedback and insights are shared with DMZ for consideration. For any additional information, please reach out to dmz@torontomu.ca.

Black entrepreneurs face unique hurdles in launching and growing a startup, often hindered by limited access to funding and support networks, a lack of visible role models, and entrenched biases within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. DMZ’s Black Innovation Programs (BIP) bridge the opportunity gap for Black-owned tech startups, fostering their growth and success. Learn more about the benefits Black entrepreneurs receive at DMZ.