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Five real-world problems that led to breakthrough business ideas

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Five real-world problems that led to breakthrough business ideas

Behind every startup, there’s a unique story that showcases the grit, vision and creativity of its founders. From personal struggles to unexpected opportunities, these entrepreneurs have transformed their challenges into innovative solutions, shaping their companies along the way.

At DMZ, we’ve witnessed countless founders take their ideas from concept to reality, overcoming obstacles and creating impactful businesses. We wanted to profile five startups and highlight how these founders share one common trait: they identified a problem and had the tenacity to build something great to solve it.

From guitar strings to studio kings: How a musical gap year led to Soundspace.


Richard Anderson, Founder and CEO of Soundspace, is a prolific guitar player who knows exactly how costly it can be to pursue your passion. Before entering an MD-PhD neuroscience program, Richard decided to take a gap year at the Berkeley College of Music. He began looking for spaces to record his songs, but found the process extremely expensive for any solo artist. While chatting with studio owners, Richard identified a gap in the recording industry: high demand from creatives and low utilization of studio spaces.

His desire to bridge the gap by making creative spaces more accessible propelled him to create Soundspace. Built by a team of like-minded music buffs, Soundspace is available across the United States to book your next studio session, rehearsal or podcast.

Health hack hero: How giving women a smarter system for health, without sacrificing style, led to Loba. 


Kate Bouchard, Founder of Loba, transformed her personal struggles into a thriving business. After being diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome and uterine fibroids, Kate found herself juggling frequent visits to the doctor. Managing multiple medications and supplements with different dosages, she realized there wasn’t a practical or aesthetically pleasing, tech-enabled solution for organizing pills.

That’s when the idea struck her: women deserve a product that makes managing pills an enjoyable experience—without feeling like they’re pulling out grandma’s pill organizer. With her background in advertising and the support of healthcare professionals, Kate set out to create just that and Loba was born.

Data dreams: How tapping into corporate chaos founded SmartConcil.

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SmartConcil’s founder, Victor Salinas García, is a system engineer from Mexico with a long history of developing solutions for financial institutions. In 2017, one of Victor’s clients needed help with automated data consolidation. Surprised that a tool was not already out there, Victor saw an opportunity to build it himself.

After moving his company to Canada, he transitioned his service-based company to a product-focused startup. Today, SmartConcil is an internal auditor for mid-sized and large corporations to automate data collection, analysis and classification.

Out-of-office, not out of luck: How email woes inspired Snoooz.ai

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Snoooz.ai was born from a pivotal moment in Founder Chitresh Singh’s journey as a Customer Success Manager, where missing a single email nearly cost his team a $30,000 renewal. With multiple team members out of office, a frustrated client escalated the issue, pulling in executives and risking valuable relationships. This wasn’t just an operational oversight—it was a wake-up call.

Chitresh realized people shouldn’t have to choose between work and taking a break. So, he developed Snoooz.ai, an AI-powered email assistant that sends personalized, context-aware auto-replies and loops in designated team members on critical opportunities and escalations. Today, Snoooz.ai empowers hundreds of businesses across 60+ countries by delivering timely, personalized out-of-office email responses, seamlessly bridging the gap between personal well-being and professional success.

From career fair to founder: How a bold leap of faith paved the way for Talin


In his third year at Toronto Metropolitan University, Julian D’Angelo randomly stumbled upon a DMZ career fair. He met the CEO of Optimity, who a week later asked Julian to work for them as a sales representative. To everyone’s shock, Julian agreed and only took one university course a semester for six years to pursue a startup career. He then became the Head of Growth at Ross Intelligence and ran a fractional consultancy. During that time, Julian noticed one key challenge all startups faced: the inefficient and manual world of staffing.

This led to Julian taking the plunge to create Talin, an automation platform designed to streamline operations for recruitment agencies. Building Talin has shown Julian the highs and lows of the startup journey. From being stuck in his basement working side gigs to pay the bills, to raising $800k in a pre-seed round, Julian says that watching the Talin team grow is “the best feeling in the world”.


Looking to take the next step as a founder? Head to dmz.to/programs to learn more about what program is best for you.

Founders, here’s your 5-step solution for building bold brands with newkid

When newkid joined DMZ’s ecosystem in May, they had a clear mission: to help Canadian startups develop their brand identity in a way that makes an immediate impact. 

“After lots of success with startups from Silicon Valley, LA, and New York, it’s become more meaningful for us to contribute to tech from Canada,” says Matthew Donne, Founder and Creative Director at newkid. “We’re based in Toronto and want to work with communities making great things here, like DMZ, who are preparing startups to compete on the world stage.”

With their dynamic approach to storytelling and deep understanding of branding, newkid is an essential partner for DMZ founders who want to stand out in competitive markets. Here’s how they guide startups to build a strong brand identity, step by step.

1. The ‘newkid’ moment: Who are you?

The name ‘newkid’ comes from a feeling we all know too well – as the new person, full of excitement and nervousness, wondering: Am I going to be a nobody, or somebody?

For DMZ founders trying to make their mark, newkid helps them overcome these early-stage jitters by determining who they are as a young company. The first step is to capture their big ambitions in a simple, clear sentence. Because every brand needs to be memorable and easy to grasp – whether it’s for a potential investor, new customer or even their tech-inept mom.

2. Finding your purpose: Why are you here?

Knowing why your startup exists is just as important as the product you’re creating. Startups at DMZ can’t make progress without a purpose – and they need to have a clear understanding of the full scope of their target market, from investors and clients to customers and users.

newkid helps founders tell their story in a way that makes their audience immediately understand why they’re necessary, which involves thinking deeply about key customer questions. Who is their product for? And what problem are they solving?

3. Making visuals that stick: How do you look?

A strong brand is more than just a logo slapped on a website. Startups need to create a holistic visual identity that effectively communicates their story.

Everyone’s got a cousin who can make a cheap logo, but newkid challenges founders to dig deeper. Is your visual identity powerful enough to hold its own on a global stage? Is it legitimate enough for investors to take you seriously? newkid helps startups think through every visual element through a complete design system – including typefaces, colours, imagery, graphics and more.

“You lose a ton of credibility when your deck looks like PowerPoint template #1. Visual perception is really important and dictates so much of the response on the other side,” says Matthew. “This is often overlooked by startups in B2B situations, who think they can skimp out on visuals because it’s all about the product. But you can definitely lose longstanding clients over amateur visuals, when someone else outcompetes you with a sharp design system.”

newkid’s branding guidelines for American client, Commonplace

4. Defining your voice: How do you speak?

In today’s crowded market, startups are often tempted to take shortcuts by describing their product using artificial intelligence; or even copying the language and tone of other businesses in their sector. But newkid stresses the importance of developing your own unique voice and brand language that feels authentic to your business.

newkid’s team ensures that startups don’t fall into the trap of recycling generic phrases. With several seasoned copywriters on staff, they help founders create a language system tied directly to their brand – crafting the most impactful words and stories to clearly communicate their value to customers.

5. More than just digital: How do you act?

Finally, a brand isn’t just about words and images on a digital screen – it’s also about how you behave in the real world. newkid works with startups to ensure their brand is reflected in their actions, whether it’s the way their team interacts with customers or how they present themselves in meetings.

From company culture to events, every interaction is an extension of the brand. Does your office have a vibe that matches your brand? Do your sales calls reflect the same energy as your website? newkid helps startups define and align all these touchpoints, ensuring that every aspect of the brand feels cohesive and reinforces the company’s core identity.


newkid’s branding for Canadian clothing company, KOTN


The result: A unified brand that makes an impact

The journey for startups at DMZ can be challenging, especially when different team members and mentors bring varying ideas into the mix, leading to a brand identity crisis – a mismatch between words, visuals, and strategy. This lack of clarity can erode confidence and credibility, especially when founders try to pitch their idea or attract investors.

newkid’s approach is about avoiding these pitfalls. By working directly with founders, they create cohesive, powerful brands that speak with one voice and one vision – ensuring that startups are ready for the spotlight, whether it’s in Toronto or the global market.

“newkid is in the business of first impressions. We help startups be seen as put together and meaningful as a brand,” says Matthew. “People see so much more every day. Millions of things across different channels. So there’s less time for people to put all the pieces together. Which makes it more important than ever to be singular across all channels to appeal to investors.”

If you’re looking for new ways to unlock your brand’s potential, sign up for newkid’s 5-part hybrid workshop series with DMZ including the following sessions:

Beyond the pitch deck: How holographic tech brings a pitch to life

The founder checklist for a solid pitch: 

  • Clear problem statement
  • Compelling solution
  • Strong eye contact and body language
  • Stellar deck 
  • Holographic recording…? 


At a time where standing out is crucial, startups must continuously innovate to perfect their pitch and reach new audiences. 

Traditional tactics like sleek slide decks and in-person presentations are being pushed aside as founders seek more dynamic ways to share their vision. At this year’s Collision conference, we debuted a new initiative—bringing startup pitches to life through a stunning, life-size hologram. 

This unique setup, powered by our friends at HOLOMEDIA, allowed three of our startups—Syzl, Talin and SuperCode—to present their ideas to thousands of attendees to vote for their favourite pitch for a cash prize without being physically present.

A new holographic dimension to the startup pitch

Our holographic pitch competition not only captivated conference attendees, but demonstrated the power of technology to transcend traditional barriers, offering startups a platform to amplify their voices in a new dimension.

Compared to traditional 2D content, 3D content is more engaging with viewers, and as a result, has been gaining serious traction as a revolutionary tool for content creation. 3D formats have opened up a whole new dimension of possibilities across industries, from hospitality, entertainment, marketing and more. And while these holographic pitches were a showstopper, it’s only the beginning of what we’re hoping to achieve.

“3D holographic marketing is revolutionizing the way businesses connect with their audiences. It’s not just a trend; it’s a powerful tool that effectively communicates messages and captivates potential customers. Brands and businesses utilizing 3D marketing have seen conversion rates soar by 40%, says Glenn E. Smith, Founder and CEO of HOLOMEDIA. “As 3D technologies continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, businesses that embrace this innovation will unlock new opportunities for growth and engagement.”

HOLOMEDIA has also made remarkable strides in the world of AI, introducing hyper-realistic, fully interactive human avatars that boast real-time voice response, multilingual capabilities in over 40 languages, advanced facial recognition and an array of groundbreaking features that redefine engagement.

Rethinking startup visibility 


At DMZ, we know that true innovation comes from collaboration. Our partnership with HOLOMEDIA goes beyond technology—it’s about joining forces with a fellow Canadian company to redefine the limits of what’s possible.

That’s why we’re taking things up a notch by expanding our partnership. Recognizing the immense potential of their technology solutions, we’ve invited them to set up a HoloStudio and AI Lab at our downtown HQ in Toronto.

Our vision? We hope to live-cast founders to our global network, opening up new opportunities for them to connect with investors, partners and audiences around the world.

It’s a bold move that underscores our commitment to breaking down geographical barriers. We’re committed to supporting founders in unique and impactful ways, proving that when you combine creativity with cutting-edge technology, the results are transformative and not to be braggy, but pretty cool.

Shaping the future of startup engagement

By transforming pixels into powerful narratives, we’re giving founders the tools they need to stand out, reach new audiences and showcase a fellow Canadian technology business that’s crushing it.

This is just the beginning of how technology can unlock new opportunities for growth and success in the startup ecosystem. The future is here, and it’s looking holographic.

Looking to tell great stories through cutting-edge technology? Learn how at HoloMedia.AI.

DMZ YYZ: A gateway to the North American market

As a startup, expanding into new global markets can feel overwhelming. Whether navigating unfamiliar regulations, understanding local business customs, or forging essential connections, the journey can feel like sailing through uncharted waters. 

We built DMZ’s YYZ program to provide a guiding light for international founders – preparing them with the skills and resources required to enter the North American market.  

Set in the heart of downtown Toronto, YYZ offers a comprehensive, two-week soft-landing experience that gives international entrepreneurs an all-access pass to the North American market. It unlocks invaluable connections, insights, and opportunities to accelerate their cross-border journey. But YYZ isn’t just about fast-tracking growth – it’s also about offering the right tools and knowledge to break through market complexities.


DMZ’s YYZ program is uniquely tailored to each new cohort of participants. In 2024, participants were given the opportunity to pitch at Collision and attend an exclusive trip to Innisfil, hosted by the mayor.

“The YYZ program helps international startups understand the Canadian market, connect with local partners and startups, and provide valuable insights into the business environment and ecosystem in Canada.” – Emma Chuang, Asiabots Limited, DMZ YYZ 2024 participant

YYZ runs annually, welcoming new cohorts of global entrepreneurs to Toronto every summer. This past June, 22 startups from six countries received a curated blend of hands-on mentorship, expert-led workshops, and networking opportunities to help scale their startups across borders.

What makes YYZ so effective?

Beyond acting as a launchpad for global entrepreneurs, YYZ is a dynamic platform that brings together many stakeholders – including local investors seeking fresh opportunities, corporate partners offering professional services, and global organizations facilitating cross-border expansion.


YYZ’s carefully crafted schedule allows participants to tap into crucial industry expertise while immersing themselves in Toronto’s vibrant entrepreneurial culture. Highlights include:

  • Startup orientation: To set up YYZ cohorts for success, participants are introduced to the basics of doing business in Canada.
  • Individualized coaching: One-on-one meetings facilitated by DMZ’s experts and alumni allow participants to discuss their ideas directly with industry leaders.
  • Investor and networking events: Global startups are given daily opportunities to connect with potential investors and partners.
  • Ecosystem tours and cultural exposure: Participants experience Canadian culture firsthand – immersing themselves in the local business environment through tours and events within the DMZ ecosystem, which connect them with key players and valuable market insights.

“DMZ YYZ is a great opportunity for start-ups who don’t have any experience in Canada yet and want to get into the Canadian market. The connections during the program provided us with a lot of valuable feedback about our product and marketing strategies.” – Kevin Teng, MedFluid,  DMZ YYZ 2024 participant


Global partners driving innovation

Global partnerships fuel YYZ’s success, and this year was no exception.

Championing the global growth of Egyptian startups, DMZ Cairo’s annual “Demo Day” awarded winning founders of the pitch competition with entry into DMZ YYZ. This cross-border initiative reinforces DMZ Cairo’s role as a critical driver of innovation in the region.

Similarly, StartUp Village (Philippines) and Startup Terrace (Taiwan) played instrumental roles in bringing talented entrepreneurs to Toronto, while the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) also supported high-potential startups from Sri Lanka.

Additionally, JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and the City of Yokohama participated by bringing Japanese founders into the DMZ YYZ program.

“The collaborations between Startup Terrace and DMZ were highly successful. Through customized meetings, comprehensive consulting, and site visits, the Taiwan teams gained valuable insights into the local ecosystem. The connections and networks we established during our stay have laid a strong foundation for future endeavors in the Canadian and North American markets.” – Amy Yeh, International Strategy Executive (Startup Terrance, Taiwan)

“Working with DMZ for the YYZ program has been an AWESOME experience – not just for the startups we brought, but for myself as well. I learned a lot from the experience but more importantly, it opened new opportunities for StartUp Village to explore new markets and business models. We look forward to working more closely with DMZ in the coming years!” – Carlo, President of StartUp Village in the Philippines

Together, these global partnerships empower startups to thrive in international markets, while strengthening the collaborative ecosystem that drives innovation and growth across borders – solidifying YYZ as a trusted program for organizations around the world.

Opportunities for Canadian investors, corporates and other local players

DMZ’s YYZ program is also a gateway for local investors and corporates to build relationships with high-potential startups expanding into North America.

Take accounting firm Logan Katz, for example, who partnered with DMZ to provide legal and business workshops to YYZ participants. This hands-on engagement helps global startups to navigate the complexities of incorporating in Canada, while enabling firms like Logan Katz to forge early-stage relationships with promising international startups – a win-win situation!

YYZ also opens doors for local investors and VCs to meet vetted, investment-ready startups. Through structured programming to refine go-to-market strategies and growth plans, the program offers a curated pipeline of startups that are ready to make big moves in the North American market.

Collaborate with DMZ YYZ!

DMZ YYZ is more than just a soft-landing program; it’s a gateway to success in North America.

If you’re an international founder looking to expand into a dynamic market, a global partner wanting to provide unparalleled support for your startups, or a corporate partner ready to fuel the next wave of innovation, join us today!

Want to learn more? Head to dmz.to/yyz.

Basecamp 2024: Hear from this year’s winners

After eight weeks of intense workshops, hands-on mentorship, and an exciting demo day, Basecamp 2024 wrapped for another year. 

This year brought yet another cohort of highly driven students who spent their summer developing and refining game-changing business ideas. From ideation to execution, these budding entrepreneurs showcased the creativity, resilience, and determination needed to turn their visions into reality.

The Basecamp Demo Day is the pinnacle of our summer program, where the top 10 student entrepreneurs take center stage to pitch their groundbreaking business ideas to a panel of judges. After weeks of refining their concepts with the help of mentors and workshops, these innovators  competed for several prestigous grant prizes. 

Demo Day is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of the creativity, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit that fuels these emerging founders. It’s their platform to leave a mark on the business world. 

As the excitement of Demo Day settles, the journey for our Basecamp winners is just beginning. Hear directly from these rising entrepreneurs, who are still revelling in their well-deserved victories:


GlucoSense
$20,000 prize
Innovating non-invasive health monitoring


The first-place winners, Justin Allen and Tenzin Dhonyoe, co-founders of GlucoSense, are on a mission to revolutionize how pre-diabetics manage their health. Their startup is developing an affordable, non-invasive solution for monitoring blood glucose levels, a challenge that has long frustrated both patients and medical professionals. 

“Trying to measure blood without a blood sample is just as hard as it sounds,” explained Allen, one of the co-founders. Yet, despite the complexity, GlucoSense is tackling this problem head-on with a clear vision of creating a tool that could prevent the onset of diabetes. 

With their recent win, Justin and Tenzin plan to use the prize money to bring their vision one step closer to reality by developing a working prototype of their groundbreaking device.

Along the way, they’ve benefited from direct support and guidance from professionals in DMZ’s network, helping them refine their strategy and avoid common pitfalls. “Be clear about your vision but remain flexible and open to feedback,” Tenzin advised. “Growth comes from refining your product and business model.”

Justin explained that getting access to experts who had once been in his shoes provided encouragement throughout the process, “Having people who look at ideas for a living and tell us ours is worth making is the best kind of motivation.” The direct feedback from seasoned professionals gave the co-founders the confidence needed to push forward with their vision.


PYNX
$15,000 prize
Gamifying music discovery and revolutionizing fan engagement

PYNX is reshaping how fans discover and engage with new music. Inspired by “The Voice” show’s “blind auditions”, Asar Qadir founded PYNX, a gamified platform for unreleased music. By default, the artist and track name are hidden while music plays on the app, allowing listeners to focus on the sound. Users can then “reveal” the track info, purchase it, and even unlock perks like merchandise or concert tickets.

With the support of DMZ, PYNX is well-positioned to disrupt the music industry and provide new opportunities for both artists and fans alike.“Support from my amazing lead helped me out a lot when it came to navigating the legal side of startups and also with pitch practice,” Asar explained, highlighting how critical DMZ’s mentorship was in overcoming some of the more challenging aspects of launching a startup. This hands-on guidance allowed him to refine not only his platform but also the way he presented it to potential investors and customers.

Asar also shared valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “Be empathetic and curious about the problems that your industry faces, talk to customers as much as you can, and iterate quickly!” His approach, rooted in curiosity and constant iteration, has driven PYNX forward in its mission to change the way fans experience music discovery.

What’s next for PYNX? “Securing a partnership with one of the big three major record labels!” Asar says as he looks to scale the platform and create deeper connections between artists and their audiences.


Sumina
$10,000 prize
Empowering women’s health in the workplace

Sumina is addressing a critical yet often overlooked issue in workplace wellness: women’s menstrual health. By filling the gap in support for women during their cycles, Sumina aims to transform what is often seen as a productivity barrier into a strategic advantage for businesses. This innovative approach enhances workplace inclusion and empowers women to perform at their best, no matter the time of the month.

“Having access to Experts-in-Residence from different backgrounds has helped refine our strategy and given me the confidence to tackle challenges head-on,” shared Sylvia Gehring, Founder of Sumina, as she reflected on the value of Basecamp’s mentorship. The program’s access to experts in the industry provided Sylvia with diverse perspectives that helped her sharpen Sumnia’s business model and overcome early obstacles. 

“If you’re thinking of applying to Basecamp, my advice is simple: go for it!”, shared Sylvia, as she reflected on her journey in the program. “The program pushes you out of your comfort zone in the best way possible, giving you the support and mentorship you need to grow as an entrepreneur,” Sylvia added.

With the prize money, Sylvia’s next steps include building a robust MVP to pilot with additional businesses and organizations. Part of Sylvia’s winnings will also fuel creative marketing efforts to raise awareness and drive adoption of their product.

FreshAI
$5,000 prize
Reducing food waste, boosting store efficiency

FreshAI is a SaaS company tackling a significant issue in the grocery industry: over-purchasing of fruits and vegetables, which leads to food waste and lost revenue for stores. Through forecasting, advanced reporting, and automated ordering, FreshAI is helping grocery stores reduce waste and improve their profit margins in the process. 

DMZ Basecamp played a crucial role in refining the business approach of FreshAI. “[Of all the program’s supports,] the mentors we had access to, whenever we needed help, impacted both FreshAI and myself the most,” shared Krish Bhoopati, Founder of FreshAI, highlighting how the program’s hands-on guidance shaped his strategy and decision-making process. 

With the prize money, FreshAI plans to expand their solution to more stores and fund pilot programs to demonstrate the power of AI in making more efficient and sustainable grocery operations. 

His takeaway from Basecamp? “Don’t be scared to take risks and take advantage of every opportunity that is available to you.”

The DMZ Basecamp program has fostered a new wave of trailblazing startups, each solving critical challenges in unique ways. From innovating non-invasive health monitoring

to revolutionizing how we discover new music, this cohort exemplified the impact of combining passion with strategic guidance. With the support and insights gained through Basecamp, these founders have gained the foundation to not only expand their businesses but also make a lasting impact in their respective industries. 

 We can’t wait to see where their journeys take them next.

 A special thank you to Embark Student Foundation and the George & Helen Vari Foundation for their generous support of the Basecamp program. Their contributions have made it possible for emerging entrepreneurs to develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed.

Are you a student interested in joining Basecamp 2025? Be the first to hear when applications open here!

Until then, we invite you to check out DMZ Masterclass to master your business skills at dmz.to/masterclass.

Want to stay in the loop with everything happening in the DMZ community? Subscribe to our Tech Talk newsletter for the latest updates, events, and opportunities.

Canada’s Innovation Report Card gave us a C, here’s what to know.

As part of the Canadian Centre for the Innovation Economy (CCIE), DMZ fueled the development of Canada’s 2024 Innovation Report Card, which gave our country’s innovation performance a C. Although we didn’t ace it, knowing where our shortcomings lie is the first step to boosting our innovation game.

There’s a lot of unknown about the future of the innovation economy in Canada. 2024 brought us many curveballs – declining capital for early-stage companies, recent changes in capital gains taxes, more entrepreneurs going back to their day jobs and a soaring cost of living. While the dust begins to settle, the best thing we can do as an innovation ecosystem is take note of where we stand.

Here are our four key takeaways for how our innovation ecosystem can level up.

  1. Adopting the 3 pillars of innovation: Capacity, activity and results.
  2. Embracing competition to boost innovation. 
  3. Stepping up our patent game to compete globally. 
  4. Bridging the gap from early stage success to sustainable growth.


Adopting the 3 pillars of innovation: Capacity, activity and results.

Canada’s innovation capacity focuses on resources for human capital, knowledge and entrepreneurship. Our activity centers on investments and early entrepreneurial steps, while our results gauge the impact and productivity of innovations.

So why does all this matter?

Innovation is vital for economic growth. Having a high innovation capacity breeds creativity, constant activity transforms these ideas into action, and the results can be measured by real-world impact.

In a nutshell, these fundamentals are the keys to Canada staying ahead in the global game and thriving on the world stage.

Embracing competition to boost innovation.

Healthy competition can make a big difference in driving innovation and economic growth. Unlike other countries, Canada’s business revenue and development (R&D) has been declining steadily over the past 20 years. This downturn is tied to factors like lack of competition, complacency and risk aversion. Too many markets in Canada currently operate as monopolies or near-monopolies; just think of our telecommunications and grocery industries.

To foster innovation and growth, we need to adopt new legislation that encourages a competitive spirit within the business ecosystem. This will open the door for new entrants, like startups, to drive the innovation Canada desperately needs.


Stepping up our patent game to compete globally.

Canada’s patent game is seriously lagging, ranking near the bottom globally.

To turn this around, we need to boost business R&D and collaborate with universities to turn research into new products and services. Patents provide Canadian companies security, by protecting their ideas and cementing their ideas on the world stage.

While initiatives like the Innovation Asset Collective and Ontario’s IP Office are a great start, we need to do more to keep our intellectual property from slipping through the cracks and to thrive in the global economy.


Bridging the gap from early-stage success to sustainable growth.

The first step to becoming an entrepreneur? You need the guts to start a business. Canadians are known for our culture of individual achievement, with more people starting new businesses here compared to any other country. The Innovation Report Card gave us an A in total early-stage entrepreneurial activity. Our desire to innovate is commendable. However, our success isn’t translating into scaling-up our homegrown businesses into anchor companies.

Although Canada’s 2024 Innovation Report Card gave us a C, a lot can change in a year. We need to provide entrepreneurs with the essential resources and capital to grow and scale. Otherwise, we won’t be able to create the next Canadian success story – like Shopify or 1Password.

Programs like DMZ’s Incubator help early-stage entrepreneurs scale their business. With our expansive investor network, 60+ hours with our Experts-in-Residence and a $10K entry grant, founders are given the tools to take their business to the next level.

For the full scoop on Canada’s 2024 Innovation Report Card, you can download the report here.


Are you a tech founder with exceptional vision, innate talent and a coachable spirit that’s ready to scale? Or does one come to mind? Apply for our next Incubator cohort, which kicks off this September. Applications close on August 11.

DMZ welcomes Incubator Cohort 7 companies

Our latest cohort is composed of exceptional startups that stood out among hundreds of promising applicants from around the world.

Some highlights of this cohort: 

  • 10 startups representing diverse verticals: EdTech, Fintech, HRTech, Social Impact, and more
  • Over 50% of Cohort 7 are woman-founded
  • The majority of startups operate as B2B SaaS companies
  • Our startups’ home bases span across the U.K., U.S. and Canada

For the next 18 months, startup founders will benefit from extensive support as they scale their products, ramp up customer acquisition, explore global expansion, gain access to cutting-edge resources and much more. Startups also benefit from continuous guidance with access to a world-class network of mentors, industry leaders, professional services, investors and legal advisors.  

Keep reading to learn more about the visionary startups leading the future of tech.

 


Aravenda provides a cloud-based consignment software solution for small businesses or enterprise users. Aravenda seamlessly integrates with Shopify and Clover to simplify workflows, eliminate common system errors and streamline inventory management while expanding the reach of consignment businesses globally. 



Loba is innovating health and wellness by modernizing traditional pill and supplement management through technology and the psychology of building healthy habits. By connecting a Loba device to WiFi, users can easily manage their pill and supplement schedule, set reminders, add new medications, track habits, and more.


Omnia focuses on the digital optimization of business operations such as supply chain management and e-learning solutions. By assessing a company’s current tech utilization, Omnia designs a custom optimization strategy to enhance workflow management and streamline operations across various industries. This company ensures its implementations drive significant value and ongoing support by prioritizing the understanding of client needs.


Quantibly is an innovative impact analytics platform revolutionizing data-driven decision-making in the social sector. With advanced AI and automation tools for data collection, analysis, and visualization, Quantibly empowers organizations in 82 countries to gain actionable insights into their financial and non-financial impacts.



Rescounts is an innovative, cost-effective platform that offers all-in-one event management services. The platform helps customers connect with various events in their area, and purchase tickets from anywhere. Rescounts also helps users keep track of their purchased event tickets and maintain a schedule of their upcoming events.  



SmartConcil is a platform that simplifies financial decisions based on Reconciliation automation. It proves security and real-time traceability over financial data, allowing finance teams to focus on what really matters.



Snoooz AI is an AI-powered Out-of-Office (OOO) assistant that can send personalized OOO responses, automate OOO tasks, route messages to backups and create coverage plans. This comprehensive tool simplifies your OOO management, handling everything efficiently.

 

Soundspace connects people with creative workspaces through a network of membership-based music networking, rehearsal, producing, and recording facilities. Memberships to Soundspace locations are available monthly, and artists book their time on their chosen location’s communal calendar. 


SuperCode is an app where kids learn to code by creating and playing interactive worlds together in live online events. Their focus is on exposing kids to key coding and problem-solving concepts in a way that is deeply fun and engaging motivating them to dig deeper and start to develop confidence in their skills.

 

Talin is the definitive automation solution for the staffing industry, integrating every essential application with scalable generative A.I. technology. The startup’s technology executes the most tedious staffing and recruiting workflows in minutes, acting as a co-pilot for placing candidates and signing new clients, all from a single platform.

 

Get to know more about our Fall ‘25 cohort of startups by visiting DMZ’s Current Startups page. Are you an early-stage tech founder interested in growing your business? Discover how DMZ’s Incubator can help here. 

Students, here’s how to turn your summer break into a business-building opportunity

A blueprint for student entrepreneurs: Lisa Huh’s success story with Basecamp


Summer isn’t just for relaxation and afternoons by the pool; for ambitious student entrepreneurs, it’s the perfect time to transform an idea into a business. 

However, understanding where to start can be daunting without the proper guidance. Programs like DMZ’s Basecamp provide student entrepreneurs with the roadmap, tools and skills to navigate this exciting journey.

But don’t take it from us. We sat down with Lisa Huh, a Basecamp alumni and Founder of PocketClass, to learn how Basecamp helped her business gain some serious momentum —like onboarding 40 new clients and awarding her a $5,000 grant prize.

Check out her key takeaways from the program for a taste of what you’ll learn at Basecamp this summer. 

Perfect your pitch.

“Storytelling isn’t just an art. It’s a strategic asset,” Lisa discovered during her stint at Basecamp. She learned to craft a compelling startup pitch that not only communicated the core of her business idea but did so in an engaging way. Perfecting your pitch allows you to effectively communicate with your audience what makes your product unique and how it solves a problem.

Lisa developed skills in building pitch decks, effectively presenting her business, and responding dynamically to questions—skills she believes are never taught in traditional classrooms.

Build a network. 

“One of the most considerable challenges student entrepreneurs face is understanding how to access the ecosystem,” Lisa explained. Understanding a network’s role in building a business was one of her biggest takeaways from the program.This network was vital for Lisa personally and professionally, helping her connect with mentors and peers who were instrumental even beyond her time at Basecamp. 

“Accessing the right ecosystem is crucial,” Lisa noted. Through Basecamp, she gained a foundational support system to grow her business. More importantly, it gave her a vibrant network of founders and experts who offered advice and honest insights.

This network was vital for Lisa personally and professionally, helping her connect with mentors and peers who were instrumental even beyond her time at Basecamp. 

Master mentorship. 

Engaging with entrepreneurs and mentors who’ve been in your shoes accelerates success,  and DMZ’s Basecamp connects student entrepreneurs with industry leaders.


Lisa connected with founders building similar marketplace businesses, gaining direct insights into overcoming her exact business challenges. “When I had issues with customer outreach, I could turn to mentors who had faced similar hurdles, and they offered me tangible advice on how to perfect my emails,” she shared. Plus, mentors who helped Lisa with nailing customer outreach played a pivotal role in introducing her to many of her clients today.

Students, don’t miss your chance. 

This year, we’ve decided to raise the bar and introduce Basecamp Sprint, a high-velocity 4-week program for university students to pitch at Collision 2024 and win a trip to New York City. 

We’ll then head into Basecamp Voyage, an 8-week deep-dive program for high school and university students emphasizing ideation, development, and a culminating pitch competition for $50,000 in grants. 

Ready to be catapulted into the tech world this summer? Learn more about  Basecamp Sprint and Voyage at dmz.to/basecamp and apply today. 

How DMZ’s startups are carving out unique paths in the field of AI

Nearly every day, the tech world serves us a new AI delicacy. Unlike the latest viral trends that flash before our eyes in what seems like a second, these AI treats don’t just come and go—they arrive, evolve, and continually leave us in awe of their capabilities.

AI is beyond a buzzword, it has real-life impact.

AI is rapidly changing the tech scene and evolving faster than we can sometimes keep track of. It’s not just a buzzword; it’s a powerful tool, promising to iron out wrinkles in processes and boost efficiency in the tools we use on a daily basis.
DMZ is home to a vast group of companies that are making their mark when it comes to revolutionizing the use of AI. Companies like Flowjin, Kaitongo, Handy.ai, and Loopify have become major driving forces behind modern technology. They’re not just changing the game, they’re inventing a whole new one.

Flowjin

Let’s start with Flowjin. Their AI tool acts as a personalized curator, transforming content into viral hits. Sheida Mirjahani, Co-founder and COO, highlighted how AI revolutionizes content creation, making workflows more efficient. “AI helps you ideate, write video scenarios, help with video editing, and suggest added effects like B-rolls, overall making editing content much easier,” explains Sheida. 

By cutting down editing time, and streamlining the content creation process, AI in this industry lets creators focus more on creativity. Flowjin effortlessly identifies top content segments, creating customizable clips, boosting engagement and broadening audience reach. It simplifies content creation, empowering users to produce digital content loved by social media algorithms.

Kaitongo

Then there’s Kaitongo, an AI-powered client engagement platform helping client-facing professionals get tailored insights on how to grow their client and prospect relationships. 

“AI has powered solutions like Kaitongo to save countless hours on business development tasks like manual client outreach, thought leadership content, and discovering relevant market news to discuss with them,” says Sumathi Pundit, Founder and CEO of Kaitongo. The rapidly evolving field of AI is not static; instead of shying away from this uncertain terrain, Kaitongo chooses to embrace it and encourages other companies to do the same.

“One thing we can know for sure is that change is inevitable, and companies and organizations should actively pursue and adopt AI-driven solutions if they wish to remain relevant and competitive.”  –Sumathi Pundit, Founder and CEO, Kaitongo

 

Handy.ai

Moving from Kaitongo’s external engagement strategies, Handy.ai shifts the focus inward, using AI to streamline internal workflows and improve customer interactions.

“We strive to deliver a human-like experience while strategically minimizing our use of generative AI, such as Gemini and ChatGPT,” says Iryna Andriushchenko Co-founder and CMO of Handy.ai, as she reveals the company’s aim is to provide a solution that is both economically and ecologically responsible.
Handy.ai’s specialists support over 130 languages, streamlining communication and boosting efficiency. It’s clear that Handy.ai is taking advantage of all AI has to offer to improve customer and employee engagement across various industries.


Formaloo

On the horizon, we have Formaloo, a DMZ startup introducing an AI feature, Formaloo AI, to their thriving venture. This innovative leap includes AI-powered surveys designed to gather reliable and unbiased data from audiences, complemented by an AI-driven customer engagement platform for insightful analysis. “Formaloo AI is the next generation of the whole Formaloo platform,” says Farokh Shahabi, Co-Founder and CEO of
Formaloo. 

Additionally, Formaloo’s ‘No-code AI builder’ offers a user-friendly environment for creating and training AI agents using personal databases and spreadsheets. As they navigate this exciting new phase, Formaloo remains optimistic about the future of AI and its transformative potential.

“In the next few years, our industry will change dramatically as creative platforms and startups find the best way to leverage AI to automate tasks and procedures for their customers.”- Farokh Shahabi Co-Founder and CEO



vidBoard.ai

Let’s not forget about VidBoard.ai, a platform that revolutionizes video creation by integrating AI to serve as an actor, voice-over artist, and video editor. Transforming the digital content landscape, vidBoard.ai makes high-quality video creation more accessible while providing a user-friendly platform.

“Creating videos at scale used to take days or even months.. With AI and AI-enabled SaaS tools, the video industry is witnessing a reduction in time and cost, in creating videos at scale.”- Ashwin Madhavan, Co-founder & CEO

Along with AI’s exciting capacity, there are some challenges when developing the perfect team to build and implement these tools into company products and services. “The biggest challenge was finding the right talent to build AI tools. It took us more than 18 months to find the right fit of people who could contribute to vidBoard. We regularly conducted hackathons to find the right talent and gave them a say in the running of the business,” says Ashwin.

Leasey.AI

Leasey.AI is another rising startup reshaping property management by automating tasks and reducing vacancy times. Founder Carlos Leal emphasizes the company’s AI-driven capability to process extensive data rapidly: “One of the key ways Leasey.AI is leveraging AI technologies to reshape the industry is through its ability to rapidly churn through vast amounts of data in a matter of seconds.” This enables real-time insights for critical activities like tenant selection and portfolio optimization.

Loopify

Last but not least, Loopify: the matchmaker of marketing and sales, bringing businesses and customers together with AI-powered precision. “Generative AI is being used in almost every part of marketing, making tasks from planning to content creation much easier and more automated,” says John Alimi, Co-founder and CEO of Loopify. “This means companies and marketers can do more with less, saving time and money.” 



Tailored for startups, small businesses and organizations with limited budgets, Loopify provides affordable marketing solutions through expert-led advertising platforms and social media design services.


Embracing the AI revolution.

DMZ startups are eagerly embracing the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into their products, demonstrating the grit and innovative spirits that exist within our incubator.

“AI is making our marketing tools better, quicker, and more economical, which means businesses using our platform can reach their customers more effectively and affordably.”- John Alimi, Co-founder and CEO of Loopify

These DMZ startups aren’t just riding the AI wave, they’re carving their own path through the digital landscape. Whether it’s sales, CRM platforms, content creation, or just making life a little easier, these companies are setting the bar higher every day.

 

Inspired by these incredible startups making their mark in the tech industry? Click here to explore our current Incubator startups. 


Ready to embark on your journey to revolutionize the tech landscape? Apply to our Incubator and be a part of the next wave of tech innovation. 

Introducing DMZ’s 14 new Experts-in-Residence

In the heart of every startup’s journey at DMZ lies a secret weapon: our Experts-in-Residence (EiRs).

EiRs are more than just advisors; they act as an extension to our startup teams, working shoulder-to-shoulder with our founders to guide them through the intricacies of scaling their businesses. As experts in their field, they are each handpicked for their comprehensive knowledge and extensive business backgrounds.

We’re thrilled to announce the addition of 14 new EiRs to our esteemed roster. Each brings with them deep industry insights and a rich entrepreneurial background, further enriching our ecosystem and enhancing the support available to our startups.


Meet DMZ’s newest EiRs:

Check out the full roster of DMZ EiRs here.

Introducing Mentors

Recognizing that our EiRs provide essential strategic and long-term advice, we’ve seen the need for additional hands-on, tactical guidance to address the multifaceted needs of our startups.

This led us to introduce Mentors, volunteer-based positions, aimed at filling the gaps in our advisory services with their practical, “how-to” expertise, thereby ensuring a broader and more dynamic support system for our founders. 

This addition not only enriches our advisory capacity but also provides a flexible pathway for engaging with a diverse array of industry experts eager to guide founders.


Meet DMZ’s newest Mentors:


Levelling up through leadership

As we evolve our mentorship program, we’re also evolving our leadership structure to further this vision. Alex Thibault has excitingly stepped into the position of Chief EiR, steering our strategic direction in mentorship and founder support.

“We need more tech companies that will grow and become the titans of tomorrow. I want to help entrepreneurs as they try to become those titans.”- Alex Thibault, Chief EiR


Alex brings a wealth of experience in tech, capital markets, mobility, and more, offering crucial insights and expertise in M&A, operations, and finance. His success as a tech entrepreneur and investor, with ventures in fast-growing tech companies, supports DMZ’s mission to build the next generation of leading tech startups.
In the Chief EiR role, Alex will focus on enhancing our advisory strategy, nurturing the growth of our EiRs and Mentors, and fostering a culture of collaboration among advisors to increase our impact.

With these new additions and enhancements to our support network, we’re excited about the potential our revamped startup advisory framework holds in providing unparalleled support to our startups. 

Ready to scale your startup at DMZ and connect with our industry-leading experts? Apply for our Incubator today.

 

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