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Expand your business to the North American market.

So, you’ve built a business that has started gaining traction at home...

...and now you’re ready to expand into new markets to see just how far you can take it!

Located in the heart of Toronto, DMZ YYZ is a customized two-week intensive soft landing program that supports international growth-stage startups to explore, launch and grow their business in the North American market.

DMZ YYZ helps you make the connections and gain the skills needed to penetrate the North American market

Workshops

Daily workshops cover topics related to expanding a business into North America.

Networking opportunities

Throughout the program, DMZ offers curated networking events where founders can mingle with potential partners, customers, investors, and other entrepreneurs.

Program Lead meetings

Each startup is assigned a DMZ Program Lead who arranges personalized meetings and introductions, and provides guidance throughout the program.

Individualized coaching

One-on-one meetings facilitated by DMZ’s experts and alumni give participants a chance to discuss their ideas with industry leaders in an intimate setting.

Exposure

Join Toronto Tech Week 2025: a celebration of builders, startups, and Toronto's tech community with talks, fireside chats, demos, and more.

Program cost

Program cost: $6000 CAD per participant
Program cost does not include accommodation or flights.

We’re looking for promising tech entrepreneurs who are excited and prepared to explore the North American market. 

Interested applicants must have:

  • A business dedicated to solving a compelling problem using innovative technology
  • At least one full-time founder who can be dedicated to the program for two weeks
  • A driven, coachable, and collaborative leadership team
  • Must have an in-house technical lead
  • A functional MVP
  • The ability to become a venture-backable business in a growing market
  • Proven market traction in your home country

Next cohort: June 16 - 27, 2025

JOIN YYZ

Applications close on April 5, 2025

HERE’S WHAT WE’LL TACKLE IN YOUR TWO WEEKS WITH US

Exploring competitors

Validating your business model in the North American market

Determining an expansion strategy

Preparing to raise funds in North America

Acquiring marquee customers in a new market

Building a network in a new ecosystem

Are you a startup support organization looking to send a group of startups to Toronto?

Get in touch for more information about discounted pricing and customized cohorts.

GET IN TOUCH

What startup founders had to say about their DMZ YYZ experience

"I came to DMZ with zero connections to the market. After two weeks, I made many friends and contacts."
Lang Nguyen, Founder of Aecis
"I received tremendous support and opportunities."
Sumina Koiso, Founder of Newond
"There is a feeling of home away from home. You are constantly learning and being connected which I really enjoyed. The ecosystem in Canada is diverse with plenty of opportunities. The DMZ program made integrating into the ecosystem much more attainable."
Simonas Stankus - Founder of InBalance
"It's a boost for your startup, for foreign companies especially, it's a gate to the Canadian market. You tap right into the middle of a network, not just 2 or 3 LinkedIn meetings but you dive into a community and you are surrounded by customers and mentors."
Kata Ludvig - CMO of Bankzee

Our team

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Alix Ali-Dib

Senior Manager, SkillHouse & Global Programs
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Mostafa Abdelmeguid

Special Projects Manager, Global Programs
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Shane Flynn

Director, Talent Development & Special Program
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Yumiko Namiki

Global Programs Specialist