July 13, 2026 — DMZ Ventures, the investment fund managed by the for-profit arm of DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University, awarded 3DBioFibR the $100K Dual-Use and Sovereign Tech Investment Prize, marking the first dedicated investment prize of its kind at Startupfest for startups developing technologies that serve both commercial and national security needs and strengthen Canada's sovereign capabilities.
Created by DMZ Ventures, the Dual-Use and Sovereign Tech Investment Prize was one of several awarded at Startupfest. Throughout the festival, founders pitched to investors across a range of prize categories for the opportunity to secure funding from leading venture capital firms and ecosystem partners.
As Canada increases investment in defence, economic security and critical technologies, startups are playing an increasingly important role in building the solutions that will strengthen the country's resilience, competitiveness and sovereign capabilities. Building on its long-standing mission to support founders tackling Canada's biggest challenges, DMZ is expanding that commitment through DMZ Ventures, its for-profit investment arm, by investing in the next generation of dual-use and sovereign technology companies.
3DBioFibR develops high-performance biofibres for medical and defence applications. The company was selected for the inaugural prize for its patented manufacturing platform, which produces materials such as collagen and spider silk at a scale significantly beyond existing methods, supporting products ranging from advanced defence textiles to surgical materials for tendon and ligament repair. 3DBioFibR is already working with major sports medicine companies and has active defence contracts with the U.S. Navy.
The award includes a $100,000 investment from DMZ Ventures, subject to finalizing investment terms, as well as access to DMZ Ventures' network of founders, operators and investors and an accelerated pathway to DMZ's flagship Incubator.
"Winning this prize is a meaningful validation of the business we're building," said Gurkaran Chowdhry, COO of 3DBioFibR. "Our defence applications have emerged over the past two years, and we've built our business strategy around those opportunities while continuing to grow our commercial business. This investment comes at an important time as we expand our manufacturing capabilities, and we're excited to build a relationship with DMZ Ventures as we continue growing our dual-use business."
“Canada’s need for homegrown, resilient technology has never been clearer,” said Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures. “This is about meeting the moment. Every generation of founders is shaped by the challenges in front of them, and today that means building technologies that strengthen Canada's resilience, security and long-term competitiveness. DMZ has always backed founders solving the challenges that matter most, and this investment is a natural next step of that commitment.”
More than 100 startups competed for the prize, with 3DBioFibR, Resiliocs and Rozvelt advancing to the final round. The judging panel included Sultan Mehrabi, Managing Director, DMZ Ventures, and Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures. They were joined by guest judges Matthew Lombardi, Co-Founder of The Icebreaker, Canada's defence innovation network, and Director, ONE9, Canada's national security technology investment firm, alongside Julien Letartre, Partner, StrongNorth Fund, BDC Capital's $300 million venture capital initiative investing in early-stage Canadian startups developing deep technologies with defence and dual-use applications.
“Canada cannot afford to outsource the technologies that underpin our security, resilience and strategic autonomy,” said Matthew Lombardi, Co-Founder of The Icebreaker and Director at ONE9. “What stood out about 3DBioFibR is that they’re building a capability that matters for both commercial markets and national strength. We need more founders tackling hard, strategic problems like this — and more investors willing to back them early.”
“Canada has the talent, technical depth and ambition to build globally relevant dual-use and sovereign technology companies. Building in these sectors often requires founders willing to tackle difficult technical challenges with conviction, persistence and a long-term perspective, and it was encouraging to see those qualities reflected throughout the competition,” said Julien Letartre, Partner, StrongNorth Fund, BDC Capital.
As Canada's innovation priorities evolve, DMZ sees growing opportunities for startups building technologies that strengthen economic resilience, critical infrastructure and sovereign capability. Supporting founders tackling emerging opportunities is a natural extension of DMZ's mission. Over the past decade, the organization has launched initiatives to help entrepreneurs address some of Canada's most pressing challenges, including the Centre for Housing Innovation to accelerate housing innovation and the Supply AI Program to strengthen supply chain resilience during the pandemic.
Startups building the next generation of Canadian technology are invited to apply to DMZ's Fall 2026 Incubator cohort. Applications are open until September 1. Visit dmz.to/programs to learn more.
-30-
Media contact:
Luvy Hardy
DMZ
luvy.hardy@torontomu.ca
ABOUT DMZ
DMZ is a tech incubator and startup ecosystem that fuels entrepreneurship in Canada and beyond. Through its award-winning programs, DMZ empowers founders to scale high-impact ventures, helps students develop entrepreneurial mindsets and equips professionals to thrive in today’s fast-moving economy. By offering tailored support, world-class resources and expansive networks, DMZ nurtures bold ideas, drives business growth and creates global economic impact.
To date, DMZ has supported 2680+ startups in raising $3.18 billion in capital and has created over 25,400 jobs. Headquartered in Toronto, DMZ operates a global network of hubs spanning 15+ countries, enabling entrepreneurs to access diverse markets, collaborate internationally and drive global innovation.
ABOUT DMZ VENTURES
DMZ Ventures is the for-profit investment arm of Toronto Metropolitan University. From day one, DMZ Ventures supports startup founders by helping them build foundations, forge connections and fuel growth. DMZ Ventures’ main areas of focus include: startup equity management for DMZ’s portfolio companies, the oversight of Zone Startups Network and enabling Canada’s startup investment landscape through DMZ’s Angel Investor Program.
