DMZ Japan launches to support Japan’s vision for a thriving, globally competitive startup economy
With a focus on women and early stage entrepreneurs, the new hub will equip Japanese entrepreneurs with the cross-cultural skills needed to compete in international markets.
Toronto, ON – February 25, 2025 – DMZ, a world-leading startup incubator and startup ecosystem is launching DMZ Japan, its newest global hub designed to strengthen Japan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The hub will drive cross-border collaboration between Canada and Japan, equipping Japanese startups with the skills needed to scale globally while increasing opportunities for women entrepreneurs through targeted programming and mentorship.
DMZ Japan will offer three cornerstone programs: Launchpad for Entrepreneurs, Launchpad for Women and Basecamp. Through DMZ Japan’s Launchpad for Entrepreneurs, early-stage founders will gain access to a platform that provides essential tools and knowledge to build and scale their ventures. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Japan, Launchpad for Women will offer targeted mentorship, resources and guidance for women to navigate the business landscape with confidence. DMZ Japan will also offer Basecamp, a hybrid program designed for youth, featuring one month of online learning followed by a two-week immersion in Toronto. Exclusively for Japanese entrepreneurs, this program will provide a unique opportunity to explore the Canadian market, gain hands-on experience and build global connections.
DMZ Japan was selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to support its Tokyo SUTEAM initiative, a key driver of the city’s ambitions to scale its startup economy. This strategy aims to create 10 times more unicorn startups, establish 10 times more new businesses and foster 10 times more public-private collaboration by 2027.
As Japan pushes to attract global talent and fuel its innovation economy, fostering a diverse and inclusive mindset is key to the country’s long-term success. By immersing participants in Toronto’s business environment, Basecamp will help Japanese participants embrace new perspectives and build the cross-cultural skills needed to compete in international markets. Furthermore, a key focus of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s strategy is increasing the number of women entrepreneurs, a priority DMZ is well-equipped to support. Challenges like gender pay gaps, societal expectations and limited access to capital persist, which DMZ Japan’s Launchpad for Women will help address through tailored programming.
Beyond its core programs, DMZ Japan will also serve as a bridge for cross-border collaboration, offering additional initiatives that will provide Canadian entrepreneurs with immersive opportunities to explore the Japanese market, fostering deeper economic and business ties between the two countries.
“As we work toward our ambitious goal of increasing the number of unicorn startups and new businesses in Tokyo tenfold over the next five years, DMZ’s expertise will be instrumental in equipping entrepreneurs with the skills and global networks needed to thrive,” said Chieto Misumi, Director, New Ventures Support Section, Commerce and Industry Division Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. “Launchpad for Women will play a crucial role in providing women founders with the tools and opportunities to scale their business. With DMZ’s support we will build a more dynamic, inclusive and globally competitive startup ecosystem that fosters the next generation of high-growth ventures in Tokyo.”
“Japan has always been at the forefront of global innovation, pushing boundaries in technology, design and entrepreneurship, said Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director of DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures. “We’re honoured to be part of their story with the launch of DMZ Japan and deeply grateful to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government for entrusting us with the opportunity. This is about more than just a new hub—it’s about working together globally to strengthen the startup ecosystem, equipping founders with the resources and networks to scale.”
“I’m thrilled to launch DMZ Japan to help Japanese entrepreneurs expand onto the global stage. Supporting women entrepreneurs in taking their first steps and scaling their businesses is a mission that hits close to home for me,” said Yumiko Namiki, Head of DMZ Japan. Together with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and our partners, we’re building a bridge between Japan and Canada to unlock new opportunities for bold, ambitious founders.”
This launch builds on years of collaboration with the Japanese innovation sector. Since 2020, DMZ has worked alongside the ecosystem to foster startup growth. This includes supporting Japanese SMEs in manufacturing, running soft-landing programs for startups expanding internationally and becoming Japan External Trade Organization’s (JETRO) first Canadian incubator partner in 2023 under the Global Acceleration Hub. JETRO will continue to play a key role in DMZ Japan, further advancing Canada-Japan economic ties and supporting a new generation of globally minded entrepreneurs.
Japanese startups and entrepreneurs looking for world-class mentorship, resources and an international network to scale your business can head to dmz.to/DMZJapan to be part of Japan’s next wave of high-growth startups.
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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 1800+ startups in raising $2.78 billion in capital and has created over 25,000 jobs. Headquartered in Toronto, DMZ operates a global network of hubs spanning 10+ countries, enabling entrepreneurs to access diverse markets, collaborate internationally and drive global innovation.
MEDIA CONTACT
Luvy Hardy, DMZ
luvy.hardy@torontomu.ca
