Take your startup
from possibility to proof.
A 10-week program helping Black founders move from idea to market validation.
Validate before you build.
Whether you're exploring a new business idea or trying to overcome challenges in an existing business, Validator — part of DMZ’s Black Innovation Programs — helps you replace assumptions with evidence.
Prove your concept
Build confidence that you’re solving a real problem for a clearly defined customer.
Understand your customer
Identify your early adopters and understand what matters most to them.
Build on real insights
Use real market insights to refine your idea, improve offerings and determine your next growth move.
Overcome barriers
Identify what's holding your business back, test potential solutions and explore ways to improve and grow.
A structured path to market validation.
Validator helps founders move beyond assumptions through structured learning, focused sprints and expert coaching.
What to expect
Explore the problem or opportunity
Identify critical assumptions about your business and market
Understand your target customers and the challenges they face
Test and learn
Gain practical AI skills for testing ideas and assumptions
Use your findings to uncover opportunities and make smarter business decisions
Get guidance from coaches and subject matter experts
Refine your approach
Pinpoint what's holding your business back
Use your findings to improve your offering or business approach
Leave with greater clarity
Gain clarity on where to take your business next
Have the chance to pitch your business at Demo Day
Who should apply?
Founder: Identifies as Black and is ready to actively build a startup.
Stage: Is exploring an idea, testing a solution or working through challenges impacting an existing business.
Business idea: Intends to build or is already building a technology-driven business.
Geographic focus: Ontario
Commitment: Able to participate in the full 10-week program and ready to speak with customers, test assumptions and move quickly.
Our partners.
The Black Innovation Program’s Validator is made possible with support from:
