Ryo Aizawa knows first hand how valuable DMZ and its programming can be for student-entrepreneurs.
The Japanese student from Yamanashi Prefecture University travelled to Toronto last summer for DMZ Basecamp-a global summer entrepreneurship program that helps students take their ideas to the next level.
"The first time I heard about the Basecamp program was from my professor in entrepreneurial class. I started researching DMZ and Basecamp and found out I would be able to learn from the best experts and take the best courses," said Aizawa. "I already had my business idea but I knew I needed to improve it to do it in real life."
Aizawa's idea was to create a homestay matching business called Tadaima, which translates to "I'm home" in English. Tadaima is meant to help students who struggle with living alone by matching university students who are studying away from home with local families.
At Basecamp, Aizawa learned the importance of validating his business idea and talking to potential customers. It was a lesson he immediately put into action by calling friends and other Japanese students to hear their thoughts about his idea.
"I learned a lot from those calls," said Aizawa who made the calls while he was still in Toronto.
Increased support for Japanese entrepreneurs
More Japanese students and entrepreneurs like Aizawa will have the opportunity to learn from DMZ's world-class programming with the launch of DMZ Japan this week.
The new hub draws on DMZ's award-winning programs that help students develop entrepreneurial mindsets, empower founders to scale high-impact ventures and equip professionals to thrive in today's fast-moving economy. DMZ Japan will offer three core programs: Basecamp, Launchpad for Entrepreneurs and Launchpad for Women.
DMZ Japan's Basecamp is a hybrid program designed for youth that combines one month of online learning with a two-week immersion in Toronto. The program, exclusively for Japanese entrepreneurs, will provide Japanese youth with the opportunity to explore the Canadian market, gain hands-on experience and build global connections.
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.
Japanese women entrepreneurs face challenges like gender pay gaps, societal expectations and limited access to capital. Through Launchpad for Women, DMZ Japan will offer targeted mentorship, resources and guidance for women to navigate the business landscape.
Future opportunities for TMU students
In addition to its core programs, DMZ Japan will offer opportunities for TMU students to travel to Japan for immersive opportunities and for Canadian entrepreneurs to access prime workspace in Tokyo. These initiatives will foster cross-border collaboration between the two countries.
This spring, 10 Ted Rogers School of Management students will have the opportunity to participate in a DMZ Japan soft landing program. The program takes place during EXPO 2025 in Osaka and students will be able to participate in the global event that showcases innovation and encourages market collaboration. The students will explore the Japanese market, attend workshops and connect with local industry leaders through DMZ Japan's network.
"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. "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."
