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In the zone: Exploring TMU's Zone Learning programs

By: Lily Navarro
February 06, 2024

Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) offers a variety of opportunities for its students to grow and step into their respective industries. With so many options, it can get quite easy to overlook some, such as the zones. When I first started attending TMU, I only knew a little about the Digital Media Zone (DMZ) (opens in new window)  so I was very surprised to learn we had nine other zones. Each zone offers different ways for students to get involved. Some have bootcamps, others provide mentorship programs, while others can directly connect you with a start-up, where you can work and learn as the company grows. All of which supports entrepreneurs, connects students with mentors, and focuses on real world problems covering an array of industries. From fashion to clean energy, to law and medicine, the start-up possibilities are endless. 

The best part? You don’t even need a startup to get involved with any of the zones. Zones can be great ways to explore new industries, network, get involved with the school, and build your skills. 

Let's take a brief look into each of the zones and a deeper dive into the Legal Innovation Zone (LIZ). I had the opportunity to speak to two students who completed the LIZ bootcamp and spoke to them about their experiences in the program.

  • Biomedical Zone:
    •  If you’re interested in health and medicine, this is the zone for you. You can work on innovative solutions for health challenges, such as developing new medical devices
  • Clean Energy Zone:
    • This zone introduces students to the growing industry that is sustainable energy sources. You can work on projects that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, or create renewable energy sources. 
  • Design Fabrication Zone:
    • The Design Fabrication Zone supports creatives of all types, across a variety of mediums. You can work on projects that involve designing and making things, such as products, furniture, clothing, or art.  
  • Fashion Zone: 
    • Where beauty, fashion, and business collide. You can work on projects that involve creating and launching your own fashion brand, developing new trends, or promoting social causes through fashion. 
  • iBoost Zone:
    •  If you’re entrepreneurial and innovative, this is the zone for you. You can work on projects that involve starting and growing your own business, developing new products or services, or solving customer problems.
  • Science Discovery Zone:
    • Got a science related start-up in mind? Want to stay up-to-date on the world of science and latest innovations? Then the Science Discovery Zone will be the place for you. You can work on projects that involve discovering new scientific phenomena, conducting cutting-edge research, or applying science to everyday life. 
  • Social Ventures Zone: 
    • For those of you wanting to make a positive change, this zone is the one for you. You can work on projects that involve creating social change, tackling social problems, or empowering marginalized communities.
  • DMZ (opens in new window) :
    • The DMZ is the top-ranked university incubator in the world and. Well known and often overshadowing the other zones, this incubator has launched countless start-ups. 
  • Transmedia Zone:
    • As storytelling, social media, and technology grow, more business opportunities come along with it. Through the Transmedia Zone, you can work on projects that involve creating and distributing immersive and interactive media, such as games, films, podcasts, or VR. 
  • Legal Innovation Zone:
    • Law meets business in this learning zone. They aim to improve the legal system, enhance access to justice, and address legal issues in society.

I had the pleasure of learning about this zone more in-depth by speaking to Public Administration and Governance student, Mithunaa Visvalingam, and first-year Business Technology Management student, Jiayan Huang. This zone not only supports entrepreneurs and their start-ups, but also bootcamps specifically for TMU students, where students can network, learn and develop valuable skills. 

The boot camp lasts two months and students are put into teams to brainstorm ideas for real-world legal issues. You can come up with start-up concepts to address these issues, which are then shown at the end. 

“The boot camp teaches you how to think creatively and innovatively,” says Mithunaa. Her team focused on helping seasonal workers by educating them on their rights and providing them with a website where they can speak directly to lawyers in the event of a breach of contract.

Mithunaa looks confidently at the camera

Mithunaa's team was concerned with seasonal worker's rights.

Jiayan stands smiling in front of a window

Jiayan's team worked on a start-up supporting youth faced with police brutality.  

Jiayan had the opportunity to work on a startup focused on a website for young people. Youth that face police brutality or racial profiling can use this website to report these incidents and the officers that abused their power. Jiayan says that she hopes to see this website become a reality as it can be extremely helpful to young people. 

If you have a knack for entrepreneurship or simply want to get involved then check out the zones.

That’s all for now folks!

Talk to you soon,

Lily

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