TMU students can get paid this summer to build AI skills through DMZ

TMU students and recent graduates now have a way to spend the summer building skills that actually pay. DMZ has opened applications for the Embark Business Academy (Em-BA), a new 14-week virtual program that pairs AI training with business fundamentals and awards a $3,000 honorarium to graduates.

The program is funded by a $500,000 grant from the Embark Student Foundation through its Major Grant Program, a recognition of both DMZ's track record and the urgency of the youth unemployment problem the program is designed to address.

Embark Student Foundation is a not-for-profit corporation and owner of Embark Student Corp., Canada’s resource for education savings and planning.. Its Major Grant Program funds initiatives focused on improving student outcomes and closing gaps in access to education and employment.

Starting in May 2026, the program will run through August and is built around the skills employers keep asking for: AI fluency and practical business skills. 

Embark Business Academy blends structured business training, applied AI learning and real-world project experience, so participants leave with portfolio-ready work they can bring directly into the job market.

From training to real-world application

Participants will cover business strategy, emerging AI tools and responsible technology use. The program is structured to reflect real workplace expectations — emphasizing collaboration, execution and problem-solving.

After the training phase, select participants move into an applied challenge, where teams work on real business problems facing growing companies. Top-performing teams from this phase will compete for a shared $20,000 prize pool.

TMU-founded startup tackling networking barriers

For many students, one of the biggest challenges in launching a career isn’t just building skills, it’s building networks.

That’s a challenge TMU-founded startup Nodalli (external link)  is working to address.

Founded by two TMU grads and now part of DMZ’s startup community, nodalli uses AI to help students and young professionals make smarter networking decisions. Rather than mass outreach, the platform guides users toward contacts who are a better fit — with the goal of building relationships that actually go somewhere.

“Youth unemployment isn’t about a lack of talent, it’s often about access,” said Jason Ramsay, Co-Founder of Nodalli. “Many students don’t have built-in networks or clear pathways into industry. Nodalli uses AI to help level that playing field by making it easier to build meaningful connections that can open doors.”

Startups like Nodalli, and programs like Em-BA, highlight the growing role AI is playing in how students prepare for and secure employment after graduation. As technology reshapes recruitment, networking and workplace expectations, building AI fluency is quickly becoming less of an advantage and more of a necessity.

Addressing the school-to-work gap

Youth unemployment in Canada continues to run well above the national average. A degree still matters, but employers increasingly want proof that students can use what they know in real situations — not just on paper.

Em-BA is designed to close that gap — giving students structured training alongside real project experience, so they enter the job market with both the skills and the examples to back them up.

Building career momentum

For students looking to complement their academic learning with applied experience, the program offers a structured opportunity to strengthen AI fluency, build business skills and gain practical experience ahead of graduation.

Applications are now open. Eligible students and recent graduates are encouraged to visit dmz.to/Em-BA (external link)  for full program details and application information.