How TMU’s Zone Learning is powering Toronto Tech Week
Toronto Tech Week (external link) kicks off next week, bringing together startups, investors, entrepreneurs and industry leaders from across the city and beyond — with TMU’s Zone Learning innovation ecosystem at the heart of the celebration.
The citywide week of tech events runs May 25–29, mostly in downtown Toronto — and several right on TMU’s campus.
The purpose of the week is to connect and celebrate founders, builders, startups, investors, tech professionals, industry partners, students and anyone interested in Toronto’s tech community for hundreds of community-led events, networking and more.
TMU’s connection
Toronto Tech Week was founded after Toronto’s annual Collision Conference was relocated to Vancouver last year (and renamed Web Summit Vancouver).
The DMZ, one of 10 zones in TMU’s Zone Learning ecosystem, played an integral role developing the week-long schedule with other partners in Toronto’s tech industry.
“Toronto Tech Week is a reflection of the incredible momentum and collaboration happening across the city’s innovation ecosystem, and TMU is proud to play a central role in that growth.”
At a time when technology, work and entrepreneurship are rapidly evolving, Farhan Zia, director, programs and strategic initiatives at Zone Learning, says it’s critical that students have access to the conversations, industries and leaders shaping the future economy.
“Events like Toronto Tech Week provide more than exposure to startups and technology,” he said. “They create access to ideas, industries and career pathways that are rapidly evolving.”
“Through Zone Learning, we help students engage directly with founders, employers, and organizations shaping the future of work and innovation,” he added.
Several TMU zones are hosting official events and many Zone Learning staff and entrepreneurs are speaking, along with additional members of the TMU community.
Zone members are also hosting side-events throughout the week (socials or invite-only events), and many zones are involved with special tours, meetings and presentations.
Toronto Tech Week takes place May 25–29, with several events right on TMU’s campus. (Photo: Andrew Ahmed)
TMU-hosted Toronto Tech Week events
BetaKit Most Ambitious: Town Hall
Monday, May 25
The BetaKit Most Ambitious: Town Hall is presented by DMZ, along with Uber and the National Bank of Canada, at the TIFF Lightbox.
It will bring together over 500 leaders from across Canada’s tech and innovation ecosystem for meaningful conversations about strengthening the nation’s autonomy, security and prosperity.
Featured speakers include Cameron Bailey, TIFF CEO, Katheron Intson, co-founder and CEO of Sentinel R&D, Evan Solomon, minister of artificial intelligence and digital innovation and Jim Balsillie, chair of the Council of Canadian Innovators, among many others.
BCCC PowerTech Roundtable 2026
Tuesday, May 26
Hosted at TMU, the BCCC PowerTech Roundtable 2026 brings together senior leaders from government, academia and industry to explore how Brazil and Canada can further strengthen bilateral ties in applied research, technology commercialization, talent integration and intellectual property governance.
TMU speakers include Paul Hacking, manager of TMU’s Science Discovery Zone, Tarek Sadek, director of TMU’s Innovation Boost Zone and Sri Krishnan, dean of TMU’s Faculty of Engineering and Architecture Science.
This executive-level dialogue will focus on practical pathways for cross-border expansion, nearshore innovation and strategic market diversification.
Discussion themes include applied research and co-development, bilateral expansion and market diversification, bilateral talent and strategic collaboration and intellectual property and responsible innovation governance.
Capital & Community In HealthTech, a Live Showcase & Industry Mixer
Wednesday, May 27
Brampton Venture Zone (BVZ) presents Capital & Community In HealthTech, a Live Showcase & Industry Mixer, hosted in partnership with Vertex Health and Canada Startup Association.
This event brings together first-hand experience of founders, investors and community-builders on raising capital for early-stage health tech startups in Canada.
The Future of Fashion & Defence — In partnership with the Canada Startup Association
Thursday, May 28
In partnership with the Canada Startup Association and in collaboration with TMU Fashion Zone, Aurmada presents The Future of Fashion & Defence, a live showcase and industry mixer exploring the convergence of advanced materials, wearable systems and next-generation performance.
Hosted at the TMU Sandbox, this event brings together founders, operators, investors and ecosystem leaders working at the intersection of design, protection and technology.
The evening will feature a live showcase of emerging products and prototypes, alongside a curated selection of early-stage startups building across adjacent domains.
Select speakers will share perspectives on where the industry is heading, followed by an industry mixer designed for meaningful connections.
The event will also feature the official launch of Startup Growth Magazine, a new initiative by Canadian SME Magazine highlighting emerging companies and innovation across the ecosystem.
TMU a leader in Toronto’s tech ecosystem
With the DMZ helping launch Toronto Tech Week, TMU’s prominent presence throughout this event reflects the university’s growing reputation as a leader in innovation, entrepreneurship and city-building.
Through Zone Learning, TMU has helped launch hundreds of startups while connecting students, founders, industry leaders and global partners through real-world innovation.
How you can get involved in Toronto Tech Week
Toronto Tech Week’s decentralized, open platform means each event is independently hosted, so anyone can join or host in-person events. Attendees can choose which events to attend and register separately. Some events are even free. Learn more by visiting Toronto Tech Week (external link) .
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