Ryerson Wins 2 FinTech Awards

Ryerson University is known for its support of entrepreneurship. Not only is the university home to DMZ, Canada’s largest community of innovative startups, it’s also home to Ryerson Zone Startups, a technology accelerator program for early-stage startups. And on Nov. 21, at the 2016 FinTech Awards, both incubators were recognized for their support of FinTech in Canada.

DMZ was named “Accelerator, Incubator or Entrepreneurial Network Most Supportive of FinTech” while Ryerson Zone Startups was named, “Academic Institution Most Supportive of FinTech.”

DMZ was the winner among three finalists including Communitech and the MaRS Discovery District. It won thanks to its demonstrated success in feeding innovation and economic progress in the FinTech ecosystem, according to the Digital Finance Institute. Its success can also be traced back to its new initiatives.

This year, DMZ partnered with BMO to create the Next Big Idea in FinTech program. The program will be the first of its kind in Canada and will offer six startups an exclusive opportunity to pilot their technology with BMO. It will also help those same companies meet with venture capital groups.

“We are honoured to be the recipient of the 2016 Accelerator, Incubator or Entrepreneurial Network Award,” Abdullah Snobar, executive director of the DMZ, said in a press release. “By fostering emerging technologies from entrepreneurs, Ryerson University continues to be recognized for its robust and thriving hub for innovation in many verticals including fintech.”

As for Ryerson Zone Startups, a division of Ryerson Futures, it won thanks to its prestigious history. It was launched in 2010, and since that time has incubated more than 125 companies. However, that’s not all the accelerator does. It also runs programs for large corporations such as GE, Barclays, and Axis Bank.

“Ryerson Futures, like the DMZ, and our partners see the potential and opportunities in fintech – we’re dedicated to supporting innovation in this space and help the industry’s continued growth in Canada,” said Matt Saunders, president and managing director, Ryerson Futures.

regions: Toronto

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