In February 2025, DMZ Japan launched two online programs—Launchpad for Entrepreneurs and Launchpad for Women—designed to support students, young professionals, and women entrepreneurs gain the basic skills and tools they need to start and grow their own businesses.
Recruitment also began for Basecamp, a mixed online and in-person support program for early-stage entrepreneurs. To promote these programs, DMZ Japan hosted the DMZ Japan Launch Reception, where we shared our goals and future plans. The event also provided a space for conversations and networking, helping to build stronger startup connections between Japan and Canada.

① Launchpad for Entrepreneurs

This is a self-paced online program for people who want to start their own business or are just getting started. Built on globally recognized content, the program is designed to help participants learn and apply the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, with localized content tailored to the Japanese market and Japanese subtitles for accessibility. The program helps learners understand the basics of starting a business and shows them how to put those ideas into action.

②  Launchpad for Women

This self-paced online program includes clear lessons on the basic knowledge needed to start a business, and also focuses on the challenges and successes of women entrepreneurs in Japan.
While offering a global perspective, the program is tailored to reflect the realities of doing business in Japan and delivers advice specifically for women founders. A key feature of the program is a series of interview videos with over 10 female entrepreneurs, showcasing real-life role models and their journeys.

③  Basecamp

Basecamp is a hybrid program (online and in-person) that helps new entrepreneurs build real businesses from their ideas. It will take place in summer 2025 and spring 2026, and the first round of applications began in February 2025.

④ Information Seminar
On March 7, 2025, DMZ Japan hosted the DMZ Japan Launch Reception in Toronto.
The event welcomed a wide range of participants, including people from the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto, JETRO, Japan-related companies in Toronto, international students from Japanese universities, and members of startup communities in both Japan and Canada. The atmosphere was active and full of energy.

This event marked DMZ’s official entry into the Japanese market and introduced the background of DMZ Japan, along with programs being developed under the Tokyo SUTEAM initiative.
It was also a great opportunity for Japanese and Canadian startup leaders to meet, get to know each other better, and talk about working together in the future.

As part of the program, there was a panel talk with startup support groups and entrepreneurs. The talk focused on the challenges and opportunities people face when growing a business across countries. Everyone shared ideas and experiences actively.

Looking ahead, DMZ Japan will continue to grow its incubation programs in Tokyo, giving strong support to entrepreneurs in both Japan and other countries.
By strengthening the connection between the Japanese and Canadian startup ecosystems, we aim to further drive global innovation.

You can find more details about the event on the Luma event page.