Toronto Metropolitan University DMZ
Chiba University established the International Exchange Center (IEC) at the DMZ of Toronto Metropolitan University to promote academic research exchange and to expand educational opportunities for students.
History
| Apr 2025 | Formed an inter-university academic exchange agreement |
| May 2025 |
Formed an inter-university student exchange agreement |
| Oct 2025 | Established the International Exchange Center (IEC) |
Activities
Chiba University and Toronto Metropolitan University signed an inter-university academic exchange agreement in April 2025, followed by an inter-university student exchange agreement in May of the same year, thereby formally launching comprehensive educational and research collaboration between the two institutions.
Through entrepreneurship education led by the DMZ, Toronto Metropolitan University’s incubation organization, and student exchange programs at the Ted Rogers School of Management, the two universities are developing a wide range of educational collaborations.
In addition, in 2025, the universities implemented the Global Entrepreneurship Exchange Program in collaboration with the Center for Entrepreneurship of Chiba University, expanding initiatives in student mobility as well as professional development programs for faculty and staff.
Furthermore, to further strengthen collaboration between the two universities, the IEC was established in October 2025. The IEC serves as a key overseas hub for international partnerships aimed at fostering globally active entrepreneurial talent.
Address
10 Dundas St E 6th Floor, Toronto, ON M5B 2G9, Canada
About Toronto Metropolitan University
Founded: 1948 (as Ryerson Institute of Technology)
Graduate students: 3,000
Undergraduate students: 45,000
Faculty members: 3,000
About the DMZ
The DMZ is a university-affiliated technology incubator and startup ecosystem founded by Toronto Metropolitan University. Its mission is to support entrepreneurs in scaling businesses with high social impact. The DMZ also provides students with opportunities to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, while offering professionals a platform to acquire the skills needed to succeed in today’s rapidly changing economic environment.
From 2015 to 2021, the DMZ was ranked the world’s top university-based incubator by UBI Global. It is also highly regarded internationally and currently serves as a research and selection partner for the UBI Global rankings.
Faculties and Graduate Schools
Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Community Services, Faculty of Engineering and Architectural Science, Faculty of Science, Ted Rogers School of Management, The Creative School, Lincoln Alexander School of Law, School of Medicine, Yeates School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies
Key Features
Toronto Metropolitan University is a public university located in the heart of downtown Toronto, offering a practice-oriented learning environment in which students can engage directly in addressing societal challenges.
The university places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship education and innovation creation, with the “Zones” serving as a central pillar of this approach. The Zones support startup creation and the development of entrepreneurial skills across diverse fields—including biomedical sciences, deep tech, and science—by providing dedicated spaces and access to support from external experts. A defining feature is the formation of a startup ecosystem that connects the university, industry, and the local community.
By combining traditional coursework with Zone Learning, the university delivers education that not only supports startup creation but also emphasizes the development of practical skills required in the real world, such as collaboration and problem-solving abilities, thereby supporting students’ career development.
Website:
Toronto Metropolitan University
Zone Learning
