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Beyond the pitch deck: How holographic tech brings a pitch to life

Founders

Monthly Archives: October 2024

Beyond the pitch deck: How holographic tech brings a pitch to life

The founder checklist for a solid pitch: 

  • Clear problem statement
  • Compelling solution
  • Strong eye contact and body language
  • Stellar deck 
  • Holographic recording…? 


At a time where standing out is crucial, startups must continuously innovate to perfect their pitch and reach new audiences. 

Traditional tactics like sleek slide decks and in-person presentations are being pushed aside as founders seek more dynamic ways to share their vision. At this year’s Collision conference, we debuted a new initiative—bringing startup pitches to life through a stunning, life-size hologram. 

This unique setup, powered by our friends at HOLOMEDIA, allowed three of our startups—Syzl, Talin and SuperCode—to present their ideas to thousands of attendees to vote for their favourite pitch for a cash prize without being physically present.

A new holographic dimension to the startup pitch

Our holographic pitch competition not only captivated conference attendees, but demonstrated the power of technology to transcend traditional barriers, offering startups a platform to amplify their voices in a new dimension.

Compared to traditional 2D content, 3D content is more engaging with viewers, and as a result, has been gaining serious traction as a revolutionary tool for content creation. 3D formats have opened up a whole new dimension of possibilities across industries, from hospitality, entertainment, marketing and more. And while these holographic pitches were a showstopper, it’s only the beginning of what we’re hoping to achieve.

“3D holographic marketing is revolutionizing the way businesses connect with their audiences. It’s not just a trend; it’s a powerful tool that effectively communicates messages and captivates potential customers. Brands and businesses utilizing 3D marketing have seen conversion rates soar by 40%, says Glenn E. Smith, Founder and CEO of HOLOMEDIA. “As 3D technologies continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, businesses that embrace this innovation will unlock new opportunities for growth and engagement.”

HOLOMEDIA has also made remarkable strides in the world of AI, introducing hyper-realistic, fully interactive human avatars that boast real-time voice response, multilingual capabilities in over 40 languages, advanced facial recognition and an array of groundbreaking features that redefine engagement.

Rethinking startup visibility 


At DMZ, we know that true innovation comes from collaboration. Our partnership with HOLOMEDIA goes beyond technology—it’s about joining forces with a fellow Canadian company to redefine the limits of what’s possible.

That’s why we’re taking things up a notch by expanding our partnership. Recognizing the immense potential of their technology solutions, we’ve invited them to set up a HoloStudio and AI Lab at our downtown HQ in Toronto.

Our vision? We hope to live-cast founders to our global network, opening up new opportunities for them to connect with investors, partners and audiences around the world.

It’s a bold move that underscores our commitment to breaking down geographical barriers. We’re committed to supporting founders in unique and impactful ways, proving that when you combine creativity with cutting-edge technology, the results are transformative and not to be braggy, but pretty cool.

Shaping the future of startup engagement

By transforming pixels into powerful narratives, we’re giving founders the tools they need to stand out, reach new audiences and showcase a fellow Canadian technology business that’s crushing it.

This is just the beginning of how technology can unlock new opportunities for growth and success in the startup ecosystem. The future is here, and it’s looking holographic.

Looking to tell great stories through cutting-edge technology? Learn how at HoloMedia.AI.

DMZ YYZ: A gateway to the North American market

As a startup, expanding into new global markets can feel overwhelming. Whether navigating unfamiliar regulations, understanding local business customs, or forging essential connections, the journey can feel like sailing through uncharted waters. 

We built DMZ’s YYZ program to provide a guiding light for international founders – preparing them with the skills and resources required to enter the North American market.  

Set in the heart of downtown Toronto, YYZ offers a comprehensive, two-week soft-landing experience that gives international entrepreneurs an all-access pass to the North American market. It unlocks invaluable connections, insights, and opportunities to accelerate their cross-border journey. But YYZ isn’t just about fast-tracking growth – it’s also about offering the right tools and knowledge to break through market complexities.


DMZ’s YYZ program is uniquely tailored to each new cohort of participants. In 2024, participants were given the opportunity to pitch at Collision and attend an exclusive trip to Innisfil, hosted by the mayor.

“The YYZ program helps international startups understand the Canadian market, connect with local partners and startups, and provide valuable insights into the business environment and ecosystem in Canada.” – Emma Chuang, Asiabots Limited, DMZ YYZ 2024 participant

YYZ runs annually, welcoming new cohorts of global entrepreneurs to Toronto every summer. This past June, 22 startups from six countries received a curated blend of hands-on mentorship, expert-led workshops, and networking opportunities to help scale their startups across borders.

What makes YYZ so effective?

Beyond acting as a launchpad for global entrepreneurs, YYZ is a dynamic platform that brings together many stakeholders – including local investors seeking fresh opportunities, corporate partners offering professional services, and global organizations facilitating cross-border expansion.


YYZ’s carefully crafted schedule allows participants to tap into crucial industry expertise while immersing themselves in Toronto’s vibrant entrepreneurial culture. Highlights include:

  • Startup orientation: To set up YYZ cohorts for success, participants are introduced to the basics of doing business in Canada.
  • Individualized coaching: One-on-one meetings facilitated by DMZ’s experts and alumni allow participants to discuss their ideas directly with industry leaders.
  • Investor and networking events: Global startups are given daily opportunities to connect with potential investors and partners.
  • Ecosystem tours and cultural exposure: Participants experience Canadian culture firsthand – immersing themselves in the local business environment through tours and events within the DMZ ecosystem, which connect them with key players and valuable market insights.

“DMZ YYZ is a great opportunity for start-ups who don’t have any experience in Canada yet and want to get into the Canadian market. The connections during the program provided us with a lot of valuable feedback about our product and marketing strategies.” – Kevin Teng, MedFluid,  DMZ YYZ 2024 participant


Global partners driving innovation

Global partnerships fuel YYZ’s success, and this year was no exception.

Championing the global growth of Egyptian startups, DMZ Cairo’s annual “Demo Day” awarded winning founders of the pitch competition with entry into DMZ YYZ. This cross-border initiative reinforces DMZ Cairo’s role as a critical driver of innovation in the region.

Similarly, StartUp Village (Philippines) and Startup Terrace (Taiwan) played instrumental roles in bringing talented entrepreneurs to Toronto, while the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) also supported high-potential startups from Sri Lanka.

Additionally, JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and the City of Yokohama participated by bringing Japanese founders into the DMZ YYZ program.

“The collaborations between Startup Terrace and DMZ were highly successful. Through customized meetings, comprehensive consulting, and site visits, the Taiwan teams gained valuable insights into the local ecosystem. The connections and networks we established during our stay have laid a strong foundation for future endeavors in the Canadian and North American markets.” – Amy Yeh, International Strategy Executive (Startup Terrance, Taiwan)

“Working with DMZ for the YYZ program has been an AWESOME experience – not just for the startups we brought, but for myself as well. I learned a lot from the experience but more importantly, it opened new opportunities for StartUp Village to explore new markets and business models. We look forward to working more closely with DMZ in the coming years!” – Carlo, President of StartUp Village in the Philippines

Together, these global partnerships empower startups to thrive in international markets, while strengthening the collaborative ecosystem that drives innovation and growth across borders – solidifying YYZ as a trusted program for organizations around the world.

Opportunities for Canadian investors, corporates and other local players

DMZ’s YYZ program is also a gateway for local investors and corporates to build relationships with high-potential startups expanding into North America.

Take accounting firm Logan Katz, for example, who partnered with DMZ to provide legal and business workshops to YYZ participants. This hands-on engagement helps global startups to navigate the complexities of incorporating in Canada, while enabling firms like Logan Katz to forge early-stage relationships with promising international startups – a win-win situation!

YYZ also opens doors for local investors and VCs to meet vetted, investment-ready startups. Through structured programming to refine go-to-market strategies and growth plans, the program offers a curated pipeline of startups that are ready to make big moves in the North American market.

Collaborate with DMZ YYZ!

DMZ YYZ is more than just a soft-landing program; it’s a gateway to success in North America.

If you’re an international founder looking to expand into a dynamic market, a global partner wanting to provide unparalleled support for your startups, or a corporate partner ready to fuel the next wave of innovation, join us today!

Want to learn more? Head to dmz.to/yyz.

What an innovation-focused university president looks like

Innovation is the key to staying ten steps ahead and requires a relentless drive to push the bar higher and higher. And while a good leader is fine with the status-quo and tried-and-true methods to solve problems, innovative leaders embrace change, drive transformation and welcome disruptive ideas.

Serving as Toronto Metropolitan University’s (TMU) President since 2016, President Lachemi has been a driving force for DMZ’s success. Championing a culture of challenging the status quo, TMU today is known for being a pillar of entrepreneurship and innovation across Canada and as the home of DMZ.

Formally known as the Digital Media Zone, DMZ became the national benchmark for incubating tech startups and thanks to President Lachemi, DMZ evolved into a global startup ecosystem.

We’re not just supporting founders locally; we’re empowering entrepreneurs across continents by collaborating with organizations globally to drive impact through entrepreneurship. DMZ would never have achieved its current reach and impact without President Lachemi; he believed in our vision and took a massive leap of faith alongside us.

An absolute icon, President Lachemi has championed innovation across the university ecosystem, and we wanted to highlight four of his initiatives that embody innovation-focused leadership.

Taking innovation international – putting TMU on the global stage. 


Global thinking is essential for fostering innovation and expanding influence. President Lachemi was the mastermind behind becoming a global urban university and under his leadership, DMZ established global hubs around the world including Japan, Qatar, Innisfil and Vietnam.

The result? TMU has a global reputation making it more attractive to students, faculty and researchers from around the world, offering a more dynamic and inclusive university experience. Plus, TMU’s global network allows us to offer startups a deep understanding of different markets and countries while simultaneously attracting international startups to set up shop in Canada.

Charting new ground – creating not 1, but 2 new schools.


Visionary leadership and a commitment to pushing the boundary drives innovation and President Lachemi is no stranger to forging new paths. He led the development of not one but two new schools in law and medicine, each with a deliberate focus on innovation and technology.

The Lincoln Alexander School of Law is a different kind of law school that’s molding lawyers who can support the growth of Canada’s innovation economy. In partnership with the law school, DMZ launched the Startup Legal Support program to provide legal support to founders. This program makes sophisticated legal services accessible at a time in their startup journey when formalizing legal processes is crucial.

Future proofing – fueling cybersecurity. 


Anticipating future needs and preparing for them is crucial for sustainable innovation. At a time when technology is evolving rapidly, President Lachemi has fueled multiple initiatives that equip Canadians with the skills they need to thrive in the new economy.

He oversaw the launch of the Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, a national centre for cybersecurity that offers programs and services that provides individuals the knowledge and tools to succeed in a career in the field.

Recognizing the need to support tech talent and aspiring entrepreneurs, President Lachemi championed DMZ’s efforts to develop its Talent Academy arm. DMZ’s Talent Academy programs, which includes SkillHouse, Basecamp, Masterclass and others, teaches upskilling professionals tech and business foundations, empowering them to kickstart their own ventures or become tech talent for growing companies.

Championing entrepreneurship – encouraging risk taking. 


Encouraging calculated risk-taking is vital for transformative innovation and President Lachemi’s support with DMZ Ventures’s recently launched pre-seed and seed investment fund is a testament to his commitment to support the startup economy.

Capital plays an imperative role in the startup ecosystem, and by establishing a fund through DMZ’s for-profit-arm, DMZ is empowering innovators to transform their ideas into viable businesses and scale.  By encouraging risk taking and backing founders, President Lachemi’s efforts and the establishment of the fund is bridging the gap between ideation and commercialization – a gap a lot of universities fail to fill. 

Creating a more inclusive ecosystem – leveling the playing field. 


President Lachemi’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity has been instrumental in shaping a more equitable entrepreneurial landscape. His leadership spearheaded the development of DMZ’s Black Innovation and Women Innovation Programs, two groundbreaking initiatives that have set DMZ apart in the startup ecosystem.

These programs were born out of the recognition that not all founders begin their journeys from the same starting line and they aim to level the playing field by providing tailored support, resources, and opportunities to underserved founders.

President Lachemi’s leadership at TMU has fueled transformative growth. And it’s not just team DMZ singing his praises, the broader community has recognized him for his efforts through multiple prestigious accolades.

His contributions have earned him the Order of Ontario, recognition as one of Canada’s Top 25 Immigrants, and a spot among Toronto’s Top 50 Most Influential People.

Leaders, take note. We can all learn from his example to push boundaries, embrace change, foster global connections and encourage bold moves.

Are you a leader looking to reach the next level in your career and hone in on your innovation-focused leadership style?? Check out DMZ’s SkillHouse for courses that will give you an advantage in today’s rapidly evolving workplace at dmz.to/SkillHouse.