Toronto Metropolitan University's DMZ announced $170,000 in investment awards and grants at its sixth annual Black Innovation Summit on October 29, 2026. The event brought together more than 300 attendees in Toronto. Ten Black-led startups from across Canada competed for funding, with three companies receiving awards.
Funding awards
Hey Cleo was awarded a $100,000 investment from DMZ Ventures and a $10,000 grant from the Black Founders Network. Curvis was awarded a $50,000 investment from DMZ Ventures. Carbon Saver received a $10,000 grant from Pitch Better.
Supporting Black founders
DMZ launched its Black Innovation Programs in 2019 to support Black entrepreneurs in Canada's technology sector. The organization says it has supported more than 2,500 Black founders through these programs. It has also distributed over $3.2 million in grants and services to participating entrepreneurs.
What the startups build
Hey Cleo develops a voice-based assessment platform that helps teachers evaluate student understanding through conversations. Curvis uses AI to automate administrative tasks following hospital discharge and improve care coordination. Carbon Saver helps architects measure building emissions and manage regulatory compliance within their design software.
Hey Cleo plans to expand its engineering team and continue developing its assessment platform. DMZ Ventures is still working to finalize the terms of its announced investments. DMZ is also accepting applications for its 10-week BIP Validator Program until November 20, 2026.