The Ryerson Venture Zone (RVZ) in Brampton Expands Program Offerings

The Ryerson Venture Zone (RVZ) in Brampton announced the expansion of its program offerings, at the beginning of November 2021, to include smart cities, mobility, and logistics startups in addition to its focus on healthtech. 

Established in January 2020, the RVZ was created in joint partnership with the City of Brampton and Ryerson University to enhance the city’s socioeconomic development through nurturing local entrepreneurs by supporting the growth of new business and creating high-skilled job opportunities. 

As a pre-seed, non-equity incubator, the RVZ distinguishes itself from other incubators using a four-pillar approach to help companies scale: 1) Adding value back to Brampton and Peel; 2) Being industry-driven; 3) Offering funding; and focusing on 4) Human-centred programming. Another key aspect of the program is RVZ’s engagement with corporate partners from its inception.

The RVZ chose five sectors to focus on based on the economic makeup of Brampton. In addition to healthtech, smart cities, mobility and logistics startups, RVZ is hoping to expand to food processing and sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and the film, media and entertainment sectors in the near future. 

Applications are now open for the RVZ Launch program. MVP-ready technology startups in the targeted sectors above are encouraged to apply.

By: Rebecca Ro