BASECAMP

Launch. Pitch. Win.

A free summer entrepreneurship program helping high-school and university students launch and grow a startup.

Get expert mentorship from top founders

Explore a global startup network & Canada’s tech scene

Compete for $50K in grant funding and win travel credits

Apply Now

Download Info Package

DMZ has helped 800+ startups raise $2.54B+. 
See how we help founders like you level up.

By downloading, you agree to receive DMZ’s bi-weekly newsletter and updates about programs, events, and opportunities. Unsubscribe anytime.

Success! Your info package is on its way.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Basecamp Sprint

For university students with an existing business idea.

Hybrid

Basecamp Voyage

For high school & university students – no existing idea required.

Hybrid

Start Date

Closed

Program

Basecamp Sprint

Starts

Jun

4 weeks with continuation to Basecamp Voyage

In-person and virtual

Build faster • Join a four-week pitch coaching experience

Get visible • Pitch your startup at Toronto Tech Week

Go further • Win up to $2,000 in travel grants for growth

Apply Now

Start Date

Closed

Program

Basecamp Voyage

Starts

Jul

8 weeks

In-person and virtual

Learn by building • Get hands-on with real startup tools

Grow your idea • Access expert mentorship and peer support

Pitch to win • Compete for $50K in grant prizes on Demo Day

Apply Now

What you’ll learn, build & pitch along the way.

Sprint • University students

Set your sights

Week 1 • Goal setting & mindset building


Get real-world experience

Week 2 • Immersive learning activities and simulations to craft your pitch

Perfect your pitch

Week 3 • Refine your pitch with expert coaching


Pitch at Toronto Tech Week

Week 4 • Pitch to the DMZ ecosystem for $2K in travel credits

Voyage • High school & university students

Build your foundation

Weeks 1–3 • Entrepreneurship basics, design thinking & customer discovery

Go to market

Weeks 4–6 • Develop messaging, marketing, financing & launch strategies

Tell your story

Week 7 • Learn how to perfect a pitch with confidence and clarity

Compete for $50K

Week 8 • Pitch live at the Basecamp Finals for up to $50,000 in grant prizes

In just two months, we got pitch feedback, business advice, and investor intros. Hearing from experts that our idea is worth building—that’s been the best motivation.

Justin Allen

Co-Founder, GlucoSense

You’re in good company.

Build real startups, gain tech skills, and pitch for funding—alongside fellow student founders.

450+

Students supported.

200+

New startups founded.

200K+

In total grants distributed.

4.8K+

Hours of programming.

Why does Basecamp work?

Because entrepreneurial students like you don’t need more theory—they need a launchpad.


Who should apply?

Here are some factors we consider for the Basecamp program.

Voyage eligibility • High school & university students. Recent grads welcome.

Sprint eligibility • University students. Must be available to continue onto Voyage.

Time commitment • Attend in person at least 3 days per week during the program.

Mindset • Students should be coachable, collaborative and driven to build.

Startup intent • Interest to build a tech-enabled business solving a real problem.

Apply Now

Meet the team.

Meet the team that brings Basecamp to life — they're ready to share what they know and help you level up.

Pouria Daliri

Skills Academy Programs Specialist

As the Skills Academy Programs Specialist at DMZ, Pouria collaborates with the Skills Academy team and other DMZ teams to assist students, aspiring entrepreneurs and startup founders. Through programs and workshops, he and connects participants to skilled professionals and helps them enhance their skills and networks. In all, Pouria supports startups on their path to sustainable growth.

‍

Despite Pouria’s background in engineering, he’s always had a passion for tech startups. From a young age, he’s been fascinated with the complexities of technology and gained valuable experience in various areas such as product management, marketing, and business development. Pouria’s diverse background has given him a deep understanding of the business landscape and helped support his passion.

‍

Pouria co-founded teslakala.com, an e-commerce platform specializing in electrical and industrial equipment that achieved impressive growth with an annual expansion rate of over 200% for five years. From seeking further growth and learning opportunities, he moved to Canada to pursue a master’s degree at Toronto Metropolitan University and is excited to use his skills and experience to contribute to DMZ’s success in innovative and dynamic environments.

‍

Pouria has a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and dual master’s degrees– one in Industrial Systems and Productivity Management and the other in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An astronaut

‍

Favourite movie/TV show?

Friends

‍

If I could have any superpower I would choose …

Seeing the Future through Time Travel

‍

Favourite childhood book?

Robinson Crusoe

‍

Best advice you’ve been given?

Money doesn't bring happiness, focus on what brings you true joy in life

Jamelia Allen

Skills Academy Programs Specialist

As the Skills Academy Programs Specialist for DMZ, Jamelia supports the development, and implementation of talent development programming initiatives for target students, entrepreneurs, and startup groups to enhance overall member experience.

‍

Prior to joining DMZ in 2022, Jamelia had been working to support Ontario’s economic growth through her role at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce; advocating for small and medium-sized businesses in the province.

‍

Graduating from York University with a Bachelors degree in Political Science and English, Jamelia had the desire to study internationally and broaden her understanding of social policy programs across the globe, completing a Master’s degree in International Social Policy.

‍

She has a diversity of work experience, having worked in education, for small businesses, NGOs and the city of Toronto. She is looking to apply the skills gained from her background to her role at DMZ.

Favourite superhero?

Batman!

‍

Favourite quote?

“Do or do not, there is no try.” - Yoda

‍

What would your dream holiday be?

Maldives.

‍

First job?

Figure Skating Instructor.

‍

Who or what inspires you?

My mother.