Ryerson president urges government, private sector to support youth innovation

Toronto can be a big winner in the international race for digital innovation but government and the private sector need to support young entrepreneurs and become start-up friendly, said Ryerson University president Sheldon Levy in an address last Wednesday to the Empire Club of Canada. More young people are launching their own businesses, many of them digital, signalling that Canada's youth -- with the right help -- can power a globally competitive digital economy for Canada, said Levy. 4 young Ryerson entrepreneurs who have launched businesses that are earning international acclaim also spoke at the Empire Club. Their companies have been part of Ryerson's Digital Media Zone (DMZ), where demand for admission is high. Since opening in April 2010, the DMZ has incubated 84 startups, initiated more than 134 projects, graduated 25 companies, created more than 650 jobs, and hosted nearly 700 tours for visitors from around the world. Levy believes zone-based education can help stop the leakage of Canada's intellectual property to other nations by creating a place for young innovators to connect with business and investors in Canada. Ryerson News Release | Speech