Women Innovation Summit 2026
Registration for this event is now full.
DMZ's Women Innovation Summit returns on March 19 in partnership with Elevate, bringing Canada’s innovation ecosystem together under this year’s theme: All In.
All In is a call to move past conversation and into real commitment — because building an inclusive innovation economy isn't women’s work alone. This year’s Summit invites everyone to the table: founders, funders, operators, corporate leaders, policymakers, men and allies — all driving meaningful, systemic change across tech.
Agenda:
1:00 PM | Doors open - Registration & networking
2:00 PM | Stage program begins
Event MC: Amber Mac, President, AmberMac Media
Welcome remarks: Dr. Roberta Iannacito-Provenzano, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Toronto Metropolitan University
Panel: Women in Tech: Shaping What’s Next | Sponsored by Scotiabank
Moderator: Kumutha Ramanathan, Business Columnist and CEO, The Summit Group
Deb Pimental, President and General Manager of Technology, IBM Canada
Vicky Laurens, Vice President of Security Engineering and Deployment, Scotiabank
Natasha Gagnon, CEO, Ontario Aerospace Council
Pitch competition: Watch Canada's top 10 women tech founders pitch their companies to secure up to $200K investment from DMZ Ventures
Woman of the Year: Hear from Isabelle Hudon, President and CEO of BDC, DMZ's 2026 Woman of the Year, in an exclusive fireside chat with Lisa Zarzeczny, Co-Founder and CEO of Elevate
Pitch results: Watch the final pitch investment announcements, presented by Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director, DMZ and CEO of DMZ Ventures
4:30 PM | Networking reception
Join us for refreshments and to connect with investors, founders and leaders across the tech ecosystem
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About DMZ
DMZ is a tech incubator and startup ecosystem that fuels entrepreneurship in Canada and beyond. Through its award-winning programs, DMZ empowers founders to scale high-impact ventures, helps students develop entrepreneurial mindsets and equips professionals to thrive in today’s fast-moving economy. By offering tailored support, world-class resources and expansive networks, DMZ nurtures bold ideas, drives business growth and creates global economic impact.
To date, DMZ has supported 1800+ startups in raising $2.78 billion in capital and has created over 25,000 jobs. Headquartered in Toronto, DMZ operates a global network of hubs spanning 10+ countries, enabling entrepreneurs to access diverse markets, collaborate internationally and drive global innovation.
About Elevate
Elevate is a Canadian non-profit that brings together innovators, creators and leaders through incubator programs and a globally recognized technology and innovation festival. Operating at the intersection of technology, arts and social impact, Elevate connects entrepreneurs, policymakers, students and global icons to tackle complex societal challenges and build a more equitable, sustainable future. Founded in 2017, Elevate has grown into one of the world’s fastest-growing tech festivals, welcoming 30,000+ attendees, 350+ speakers and 150+ partners, and hosting leaders such as Michelle Obama, Martha Stewart, Chris Hadfield and Al Gore.
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy, administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada