SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
A strong economy, resilient communities and a sustainable future all rely on innovation. As the world faces rapid change, advancing new ideas, technologies and infrastructure is more important than ever. At TMU, innovation is a defining strength – embedded in our research, academic programs and industry collaborations. This focus not only drives progress but also ensures our graduates are prepared to lead in an evolving workforce.
Top 10 among Canadian universities for graduate employability (Times Higher Education Global Employability University Ranking 2025).
The DMZ at TMU is ranked the #1 university-based tech incubator in the world by UBI Global.
Our campus features 340,000 square feet of teaching lab space and 230,000 square feet of research space
Our goals in action
At TMU, we prioritize innovation in our curriculum, integrating it into every aspect of the academic experience. This commitment is rooted in our Academic Plan, with priorities focusing on making impact through scholarship, research and creative activity (SRC) and innovation, and preparing students for evolving careers. We emphasize real-world experiences and interdisciplinary collaboration to equip students with the skills needed to tackle global challenges and thrive in dynamic professional environments.
- Zone Learning is TMU’s network for innovation and entrepreneurial experiences, offering hands-on programs that bridge the gap between education and real-world problems.
TMU is home to 10 zones on our downtown campus, as well as several off-campus zones, each with a distinct industry focus. Designed for brainstorming, igniting projects and nurturing startups from the ground up, students can expand their networks, gain experience, bolster their resumes and tap into funding opportunities that can turn dreams into reality.
The ZON 100 open elective course from Zone Learning allows undergraduate students to develop projects with instructor guidance, combining group sessions and one-on-one mentorship for hands-on learning.
- The Master of Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship (MEIE) program is designed for engineering students, science students and industry professionals interested in advancing their own technology-based startups or leading innovation within an existing organization. Following the lean-startup development process, students refine their concepts through customer discovery, customer validation and customer acquisition phases into viable businesses. Students gain the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience necessary to drive and manage innovation in existing companies or their own ventures.
- All academic programs at TMU are required to have a Program Advisory Council (PAC). A PAC is a group of volunteers comprising industry and community representatives that provides expert guidance on curriculum, program review, technology and trends in the industry, discipline or profession. PACs ensure TMU programs remain current and aligned with industry and labour market trends.
Driven by a passion for progress, TMU researchers are advancing innovative solutions across industries. Our unique Zone Learning concept leverages campus research, expertise and industry connections to incubate startups and support new ventures. By fostering collaboration across disciplines, Zone Learning drives economic growth, creates high quality jobs and fuels innovation.
- The Biomedical Zone at TMU helps early-stage health technology companies to validate their need-based solutions directly in the hospital setting with clinicians, business experts, and innovative thinkers. Through the Biomedical Zone, startups are able to rapidly iterate their technology, refine their business model, and demonstrate clinical value. First-in-class programs offer startups unprecedented access to the clinical environment, while facilitating unique experiential learning opportunities for students.
- The Science Discovery Zone (SDZ) serves as a hub for science entrepreneurship, connecting TMU and the wider community to promote evidence-based innovation through hands-on learning experiences. Additionally, it offers assistance to aspiring innovators and fledgling startups as they embark on their initial stages of development and validation.
- Opening in fall 2025, the Smart Campus Integrated Testing Hub – or SCITHub – will be the world’s first 100 per cent digitally enabled building. By integrating different technologies, including HVAC, lighting, security, IT and communications, SCITHub will allow researchers to explore solutions to decarbonize built environments and bring Canada closer to net-zero emissions.
The two-storey building will have a fully integrated IT system connecting all building elements together that can be controlled remotely. The first floor will facilitate research and development for Smart Homes and hosts the Operations and Visualization Centre tying the SCITHub into the wider Smart Campus Digital Twin – a digital version of TMU hosting facility management data to support decarbonization, while the second floor will have workshops and test cells to compare different technologies for Smart Offices.
SCITHub will develop, test, and showcase the full range of smart building technologies to support the homes and offices of the future. There will be three areas of research in the building; smart city technology development, buildings for health and wellness of people and supporting net-zero carbon goals.
- Information technology management professor Atefeh (Atty) Mashatan and engineering professor Reza Arani are leading a three-year research project that will identify potential quantum threats to the cybersecurity of smart grid technology and develop mitigating solutions to protect critical energy infrastructure. In collaboration with Hydro Quebec, evolutionQ and Crypto4A, they aim to create a blueprint for how the energy sector can mitigate the risks of quantum threats and incorporate quantum-resistant cybersecurity into their smart grids.
A dynamic campus environment enhances student learning, growth, and connection. TMU provides innovative opportunities – from co-op programs to social impact initiatives – that bridge education with real-world experience. State-of-the-art spaces and community partnerships further support collaboration, creativity and hands-on learning while upholding high standards for sustainable infrastructure.
- TMU’s innovative co-op programs offer students relevant work experience and the opportunity to expand their professional networks. Options are available across five faculties.
- The Office of Social Innovation (OSI) undertakes a range of initiatives to develop transformative approaches to societal well-being within the university community and its surrounding neighbourhoods. Explore OSI’s current programs and projects to learn more about the office’s work.
- The Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex (DCC) at TMU is an award-winning multifunctional hub that houses innovative academic space, administrative offices, student accommodations and more. It brings together four schools of the Faculty of Community Services (FCS) and The Creative School's Design + Technology Lab in a state-of-the-art facility that fosters collaboration, innovation and interdisciplinary work.
The DCC earned the 2021 Best Tall Mixed-Use Building by the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat for its impact on the urban environment and sustainability.
The DCC demonstrates how the university can leverage its downtown location as an urban campus while promoting dense, mixed-use vertical growth and creating a vibrant public realm. Its innovative, environmentally responsible features highlight TMU’s commitment to sustainability.
Innovation drives progress, and TMU is committed to using its strengths to create lasting impact in our communities. Through industry partnerships, incubators and social ventures, we support economic growth and capacity building while addressing local and global challenges.
- A joint partnership between the City of Brampton and TMU, Brampton Venture Zone (BVZ) is a non-equity incubator that is dedicated to building and growing early stage technology startups in Brampton. BVZ connects aspiring entrepreneurs, current founders, industry experts, funders and customers to build solutions for local challenges. Virtual programming helps first-time founders navigate market development, build industry collaborations and helps technology startups develop a playbook for market launch and growth.
- The Social Ventures Zone (SVZ) at TMU works with students, alumni, faculty and people from the broader community to build social ventures that create real impact. Through coaching, training, work space and funding opportunities, the SVZ helps innovators develop ventures on issues as diverse as the environment, urban poverty, food security, gender-based violence, conscious consumption and accessibility. Some of these innovations will find a home in a social purpose business, a nonprofit or charity, a social movement or a social enterprise.
- The Launching Economic Achievement Program (LEAP) supports women’s empowerment for sustainable economic growth in Jordan through the development of a business incubator for women and an entrepreneurial module training program, as well as delivery of a Leaders and Entrepreneurs Program to girls throughout Jordan. The project is led by a consortium with TMU, the Canadian Bureau for International Education and Injaz, a Jordanian NGO.
