Abdullah Snobar

10 years. A decade ago, I stepped into the Executive Director role at @dmzhq not knowing where the journey would lead, only that I was lucky to inherit a strong foundation to build on with purpose. I’ve witnessed incredible moments: welcoming world leaders to our headquarters, launching new offices globally and standing on stage as DMZ was named the #1 tech incubator in the world. Over the years, I’ve found myself in rooms I never imagined, with people I never thought I’d meet, in places I never expected to be. Moments that remind me how lucky this journey has been. It’s been a hell of a ride, and one filled with gratitude for the people who make the impossible possible. Here’s to the next 10. Watch my full reflection here: youtube.com/watch?v=_JJwJr…

Grateful to @BNNBloomberg's @rogerfpetersen for inviting me to highlight what 2026 will hold for entrepreneurs. Here’s what we’re anticipating at @dmzhq: ➡️Uncertainty isn’t a phase anymore; it’s the operating environment. Markets and capital will remain unpredictable and 2026 will reward businesses that can survive downturns, not just chase hype. ➡️Canada is thinking like a country again and that’s a massive opportunity for the ecosystem. From groceries to software, Canadians are choosing homegrown. ➡️ AI and automation are no longer “nice to have.” They’re essential, eliminating admin work and operational drag so founders can focus on what matters most. ➡️ New growth verticals are emerging, with defence becoming a real opportunity. This isn’t about reinventing your business, but rethinking who your customer could be and tapping into new verticals. The bottom line: 2026 will belong to entrepreneurs who build durable businesses, embrace efficiency and think differently about where opportunity lives. bnnbloomberg.ca/video/shows/tr…

Canada doesn’t have an innovation problem; we have a scaling problem. Founders have to go global to tap into bigger markets and often find it easier to expand down south than across provinces. They face more red tape at home than international markets. @dmzhq Founder @_KelseyHahn (@MonarkTech) and I dug into what that means with @therundowntvo's @JeyanTVO. Kelsey put it best – the “Canadian playbook” tells startups to build here but validate in the US. The result? Canadian startups expand with little incentive to stay anchored here, taking IP, jobs and businesses with them. It’s not a talent issue. It’s not a lack of ambition. It’s a lack of alignment – between policy, procurement and how we treat innovation as a national strategy. More here: youtube.com/watch?v=Y6ap1Y…

Canada's Accidental Innovation Strategy: Why Defense Spending Might Solve Canada's IP Crisis hubs.li/Q03QS0wB0 Written by @asnobar of @dmzhq

Canada's new defence commitment - 5% of GDP by 2035 - could be the move that changes everything for our startup ecosystem. Here's what makes defence a game-changer: ➡️ Multiyear contracts in a tough VC market, giving founders stability to scale. ➡️ Dual-use tech with market potential. One investment, multiple payoffs. ➡️ Capital-heavy tech that builds real competitive advantages and stronger IP. Done right, this isn't just about defence commitments, it's about anchoring world-class innovation in Canada. More on why this matters and how we capitalize on it in my latest @Forbes piece. forbes.com/councils/forbe…

Grateful to @BNNBloomberg's @LindsBiscaia for having me to discuss what’s at stake for Canada’s innovation economy as we head into #Budget2025. There are three tipping points that could set our startup ecosystem on a stronger path: ➡️Prioritizing Canadian procurement ➡️Commercializing Canadian IP ➡️Unlocking dual-use technology A “buy Canadian” approach to procurement could finally give startups the anchor customer they’ve been missing. And by rethinking defence spending, we can unlock dual-use tech that fuels both national security and everyday Canadian innovation. The key is anchoring all of this in commercialization; making sure Canadian ideas aren’t just created here, but scaled and protected here too. With startup capital at an all-time low, this budget is a chance to reimagine how founders get the stability they need to grow and thrive. bnnbloomberg.ca/video/shows/th…

#Budget2025 has the potential to be a huge turning point for Canadian startups. Buy Canadian policies and NATO commitments can give founders what they’ve been missing for too long: anchor customers who can commit to substantial contracts. Smarter procurement and support to navigate government channels can create real opportunities for businesses across Canada to scale. And with NATO investments, every dollar can give us multiple payoffs. The same technologies built to strengthen Arctic sovereignty can also be used to monitor climate change. Done right, this budget can anchor IP and give startups a stable growth path because when we buy Canadian, we build Canadian.

NBA All-Star @pskills43 just backed the next generation of EdTech leaders. At yesterday’s Siakam EdTech Engine Demo Day, held at @GoogleStartups Toronto, six standout founders pitched for a share of $50K in grants – with Siakam cheering them on. Here’s who took home the top prizes: ➡️ Cyber Legends – $30K grant ➡️ Shurii – $15K grant ➡️ English Islands – $5K grant Finalists included: Edventive, Factors Education, and Gibbly. A huge thanks to Dakota Whyte, Vanessa Siakam, and, of course, Pascal Siakam for their incredible partnership. Full story: dmz.to/Siakam-Demo-Day

.@startupfest, you never disappoint. A huge congrats to @ptelio on another incredible week. It was an honour to be named to the Startupfest Hall of Fame inaugural class. We’ve been proud supporters since day one and can’t wait to see what lies ahead. Until next time, Montréal!

As we mark 15 years of DMZ we’re reflecting on the bold decisions that shaped our journey. The kind that made people doubt us, but applaud a few years later. It’s been about making tough calls, backing underestimated founders and staying true to one mission: changing entrepreneurs’ lives. dmz.to/DMZ_15

Read more about the moves that shaped us (via @asnobar): dmz.to/DMZ_15

DMZ was founded on the belief that young entrepreneurs have the power to challenge norms and build a better future. That belief isn’t just a part of our history, it fuels everything we do today. The @RideauHallFdn Ingenious+ program is an inspiring example of what happens when we give youth a platform and a chance to lead. We're honoured to stand alongside RHF to help scale their impact even further. Huge thanks to @Termarques and the RHF team for your vision and partnership. rhf-frh.ca/media-releases…

Today, Canada decides the future we build. In my latest @globeandmail op-ed, I lay out a path for Canada to lead amid global uncertainty: • A sovereign fund to fuel long-term growth. • IP strategies that keep our innovation here. • Capital markets that serve tomorrow’s economy. • Startups treated as core strategy, not an afterthought. This is our inflection point. Carpe diem: because what we’re not changing, we’re choosing.

I’m honoured to receive the King Charles III Coronation Medal 🇨🇦 Canada has given me so much and it’s been a privilege to give back through service, community and supporting those who are building our future. I’m grateful to be recognized alongside so many great Canadians. A heartfelt thank you to the @RideauHallFdn –– not only for this honour, but for the work you do in uplifting our country’s innovators and future changemakers.

I sat down with @davidcommon from @CBCNews to highlight why we need to start betting on Canadian-made tech now. We’ve got world-class talent and brilliant founders that are more than ready to lead. But we need to show up for them — not just with words, but with real investment, smart policy and bold procurement decisions. That’s why we launched the Oh Canada Tech Directory — a one-stop shop for businesses looking to partner with Canadian tech companies. We’re actively working with procurement teams so choosing Canadian becomes the easiest decision in the room. Because the more we invest in Canadian tech, the stronger and more self-reliant our economy becomes. If you’re a Canadian tech business, apply today. dmz.to/Oh-Canada_Tech

Tariffs and trade diversification are on the minds of Canadian founders. I sat down with @doveparmar to chat about what he calls “the boxing match” Canadian startups can expect in the coming months as we all wait to see what President Trump does on March 4. Thanks again for joining me Dove! dmz.to/TradeWakeUp

Education is the foundation of opportunity. That’s why we’re doubling down on EdTech, bringing innovation where it matters most: straight into the classroom. Athletes have a powerful platform, and @pskills43 is using his to drive real change. We’re honoured to be partnering with PS43 Foundation, his not-for-profit focused on unlocking opportunity through education to help entrepreneurs create tech that transforms the way kids learn. Because when you invest in education, you invest in the future. thestar.com/sports/raptors…

Why are tech leaders openly advocating for a return to the boys club? It’s short-sighted and regressive. Full stop. I sat down with @ambermac to ask her for insights on what’s going on. Thanks again for joining me Amber – excited to see you at our Women Innovation Summit in March! dmz.to/NoBoysClub

Now’s the time to double down on supporting homegrown businesses. Canadian companies have the talent, resilience and innovation to step up, and we need to have each others backs. We’re each other’s best customers, so let’s act like it. Whether it’s tech, auto, energy, or the everyday products we rely on, investing in Canadian businesses keeps our economy strong and jobs secure. This isn’t just about weathering uncertainty. It’s about showing what we’re made of.