The Design Fabrication Zone (DFZ) at Ryerson University is an interdisciplinary incubator for design and fabrication, where emerging entrepreneurs build their ideas. From concept development to three-dimensional prototyping and beyond, the DFZ facilitates the incubation and acceleration of project ideas and strategically propels them towards real-life application and business innovation.The DFZ has yielded over 250 members, 80 projects, 70 press articles and 18 commercial businesses.

The zone fosters rich networking opportunities for student and entrepreneur driven initiatives through mentorship, workshops, strategic partnerships and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The DFZ provides access to traditional and digital fabrication technologies, enabling members to prototype and model ideas for testing, evaluating and realizing design concepts.

To learn more about the DFZ and the completed projects click here.

New Members

The DFZ accepts applications on an ongoing basis. Members include Ryerson students, alumni, and entrepreneurs from the wider community who are paired with mentors to complete design/fabrication projects including commercial products/prototypes and services, tech startup companies, design businesses, installations and exhibitions, and competitions.

Members have access to to state-of-the-art and traditional fabrication technologies, enhanced with training and workshops.  Technology includes the latest 3D printers, CNC routers, laser cutters, foam cutters and more.  Space includes access to desk, office, meeting, fabrication and shop space.

To learn more about applying to become a member click here.