Venn Innovation Garage

Inclusive Growth | Community-Focused | Globally Connected

The Venn Innovation Garage is no longer just an incubator. It’s a force multiplier for innovation in Atlantic Canada

In just three years, the Garage has become one of the region’s most dynamic and inclusive startup engines, delivering growth that’s both measurable and meaningful.

Enrollment has climbed nearly 150%.
Women-led ventures have nearly tripled, growing from 7% to 20%.
Newcomer participation has surged 244%, and today three-quarters of the 34 active startups are led by newcomer founders.

The Garage also actively supports Indigenous and LGBTQ2+ founders, ensuring the innovation economy reflects the communities it serves. And it’s not just inclusive, it’s future-facing. AI-powered startups now represent 39% of the cohort, up from 15%, underscoring Atlantic Canada’s accelerating shift toward advanced, technology-driven innovation.

This didn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of a deliberate strategy, and a team that shows up every day to help founders turn ideas into companies, and companies into economic impact.

That’s why the Garage has evolved into more than a program. It’s now a community anchor, expanding mentorship, delivering hands-on workshops, forging cross-sector partnerships, and creating space for grassroots tech communities to grow.

And this momentum is not a finish line. It’s a signal.

Founders, funders, and partners are demanding a new model of incubation, one that scales startups and strengthens ecosystems. As AI adoption accelerates, digital sovereignty becomes a national priority, and industries seek real-world innovation partners, Venn is stepping forward.

As New Brunswick invests in digital transformation, AI readiness, and sustainable growth, Venn is turning strategy into execution, equipping founders to play a direct role in Canada’s modernization agenda.

The goal isn’t participation.
It’s leadership.

Venn is positioning New Brunswick not just to compete in the innovation economy, but to help define it, with purpose, inclusiveness, and resilience.

From Classroom Inspiration to Startup Creation: Meet Youssef and Younes Outahajala, Founders of Picmeal

When Youssef and Younes Outahajala first stepped through the doors of Venn Innovation a year ago, they weren’t yet entrepreneurs, they were high school students full of curiosity and ambition. As part of the Programme Pairs Leaders, a leadership initiative for newcomer youth organized by the Francophone Sud School District, they came to Venn to learn about innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

That first visit made an impression. They left inspired by the energy of the local founders they met and amazed by the idea that anyone, with the right mindset and support, could build something meaningful from scratch.

“During the Pairs Leaders event, Younes and Youssef caught my attention immediately due to their passion for the subject,” shared Andre Zanoti. “Usually, tech-driven guys are quiet and shy, but they asked many questions and visited several start-ups, and I felt like they were having their first experience in what they had foreseen as a future for themselves.”

A year later, they returned to Venn with their own experimental project to participate in the SparkChange Pitch Competition, their very first experience pitching an idea. Competing among many talented teams, they placed seventh overall, an achievement that fueled their drive to keep building.

Just two months after the competition, the brothers had already developed four apps and decided to bring one of them, Picmeal, into Venn’s Garage incubator to take it to the next level.

Since joining the program, Youssef and Younes have spent countless hours brainstorming, refining, and testing their ideas. Their dedication paid off when they returned to the stage at the Startup Canada Pop-up Pitch in Moncton, pitching among 43 other Atlantic Canadian startups, a remarkable full-circle moment for two young founders who first discovered entrepreneurship right here at Venn.

“Youssef and Younes, or as we like to call them, the twins, have impressed us since day one with their exceptional enthusiasm for new technologies, app development, and getting into pitch competitions,” said Ayoub Serhani. “Their hard work, innovation, and startup spirit are inspiring. In every mentorship session, they surprise us with their remarkable progress and out-of-the-box thinking. I’m truly pleased to witness their entrepreneurial journey.”

Reflecting on their experience, Youssef shared how their journey came full circle:

“I first heard of Venn three months after I landed in Moncton. I was introduced to it when I saw a young startup trying to make it possible to buy products using a QR code. Right then and there, I told my brother, ‘One day, we will be there, too.’ I'm proud to say that we are here now, and with the help of Ayoub and André, who helped us quantify our ambitions and turn them into goals with deadlines, we're working toward the ultimate goal of empowering the consumer with the tools to stop food waste with minimal friction.”

His brother Younes echoed that sentiment:

“After joining the Venn Incubator, we had many discussions concerning our business idea and received a lot of help with pitch preparation. However, what I would say was the most helpful was knowing that there is someone who can hold you accountable in your journey toward success.”

Their journey, from curious high school students to startup founders, is one of the Garage’s main focuses: helping young innovators discover their potential, build their ideas, and grow into leaders shaping the future.

We can’t wait to see where Youssef and Younes take Picmeal next.

Tech Connect Participant Highlight: Amibola Orekoya & Franck Talla

Over the past several months, Amibola Orekoya and Franck Talla have each demonstrated exceptional growth, adaptability, and teamwork through the Tech Connect program. From business and data analysis to project ownership and collaboration, both participants have shown the dedication and skill that will make them valuable additions to Canada’s tech community.

Amibola Orekoya

Start date: June 1, 2025
End date: September 19, 2025
Key focus/project area: Business Analyst

From the moment Amibola joined Tech Connect, her ability to adapt and respond to changing project needs stood out. She seamlessly shifted between roles, serving as a product analyst, business analyst, and data analyst at different phases, ensuring each project received the support it needed.

One of her most notable achievements was owning the BCCCCNB project from inception to deployment, demonstrating strong leadership, initiative, and technical understanding.

Throughout the program, Amibola’s adaptability and quick focus shifts made her an invaluable contributor to the team’s success. Her stability and reliability helped create a positive and productive environment within the Tech Connect community.

“She was a pleasure to have on the team. Open to new ideas and always leaned in to participate in Canadian Cultural training. She loved sharing her experiences in order to understand how she can integrate into the Canadian workplace in a way that allows for the best collaborative environment with her team,” shared Shannon.

Reflecting on her experience, Amibola said:

“I’d recommend the Tech Connect program to anyone who has skills, qualities, and a passion for serving or volunteering in their community. I’ve gone through it myself and learned so much. I’ve worked with nonprofit organizations, applied my skills in different ways, gathered requirements, developed use cases and product roadmaps, and created product strategies. It’s been an amazing experience and I truly believe you can do it too.”

As she looks ahead, Amibola is ready to take the next step in her professional journey, applying her versatile skill set and collaborative mindset in her future career.

One word to describe Amibola: Versatile

Franck Talla

Start date: June 2, 2025
End date: September 19, 2025
Key focus/project area: Data Analyst

Franck’s journey through Tech Connect was defined by quiet leadership, thoughtful insight, and consistent excellence. Though soft-spoken, his contributions always carried weight, earning the attention and respect of his teammates.

When a senior data engineer left the team, Franck took ownership of the FRC reporting dashboard without guidance, ensuring that this key project component was completed on time. His initiative and accountability were matched by his willingness to mentor others when he saw opportunities to help.

Over the course of the program, Franck’s communication skills flourished. His progress was clear to everyone on the team and added to his already strong analytical abilities.

“His presence had a calming effect on the group,” shared Shannon, highlighting the quiet confidence that made Franck a grounding presence on the team.

Reflecting on his experience, Franck shared:

“The most valuable part of the program was the opportunity to collaborate within a multicultural team and learn from each member’s unique perspectives. I also gained meaningful exposure to the Canadian IT work environment, which helped me understand new ways of working and problem-solving.

Finally, contributing to building a product that supports non-profit organizations was highly rewarding, as it allowed me to apply my skills to reduce their challenges and create better outcomes in their work.

Tech Connect helped me prepare for future opportunities by providing valuable exposure to the Canadian IT field, enhancing both my technical and soft skills, and giving me the chance to work on projects that create real impact in the community.”

As Franck moves forward, he is poised to continue growing his career in data analysis, bringing his thoughtful perspective and strong communication skills to every challenge ahead.

One word to describe Franck: Thoughtful

Celebrating Growth and Collaboration

Amibola and Franck’s stories embody what Tech Connect is all about building bridges between international talent and Canada’s growing tech industry. Through collaboration, mentorship, and real-world project experience, they’ve not only gained valuable skills but also enriched their teams with fresh perspectives and cultural insight.

Tech Connect is proud to have supported their journeys, and we look forward to seeing the incredible contributions they’ll continue to make in the tech community and beyond.

Garage Members in The Spotlight

On Wednesday, September 17th, our space came alive as Venn Innovation hosted two incredible gatherings: the Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competition with Startup Canada and the Startup Atlantic Kitchen Party: Collide & Connect.

The pitch competition brought together 43 founders from across all three Maritime provinces, with ecosystem partners on hand to share insights and cheer on the region’s entrepreneurs.

At stake: a $3,000 cash prize and a guaranteed spot at the Startup Global Pitch Competition Grand Finale in Mississauga on October 21, where finalists will compete live on the Main Stage for a share of the $70,000 prize pool.

We’re so proud that two of Venn Garage’s client startups placed in the Top 5, with one taking home the grand prize!

Meet David Leonardo Sanchez, Founder of Decarb Technologies Inc.

His startup is tackling a global problem that impacts communities and ecosystems everywhere:

·       Just 1 liter of grease can contaminate 1,000 liters of water.

·       The result? Clogged pipes, foul odors, pests, and serious harm to aquatic ecosystems.

 Decarb Technologies’ solution:
A modular, on-site wastewater treatment system that removes 99% of grease and reduces COD by 90%, creating a cleaner, more sustainable way forward for businesses and the environment.

With this win, David has secured a guaranteed spot at the Startup Global Pitch Competition Grand Finale in Mississauga on October 21, where he’ll join nine other finalists to pitch live on the national stage.

We’re proud to support David and Decarb Technologies as they continue to build solutions that drive sustainability and create real impact for businesses and communities alike.

Another standout at the Startup Atlantic Pop-Up Pitch Competition - Inkubatr Agritech Solutions Inc.

Alongside David’s big win with Decarb Technologies, we’re excited to highlight another incredible startup that made it into the Top 5 Finalists: Inkubatr Agritech Solutions Inc.

The problem they’re solving:
Every year, retailers throw away $5–10M worth of live plants due to shrinkage, averaging 9% in retail and up to 20% in grocery stores.
The issue isn’t lack of demand (customers want healthy plants), it’s lack of time, training, and tools for staff to care for them properly. The result? Dead plants, lost sales, and disappointed customers.

Their solution: The Incubator
The world’s first IoT-powered retail merchandiser for live plants, designed to:

·       Automatically provide the right light, water, and climate.

·       Offer cloud connectivity so retailers can monitor inventory, track plant health, and receive real-time alerts.

·       Pair with proprietary Plant Pack packaging, keeping plants healthier longer — reducing waste while boosting sales.

Where they are now:

·       Manufacturing partner secured in St. Louis.

·       Production unit ready and electrical certifications underway.

·       Pilot deployments planned for Q4 2025 with Canvas MB and NSLC.

With a strong team bringing together agriculture and technology expertise, Inkubatr is redefining how retailers manage and care for live plants.

Congratulations to Inkubatr Agritech Solutions for making the Top 5 and for showing us what bold innovation looks like in Atlantic Canada’s startup ecosystem.

This event was a true showcase of the innovation, resilience, and creativity within Atlantic Canada’s startup community.

A huge thank you to Startup Canada, our ecosystem partners, and every founder who pitched. Your vision and hard work continue to inspire us. We can’t wait to cheer on David and the Decarb Technologies team at the Startup Global Grand Finale in Mississauga this October, and to follow the journeys of all the incredible entrepreneurs shaping the future from right here in Atlantic Canada.

Tech Connect Graduate Highlights: Ali Shoja and Oleksandra Pylypiv

Over the past several months, Ali Shoja and Oleksandra Pylypiv have each contributed their expertise, embraced new challenges, and demonstrated the qualities that will make them invaluable additions to the Canadian tech community. From back-end development and mentorship to end-to-end QA and automation testing, their experiences highlight the power of collaboration, adaptability, and resilience.

Ali Shoja

From the moment Ali Shoja joined Tech Connect in June 2025, it was clear that he brought more to the table than just his credentials. His deep technical knowledge and willingness to share it quickly positioned him as a mentor to others on the team. Ali built close relationships with his peers, offering guidance and support while contributing his skills to meaningful projects.

During the program, Ali took ownership of the back-end development for most of the modules in the platform, a newer area of expertise for him. By embracing this challenge, he expanded his capabilities into full-stack development, strengthening both his technical range and his confidence. Along the way, he showcased qualities that stood out to everyone: he was coachable, collaborative, eager to share ideas, and adept at tackling complex API integrations.

“Ali brought a quiet sense of humor into the team and a level of thoughtfulness that other members began to adopt. He is a leader in the making,” said Shannon, who worked closely with him throughout the program.

Reflecting on his experience, Ali shared:

“Tech Connect gave me the opportunity to work on a real project and contribute to it. I learned new skills, collaborated with a team, and worked under the guidance of a Senior Software Engineer. I asked questions, learned how application architecture is built, and gained valuable insight into the decisions behind it. This program gave me the chance to participate without financial concerns, and it was a very valuable experience for me. I believe this program will be very beneficial for Moncton, and I hope it will continue so that more people can join, gain experience, and prepare themselves for entering the Canadian job market.”

As Ali looks ahead, he sees his future in software development, a path where his technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and natural mentorship abilities will continue to shine.

Oleksandra Pylypiv

When Oleksandra Pylpiv joined Tech Connect in June 2025, she brought with her a strong background in manual QA from her work in Ukraine. Over the course of the program, she not only applied her existing skills but also grew in ways that will have a lasting impact on her career. Her confidence lifted, her technical expertise deepened, and she fully embraced the value she will bring into the next company she joins.

As the senior QA contributor, Oleksandra handled the end-to-end quality assurance process for the team’s project. She communicated with software developers about their code with both confidence and respect, ensuring that the platform was delivered on time and to a high standard. Along the way, she demonstrated adaptability by picking up new tasks mid-project, an inquisitive mindset, and the ability to dive into someone else’s code to keep progress moving forward.

“Oleksandra took on her role with little direction. She also developed her software development skills while working alongside the team. She will make a great addition to any team, either as an individual contributor or a collaborator,” said Shannon.

Reflecting on her experience, Oleksandra shared:

“Tech Connect made me feel much more confident and prepared. The program gave me Canadian experience, helped me strengthen my automation skills, and improved how I present myself in interviews. The most valuable part was the chance to gain real Canadian project experience while expanding my automation testing skills. I was able to dive deeper into automation with Playwright, API testing with Postman, and database validation with SQL.

I also found the collaboration with a diverse, multicultural team very valuable. It gave me insight into Canadian workplace culture, improved my confidence, and helped me prepare for future roles. Tech Connect bridged the gap between my international QA experience and local opportunities, and I’m very grateful for it.”

Oleksandra leaves the program not only more rigorous and skilled but also ready to bring her strengthened confidence, adaptability, and technical expertise to Canada’s growing tech sector.

Looking Ahead

As Ali and Oleksandra take their next steps toward careers in software development and quality assurance, their stories remind us of the importance of creating opportunities that bridge skills, cultures, and communities. Tech Connect is proud to have supported their journeys, and we look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make in Canada’s tech sector and beyond.

Celebrating Tech Connect’s First Cohort

On September 10th, leaders, partners, and supporters gathered at The Junction NB for an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration. Hosted by Venn Innovation, the Tech Connect Wine & Cheese Networking Evening highlighted the incredible work of our program’s very first cohort as they near the completion of their journey.

A Milestone Moment

This inaugural group of participants has spent the past months immersed in paid work placements, mentorship, and training, while making real contributions to our community. Through projects with the Family Resource Centre and the BCCCNB, they’ve shown just how quickly skilled IT professionals can step in, solve problems, and create meaningful impact when given the opportunity.

The evening wasn’t just about reflecting on what they’ve accomplished, it was about looking forward. With the first cohort cycle coming to a close, these participants are ready to take the next step, bringing their proven skills and fresh perspectives to employers across Southeast New Brunswick.

Why Tech Connect Matters

At its heart, Tech Connect is about building bridges.

• For internationally trained and underrepresented IT professionals, it creates a pathway into meaningful careers here in New Brunswick.

• For employers, it opens access to job-ready talent, eager to contribute to business needs and drive innovation.

With the support of WorkingNB, McKenna Institute, and ACOA, Tech Connect aims for at least 80% of participants to secure full-time employment in their field after completing the program, strengthening not just businesses, but our entire tech ecosystem.

The Power of Community

The September 10th gathering was a reminder of what’s possible when we come together - employers, partners, nonprofits, and skilled professionals - to share insights, open doors, and spark new opportunities. The conversations started last night are just the beginning of long-term collaborations that will shape the future of tech talent in our region.

To our first cohort: congratulations on everything you’ve achieved so far. And to our community: thank you for supporting this program, these professionals, and the vision of a stronger, more inclusive tech sector in Southeast New Brunswick.

What’s Next

If you’d like to learn more about how Tech Connect can support your hiring needs, or how you can get involved as a mentor, partner, or supporter, we’d love to connect. Together, we can continue building bridges between talent and opportunity.

Celebrating Entrepreneurship at Elsipogtog Pow Wow Pitch

On August 30th, 2025, the Elsipogtog Pow Wow Grounds came alive with vibrant dances, songs, food, regalia, and crafts. A Pow Wow is a pan-Indigenous celebration of culture, identity, and spirituality. This year, it was also the stage for a powerful entrepreneurial showcase: the Elsipogtog Pow Wow Pitch.

Sixteen Indigenous founders took the stage in the first round, presenting ideas that ranged from early-stage concepts to businesses already making an impact.

“I was honoured to participate as a judge at the Elsipogtog Pow Wow Pitch, a truly well-organized and mindful event. Sixteen founders delivered impressive presentations in the first round, demonstrating strong preparation and a remarkable variety of ideas. While a few participants were still in the ideation stage, most were already operating businesses seeking traction and growth.” – André Zanoti

From there, the top ten advanced to the second round, where the winner earned a coveted Golden Ticket to the Grand Finals in Ottawa, with the opportunity to compete for $25,000 CAD.

This summer alone, nearly 300 founders pitched their ideas across 16 Pow Wow Pitch events nationwide—a testament to the depth of entrepreneurial spirit within Indigenous communities.

At Venn Innovation, we are especially proud that two of the participating founders, both working on tech solutions, are currently in the pre-incubation stage at the Venn Garage Program, with the potential to join the program fully in the near future.

Local Prizes at Elsipogtog

• Fan Favourite – $500

• Youth Prize (21 years old or under) – $500

• 3rd Prize – $1,000

• 2nd Prize – $2,500

• 1st Prize – $5,000 + Golden Ticket to the Finals in Ottawa

Our team also had the chance to participate in a meaningful way.

*“The Pow Wow in Elsipogtog was much more than just an event. Representing Venn Innovation, I attended as a mentor for the on-site pitch competition. I had the privilege of witnessing 16 enthusiastic and brilliant Indigenous entrepreneurs passionately share their business ideas and their vision for elevating their community.

I was especially glad to be paired with Christian Polchies and to mentor him on his consulting business. He showed deep mindfulness about the impact he hopes to create for the Indigenous community through his work.

On a personal level, the Pow Wow was truly a ‘wow’ moment for me. The vibrant colors, rhythms, dances, and smiles made the experience unforgettable.

At Venn Innovation, we care about the people behind the startups. And for me, Pow Wow was one of the most meaningful human-centered experiences I’ve had.”* – Ayoub Serhani

For us at Venn Innovation, the Elsipogtog Pow Wow Pitch was more than a competition. It was a reminder that innovation is not only about technology—it’s about people, culture, and community. We’re grateful to witness and support the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs making their mark.

Tech Connect Graduate Highlights: Aigul Yermagambetova & Evgeny Ginzburg

Venn’s Tech Connect program is designed to help internationally trained professionals gain Canadian work experience, strengthen technical and professional skills, and connect with the local tech community. Today, we’re excited to highlight two recent graduates who made a big impact during their time in the program: Aigul Yermagambetova and Evgeny Ginzburg.

Aigul Yermagambetova

• Program Dates: June 2, 2015 – September 19, 2025

• Key Focus: Software Development

Aigul quickly established herself as a cornerstone of the front-end development team. Her eagerness to learn and her dedication to continuous improvement stood out throughout her Tech Connect journey. Known for asking thoughtful questions and diving into learning opportunities, Aigul demonstrated impressive growth in writing secure code and mastering quality assurance.

Her notable milestone was serving as the backbone of the front-end development team, where her coachability and technical skills made a lasting impact.

• Strengths developed: Front-end and back-end development, secure coding, QA

• Contribution to the community: Through consistent project work and team support

• One word to describe Aigul: Dedicated

Shannon McMackin, Program Director, shared:

“Aigul has picked up very quickly on how to write secure code and is highly coachable.”

Evgeny Ginzburg

• Program Dates: August 5, 2025 – October 10, 2025

• Key Focus: Sr. Full-Stack Engineering

As a senior full-stack developer, Evgeny proved his expertise by stepping into a project mid-stream and making immediate contributions. Within just two days of joining, he was already working with the back-end team, demonstrating not only his technical ability but also his agility in adapting to new projects. His inquisitive nature, determination, and collaborative mindset made him an invaluable member of the team.

• Strengths developed: Adaptability, inquisitiveness, full-stack problem solving

• Contribution to the community: Supporting the dashboard build, listening and collaborating effectively

• One word to describe Evgeny: Determined

Shannon noted his impact, especially when a team member moved on to a full-time role:

“While we missed a milestone as another had moved off to accept a full-time position, Evgeny was able to step in and pick up. He helped the team catch up on the lost hours of coding.”

Looking Ahead

Both Aigul and Evgeny leave the Tech Connect program with strengthened technical skills, meaningful contributions to their teams, and a readiness to launch the next chapter of their careers. We’re proud to celebrate their achievements and excited to see where their journeys take them next.

Garage Member Spotlight: Gáamai Hair

When it comes to beauty, sustainability is often left out of the conversation. For Aaliyah Lahai, that gap was impossible to ignore. Traditional synthetic hair extensions and wigs aren’t biodegradable, lack disposal guidelines, and create unnecessary waste, an issue that more and more innovators in New Brunswick are working hard to address.

That’s where Gáamai Hair comes in. Founded in June 2023, Gáamai Hair creates biodegradable, textured hair extensions and wigs that bring sustainability to the beauty industry without compromising style. By targeting the wig and clip-in market, Aaliyah is not only reducing synthetic waste but also championing circular solutions in a space that desperately needs them.

Since joining the Venn Garage in November 2024, Aaliyah has been growing her business through a B2B and B2C model, proving that eco-conscious products can also be scalable. She’s also exploring innovative ways to integrate technology into her business model, making her solution not just sustainable but forward-looking in how beauty and innovation intersect.

Most recently, Gáamai Hair hosted Afro Hair Day NB on August 6th, an empowering community event where participants shared experiences and celebrated the beauty of textured hair.

We’re proud to have Aaliyah in the Garage and can’t wait to see how Gáamai Hair continues to reshape beauty, sustainability, and innovation.

Meet the first of our Tech connect graduates

Fatai Bello

Fatai Bello, Tech Connect Graduate

In December 2024, Fatai moved to Moncton from Nigeria with his family, bringing over 20 years of IT leadership experience, including senior roles at IBM and Upstream. Through Tech Connect, he quickly adapted to Canadian workplace culture, stepped into leadership on projects, and built the confidence to navigate the job market.

Today, he’s at TD Bank and still volunteers his expertise on weekends to support our community IT projects.

He reflects:
“Tech Connect has been instrumental in helping me build a solid foundation for gaining Canadian work experience and understanding the professional environment in Canada.”

Vitalii Petrenko

Vitalii Petrenko, Tech Connect Graduate

In January 2025, Vitalii arrived in Moncton from Ukraine with over a decade of data engineering experience. At Tech Connect, he transformed the Family Resource Centre project—moving systems from paper to digital, applying privacy standards, and mentoring other developers. Along the way, he refined his résumé, sharpened interview skills, and gained confidence in Canadian workplace norms.
Before finishing the program, he accepted a role as Senior Data Engineer with Bciti Inc., exactly the career path he envisioned when moving here.

Vitalii shared:
“Tech Connect upgraded my résumé, sharpened my interview skills, and taught me Canadian workplace norms. Even better, it offers the full infrastructure you need to grow—constant interaction, training resources, and real project work.”

Both graduates are now thriving in their careers while continuing to give back to our community.

This is the purpose of Tech Connect: Skilled newcomers. Real opportunities. A clear path forward.

March 28, 2024

VENN INNOVATION GARAGE PROGRAM PROFILE: Atlantic Memory Clinic

A TECH STARTUP FOR THE AGED
Atlantic Memory Clinic develops innovative tool to help diagnose dementia

When Professor Sarah Pakzad first came to Moncton, NB from Toulouse, France twenty years ago, she did not plan to become a tech entrepreneur.

“I arrived in Moncton for a short-term teaching assignment at the Université and I’m still here today,” sats the clinical neuro psychologist, who continues to teach at the Université de Moncton.

Professor Pakzad is now on the brink of commercializing a comprehensive new tool which can promote early diagnosis of dementia and be used in Canada and around the world.

Her initiative, called the Neurocognitive Frailty Index, or NFI for short, has been developed into a mobile app that can help identify patients who may be at risk of developing dementia.

The mobile app takes in basic patient information (age, gender, education, income level, residential situation, etc.), then asks questions that measure physical, mental and cognitive variables. The entire process can take as little as ten minutes (results may require another session twenty minutes).

Once all information is entered, the mobile app immediately produces the results in a PDF document, showing the patient’s cognitive abilities which helps health professionals better predict the risk of dementia and if a referral to a specialist or additional treatment is needed.

The NFI has been tested, and recommended by local neurologists and neuro psychologists who are eager to begin using it, and the app has drawn serious interest from the healthcare system in France.

How important is this innovative tool? “Right now the global population is facing a dementia and aging tsunami,” states Professor Pakzad. “Our healthcare systems are in danger of being overwhelmed by this illness and early detection can help the system deal with these patients in a timely way. That is why we developed the NFI.”

The road to a fully developed NFI mobile app took Professor Pakzad years of research and study. It started when she began volunteering at a local hospital as a way to augment her career development. She soon recognized the issue of rising cases of dementia. “Back in 2004 we were seeing the beginnings of the Baby Boom generation developing this condition and as we know, they comprise a large part of our population.”

She decided to study this condition and began her research not only with healthcare professionals but with the general population as well. “At the beginning, we sent hundreds of letters to physicians and talked to almost 800 people over 50 years of age who lived in nursing homes and independently, in rural and urban areas, every six months - three times in total.” Sarah admits that it wasn’t too hard to get people to participate – she offered them a $20 gift card for every visit.

That research prompted an idea for an accessible, quick and reliable diagnostic tool and Professor Pakzad developed the first version of the NFI in 2017. It draws on a database of at least 25,000 patients over 50 years of age and Professor Pakzad has partnered with Alzheimer’s Society of Canada as part of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging.

While COVID may have slowed down her project, it didn’t dampen her passion for bringing this unique tool to the healthcare system.

Today, the NFI mobile app has been tested to more than 90% accuracy, can help rule out illnesses that mimic dementia such as depression, has been peer reviewed and published in the Journal of Frailty and Aging (2021), an international publication.

Professor Pakzad approached Venn Innovation’s Garage Program last year when she realized she was ready to make her vision of an early diagnostic tool a reality. “I heard of Venn Innovation at the Université and came to the program for help on the next steps of getting this tool into the hands of healthcare professionals,” she says. “We’ve been meeting regularly and I have received guidance to help the process move along. I’m glad to be part of the program.”

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Venn Innovation helps tech startups develop innovative ideas and enter the marketplace to change our world!
Have an innovative tech idea? Contact Aïssa Azzouzi, Manager of Startup Incubation Services at Venn Innovation. 

Unleashing the Power of Innovation: My Internship Journey at Venn

By Morgan Arbeau

Morgan Arbeau (left) with Marisa Piccini, Communications and Public Relations Manager, Venn Innovation

During my internship at Venn Innovation, I learned that businesses must be adaptable and proactive to succeed. From day one, I got to work on real projects alongside talented professionals, greatly enhancing my skillset and knowledge. The company's commitment to fostering a learning environment meant I was constantly exposed to new ideas and technologies. One of the things that impressed me the most about Venn Innovation was their emphasis on collaboration. They recognized that true innovation does not happen in isolation; it requires diverse perspectives and expertise. As an intern, I was encouraged to actively participate, share my thoughts and ideas, and contribute to the overall success of the projects I was involved in.

Venn Innovation Fosters Creativity and Collaboration

I was impressed by the company's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation. One of the ways they accomplished this was by promoting brainstorming sessions and idea-sharing, which allowed for the exchange of thoughts and insights on various topics. This approach encouraged collaboration between individuals from different businesses in The Junction, which ultimately led to increased effectiveness and efficiency of the teams. I had the opportunity collaborate on projects with Atlantic Fintech and Cloudandmore. It was a great experience to work alongside such talented professionals and contribute
to the projects’ success. 

Key Takeaways from My Internship Experience

I gained valuable insights on how innovation can impact personal and professional growth. Here are the key takeaways to remember throughout my career: 

1. Embrace curiosity and never stop learning: You can expand your horizons and discover new growth opportunities by continuously seeking information and learning from others. 

2. Collaboration is critical: Innovation is a team effort, and by working with others, you can tap into diverse perspectives and expertise, leading to more creative and effective solutions. 

3. Innovation involves taking risks: Not all ideas will succeed, but it's important to see failure as a learning opportunity and a stepping stone towards future success. 

Key Projects that I worked on over my time here

During my internship at Venn Innovation, I worked on a project where I remade new business cards for the Venn Innovation team. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase my skills and receive feedback to create something even better the next time. My supervisor, Marisa, was impressed with how I incorporated QR codes into the design, and I was thrilled to have learned something new. Innovation involves taking risks, embracing curiosity, and always learning. Collaboration is also critical, and by working together with others, we can tap into diverse perspectives and expertise, leading to more creative and effective solutions. 

After we finished the business card project, we decided to rework the Venn Innovation website. It was an excellent opportunity to learn more about website maintenance and how to use Squarespace effectively. I'm now comfortable with it and confident I can manage and modify a website without many issues. Of course, keeping the Venn website up-to-date is a never-ending task. Still, during my internship, we tackled many website-related tasks like improving the backend and optimizing SEO (search engine optimization). 

One of the projects I enjoyed the most during my internship was with Atlantic Market Intelligence (AMI). I had the chance to create pop-up banners for them, which was a great experience. It was fulfilling to see my designs come to life and be utilized in a professional setting.

Working with the Venn Innovation team and collaborating on these exciting projects has been an amazing learning opportunity. I feel grateful to have been part of such a fantastic team.