Welcome to february at venn
The year is officially in motion, and here at Venn we’re settling into a groove. Refining ideas, making progress, and continuing to build spaces and programs where great work happens.
Looking back on 2025
2025 in Venn's Garage Program has shown tremendous growth across several metrics. We are excited to see what can be achieved in 2026.
New page, new stories
We’re excited to launch a new Tech Connect page under Venn Innovation on LinkedIn!
Here, you’ll find updates on past participants and see where their journeys have taken them in the job market.
Stay tuned, we’ll soon be announcing the next Tech Connect team joining the program!
Atlantic venture forum 2026
Save the Date: Join Us at the 2026 Atlantic Venture Forum – Tier One Pricing Now Open
We’re proud to support the 2026 Atlantic Venture Forum, taking place June 17–18 in Halifax.
The Atlantic Venture Forum is the region’s leading innovation and investment conference, connecting high-growth startups with venture capital, corporate leaders, and ecosystem partners from across Canada. The program features curated pitch sessions, investor panels, keynote speakers, and high-value networking opportunities designed to accelerate growth and collaboration.
🎟️ Tier One pricing is now available for a limited time.
Upcoming Opportunity: WIN-VC Investor Q&A Group
The Pond-Deshpande Centre is now accepting applications for the WIN-VC Investor Q&A Group, a 10-week facilitated virtual program designed to strengthen investor engagement with women and nonbinary-led ventures.
This cohort-based program offers practical insights, thoughtful discussion, and research-backed learning to help founders better navigate investor conversations and funding pathways. Participants will also benefit from expert perspectives, including insights from Dr. Ellen Farrell, and research from Dana Kanze, featured in her TED Talk “The Real Reason Female Entrepreneurs Get Less Funding.”
Program Details:
Start: Tuesday, February 17 at 9:00 a.m.
Duration: 10 weeks (weekly sessions, excluding March Break)
Format: Virtual
Capacity: Limited to 10 participants
Cost: Free to attend (valued at $2,900)
Spots are limited.
Startup canada tour
The Startup Canada Tour is coming back to Atlantic Canada in 2026, with a stop in Halifax at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 on April 29, 2026.
This full-day event brings together founders, operators, investors, and ecosystem leaders for meaningful connection and practical insights through inspiring keynotes, panels, and hands-on discussions.
As a past attendee, our community has exclusive access to Super Early Bird pricing for the Halifax stop.
How to claim your Super Early Bird ticket
Visit the Halifax event page
Select a Super Early Bird ticket
Enter the access code: SCTOURHALIFAX
Available until February 14
🎟️ Super Early Bird tickets are limited, register early to secure the best price.
Venn Friday Office Hours – Startup Mentorship
Hosted by:
Alicia Roisman Ismach & Andre Zanoti – passionate supporters of bold ideas with real potential.
Calling all startup founders and aspiring entrepreneurs! Looking for expert guidance to take your venture to the next level? Join us for weekly Office Hours every Friday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Venn Innovation (770 St. George Blvd, Moncton).
What to Expect:
1-on-1, 30-minute mentorship sessions
Tailored advice for your startup or idea
Guidance on key milestones and scaling strategies
Actionable feedback from experienced mentors
Who It’s For:
Startup founders at any stage
Future entrepreneurs with validated ideas
Innovators with high-potential plans
Venn at Moncton city council
On January 19, the Venn team had the opportunity to present to Moncton City Council, sharing an overview of Venn, our Garage Incubator Program, and Tech Connect.
We’re grateful to the City of Moncton and City Council for the opportunity to present our work and highlight the impact these programs are having on founders and the local innovation ecosystem.
Garage member highlight - Clearance Central
Eighteen months ago, Ashish Deshmukh was working part-time at Home Depot while completing his Master’s degree. Today, he’s the Founder & CEO of Clearance Central AI Solutions Inc., Canada’s first AI-powered clearance discovery platform — already gaining serious traction nationwide.
In this blog, Ashish shares the real story behind the pivot: the last-day pitch application, the moment of validation, the support that made full-time building possible, and what it takes to scale a startup as an international founder in Canada.
If you’re curious about entrepreneurship, AI, or what happens when the right idea meets the right ecosystem — this one’s worth the read.
Your next office might be at the junction
If working from home isn’t cutting it anymore, Junction offers a better option.
Our offices are designed to help you focus, grow, and actually enjoy your workday, without long-term lease pressure.
✨ Flexible office spaces
✨ Great light & energy
✨ Built-in community
Supporting NB Entrepreneurs: Your Local Impact
New Brunswick — and Canadian — entrepreneurs create incredible products, from food and beverages to innovative technology. Supporting local businesses strengthens our economy, our communities, and the people behind these brands. There’s no better time than now to #BuyLocal and #BuyCanadian! 🇨🇦
Some of the best products and expertise are right here in New Brunswick. For more ways to support local, check out Excellence NB—a non-profit that showcases businesses, artisans, boutiques, and more from across our picturesque province.
NBIF Startup Investment Fund
Are you an early-stage startup based out of New Brunswick looking for investment? NBIF provides up to $200,000 of pre-seed investment and a variety of other benefits and discounted services for eligible New Brunswick companies. To find out more, click the button.
SENB Connector Program
Did you know there is a program that helps newcomers, immigrants, and recent graduates in Southeastern New Brunswick connect with potential employers or influential leaders within your industry? The Connector Program matches job seekers to industry professionals who facilitate the growth of their Conectee’s professional network. Sounds interesting? To become a Connector like our CEO, Doug Robertson, and our Community Management Lead, André, or to become a Connectee, click the button below.
Civic Tech Moncton
Every Tuesday, 6:00 - 8:00 PM @ the Junction by Venn (770 St George Blvd)
Civic Tech Moncton joins Civic Tech Fredericton and Civic Tech Saint John to serve as the connective tissue between citizens, non-profit organizations, government innovators and the tech community. We facilitate knowledge sharing and work collaboratively to build digital tools or simply provide technical advice to our non-profit sector.
Free fridays In the junction!
We are pleased to offer free co-working Fridays in the Junction! On the first Friday of the month, we are pleased to offer free co-working spaces to anyone who is looking for a change of scenery from their usual workspace. To book your spot, visit the Junction website.
Radiant Voices, resilient ventures
ONSIDE is hosting Radiant Voices, Resilient Ventures: Evolve – The Power of Reinvention on February 13 at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.
This one-day event is designed for women entrepreneurs navigating change—whether that’s pivoting a business model, scaling sustainably, adopting new technology, or redefining their leadership role. With a focus on resilience without burnout, the event offers practical strategies and inspiring conversations to support intentional growth in an ever-changing economy.
📅 February 13 | ⏰ 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM AST
📍 Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Halifax, NS
Think New Brunswick’s startup pipeline is quiet? Think again.
A record 80 applications were submitted to the 2026 Breakthru Competition, and on Thursday, March 19, the top five founders will take the stage to pitch what could become New Brunswick’s next breakout companies.
After two intensive bootcamps and months of preparation, these teams will pitch live for over $200,000 in equity investment and in-kind support from NBIF.
If you want a front-row seat to the future of New Brunswick innovation, this is the room to be in.
🎟️ Tickets are now on sale
Tech Connect Wine & Cheese Reception
February 11, 2026 | 5:00 -7:30 PM | The Junction NB - 770 St George Rd, Moncton NB
*If interested in attending, please contact Shannon McMackin by email at shannon@venninnovation.com*
Greater Moncton Newcommer Settlement Fair| Moncton Impact
February 4, 2026 | 4:00 -7:00 PM | Avenir Centre, 150 Canada Street, Moncton NB
Founders Cafe with Sean Fahey| Venn Innovation
February 4, 2026 | 5:00PM-7:00 PM |The Junction NB - 770 St George Rd, Moncton NB
Moncton Tech Hive
February 6, 2026 | 6:00PM-8:00 PM |The Junction NB - 770 St George Rd, Moncton NB