happy new year from all of us here at venn
A new year is here, and we’re kicking off January with fresh momentum, bold ideas, and exciting opportunities ahead. Here’s to starting strong, thinking big, and building what’s next.
Starting off the new year with a bang
What a way to kick off 2026
Our first Founders Café of the year brought together an incredible global community, with founders representing 15 countries: Canada, Israel, Argentina, Brazil, Ghana, Ivory Coast, India, Peru, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Chile, the Philippines, Cameroon, and Algeria.
The diversity in the room sparked rich conversations, fresh perspectives, and truly inspiring connections.
A special thank you to our wonderful guest, Walter Melanson, for generously sharing his journey and insights; Alicia Roisman Ismach for hosting and guiding such a meaningful discussion; and Izouran Sweets for the delicious Moroccan sweets and tea that made the evening extra memorable.
We’re grateful to be surrounded by such a vibrant, global network of founders and innovators, and this is just the beginning of what 2026 has in store.
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.
AI Compute Access Fund
Calling all Canadian startups working in AI: This could be big for you!
The new AI Compute Access Fund is part of Canada's national strategy to build domestic AI capacity, and your startup might qualify for credits to access advanced compute power.
At Venn, we believe access should never be the barrier to innovation. That’s why we’re keeping an eye on programs like this that could level the playing field.
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
Community invited to the bmo apex startup challenge
The University of New Brunswick’s Fredericton campus is hosting the BMO Apex Startup Challenge on Jan. 22–23, where 24 student startup teams from across North America will compete for up to $30,000 in cash prizes. Attendees will benefit from pre-competition mentorship, live practice rounds, multiple pitch opportunities, and investor networking. The public is invited to an Elevator Pitch Competition & Networking Reception on Jan. 22 and the Apex Reception & Awards Ceremony on Jan. 23. RSVP by Jan. 20 to join the events.
Strengthening atlantic prosperity together
Tatamagouche, N.S. (Photo credit: iStockphoto.com)
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce and its network of 91 local chambers and boards of trade are working across the region to support small and medium-sized businesses and ensure conditions are right for growth, jobs, and investment. By amplifying the voices of entrepreneurs from every corner of Atlantic Canada and advocating with governments on issues like competitive regulation, workforce access, and economic innovation, the Chamber plays a crucial role in driving prosperity across the region.
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
Webinar on Opportunities in the Indian Healthcare Sector
The Trade Commissioner Service invites you to join a webinar on Opportunities in the Indian Healthcare Sector:
📅 Date: Monday , January 19, 2026
🕖 Time: 7.00 am PST / 10.00 am ET / 8.30 pm IST
The Webinar will focus on opportunities in India’s healthcare sector, one of the fastest-growing in the world, driven by rising demand for advanced medical technologies, government initiatives, and a strong focus on innovation. With a market projected to reach over $370 billion by 2030, India offers immense opportunities for Canadian MedTech companies to collaborate, expand, and bring cutting-edge solutions to a dynamic ecosystem.
Join our webinar on January 19, 2026 to explore market trends, regulatory pathways, and partnership prospects that can help you tap into this thriving market. Plus, learn how the Trade Commissioner Service will assist Canadian companies attending the World Health Expo in Dubai to connect with leading Indian hospitals and distributors.
🔗 Please confirm your participation for the Webinar at Vijayeta.tirkey@international.gc.ca by January 12, 2026. Once registered, we will share the webinar agenda and the meeting link through a Calendar invite.
Special Guest to be announced oon| 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