Welcome to october at Venn

October’s outlook? Gourd-geous growth ahead. Pumpkin patches aren’t the only thing thriving this month. We’re celebrating bold ideas, fresh opportunities, and the innovations that make October a harvest of possibilities.

Pitching Bold Ideas, winning big

On September 17th, Venn Innovation buzzed with energy as founders, partners, and community came together for the Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competition and the Startup Atlantic Kitchen Party: Collide & Connect.

From 43 incredible founders across the Maritimes, two Venn Garage client startups stood out in the Top 5:

Decarb Technologies Inc.

Tackling wastewater pollution with a breakthrough treatment system. Founder David Leonardo Sanchez took home the grand prize and a spot at the Startup Global Grand Finale in Mississauga this October.

Inkubatr Agritech Solutions Inc.

Transforming plant retail with the world’s first IoT-powered merchandiser, designed to reduce waste and boost sales.

These companies are proof that Atlantic Canadian founders are solving real problems with bold, scalable solutions.

Read the full story on our blog

Garage members in the spotlight

Vennturers at the Terry Fox Run

On September 21, members of our Venn team laced up their sneakers and joined thousands of Canadians for the Terry Fox Run across the Confederation Bridge. Together, we carried forward Terry’s legacy of courage and determination while raising funds for cancer research.

This year was especially meaningful, with around 10,000 participants registered, it was the first time in 10 years that the run has taken place on the bridge. It was a beautiful way to bring the community together in support of an incredible cause.

We’re proud to share that our team raised almost double our original fundraising goal, a true testament to the generosity and spirit of our community.

A big thank you to The Terry Fox Foundation, the event organizers and volunteers whose efforts made the day so special for everyone involved, and to everyone who donated through our team. Your support helps keep Terry’s vision alive.

Learn more about the Terry Fox Run here:

Learn more

Atlantic Canada Shines at the ALL IN AI conference

We were proud to be among the Atlantic region’s attendees at this year’s conference, where founders, ecosystem members, and investors came together to showcase the strength of our region.

The Digital Nova Scotia booth, hosted by Kelemoi Tedeneke and Derek Leung, gave Atlantic innovators a vibrant hub to connect. A huge thank-you to both for their energy and support. We’d also like to recognize Andre Bucumi from ACOA for his continued leadership and collaboration.

Beyond the conference floor, the East Coast Connected C-Suite Social, hosted by Chris Crowell (ResolveHD & Tidal Venture Partners) and sponsored by CIBC, was another highlight, bringing together founders, investors, and ecosystem members for meaningful conversations and new connections.

Throughout the week, we:

Supported Atlantic companies in making the most of the conference.
Connected with investors, large-scale companies, and others to identify opportunities that could benefit our clients.
Re-engaged with former clients and began planning new collaborations.
Shared insights on AI challenges with senior leaders from global firms, sparking valuable conversations.

The turnout of Atlantic Canadian founders was inspiring, and it’s clear that our region’s innovation community is making waves well beyond our borders.

Learn more about All-In AI 2025

Procedureflow + Laivly: Powering Smarter AI Contact Centers

Procedureflow has announced a strategic partnership with Laivly, combining visual process guidance with AI-powered automation to transform customer support. Together, they’re equipping contact centers with tools that improve speed, accuracy, and consistency, helping agents deliver exceptional experiences across every interaction.

By integrating Procedureflow’s streamlined workflows, and automation features with Laivly’s intelligent insights, this collaboration ensures contact centers can reduce errors, boost efficiency, and keep humans at the heart of service. From retail to healthcare, organizations will now have a stronger foundation for AI adoption, compliance, and long-term success.

Learn More

AI Compute Access Fund Promo

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.

Learn more and apply

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

Limited Spots Available! Secure your session here.

IDEA Centre Speed Networking at Venn

On Friday, October 3, we hosted the two new cohorts of IDEA Centre ASDE students as they kicked off their entrepreneurship journey with a speed networking session at Venn Innovation.

From musicians and game developers to engineers, designers, and even a professional wrestler — these students are exploring bold and creative paths in:

Music & Live Audio
Game Design
Graphic Design & Animation
Robotics & Cybersecurits
Screenwriting
Fashion & Trades
Entrepreneurship & Marketing

The event brought together professionals and students for a series of rapid 3-minute conversations, followed by open networking. The energy in the room was incredible. Full of curiosity, ideas, and inspiration.

We’re proud and energized to be supporting these young innovators as they take their first steps in entrepreneurship.

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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.

Elevate Festival

Venn Heads to Elevate Festival 2025! From October 7–9, 2025, Toronto will host Elevate Festival, bringing together world-class innovators, industry leaders, and the global tech ecosystem to shine a spotlight on Canada’s innovation economy.

Venn will be there alongside a strong Atlantic Canadian delegation of startups, representing the bold ideas and growing impact of our region. We’re excited to connect, collaborate, and showcase the talent that makes Atlantic Canada such a powerful force in tech and innovation.

Learn more about Elevate

Free fridays In the junction!

Following International Co-working day, 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.

Book your seat

Changing the Narrative: Powering Inclusive Innovation

ICTC’s Changing the Narrative program helps women entrepreneurs overcome barriers to growth by providing the knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive in Canada’s digital economy. Since its launch in 2024, the program has connected with 400 women founders across Canada through dynamic workshops, meaningful mentorship, and impactful pitch events that spotlight their ideas and innovations.

By breaking down systemic barriers and fostering inclusive innovation, Changing the Narrative is building a community where women entrepreneurs can rise, lead, and shape the future of Canada’s digital economy. Ready to take your business to the next level? Click here to join the program today.

Program Calendar – New Brunswick

October 8, 2025 – Knowledge Mobilization Session (French): Le code de la confiance – Surmonter le syndrome de l’imposteur et bâtir la crédibilité en solo
November 5, 2025 – Knowledge Mobilization Session (English): Funding Fearlessly – Navigating Capital with Confidence
December 3, 2025 – In-Person Pitch Event (New Brunswick, venue tbd)
Ongoing – Mentorship sessions available throughout the fall, scheduled based on participant demand.

Learn More

The Just rewards workshop: How to evaluate if your startup idea is worth it

Join us for an exclusive one-day intensive workshop with globally recognized mentor and business strategist Permjot Valia.

Permjot is an MIT-trained mentor program manager, Founder & CEO of MentorCamp, and former Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Navigate Startup House. With years of experience coaching founders around the world, he’s known for helping entrepreneurs evaluate and grow their ideas with clarity and confidence.

You’ll learn how to:

Know when the timing is right
Validate through your customer’s eyes
Evaluate the opportunity

Spots are limited!
$100 per person | 75% off for students
Register by October 14 | Event on Saturday October 18
Doors open at 9:30 AM | Workshop begins at 10:00 AM
📍 Venn Innovation, 770 St. George Blvd, Moncton

The Future of Product Management Summit 2025

October 16 | Virtual Event

The Future of Product Management Summit is back bigger, bolder, and built for impact. Join top product leaders for an afternoon of live sessions, deep dives, and real-time connection focused on what’s next in product.

Hear from some of the best in the business, including:

Teresa Torres – on how AI is reshaping product discovery, and which timeless skills still matter most
Hope Gurion – on why alignment fails and how to make it stick (inspired by The Rehearsal!)
Tamara Grominsky – on how to make your positioning resonate across execs, sales, and customers
Matt LeMay – on building impact-first product teams that drive real business outcomes
Pragmatic Advisors Dan Corbin, Amy Graham & Will Scott – on what AI really means for today’s product leaders

If you’re building products, leading teams, or shaping strategy, this is a can’t-miss afternoon of actionable insights, candid conversations, and fresh perspectives.

Learn more