Welcome to September at Venn

September’s outlook? Bold ideas with a 100% chance of growth. As we head into the fall season, we’re looking back at the highlights that inspired us in August and forward to the opportunities, events, and innovations that are shaping what’s next.

Garage Member Spotlight - Gáamai Hair

When Aaliyah Lahai saw how much waste traditional hair extensions and wigs created, she knew beauty could do better. Through Gáamai Hair, she’s bringing biodegradable, textured hair products to the market, proving style and sustainability can go hand in hand. Since joining the Venn Garage, Aaliyah has been scaling her business, exploring tech-driven solutions, and building community, most recently at Afro Hair Day NB.

Read the full story on our blog and see how Gáamai Hair is reshaping beauty, sustainability, and innovation.

Venn Goes Karting Success

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for Venn Go-Karting Night on August 20th!

The evening was full of laughter, friendly competition, and a wonderful sense of community. We’re especially grateful to our sponsors, the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation and Norm’s Pizza, for making this event possible, and to East Coast Karting for being such incredible hosts.

It was a night of connection, celebration, and just the right amount of speed. We loved seeing everyone there and can’t wait to do it again!

Venn at the Terry Fox Run

This September 21st, Team Vennturers will be lacing up to take part in the Terry Fox Run across the Confederation Bridge. We’re proud to join thousands of Canadians in carrying forward Terry’s legacy of courage and determination, while raising funds for cancer research.

If you’d like to support our team, donations can be made here:

Learn more about the Terry Fox Run here:

Venn at All-In AI 2025

For the third year in a row, our Market Intelligence Analyst, Kyle Murry-Zelmer, is heading to Montreal for the All-In AI Conference. Recognized as Canada’s premier AI gathering, All-In brings together researchers, industry leaders, startups, and policymakers to dive into cutting-edge developments, market shifts, and the future of artificial intelligence.

By staying plugged into these conversations, Kyle is building networks and gathering insights that will help us better support program clients who are integrating AI into their businesses.

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.

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.

Venn Friday Office Hours – Startup Mentorship

Elsipogtog Pow Wow Pitch

Elsipogtog Powwow Grounds - August 30th, 2025

A Pow Wow is a vibrant pan-Indigenous celebration featuring traditional dances, songs, food, regalia, and crafts. It is a living expression of culture, spirituality, and identity for Indigenous peoples, and this year, it also became the stage for a powerful entrepreneurial showcase.

“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.

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 Innovation Garage Program, with the potential to join the program fully in the near future.

Local Prizes

• Fan Favourite Prize – $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

“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

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.

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.

Tech Connect Wine & Cheese Reception

On Sept 10, Tech Connect is hosting a wine & cheese networking evening at The Junction NB, bringing together leaders and community partners to explore how we can close Moncton’s tech skills gaps while supporting nonprofits.
 
The Tech Connect program allows newcomers, underrepresented groups, and those lacking Canadian work experience to break down barriers and connect job seekers with real opportunities. This program offers paid work placements, hands-on training, and one-on- one mentorship to help participants gain industry-relevant skills and land meaningful jobs.

If you are interested in being a part of the conversation, please reach out to Shannon McMackin email shannon@venninnovation.com.

Startup Global - Pop-up Pitch Moncton

About

Entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada are invited to participate in the Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competition hosted with Venn Innovation, an in-person opportunity for globally aspiring entrepreneurs to win a cash prize of $3,000. The winner will also win a guaranteed spot in our Startup Global Pitch Competition Grand Finale in Mississauga on October 21, where they and 9 other finalists will pitch live on the Main Stage for their chance to win from an overall $70,000 cash prize pool.

Pop up Pitch Details

🗓️Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

📍Venue: Venn Innovation | 770 St George Blvd, Moncton, NB E1E 2C6

Entrepreneurs that are interested in pitching, apply by registering for this event. A Startup Canada team member will review your application. If you are eligible, you will be emailed a confirmation with a specific time slit for their pitch approximately 2 weeks before the pitch day.

Please note: You are not guaranteed a spot by applying. Only 1 person per company may pitch and only the person pitching may be present.

This in person pitch competition will happen over the course of one day. The morning will consist of all the first round “heats”. Out of these heats, the judges will select a Top 5. The Top 5 will then pitch later that day to a secondary panel of judges and a live audience.

Pitchers will have 3 minutes to pitch, followed by 3 minutes of Q&A from the judges.

The pitch is verbal (no pitch deck/visual aid). If you are product based, you are welcome to show it during the pitch but no demonstrations are allowed unless the judges specifically ask.

Of the Top 5, one winner will be selected by the judges and will be awarded win $3,000 cash prize plus a guaranteed spot in the Grand Finale in Mississauga on October 21.

Who is this Pitch Competition For?

This pitch competition is open to entrepreneurs based in Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland). To be eligible for the Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competition, you must meet the following criteria:

-       The intention/ability to export and expand your business internationally

-       Less than $1,000,000 in revenue, as of February 3, 2025

-       Less than $1,000,000 in funding or investment (grants, bank loans, equity funding), as of February 3, 2025

-       Less than 5 years of operating your business, as of February 3, 2025

-       Have business/operations based in Canada  

Judging Criteria

Pitches will be assessed with the following guidelines: Target market, objective, solution, leadership, traction (if any), competition, and most importantly the ability to go global.

To learn more about the Startup Global Pitch Competition, visit the Startup Global Pitch Competition Webpage!

The Startup Atlantic Kitchen Party is coming to Venn

Join us on September 17 for an East Coast celebration following the Startup Global Pop-up Pitch in Moncton! Whether you’re pitching, cheering from the sidelines or just in the mood to celebrate the local startup scene, come grab a bite, raise a glass, and connect with fellow innovators.

Venn Innovation is proud to be a founding member of Startup Atlantic. The people and organizations that make up Startup Atlantic are founders at heart, and also very much community builders. The premise of Startup Atlantic is to ensure the actors across our ecosystem are highly connected for the purpose of supporting the region's founders and startups with a strong, collaborative network. Startup Atlantic is also about promoting Atlantic Canada as a great place to invest, to start and grow your business, and to enjoy the unique and very special east coast lifestyle that we all cherish. 

ICT & Tariffs: Challenges and Opportunities for Tech Exporters | ONB

September 12th, 2025 | 10:00AM | Online - Zoom

Voices of Impact with Scott McCain | Deloitte | Greater Moncton Chamber of Commerce

September 22nd, 2025 | 8:00AM - 10:00AM | Crown Plaza Hotel, 1005 Rue Main Street, Moncton

Moncton Tech Hive

October 3, 2025 | 6:00PM-8:00 PM |The Junction