Welcome to september at venn
September is here, and the fall calendar is filling up fast.
After a summer of building, learning and asking bigger questions, we're heading into a month centred on what Venn does best: bringing people together around the ideas, opportunities and connections that help businesses and communities move forward.
Here’s what happened in August, what’s coming up this month, and a few opportunities worth having on your radar.
Rethinking Business in the AI Era
More than 100 people. One timely question: what does it actually mean to lead a business in the age of AI?
On August 20, Venn Innovation and the Wallace McCain Institute welcomed more than 100 guests for Rethinking Business in the AI Era.
International innovation strategist Alexander Manu challenged the room to think beyond simply adopting new technology and consider how AI is changing business models, leadership, customer expectations and the way organizations create value.
One message came through clearly: AI adoption isn't only a technology conversation. It's a business transformation conversation.
Thank you to the Wallace McCain Institute, Alex Manu, our speakers and everyone who joined us for an afternoon of thoughtful questions, practical discussion and new connections.
From Idea to Evidence
A good idea is only the beginning.
In August, we published a new Venn Garage resource for founders exploring one of the most important early-stage questions: How do you know whether the problem you're solving is one people actually need solved?
From Idea to Evidence: How Early-Stage Startups Can Validate What Matters looks at practical ways founders can test assumptions, talk to their market, experiment before overbuilding and use evidence to make better decisions.
Because validation isn't about proving yourself right. It's about learning what is actually true before spending too much time and money building the wrong thing.
25 Years Later: Remembering September 11
This Friday marks 25 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001.
While Gander’s remarkable story of hospitality has become known around the world, communities across Atlantic Canada also opened their doors during those uncertain days. More than half of the flights diverted to Canada landed in the Atlantic region, including dozens in Halifax and flights here in Moncton.
As we remember those who lost their lives, we also remember the first responders and the countless people who offered food, shelter, transportation and kindness to strangers who unexpectedly found themselves far from home.
Twenty-five years later, that spirit of compassion and community is still worth remembering.
Who on Your Team Can Judge When AI Is Wrong? - September 10th
AI can write code, generate reports and produce answers in seconds. But who on your team has the experience and judgment to recognize when the answer is wrong? That question is at the centre of our next Tech Connect Wine & Cheese on September 10.
We’ll open the evening with a fireside chat featuring:
Stacey Stewart, CEO, TSI Solutions
Anthony English, VP Security / CISO, Vanta
Venn Is Heading to ALL IN Montreal
Canada’s AI ecosystem is coming together in Montreal this month, and Venn will be there.
On September 16 and 17, Venn’s Kyle Murray-Zelmer will be attending ALL IN 2026, Canada’s largest AI and technology event, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.
ALL IN brings together leaders from across Canada and around the world to explore how AI is being applied, where the industry is heading, and the partnerships and opportunities emerging around it.
Kyle will be there connecting with companies and the wider AI ecosystem, while continuing to support Atlantic Canadian companies through Venn’s Market Intelligence work.
Thinking Beyond Canada? - Sept 16th
If international growth is on your roadmap, September brings two opportunities worth knowing about.
The Chief Trade Commissioner’s 2026 Cross-Canada Domestic Outreach Tour is stopping in Moncton on September 16.
Canadian businesses will have the opportunity to connect with federal and regional trade representatives, learn about international market opportunities, better understand how Canada's trade network can support market entry and hear directly from experienced exporters.
If you are looking to expand into new markets, this event will offer practical information, valuable connections, and resources to support your international growth.
Please confirm your attendance by TODAY by emailing FPT@international.gc.ca
Civic Tech Moncton Returns - Sept 22nd
A new season of community-driven innovation, collaboration and civic impact begins this month.
On September 22, Civic Tech Moncton returns to Venn Innovation for an Open House and the return of Tech Tuesday.
Civic Tech Moncton brings together volunteers who use technology, design, data and other skills to help solve real problems in the community.
You don't need to be a developer to participate. Designers, data professionals, policy thinkers, community members and anyone interested in contributing are welcome.
It’s a chance to meet the people behind Civic Tech, learn what the group has been building and find out how you can get involved.
Building Belonging Together in Moncton - September 29th
What does a more inclusive community look like, and how do we build it together?
On September 29, the City of Moncton is bringing residents, businesses, community organizations, service providers, volunteers and community leaders together for the Moncton Social Inclusion Summit: Building Belonging Together.
The day will feature workshops, conversations, cultural performances and opportunities to connect around issues that affect people across our community
Could the UK Be Your Next Market? - Deadline september 30th
Atlantic Canadian tech companies looking internationally also have a new opportunity to explore two growing UK technology hubs.
The Market Exploration Program UK supports eligible high-growth Atlantic Canadian ICT companies in cybersecurity, SaaS and enterprise software, data analytics and AI as they explore opportunities in the UK.
Companies begin with virtual education and preparation before selected participants move into an in-market phase featuring pre-arranged meetings and market exploration in Edinburgh and Newcastle.
The goal is to help companies better understand the UK market, strengthen product-market fit, develop market-entry strategies and build long-term trade relationships.
Looking Ahead: Regional Index & State of the Region
What’s next for Southeast New Brunswick?
On November 13, business, government and community leaders will come together for Regional Index & State of the Region, one of the region’s major economic forums.
The day begins with the Regional Index, offering the latest data and analysis on the economic and social performance of Southeast New Brunswick and the trends shaping our region. From there, participants will move into the State of the Region, with collaborative breakout sessions exploring emerging economic opportunities and strategic growth sectors, followed by Showcase Southeast.
The luncheon will feature keynote presentations from the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy, and Dr. Ken Coates, President and CEO of the Macdonald-Laurier Institute.
See You Around Venn
September is shaping up to be a busy one.
Whether you're building a company, leading a team through technological change, exploring new markets, looking to connect with New Brunswick's tech community or searching for a way to put your skills to work locally, there is plenty happening this month.
We hope to see you at Venn soon!