Adapting for Tomorrow: The strategy, successes, and next steps

Our choice of Toronto as the launchpad for this initiative wasn't coincidental. The city has emerged as a powerhouse in the tech world, with an unparalleled ecosystem supported by world-class universities and a constant stream of innovative talent. Google's new campus further validates Toronto's position as a leading tech hub. What's particularly exciting is the shifting landscape of AI acceptance in Canada. Adaptavist's work management report, Productivity is not a place, revealed that almost three-quarters (73%) of companies surveyed are investing in AI, with the other 25 percent intending to do so in the next six months. We're seeing a growing openness to AI technology, coupled with a trend of tech professionals returning from the US, enriching our local innovation scene.

We deliberately chose to focus on AI because it represents both the greatest opportunity and the greatest challenge in technology today. At The Adaptavist Group, we see AI not just as a technological advancement, but as a tool for meaningful change. Our goal isn't simply to jump on the AI bandwagon—it's to help companies harness this technology to create solutions that genuinely improve people's everyday lives in the workplace and beyond.

To ensure we attracted the right startups, we cast a wide net across Toronto's innovation ecosystem. I leveraged my connections at local universities and organisations like Toronto Global. The response was incredible—attending local events like TAICO’s AI and Cybersecurity meetup and All In AI demonstrated the immense potential within our community, and meant that we could engage with startups at various stages of their journey. We also conducted an insightful Q&A series with our advisory panel, each bringing unique expertise and perspectives to the program. Not only did this help build anticipation on social media, but it also demonstrated the calibre of mentorship available to our participants.

Our launch event was more than just a milestone—it was a celebration of possibility. We brought together startups, advisors, and some of Toronto's brightest minds in tech for a day of intensive learning and networking. The day featured pitch practice sessions with our A-team of advisors: James Appleyard, Chief Investment Officer at Freycinet Ventures, Maria Harrington, CEO of Second Self Inc., and Patrick Tammer, Senior Investment Director at Scale AI. Each advisor worked one-to-one with a startup to help refine and finalise their pitch, which they presented to our advisors in front of a live audience in a 'Dragons' Den' or 'Shark Tank'-style presentation session. The startups were challenged with a five-minute time limit and questions from our advisors. We also emphasised the crucial role of marketing and communications in startup success, capturing the day's energy through on-site interviews.

I'm thrilled to announce that we chose Deaf AI and FastDoc as our inaugural cohort winners. These companies stood out for their visionary approach to using generative AI and their strong customer focus. The Adapting for Tomorrow team and I are now working with TAG executives, consultants, and our panel of advisors to craft a tailored six-month program for each startup. Our approach is highly personalised—we're starting by understanding their specific business objectives to ensure they get maximum value from the program.

The future is bright for AI innovation in Toronto, and I'm incredibly excited to work alongside these bright minds as they develop groundbreaking solutions. Together, we're not just building successful companies; we're creating technology that will genuinely serve us.