Adapting for Tomorrow
Join the Adapting for Tomorrow startup program: Revolutionising collaboration in the world of generative AI.
Our mission
Adapting for Tomorrow is an incubator program for ambitious, growth-focused startups based in Canada to scale and solve some of the most pressing challenges in the field of generative AI.
The challenge
The program brings together startups and world-class companies to share resources, data, and ideas to solve real-world collaboration problems. The goal is to identify bold, transformative ideas that enable significant change and disruption at a global enterprise level.
Who we look for
We work with startups based in Canada developing cutting-edge solutions in generative AI, aimed at enhancing collaboration and productivity in enterprise environments.
How it works
During the application window, we invite submissions from startups that have a product, the drive to scale, and that align with our theme of generative AI for enterprise environments. The most compelling applications then pitch to our panel of experts, who select the strongest to proceed in the program.
What does the program offer?
The selected startups (maximum of two per program) undergo a six-month mentorship program, with the option to extend to 12 months. The program includes:
- Access to leading expertise from across The Adaptavist Group covering topics such as business planning, technology, HR, legal, and marketing advice.
- Workshops and practical insight sessions, including pitching best practice.
- Networking opportunities with industry leaders, potential customers, and fellow tech innovators.
Top performers also receive other benefits, including:
- Access to our global office network and regular office space in downtown Toronto.
- Integration into our expansive ecosystem.
Applications are currently closed, and we've started working with our first successful applicants.
Meet our inaugural participants
We received a fantastic selection of applications throughout the summer of 2024 and hosted a jam-packed pitch day in person with our panel.
Following this, we can now introduce the two standout businesses that will be the first to move forward in the Adapting for Tomorrow program:
Deaf AI
Deaf AI is a social venture focused on making the digital world more accessible to the Deaf community. Their vision is to develop digital humans as real-time sign language interpreters, translating voice to sign language to help deaf people have better experiences in public spaces and the digital world.
FastDoc
FastDoc.io is an early-stage startup transforming agile team documentation through AI-powered automation. The platform converts Jira data into comprehensive project documents, enhancing communication and productivity across teams.
Our panel
We're delighted to have a stellar team supporting this venture, with our Head of Enterprise Growth Acceleration and three external advisors who bring their valuable knowledge, experience, and connections into the program.
Harp Athwal: Program lead
As Head of Enterprise Growth Acceleration at The Adaptavist Group, Harp Athwal drives continuous improvement to deliver superior customer experiences. A dedicated member of the Toronto tech community, Harp's passion for the industry, paired with his skills and experience as a mentor, make him the ideal internal lead for this exciting new program.
Maria Harrington: Advisor
Maria is an experienced entrepreneur and investor with 23 years of expertise spanning business development, sales, and marketing. Throughout her career, Maria has demonstrated a passion for driving growth and innovation. She has played a pivotal role in helping companies in hospitality, retail, and technology industries secure major enterprise clients in financial services, retail, government, telecommunications, and manufacturing sectors. Her ability to align technology with client needs has established her as a strategic collaborator in the tech industry. She has helped companies grow their brands through marketing events and call campaigns. Whether a business has been around for more than 20 years or less than a year, she is passionate about working alongside founders to ensure success.
Patrick Tammer: Advisor
Patrick Tammer is a Senior Investment Director at Scale AI, the AI impact investing fund of the Canadian Government, where he oversees a $100M+ portfolio of AI innovation projects. As an advisor to business executives, startups and the Canadian Government, he is directly working on the transformative impact of AI on our economy and society. He is also a Steering Committee Member of the Canadian Centre for the Innovation Economy (CCIE) and an Editor for the Journal of Business and Artificial Intelligence. Patrick previously worked as a Management Consultant with the Boston Consulting Group, as Portfolio Manager for the impact investor LEAP, and as a Program Analyst for the UN Development Program.
James Appleyard: Advisor
James Appleyard is an experienced investor, entrepreneur, and board director. As Chief Investment Officer and President of Freycinet Ventures, James takes active positions in Canadian start-up companies that are developing ‘Technology for Human Progress’. Since 2013, Freycinet has invested in, and supports through mentoring and advisory roles, some twenty entrepreneurial teams. He is a director of Mosaic, an industrial 3D printing tech start-up, and of Citylitics, a sales intelligence solution for urban infrastructure projects. Prior to its acquisition by Arsenal Capital Partners in 2013, James was CEO & controlling shareholder of Artez, a leading software-as-a-service provider of fundraising solutions to not-for-profits. James is active in community service and is currently Chair of the Board of Trustees at Toronto’s Gardiner Museum. He also serves as the International Board Chair of the UK-based Awareness Foundation, which is active on the ground working with children in Syria and Iraq. He also serves as President of the Board of Directors of environmental charity Tallgrass Ontario. In 2017, he was elected as an Associate Senior Fellow at Massey College.