Startup AI
Startup Canada is empowering entrepreneurs to responsibly adopt AI and unlock new possibilities for growth. Startup AI is your launchpad for navigating AI for your business with confidence. Whether you're just getting started or scaling fast, we connect you with the knowledge, tools, and community you need to adopt AI strategically and responsibly. Startup AI supports founders in exploring real possibilities, experiment without fear, and safely implement AI solutions that move your business forward. When Canadian entrepreneurs thrive with AI, our entire innovation economy grows stronger.
About Startup AI
What is it?
Startup AI is a national initiative designed to explore and support the responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence by early stage and scale-up entrepreneurs across Canada. This free program will convene founders, AI experts, policymakers, and ecosystem partners to surface real challenges, identify opportunities, and build a roadmap for scalable, long-term AI support for Canadian entrepreneurs.
As we launch this new and important programming, Startup AI will start by listening and learning; understanding where founders are in their AI journey, what barriers they face, and what support they need to confidently integrate AI into their businesses.
What can you expect?
Beginning in Winter 2026, Startup Canada will host four regional roundtables across Canada, bringing together entrepreneurs from diverse industries to discuss AI readiness, ethical adoption, access challenges, privacy policies, and sector-specific opportunities.
Following the roundtables, we’ll publish a comprehensive insights report and resource guide to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to leverage AI responsibly and strategically.
This program aims to support entrepreneurs by:
Connecting
Connecting entrepreneurs with AI experts, policymakers, and ecosystem leaders who can provide guidance and support.
Listening
Listening to founders' real challenges, barriers, and opportunities related to AI adoption.
Equipping
Equipping entrepreneurs with practical insights, tools, and resources to responsibly integrate AI into their businesses.
Advocating
Advocating for the needs of entrepreneurs navigating AI adoption through data-driven insights and storytelling.
Overview of Startup AI 2026 Program
Invite only
Regional Roundtables
We're hosting four closed-door roundtables across Canada to convene founders, experts, and ecosystem leaders around critical AI topics. These sessions will create space for honest conversation about the opportunities, challenges, data security, and support needs facing Canadian entrepreneurs.
Some Topics We’ll Explore:
- AI Readiness & Early Use Cases for Startup Founders
- Ethical, Responsible, and Trustworthy Adoption of AI
- Access, Affordability & Ecosystem Gaps in AI Enablement
- Sector-Specific Needs, Risks & Opportunities for AI Adoption
Participation in roundtables is by invitation only. Interested in joining the conversation? Complete our survey to share your interest and AI experience.
Insights Report
Startup AI: What Entrepreneurs Need in 2026
Following the survey results, we’ll launch a concise insights report capturing key findings from the roundtable discussions, including how entrepreneurs are using AI today, the most common barriers to adoption, and critical gaps in tools, training, and support. (Launching May 2026)
Take the survey
Launching May 2026
Resource Guide
A curated collection of AI tools, supports, organizations, and resources designed to help entrepreneurs confidently navigate AI adoption. Launching in May 2026, this dynamic resource hub will offer practical tools, training, and expert guidance, with content organized by topic, region, and industry so founders can find what they need, when they need it.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter to be the first to access new resources when it launches.
Presenting Partner
This program and its affiliated events would not be possible without the generous support of Mastercard Canada.
Ready to share your AI journey?
Help us design programming and resources that truly serve Canadian entrepreneurs. Complete our 3-minute survey and be part of shaping the future of AI support in Canada.
Take our 3-minute surveyFAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Startup AI program will launch in early 2026.
Absolutely not. AI impacts businesses across all industries, and our roundtables will include diverse sector representation. We’re exploring AI readiness, ethical adoption, access challenges, and sector-specific opportunities to ensure programming serves the full entrepreneurial community.
Roundtable participation is by invitation. Complete our survey to share your AI experience and interest in participating. We’ll reach out to selected participants with more details.
No! Startup AI is designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage, whether you’re just exploring AI, actively using tools, or scaling AI-driven operations.
We’d love to hear from you! You can complete this speaker request form, and someone from our team will be in touch if you’re the right fit!
Unfortunately, Startup Canada does not offer funding or grants for Startup AI at this time. However, we provide connections, resources, and tools to help you find the right support for your business. Visit our resource guide (coming May 2026) to explore existing funding opportunities.
Yes! All elements of the Startup AI program, including roundtables, reports, and resources, are 100% free.
Please email us at hello@startupcan.ca