Why AI?

38%

of Canadians feel confident in using AI tools effectively

73%

of Canadians businesses have not yet considered using Gen AI

63%

of Canadians between the ages of 18 - 34 have used AI technologies in the past three months

A new entrepreneurial model is emerging with AI at its core. AI-Driven Enterprises (AIDEs) – where a handful of people with AI can create enormous value quickly – is reshaping assumptions about what it takes to build a successful company.

The AI2Market program focuses on training more students in AI and entrepreneurship, while creating more and better scalable AIDEs. AI2Market will provide interdisciplinary training – blending software engineering with AI ethics, data science and entrepreneurship – to produce the kind of founders and early employees who thrive in AIDEs.

“AI-driven” goes far beyond simply adding ChatGPT to a customer support desk. To qualify as a true AIDE, a company must integrate AI deeply across the entire business—from company formation and product development to go-to-market strategy and day-to-day operations.

Being AI-driven means reimagining how decisions are made, how teams are organized, and what scaling looks like in a world where AI is foundational. AIDEs not only build AI-powered products and operate with AI-enhanced efficiency they adopt an ultra-lean approach where AI fundamentally shapes how they build, decide, and scale their ventures.

AI2Market is a progression of hands-on programs that help students turn AI-powered ideas into real companies. By combining rapid prototyping with responsible AI practice, helping students navigate the lean AI startup ecosystem.

Our vision is to seed Atlantic Canada with founders and early employees who can thrive in any AI-driven enterprise.

Lab2Market is a nationwide program that helps brilliant minds in graduate programs and postdoctoral programs reimagine their futures. Throughout the program, they’ll discover their passion for entrepreneurship, build an entrepreneurial skillset, and connect with the network they need to turn their ideas into successful businesses.

Through some of Canada’s leading academic institutions, Lab2Market is a head-start for Canadian research-based ventures.

Dal Innovates provides opportunities for students and faculty at Dalhousie University to explore and experience innovation and entrepreneurship and develop knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to translate new ideas into innovations.

We empower you to be the best innovators, creators and entrepreneurs and make an impact on local and global challenges.

ShiftKey Labs is Nova Scotia’s student-focused sandbox for tech innovation. We provide access to workshops, networking events, material resources, and supports that help build practical, transferrable skills in high demand by current and future employers.

Entrepreneurially minded students gain additional access to mentorship and financial supports specifically aimed at advancing potential startup ideas.