Welcome to August at Venn!

This month’s forecast? Bright ideas with a 100% chance of connection. Catch up on what’s been buzzing and what’s next on our radar.

tech connect Catch up

Elsipogtog Retreat

On July 11th, our Tech Connect program, alongside members of Civic Tech Moncton, spent the day in Elsipogtog First Nation, the largest reserve in New Brunswick.

Through an educational retreat led by the Elsipogtog Mi'kmaq Cultural Center, we had the honour of participating in a traditional smudging ceremony and learning about Indigenous histories, cultural practices, and the land itself.

We’d like to sincerely thank the Cultural Center for their generosity in sharing their knowledge, and the City of Moncton for helping make this learning experience possible.

This was a powerful reminder that innovation includes learning, listening, and meaningful connection.

the Tech Connect Team in Action

The TechConnect crew has been making big moves this summer:

• Milestone Achieved!
  They’re about to complete their first project milestone with the Early Childhood Family Resource Centre. This collaboration is focused on supporting families through accessible, tech-driven solutions—and the team is already seeing meaningful progress.

• New Project Kickoff
  TechConnect has just launched a new project with BCCCCNB—the Black Canadian Community Cultural Centre of New Brunswick. Together, they’ll be working to enhance community connections and develop tools that support cultural engagement and empowerment.

Stay tuned—these projects are just getting started, and we can’t wait to share more updates as the teams continue to innovate and grow.

Early Wins for Tech Connect Talent

Two members of the current Tech Connect cohort have “graduated” early, landing exciting jobs before completing the full program!

• One participant secured a local job right here in the region.

• Another found a remote role with a Quebec-based company, showing just how far TechConnect’s impact can reach.

Here’s what they had to say about their experience:

“TechConnect has been instrumental in helping me build a solid foundation for gaining Canadian work experience and understanding the professional environment in Canada.”

“TechConnect upgraded my résumé, sharpened my interview skills, and taught me Canadian workplace norms. Even better, the program offers the full infrastructure you need to grow: constant interaction that boosts your English, free access to high-quality training resources, and hands-on work on real, interesting projects. That combination made me a much stronger candidate.”

We’re incredibly proud of their success and excited to see where the rest of the cohort goes next.

Parking with purpose

During the Atlantic Nationals car show weekend, we were proud to provide our parking lot to the Ukrainian Club of Moncton during the Atlantic Nationals Car Show.

By collecting donations in exchange for parking, the Club raised funds to support their initiatives. Thank you to everyone who parked with purpose and supported a great cause 🇺🇦

AI Compute Access Fund

Calling all Canadian startups working in AI: This could be big for you!

The new AI Compute Access Fund is part of Canada's national strategy to build domestic AI capacity, and your startup might qualify for credits to access advanced compute power.

At Venn, we believe access should never be the barrier to innovation. That’s why we’re keeping an eye on programs like this that could level the playing field.

Leaders who Listen

This month, we had the privilege of welcoming two leaders who are passionate about supporting youth, innovation, and the future of work in New Brunswick.

Claire Johnson, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development and MLA for Moncton South, visited Venn to meet with our summer student Ibrahim, who joined us through the SEED program. She took time to learn about his experience and hear directly about how opportunities like this shape young people’s career journeys.

She also spent time with participants in our Tech Connect program, who are not only building skills and connections to thrive in tech careers, but are also applying what they learn in real time through work placements with local organizations.

We also welcomed Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Liberal MP for Moncton–Dieppe, for a tour of Venn and a conversation with us and our Tech Connect participants. We appreciated her interest in the work we do to support emerging talent and drive innovation in our region.

Meetings like these remind us of the importance of collaboration between community, government, and industry. When we come together, we can create real opportunities for growth, learning, and lasting impact.
Thank you to Minister Claire Johnson and MP Ginette Petitpas Taylor for taking the time to connect with our team and community.

A well deserved award

We’re thrilled to share that at the 7th annual Technology Councils of North America (TECNA) Innovation Awards, our very own Kyle Murray-Zelmer, PhD, who runs our Market Intelligence program, along with Platform Calgary, received the Innovative Member & Client Services or Programs Award!

This award recognizes exceptional innovation in member or client engagement, highlighting efforts that go above and beyond daily operations to recruit or retain members, with a key milestone in 2024.

A HUGE congratulations from everyone here at Venn!

Venn Friday Office Hours – Startup Mentorship

Supporting NB Entrepreneurs: Your Local Impact

New Brunswick — and Canadian — entrepreneurs create incredible products, from food and beverages to innovative technology. Supporting local businesses strengthens our economy, our communities, and the people behind these brands. There’s no better time than now to #BuyLocal and #BuyCanadian! 🇨🇦

Some of the best products and expertise are right here in New Brunswick. For more ways to support local, check out Excellence NB—a non-profit that showcases businesses, artisans, boutiques, and more from across our picturesque province.

Free Co-working day

This year, to celebrate International Co-working day, we are pleased to offer free co-working spaces here in the Junction on August 8th! To book your seat, reach out to lauren@venninnovation.com.

Free fridays are back!

Following International Co-working day, we are pleased to announce that free co-working Fridays are back in the Junction! On the first Friday of the month, we are pleased to offer free co-working spaces to anyone who is looking for a change of scenery from their usual workspace. To book your spot, visit the Junction website.

Startup Global - Pop-up Pitch Moncton

About

Entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada are invited to participate in the Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competition hosted with Venn Innovation, an in-person opportunity for globally aspiring entrepreneurs to win a cash prize of $3,000. The winner will also win a guaranteed spot in our Startup Global Pitch Competition Grand Finale in Mississauga on October 21, where they and 9 other finalists will pitch live on the Main Stage for their chance to win from an overall $70,000 cash prize pool.

Pop up Pitch Details

🗓️Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

📍Venue: Venn Innovation | 770 St George Blvd, Moncton, NB E1E 2C6

Entrepreneurs that are interested in pitching, apply by registering for this event. A Startup Canada team member will review your application. If you are eligible, you will be emailed a confirmation with a specific time slit for their pitch approximately 2 weeks before the pitch day.

Please note: You are not guaranteed a spot by applying. Only 1 person per company may pitch and only the person pitching may be present.

This in person pitch competition will happen over the course of one day. The morning will consist of all the first round “heats”. Out of these heats, the judges will select a Top 5. The Top 5 will then pitch later that day to a secondary panel of judges and a live audience.

Pitchers will have 3 minutes to pitch, followed by 3 minutes of Q&A from the judges.

The pitch is verbal (no pitch deck/visual aid). If you are product based, you are welcome to show it during the pitch but no demonstrations are allowed unless the judges specifically ask.

Of the Top 5, one winner will be selected by the judges and will be awarded win $3,000 cash prize plus a guaranteed spot in the Grand Finale in Mississauga on October 21.

Who is this Pitch Competition For?

This pitch competition is open to entrepreneurs based in Atlantic Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland). To be eligible for the Startup Global Pop-up Pitch Competition, you must meet the following criteria:

-       The intention/ability to export and expand your business internationally

-       Less than $1,000,000 in revenue, as of February 3, 2025

-       Less than $1,000,000 in funding or investment (grants, bank loans, equity funding), as of February 3, 2025

-       Less than 5 years of operating your business, as of February 3, 2025

-       Have business/operations based in Canada  

Judging Criteria

Pitches will be assessed with the following guidelines: Target market, objective, solution, leadership, traction (if any), competition, and most importantly the ability to go global.

To learn more about the Startup Global Pitch Competition, visit the Startup Global Pitch Competition Webpage!

The Startup Atlantic Kitchen Party is coming to Venn

Join us on September 17 for an East Coast celebration following the Startup Global Pop-up Pitch in Moncton! Whether you’re pitching, cheering from the sidelines or just in the mood to celebrate the local startup scene, come grab a bite, raise a glass, and connect with fellow innovators.

A Venn Go-Karting Showdown

Join us Tuesday, August 20th at 6:00PM for an adrenaline-fueled evening at East Coast Karting! We’re closing out the summer with a little friendly competition on the track AND a BBQ. Whether you’re racing for glory or just there for the good eats and good vibes, there’s a spot for you.

Racing spots are limited, register now to secure your spot!

Employment Fair| City of Moncton

August 26, 2025 | 10:00AM-1:00 PM | Avenir Centre

Moncton Tech Hive

September 5, 2025 | 6:00PM-8:00 PM |The Junction

United Way Golf Tournament 2025| United Way - Greater Moncton & SENB

September 11, 2025 | Royal Oaks Golf Club, Moncton