AI Strategy for Startups

Innovate Calgary is the knowledge transfer and business incubator for the University of Calgary. As part of the Office of the Vice-President (Research) portfolio, we help to bridge the gap between discovery and innovation. From ideation to commercialization, Innovate Calgary has successfully supported the innovation-driven research community for thirty-two years.

Innovate Calgary

A Founders Lunch panel on AI strategy, featuring founders and experts sharing real lessons on building with AI.

Life Sciences Innovation Hub

Founders Lunch

The Founders Lunch Series’ monthly events aim to empower and support entrepreneurs. Presented by Innovate Calgary, this dynamic platform connects entrepreneurs, fosters knowledge sharing, and inspires collaboration.

AI is a right-now decision that founders have to make. Not if to use AI, but where, how, and why.We’ll talk about the real choices founders are facing:<ul><li>AI enabled vs AI native</li><li>When does AI actually create an advantage?</li><li>What should be built in-house vs bought?</li><li>How do you balance speed, cost, and risk?</li><li>And how early is too early to bring AI into your product or operations?</li></ul>We’re bringing together startup founders who are building with AI and industry experts who work closely with emerging companies to share practical lessons, hard-earned insights, and honest perspectives including what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what they’d do differently if they were starting today. Panelists:<ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiebutchart/" title="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiebutchart/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Robbie Butchart</a>, VP of Growth, Blackbook.ai</li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicbeique/" title="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicbeique/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Nic Beique</a>, Founder &amp; CEO, Helcim</li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/wishbakshi/" title="https://www.linkedin.com/in/wishbakshi/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Wish Bakshi</a>, Founder &amp; AI Systems Engineer, AQ Energy</li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/duane-wood-13007667/" title="https://www.linkedin.com/in/duane-wood-13007667/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Duane Wood</a>, CTO, Ultimarii</li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nima-najand/" title="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nima-najand/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Nima Najand</a>, Executive Director - Innovation and Intellectual Property, Innovate Calgary - moderator</li></ul>

This event is part of the monthly Founders Lunch Series, which aims to empower and support entrepreneurs. Organized by Innovate Calgary and supported by Alberta Innovates, ElevateIP Alberta, and the TD Ready Commitment Program, this dynamic platform connects entrepreneurs, fosters knowledge sharing, and inspires collaboration. Be a part of this transformative experience to expand your network, learn from industry leaders, and confidently navigate your entrepreneurial journey.

___Lunch will be provided.Parking is $1.50 /every 30m or $10/day, and the building is accessible by transit. The Brentwood Train station is about a 10-minute walk away.

Agenda

Registration & lunch

Panel Discussion

Networking

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AI Strategy for Startups

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