Next AI | Montreal

Next AI

In January 2025, I was accepted into Next AI as the Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of CanApply, Canada’s flagship accelerator for AI-powered startups. For me, this wasn’t just a milestone in recognition of our work, it was an opportunity to challenge our ideas in one of the world’s most vibrant AI ecosystems and learn directly from the leaders shaping the future of technology.

More Than Just an Accelerator

Next AI is one of Canada’s premier programs for AI ventures, with hubs in Toronto and Montreal. Over six months, it brings together ambitious founders, world-class faculty, and global industry leaders to refine products, sharpen strategies, and prepare ventures for scale. The program goes beyond lectures, combining workshops, mentorship, and access to an international network of investors, scientists, and entrepreneurs.

Learning from the Best

A highlight of our journey was engaging with major players like Google, Amazon, and Osler. These weren’t surface-level presentations, they were deep sessions where we gained practical insights on technical scalability, AI ethics, and the legal frameworks essential for growing responsibly. Each interaction provided us with concrete tools to strengthen CanApply’s platform.

Mentors Who Left a Mark

The mentorship experience was nothing short of extraordinary. Having the opportunity to learn directly from Yoshua Bengio, a pioneer in deep learning and one of the most influential AI researchers in the world, was transformative. His perspective on responsible AI and long-term vision deeply influenced the way I think about product design and ethical innovation.

Alongside Bengio, mentors such as Reza Satchu and other experienced entrepreneurs, AI scientists, and investors provided guidance that spanned technical, strategic, and human dimensions. These sessions weren’t only about scaling a business, they were about building with clarity, resilience, and purpose.

Startup Synergy in Every Room

Equally powerful was the peer community. Being surrounded by other ambitious startups created a rhythm of collaboration and constructive competition. Whether in workshops, hallway discussions, or late-night debates, every moment became an opportunity to exchange lessons and expand perspectives.

Why It Was Pivotal for CanApply

Looking back, being accepted into Next AI was a defining moment in my entrepreneurial journey. As Co-Founder and CPO of CanApply, it gave me the tools to sharpen our product strategy, the network to accelerate growth, and the mindset to build responsibly at scale. For CanApply, it marked the transition from early traction into a clear, structured path toward impact and scalability.