On June 23, 2026, the AccelerateOTT event gathered founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders in Ottawa to discuss the impact of AI on entrepreneurship. Held at the Horticulture Building in Lansdowne Park, the event focused on the theme "Built for the Age of AI," emphasizing how the next wave of companies is being shaped in a fast-evolving economic climate.
The day began with insightful remarks from notable figures, including Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa, and Nick Quain, Vice President of Venture Development at Invest Ottawa. Their messages underscored the pivotal role of resilience, customer focus, and adaptability for founders aiming to pioneer new markets and industries. The event facilitated valuable interactions, highlighted by the Breakthrough Booth area, where discussions and mentorship opportunities flourished, reinforcing the strength of community engagement.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe introduced a perspective of duality—acknowledging the prevalent uncertainty while also framing it as an era ripe with innovation. He encouraged entrepreneurs to view this moment as a unique chance to develop groundbreaking solutions.
The keynote speaker, Alistair Croll, founder of Fwd50, challenged attendees to reevaluate their assumptions about technology in entrepreneurship, suggesting that the abundance of software today necessitates a sharper focus on trust, insight, and customer value. His presentation highlighted that while technology fundamentally alters how companies are built, the enduring elements of trust and meaningful engagement remain crucial.
Several panels throughout the day addressed the changing dynamics of the startup landscape. In a discussion moderated by Mike Potter of Rewind, experts examined how founding patterns are shifting in response to AI. They noted that AI is not merely a new tool; it fundamentally alters company formation, teamwork, and market dynamics while underscoring the necessity of customer-centric problem-solving.
Mike Matta, CEO of Solink, shared the realistic journey of building an AI company, contrasting the myth of overnight success with his team’s persistence through challenges. He emphasized the importance of balancing curiosity with conviction, especially in the context of AI innovations.
Ashley Faus of Atlassian brought an essential reminder of the value of trust amid the increasing presence of AI-generated content. She argued that genuine connections and understanding customer needs will differentiate successful companies in a saturated content landscape.
The final panel before the Startup World Cup Ottawa Regional Competition explored the evolving funding landscape as AI lowers building costs. Panelists conveyed optimism, suggesting that this is the best time to start a company despite challenges in securing investments.
The day wrapped up with the Startup World Cup Regional Competition, where ten selected founders pitched their innovative ideas. Kavodax, Celestra Health Systems, and CardiAxis Medical emerged as the top three finalists, with Kavodax winning the opportunity to compete at the Grand Finale in San Francisco.
Overall, AccelerateOTT showcased the spirit of exploration and ambition within Ottawa’s entrepreneurial scene. The event echoed a key message: those willing to embrace change and engage in meaningful dialogues are the ones shaping the future. The dedication of attendees, sponsors, and contributors positions Ottawa's innovation ecosystem favorably for continued growth and success in the years ahead.
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