NEXT AI - MONTREAL - 2021 COHORT - HEC Montréal
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NEXT AI - MONTREAL - 2021 COHORT
DELIVERED
IN MONTREAL
BY, AND IN
PARTNERSHIP
WITH
NEXT AI IS A NEXT CANADA PROGRAM
Next AI is an accelerator and founder development program
for artificial intelligence based ventures, delivered in Montreal
and Toronto.
Ventures are guided through an intensive program to develop
their technical and entrepreneurial skills, taking them from
ideation to prototyping and market validation.
World-class professors, mentors and experts join forces to
create the next generation of Canadian AI companies with
global impact.
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 3
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PROGRAM DIRECTOR 4 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORT
Dear All,
I am delighted to invite you to take a closer look at our 2021 program here at Next AI – Montreal. This year, we are
bringing you 27 ventures, our largest cohort to date.
From March to September, our participants pulled out all the stops to move their venture forward as they
completed the requirements of this very demanding program. Amid the pandemic-related restrictions, more
than 150 hours of courses and countless discussions took place between our startups and our network of
venture managers, scientists-in-residence, instructors, mentors and partners — all with the ultimate goal of
enhancing and accelerating their development.
We are all very proud of how far Next AI – Montreal has come in the three years since it was created. It now
stands as one of the best programs of its kind, generating positive impact for our entire society.
Our first two “acquisitions” (Apprentx and Squarefeet) and over $10 million in funding rounds for our alumni
are prime examples of what we can achieve. And more broadly, we are proud to celebrate the journey of all the
forward-thinking founders who have graduated from our program and are going on to transform our industries.
The past year has been a very challenging one indeed, and we congratulate all of our participants for the
outstanding resilience and passion they have shown each and every day.
Julien Billot
Program Director, Next AI – Montreal
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 5
KEY
FEATURES
Non-dilutive Network Free access to a
$25,000 grant of mentors co‑working space
for each venture (AI experts and in Mile-Ex, deep in
entrepreneurs) Montreal’s AI hub
6 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORT
World class Scientists Venture
curriculum in residence Managers
in AI and with advanced who mentor
entrepreneurship knowledge in AI participants throughout
the program
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 7
FACTS AND FIGURES 8 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORT
Cohorts of 200+ hours 7 months of
30 ventures of teaching, exchanges incubation
and workshops in our Mile-Ex offices
Pan-Canadian program Focus on 80+
implemented in two cities: diversity strategic mentors
Montreal and Toronto and inclusion and instructors
4 venture 3 scientists
managers in residence
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 92021
CALENDAR FEBRUARY 1-2 2021:
Selection interviews
...2020 2021
SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC. JAN. FEB. MAR.
OCTOBER 19 – DECEMBER 13 2020:
Recruitment and founder matching
10 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTSEPTEMBER 8 2021:
Venture Showcase
SEPTEMBER 16 2021:
Investor meet
MAY 2021: SEPTEMBER 28 2021:
Venture Reveal Venture Day
APR. MAY JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT.
MARCH 15 – SEPTEMBER 30 2021:
Cohort is running
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 112021 ACADEMIC INSTRUCTORS 12 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORT
TECH AI TRACK BUSINESS TRACK
Laurent Charlin, HEC Montréal Denis Grégoire, HEC Montréal (Academic Director – Business)
(Academic Director - Technical)
Ajay Agrawal, University of Toronto
Yoshua Bengio, Université de Montréal
Brian King, HEC Montréal
Sarath Chandar, École Polytechnique de Montréal
Corey Phelps, McGill University
Jackie Cheung, McGill University
Gabriel Parent, GPSE Consulting Jean-François Ouellet, HEC Montréal
Kevin Regan, Google Luciano Barin-Cruz, HEC Montréal
Valérie Pisano, Mila Mélanie Robinson, HEC Montréal
Jean-François Plante, HEC Montréal Nadine Vaillant, HEC Montréal
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 132021 TECHNICAL TRACK (65 HOURS)
ACADEMIC Advanced Prediction Methods
AI for social good
Jean-François Plante
Yoshua Bengio
CURSUS Cloud Building Blocks
& How to Assemble Them
Introduction to Machine Learning
Gabriel Parent
Laurent Charlin
Introduction to Natural Language
Jackie Cheung
Processing
Mila and lessons from leadership Valérie Pisano
Reinforcement Learning Sarath Chandar
Tools and strategies Kevin Regan
14 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTBUSINESS TRACK (80 HOURS)
Introduction to AI
Denis Grégoire
entrepreneurship
Introduction to New Venture
Brian King
Finance
Leadership Skills Mélanie Robinson
Lean Entrepreneurial
Jean-François Ouellet
Marketing Strategy
Pitching an AI-based venture Ajay Agrawal
Social Impact and Responsibility Luciano Barin-Cruz
Technology entrepreneurship Corey Phelps
Using the NOVA profile to better
communicate and interact Nadine Vaillant
with others
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 152021
WORKSHOPS
How to develop an investor Raising non-dilutive How to prioritize features
presentation and financial funding through Mitacs and create product
model to raise money? (Nathalie Neriec) roadmaps
(Annie Bergevin) (Paul Ortchanian)
Financial statements HR for Startups Legal 101 for Startups
and managing (John Wade) (Osler)
your cash flow
(EY)
16 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTSPEAKER SERIES:
Fred Bastien
(CEO, Mnubo - acquired)
Philip Barrar
(CEO, Moka)
Alexis Smirnov
(CTO, Dialogue)
Frantz Saintellemy
Negotiation Choosing the right OKR’s (President, Leddartech)
(Catherine Saine) for your business
(Venture Managers) PANEL:
Christopher Wells
(CEO, Piecemeal)
Alexandre Vanier
(CTO, HelloDarwin)
Equity, Diversity The art of mastering
Akshay Vishwakarma
and Inclusion for AI your pitch (CEO, TRACKiTT)
entrepreneurs (Venture Managers) Amanda Arciero
(URelles) (VP of Operations, Airudi)
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 172021 MENTORS 18 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORT
Alex Palmer Daniel Mulet Gabriel Damant-Sirois Lauren Jane Heller Mohamed Salamé Salim Adamon
Tribe Community Radical Ventures Local Logic Shiny Leadership Cashflow.io Sharp XRM
Platform
David Dufresne Jacob Lanyadoo Lloyed Lobo Mohan Markandaier Sami Ahmed
Alex Shee Panache Ventures TechBonjour Boast.ai Good News Ventures Omers
Samasource
Deborah Hayek Jatin Malhotra Louis René Auclair Nabeela Merchant Sidita Zhabjaku
Annie Bergevin Manulife Innovation Lab SSENSE RocketRide Games The Pollinator Fund BMO Financial group
OnPoint Business Plans (LOFT)
Jean François Gagnon Ludovic André Olivier Fischer Solmaz Shahalizadeh
Benjamin Tuff Derek Cheung LVL, The Christieville CIC Capital Canada Nakisa BackBone Angels
Benjamin David Group Mattamy Homes House
Marc Vaucher Patricia Escoffier Soodeh Farokhi
Carl Breau Douglas Harrison Jean-François Denault Scale AI Theodorus Investment C2RO
Saimen Metro Supply Chain Impacts.ca Funds
Group Marco Dodier Théo Risopoulos
Carolina Bessega Jean-François Pariseau Du Proprio & Purplebricks Patrick D’Astous Theodorus Investment
Stradigi AI Dov Amihod Amplitude Ventures Canada EY Funds
(Stealth Startup)
Carolina Osorio Jean-Philippe Bradette Marie-Claude Côté Philippe Frizon Tristan Mallet
HEC - Dept. de sciences Elaine Kunda Apprentx IVADO Labs PMP Conseil BCG Gamma
de la décision Disruption Ventures
Jennifer McDonald Marina Cortes Ramy Sedra Vigen Nazarian
Catherine Emilie Fournelle Moka Hike Ventures McKinsey Nubinary
Rousseau-Saine Sportlogiq
MILA Jillian Ruiz Masoud Chitsaz Raphael Steinman Vyara Ndejuru
Eric Dahan Local Logic Kinaxis Maxa AI Late Checkout
Charles Nouÿrit NVIDIA
Orevon Ventures Johanne Sévigny Michael Mee Rhiannon Davies Yasir Asif
Frantz Saintellemy Fonds Ecofuel I s.e.c. Amplitude Ventures Sandpiper Ventures Shuhari Consulting
Chris Matys LeddarTech
Ignite AI Kjell Kolstad Mikihiro Yasuda Richard Cloutier
Frédéric Bastien Vehicle Mind Hike Ventures Fonds Ecofuel I s.e.c.
Christine Beaulieu Aspen Technology
HEC Montréal - Robert Hanna
École des Dirigeants GreenAscot
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 192021 27 VENTURES
ALUMNI
VENTURES 57 PARTICIPANTS
OVERALL BY STAGE:
STATS
DISCOVERY: VALIDATION: EFFICIENCY:
11 13 3
20 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTBY INDUSTRY: HIGHEST EDUCATION: VENTURES
WITH FEMALE
MSC 21 FOUNDERS:
8
BACHELOR 19
2 MARKETING 1 AGRICULTURE
COLLEGE 6
PHD 6
FINANCIAL POST-DOC 4
2
ADVANCED MATERIALS 1 SERVICES
& MANUFACTURING HIGH SCHOOL 1
1 EDUCATION
LIFE SCIENCES AND
6 ADVANCED HEALTH DISTRIBUTION
2 CONSTRUCTION BY PROVINCE:
3 CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES
PROPERTY
2 TECH
DIGITAL MEDIA AND
1 TELECOMMUNICATIONS
3 TRANSPORTATION ALBERTA
QUEBEC
2
2 ENTERPRISE
1 ENERGY 2 1
ONTARIO 19
SOFTWARE
BRITISH SASKATCHEWAN
3
COLUMBIA
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 212021
ALUMNI
VENTURES IDEATION DISCOVERY
STAGES
Entrepreneur with idea; Clearly articulated and plausible
a solution in search problem/solution statement
of a problem. and the capacity to test it.
22 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTVALIDATION EFFICIENCY SCALE
A minimum viable product Initial traction in a receptive Evidence that a scalable
and evidence that it solves enough market to build sales and marketing process
a real problem for an a business in has been established.
identified market Accelerating revenue/
customer growth.
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 232021 VENTURES 24 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORT
ADAPTIVE PULSE. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 IPYPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 PRAIRIE ROBOTICS. . . . . . . . . . . 44
AGERATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 LATENCE TECHNOLOGIES. . . . . 36 RAILVISION ANALYTICS. . . . . . . 45
AXION AI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 LERNA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 RECOGNAISE TECHNOLOGIES. . . 46
CIRCULUS AGTECH. . . . . . . . . . . 29 LIFEENGINE TECHNOLOGIES. . . 38 ROBOLUTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
CORTIC TECHNOLOGY. . . . . . . . 30 MAKET. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 SHUTTLECONTROL. . . . . . . . . . . 48
DESIGNBOT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 NEURAL DRIVE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 SNAPSMILE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
EYFUL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 NIOSENSE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 THE RUBIC TECHNOLOGIES. . . 50
GENERATIVE MIND . . . . . . . . . . . 33 NOTOS TECHNOLOGIES. . . . . . . 42 UPKY SOLUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
HYDROLUX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 PHARONYX TECHNOLOGIES . . . 43 WALO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 25ADAPTIVE PULSE
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
Adaptive Pulse identifies at- • We oversubscribed our pre- Marketing
risk and expansion customers seed round during NextAI,
for B2B SaaS companies. We we were bootstrapped for 13 JENNIFER
HUYNH
STAGE
help prioritize retention efforts, months prior to that. We’ll be
reduce churn and increase raising our Seed round before Efficiency
revenues. 2022.
Using advances in NLP and • Our MoM revenue growth has
predictive analytics, we analyze been ~57% in both Canada and JOHNSON PROVINCE
internal and external data the US, with 0 customer churn. PHANYASENG
sources including structured Ontario
• We have a solid diverse team
and unstructured data to
of 10 full time.
provide a unified view of the
CONTACT
customer, which segments
are the most at-risk, likely to jen@adaptivepulse.com
expand, and how to successfully adaptivepulse.com
convert them.
26 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTAGERATE
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
AgeRate provides an at- • Over 5000 people have Life sciences and
home blood test that reveals signed up to be one of the first Advanced Health
your biological age and other to purchase our product COLE
health and longevity insights KIRSCHNER
• We have formed strategic STAGE
via epigenetic analysis. This
partnerships with 10 Validation
is combined with a mobile
organizations
app that delivers lifestyle
recommendations to help users • We are raising a seed round of
slow down aging. $2,000,000 KEVIN
PETERS PROVINCE
Ontario
CONTACT
cole@age-rate.com
age-rate.com
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 27AXION AI
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
We provide a software tool • HIPAA compliant architecture Life sciences and
that helps therapists perform Advanced Health
• Working Prototype JIHANE
their work with more efficiency
and with more accuracy. SAKHI
• Working relationship with STAGE
Our software is in one part a McGill university
telemedicine application that Discovery
transcribes the contents of a
therapy session as it happens.
Our software identifies key KAMIL
emotional moments during the LEGAULT PROVINCE
session, by leveraging affecting
Québec
computing power.
CONTACT
info@axionai.ca
linkedin.com/company/
axionai
28 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTCIRCULUS AGTECH
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
Circulus Agtech allows • Commercial paid pilot on Agriculture
indoor growers to transform going,
and cycle organic waste into DAVID
• 7 full time equivalent LEROUX
STAGE
usable organic fertilizers,
employees, Efficiency
reducing costs and increasing
sustainability by supplementing • raising 500k$ in pre-seed
nutrient inputs. Our bio-juice round
brewing systems valorizes
manure and compost to MOHAMED PROVINCE
produce liquid organic fertilizer DEBBAGH
Quebec
suitable for hydroponics by
using high-tech ion monitoring
to reach target nutrient levels CONTACT
and ensure optimal bacterial
activity. Circulus’ bio-juice info@circulusagtech.com
recipes are tested and adjusted circulusagtech.com
with plant health and crop yield
feedback.
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 29CORTIC TECHNOLOGY
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
Cortic Technology designs • We won the 1st place Global Education
software to help students and Grand Prize in the OpenCV
technology enthusiasts learn International Spatial AI YE
LU
STAGE
A.I. Our goal is to make A.I. competition. We are featured
education simple and fun by in OpenCV’s blog and invited Validation
promoting hands-on learning. to give a webinar about our
We are working on our open project to the community.
source project, the Cortic A.I.
• We filed two patents for our MICHAEL (HIM WAI) PROVINCE
Toolkit, to give users the ability
technology. NG
to easily build A.I. powered
British Columbia
projects and experiment with a • We are collaborating with
wide variety of algorithms. Wilfrid Laurier University to
create a K-12 AI curriculum. CONTACT
ye.lu@cortic.ca
cortic.ca
30 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTDESIGNBOT
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
DesignBot is a software solution • The project is in part Advanced materials and
that helps engineers define supported by a 100’000CAD Advanced manufacturing
their product specifications. IVADO postdoc entrepreneur YANN-SEING
It automatically generates 3D fellowship. LAW-KAM CIO
STAGE
representations of a product
• The software comes from the Discovery
using the power of computers
Ph.D. research of one of the
and artificial intelligence. With
founders (Yann-Seing
our software, engineers can
Law-Kam Cio). GABRIEL
make enlightened decisions
during the early stages of the • The proof of concept of
BERNARD PROVINCE
product design process. DesignBot was tested on Quebec
two research projects (an
autonomous greenhouse and
an antenna) CONTACT
info@designbot.tech
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 31EYFUL
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
Eyful is developing augmented • Partner with the Quebec Life sciences and
reality software to enhance the Association of Macular Advanced Health
vision of people affected by Degeneration and the School MICHAEL
aged macular degeneration, of Optometry PERREAULT
STAGE
the leading incurable cause
• Currently raising a 1M Seed Discovery
of low-vision in North-
round
America. Because everyone
affected by this disease has • Diverse multicultural in person
different symptoms resulting team of 7 people ALEX
in different visual defects, we BENJAMIN PROVINCE
are using Artificial Intelligence
Quebec
to personalize and adapt our
enhancement algorithms for
every patient. CONTACT
info@eyful.com
eyful.com
32 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTGENERATIVE MIND
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
Generative Mind develops • The founders have successfully Enterprise Software
innovative market intelligence brought to market several
for e-commerce merchants. Fintech applications of their VINCENT
DI SCIULLO
STAGE
Our content-driven natural natural language processing
language understanding technology. Discovery
technology enables merchants
• Generative Mind is partnering
to increase the efficiency of
with a US hedge fund to co-
every marketing dollar by
develop a product leveraging ANNA MARIA PROVINCE
immediately identifying relevant
social media sentiment across DI SCIULLO
social media audiences and
market verticals. Quebec
optimize advertising strategies
in real time. • Dr. Anna Maria Di Sciullo
has made monumental CONTACT
contributions to language
info@generativemind.ai
understanding and
generativemind.ai
computation in academia and
industry.
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 33HYDROLUX
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
Hydrolux is offering green • Important - signed - Clean technologies
hydrogen to end users who commercial agreements
are seeking a carbon-free covering exlusive hydrogen FRIEDRICH
DEHEM-LEMELIN
STAGE
alternative to fossil fuels without sales and technology.
the downsides of batteries. Our Discovery
• Raising a 21.5M$ round (5M$
business model incorporates
equity) in order to build a
decentralized production sites
hydrogen production plant.
to cover a larger serviceable
area at a lower cost. Customers • A strong and passionate team NICOLAS PROVINCE
will further enjoy lower prices composed of young, energetic DION
Quebec
than previously available thanks people as well as industry
to our AI powered distribution experts.
network, allowing for a cheaper, CONTACT
carbon-free solution.
info@hydrolux.ca
JULIEN hydrolux.ca
BRUNET
34 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTIPYPE
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
IPype is a product to automate • Awarded a grant from Construction
and facilitate the process of Programme d’aide à
sewer pipeline defect detection l’entrepreneuriat from the SAEED
MORADI
STAGE
and evaluation. Our product Ministry of Economy and
comprises a series of AI-based Innovation Discovery
algorithms and provides
• Hired Marketing and Sales
customized assessment reports
Manager
for municipalities and asset
managers who intend to have a • Market Validated FARZANEH PROVINCE
real-time and accurate condition GOLKHOO
Quebec
report of the sewer pipeline
network.
CONTACT
saeed.moradi@ipype.ca
ipype.ca
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 35LATENCE TECHNOLOGIES
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
LatenceTech helps mobile • Ongoing co-development Digital media and
operators differentiate and project with Ericsson Canada telecommunication
sell latency-optimized 5G with shared IPRs BENOIT
connectivity to the industrial GENDRON
• MVP collecting real-time 5G STAGE
sector. Our real-time SAAS & AI-
data from 5 cities in Canada Validation
based solution tracks, predicts
using Encqor 5G network
and supports the monetization
of ultra-low latency and high • Staff of 6 including 2 interns
reliability of 5G mobile networks and partnership with ETS ZARA
and Private Mobile Networks. University
KHANI PROVINCE
Quebec
CONTACT
contact@latencetech.com
latencetech.com
36 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTLERNA
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
Lerna’s vision is a mobile app • Secured pre-seed funding Marketing
ecosystem that can leverage from international investors
granular user data, while GEORGIOS
• Built a strong investor, expert DEPASTAS
STAGE
preserving privacy. To get
scientist and advisor network Discovery
there, Lerna is building a novel
solution (SDK & service) that • Launched pilot exploration
helps mobile app developers with leading mobile company
improve their retention rates by
categorizing their users based GEORGIOS PROVINCE
on their churn probability and KELLARIS
Quebec
plan subsequent actions (e.g.
push notification). Lerna is
combining federated learning CONTACT
and cutting-edge privacy/
security to allow for the training georgiosd@lerna.ai
of ML models on rich user data, lerna.ai
always on-device.
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 37LIFEENGINE TECHNOLOGIES
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
LifeEngine designs intelligent • We deliver our first product Life sciences and
surgical simulators to efficiently this September 2021 which will Advanced Health
train and assist surgeons into start the data acquisition for CATHERINE
unlocking their full potential. the launch of our AI-powered FOREST-NAULT
STAGE
We are committed to using our platform
technological and scientific Validation
• We are proud to work with key
expertise to support health
medical institutions of Quebec
professionals before, during
like McGill, MHI and the CHUM AYMERIC
and after treatment for a better
to develop our technology GUY PROVINCE
quality of care for all.
directly onsite.
Quebec
• Our team tripled since
last year as we welcomed
highly motivated engineers CONTACT
and experienced business
catherine.forestnault
developers.
@lifeengine.ca
lifeengine.ca
38 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTMAKET
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
Maket is an ai-powered platform • $330,000 committed to pre- Property Tech
that simplifies the entire building seed round of financing
process for new home buyers PATRICK
• Growing our team from 2 to 6 MURPHY
STAGE
and builders.
people in under 12 months Validation
• Collaborating with industry
partners to deploy AI solutions
in the market by Q1 2022
PROVINCE
Quebec
CONTACT
patrick@maket.ca
maket.ca
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 39NEURAL DRIVE
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
NeuralDrive is a medical device • We are raising a 750,000$ Life sciences and
company with a revolutionary round. Advanced Health
approach on neuro-stimulation JULIEN
• We have hired 2 employees ROY
therapy for people with spinal STAGE
and are looking to hire 4 more.
cord injury. We are developing
a brain implant that allows • We will be featured in Discovery
individuals affected by leg and Canada’s only science
arm paralysis to regain control magazine for the general
of movement after an injury. public. MARCO
Neurostimulation delivery is BONIZZATO PROVINCE
optimized in real-time with
Quebec
machine learning algorithms,
allowing precise administration
of therapy. The brain becomes CONTACT
the center of the recovery
process, training neuroplasticity marco@neuraldrive.ca
to reverse paralysis and help neuraldrive.ca
people walk again.
40 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTNIOSENSE
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
niosense improves the • First equity raised - $150k over Clean technologies
management of traffic lights by $2M valuation
offering treatment adapted to PATRICK
• 5 employees LAUZIERE
STAGE
each type of vehicle to optimize
mobility and reduce greenhouse • 1 city pilot project for our Validation
gas emissions linked to system GEN1 + interest from
transport. 5 additional cities for GEN2 of
the system
DAVID PROVINCE
PREVILLE
Quebec
CONTACT
info@niosense.com
en.niosense.com
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 41NOTOS TECHNOLOGIES
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
Notos is developing leading- • Raising $1.5M Transportation
edge artificial intelligence to
• MOU with leading avionics ALEXANDRE
unlock the full potential of UAVs STAGE
manufacturer BOROWCZYK
by enabling fully autonomous
navigation and smart • Flying prototype that can Validation
cooperation for any mission. autonomously navigate and
Our software empowers UAVs harvest thermal wind energy
to understand and intelligently
leverage their environment, such PROVINCE
as navigating wind currents, just
Quebec
like birds.
CONTACT
inquiry@notostechnologies.com
notostechnologies.com
42 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTPHARONYX TECHNOLOGIES
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
Pharonyx develops innovative • We currently have customers Enterprise Software
software for the construction in 3 different continents.
industry. Our main product, HUGO
• We have a team of 10. BRIZARD
STAGE
K-Ops, empowers project
managers and multiple • We are raising a seed round Efficiency
stakeholders to collaborate of 1.3 M$ CAD.
within a cloud platform, with
our web and mobile app. K-Ops
helps collecting data on a day SAMUEL PROVINCE
to day basis to smartly track the GODBOUT
Quebec
progress of projects in order
to be conform with expected
quality and deliver on time and CONTACT
within budget.
GUILLAUME info@pharonyx.com
HOULE pharonyx.com
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 43PRAIRIE ROBOTICS
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
Prairie Robotics makes • Raised $690,000 from Clean Technologies
recycling simple. Using an Conexus Venture Capital, Max
IOT solution installed on Schmeiser (Twitter: Head of SAM
DIETRICH
STAGE
recycling trucks and applying Data Science) and GoodFellas
Machine Learning to identify Angel Group (Former owner Validation
contamination at each operators of Goliath Waste
household the firm’s proprietary Disposal)
solution can generate targeted
• Gained Paid Pilot Project STEVAN PROVINCE
feedback for each citizen.
with municipalities in British MIKHA
Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan
• Grew the the team from 2 full CONTACT
time to 7
info@prairierobotics.com
prairierobotics.com
44 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTRAILVISION ANALYTICS
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
RailVision Analytics aims to • Currently completing pilot Transportation
autonomize the rail industry to projects with Via Rail, Port of
take advantage of its inherent Montreal, and Genessee and DEV
JAIN
STAGE
efficiencies and underutilized Wyoming
infrastructure. In order to collect Validation
• Saved 1.5 million litres in proof-
enough data to autonomize
of-concept with Metrolinx.
trains, RailVision is developing
EcoRail, the “Waze” of the rail • Currently raising $350k of
industry which provides real- pre-seed funds to raise a large NOAH PROVINCE
time instructions to locomotive ROTTMAN
seed in Q2 of 2022. Quebec
engineers on a tablet app for
saving fuel, reducing equipment
deterioration and improving CONTACT
safety
contact@railvision.ca
railvision.ca
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 45RECOGNAISE TECHNOLOGIES
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
RecognAIse Technologies • We have an ongoing paid pilot Energy
specializes in developing an study, which, when successful,
artificial intelligence-based can lead to a steady revenue ALEKS
MODELEWSKA
STAGE
system for the automation stream.
of infrastructure inspections. Validation
• We have a diverse team with
Specifically, the company
distinct sets of expertise,
offers services for analyzing
varied characteristics, located
and evaluating images that are
around the globe. JANOS PROVINCE
collected in the field for the
purpose of identifying defects TOTH
• One of our team members, British Columbia
on infrastructure elements. for many years, worked in
In addition to identifying the the role of our primary target
defects, the automated system market, experiencing the very CONTACT
is also trained to attach expert challenges that we are solving.
advice with each identified info@recognaise.com
defect. recognaise.com
46 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTROBOLUTION
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
Robolution is building a • 3 signed pilot projects Construction
universal retrofit module
• We are raising $1M USD BOWEN
to transform construction STAGE
(pre-seed) XIE
equipment into autonomous
robots to unlock new levels • We have deployed a fully Discovery
of efficiency and drastically autonomous skid-steer loader
reduce human-error injuries for snow removal as our MVP
in the construction space.
With AI-powered LiDAR and LINJIAN PROVINCE
computer vision technologies, XIANG
Alberta
our solution can upgrade these
heavy machines to perform
their respective construction CONTACT
tasks autonomously without
modifying their existing info@robolution.ca
mechanisms. robolution.ca
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 47SHUTTLECONTROL
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
ShuttleControl is the fleet • Used by nearly 100 car Transportation
management platform for dealerships across North
business. Car dealerships use America including: The Dilawri EDWARD
MAXEDON
STAGE
the platform to optimize their Group, AutoCanada and Serra
in-house shuttle service, vehicle Automotive. Efficiency
pick-up and parts delivery
• Over 400,000 trips completed
operations.
• Featured in Canadian Auto
Dealer Magazine JEAN-MARC PROVINCE
TURK
Quebec
CONTACT
info@shuttlecontrol.com
shuttlecontrol.com
48 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTSNAPSMILE
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
SnapSmile helps you detect • Onboarded first 2 dental Life sciences and
dental issues earlier, and clinics Advanced Health
provides you with personalized KARTIK
• Pitched on Dragons’ Den and BALA
recommendations. STAGE
landed a deal
• Assessed over 1000 smiles Validation
MYOORAN
NADESAN PROVINCE
Ontario
CONTACT
NAVINE
MANIVANNAN kartik@snapsmile.io
snapsmile.io
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 49THE RUBIC TECHNOLOGIES
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
The Rubic develops affordable, • Have raised $635K so far in Advanced materials &
world-class robotics for supply non-dilutive funding since late Advanced manufacturing
chain industry. Our Good-to- 2020 MASOUD
person robotic system offers KALANTARI
• Currently raising for $1.5M STAGE
unparalleled advantages to
pre-seed/seed round Discovery
customers including space
saving and significant additional • A team of four with 35 leading
throughput. inventions background
TIM
JOHNSON PROVINCE
Alberta
CONTACT
mkal@therubic.com
therubic.com
50 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTUPKY SOLUTIONS
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
Building a data driven business • Released new desktop Property tech
intelligence platform to application
empower real estate investors. URIEL
• Reach 7000 users who signed BIGOT
STAGE
Building the largest database of to use our product Discovery
real estate related data points.
• Hired two new developer to
Creating a marketplace where work on the next version of
investors and real estate the product
professionals can connect. CHRIS PROVINCE
MEEUS
Quebec
CONTACT
uriel@upky.io
app.upky.io
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 51WALO
ABOUT KEY FACTS FOUNDERS SECTOR
WALO is a fintech company • Launched first product: WALO Financial services
focused on empowering parents Plug
to teach their kids about money RIM
• Currently raising a $1m pre- CHARKANI
STAGE
using allowances, behavioral
seed round Validation
guidance and gamification.
• Partnered with a big 6 bank to
launch prepaid Mastercards
for teens
CHLOE PROVINCE
GUILLEMARD
Quebec
CONTACT
PARTH rim@walo.app
GADHIYA walo.app
52 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTALUMNI VENTURES 2020 COHORT 54 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORT
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 55
ALUMNI VENTURES 2019 COHORT 56 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORT
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 57
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL AT THE HEART OF THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION 58 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORT
EXPERTISE. INNOVATION. GROWTH.
Executive Education HEC Montréal works with companies,
professionals and leaders looking to build a broader portfolio
of skills and harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI).
As a leading player in the entrepreneurship support ecosystem
targeting the tech industry, HEC Montréal is a go-to resource
for the commercialization of innovations and the integration
of AI into a variety of business models.
Executive Education HEC Montréal has also created a full set of
open-enrolment seminars and custom in-house training programs
focusing on big data and business intelligence.
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 59CDL - Montreal Logo Variations - In Full Colour
MONTREAL
OUR NETWORK:
MONTREAL
CDL - Montreal Logo Variations - In Black and White
MONTREAL MONTREAL
MONTREAL
60 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORTOUR AI OFFERING:
Short programs in big data
and business intelligence
Custom corporate training
Startup acceleration programs
hec.ca/en/executive-education
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 61ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Next AI - Montreal is the result of a partnership between NEXT Canada and HEC Montréal, where it is executed under the leadership of Executive Education HEC Montréal. The program is made possible thanks to the generous support of its founding partners: the Government of Quebec, BMO - Bank of Montreal and Power Corporation of Canada. Next AI - Montreal is also supported by Scale AI, as well as the many National Partners of NEXT Canada. 62 NEXT AI – MONTREAL – 2021 COHORT
NEXT SUPPORTERS
TRANSFORMATIONAL SUPPORTERS
VISIONARY SUPPORTERS
PILLAR SUPPORTERS INNOVATOR SUPPORTERS CHAMPION SUPPORTERS
LEADER SUPPORTERS
EXECUTIVE EDUCATION HEC MONTRÉAL 636795 Rue Marconi, #200 @nextai.ca
Montréal (Québec) H2S 3J9 nextai
@_nextai
SDG-23299
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