Digital Nova Scotia – Leading Digital Industry

POWER LUNCH: Business Interrupted: How to Prevent the Cyber Attack That Stops You Cold
2025-10-08 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Halifax) | Nova Scotia
Business Interrupted: How to Prevent the Cyber Attack That Stops You Cold
Practical cybersecurity insights, without the jargon.
Cyber threats aren’t just an IT problem they’re a business problem. In this Lunch & Learn, you’ll discover the essential protections every business should have in place to reduce risk, save money, and keep operations running smoothly. Delivered in plain English, this session will cut through the technical noise and give you practical steps you can act on right away. You’ll also leave with a cybersecurity standards guide you can take back to your team and put to use immediately.

Presented By

About the Presenter:
Andrew Woodworth
President and CEO of Digital nGenuity Consulting Inc

Andrew Woodworth is the President and CEO of Digital nGenuity Consulting Inc., a managed IT and cybersecurity services firm serving businesses across Atlantic Canada and Bermuda. With more than 25 years of executive leadership in technology, Andrew has led IT strategy and operations for organizations in banking, insurance, reinsurance, government, and consulting. He has held senior roles including Vice President of IT at Butterfield Bank, and Senior Vice President and Global Head of IT at Ariel Reinsurance. In these positions, he successfully guided transformational IT projects, established centers of excellence, and built resilient technology operations supporting complex, international businesses.
Andrew’s expertise spans IT strategy, cybersecurity frameworks, project delivery, cloud infrastructure, and business continuity planning. He holds a degree in Information Systems along with professional certifications in project management, cloud platforms, and process improvement.
In addition to his professional work, Andrew is active in community and sports leadership. He currently serves as President of the Avon Valley Golf Club in Nova Scotia and is a past President of the Bermuda Golf Association.
Today, Andrew brings this blend of boardroom perspective and technical expertise to help business leaders understand cybersecurity in plain English and to show how the right protections safeguard not only data, but also revenue, reputation, and long-term success.

Third Wednesday
2025-10-15 17:00 - 19:30 | Atlantica Hotel Halifax, 1980 Robie St, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3G5, Canada
Join us at Third Wednesday!
Pop by and chat with Halifax’s tech/media/marketing community at the Atlantica Hotel. Introduce yourself during the 30-second intro/opportunity spots, and meet a great group of interesting people to chat with.
All welcome, no need to register!

Halifax 2SLGBTQI+ Business Symposium: Empowering Our Community, Together
2025-10-16 08:00 - 17:00 | Discovery Centre’s Dome Theatre, 1215 Lower Water St, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3S8, Canada
Join us for the Halifax 2SLGBTQI+ Business Symposium on October 22nd, to be held at the Discovery Centre, Halifax!
Hosted by Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce, this event is designed by and for queer and trans entrepreneurs. It brings together business owners, allies, government bodies, corporations, and non-profits to create a supportive and inclusive space for growth.
The symposium features breakout sessions on essential business skills, trade booth exhibitions, and networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and potential partners. Attendees will learn about the $25M 2SLGBTQI+ Federal Entrepreneurship Fund, gain practical insights on financial management, branding, and more, and celebrate the achievements of 2SLGBTQI+ entrepreneurs.
Whether you’re looking to scale your business, access funding, or start your entrepreneurial journey, this event is designed to empower you and foster collaboration within our community.
Register today – it’s free!
Thank you so much for your interest in the Halifax 2SLGBTQI+ Business Symposium. Due to overwhelming interest, the event is at capacity, but sometimes life happens and people who previously registered cannot attend. If some spots open up, interested wait listers will be contacted in the order that their forms are received: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=5txiXvI8e0Oe3P2sFbC5W-ERG_KTZEFGvt6z-HlX3L9UNlI4NFBBNEVMSEFRWFdVMDBTTE45V1FOQS4u&route=shorturl
Date: October 22nd, 2024
Time: 9:30am-5pm (ADT)
Location: Discovery Centre, 1215 Lower Water St, Halifax, Nova Scotia
AGENDA
8am – 9:15am: Registration, Breakfast, and Trade Show Exhibition Setup
9:30am – 9:45am: Opening Segment
9:50am – 11:10am: Panel Discussion
– “Queer Innovation: Navigating the Intersection of Identity and Business”
11:20am – 12:30pm: Morning Breakout Sessions
12:30pm – 1:15pm: Lunch
1:15pm – 2:15pm: Afternoon Breakout Sessions
2:15pm – 2:30pm: Coffee Break
2:30pm – 3pm: Procurement Assistance Canada Session
3pm – 4pm: Keynote
– “Building Resilient Businesses: Lessons from the Margins”
4pm – 5pm: Mingling and Eco-system Showcase

Women in Machine Learning/Data Science Meetup
2025-10-16 08:00 - 17:00 | The PIER 1209 Marginal Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, Nova Scotia, Canada
Details

We are truly looking forward to engaging with Ashley Wu, of the Property Valuation Services Corporation (PVSC) is an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for assessing all property in Nova Scotia for tax purposes. Learn how Ashley’s team uses machine learning to help make assessments more efficient and accurate.
Join us to learn, connect and make the world better.
WiMLDS has a mission to support and promote women and gender minorities who are practicing, studying or are interested in machine learning and data science.

IGNITING Women in Business Speaker Series w/ Rashmi Prakash
2025-10-16 18:00 - 20:00 | IGNITE Atlantic – New Glasgow, 345 Temperance St, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, B2H 3P7, Canada
Join us Oct 16 in New Glasgow for an inspiring talk with Rashmi Prakash, CEO of Aruna Revolution. Refreshments provided!

Date and time

Thursday, October 16 · 6 – 8pm ADT

Location

IGNITE Atlantic – New Glasgow
345 Temperance Street New Glasgow, NS B2H 3P7

About this event

Business • Startups

Date & Time: October 16th | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: IGNITE New Glasgow
Refreshments provided
Description: Join us for an inspiring evening as part of the IGNITING Women in Business Speaker Series, featuring Rashmi Prakash, CEO and Co-Founder of Aruna Revolution.
Rashmi is a visionary entrepreneur who is transforming menstrual health through sustainability and innovation. With a background in electrical and biomedical engineering, she co-founded Aruna Revolution to tackle the environmental impact of traditional menstrual products by creating compostable pads made from natural plant fibers and agricultural by-products.
In just three years, Rashmi has guided Aruna from concept to award-winning success—securing investment on Dragons’ Den and winning the $100,000 Impact Investment Prize at Startupfest 2025. Her mission is clear: to build a future where healthcare solutions not only reduce environmental harm but also promote equity and accessibility for all.
Why Attend:

Gain insights from Rashmi’s entrepreneurial journey in launching a purpose-driven startup.
Learn how intellectual property protection can fuel innovation and growth.
Connect with a community of women in business and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Whether you’re a founder, a professional, or simply curious about sustainable innovation, this event is a chance to learn, network, and feel inspired.
Spots are limited—reserve your seat today and be part of this empowering conversation!

VibeCoding @ CBU
2025-10-17 10:30 - 2025-10-18 19:00 | Cape Breton University, 1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, Nova Scotia, B1M 1A2, Canada
VibeCoding
Welcome to VibeCoding – where tech meets creativity in a vibrant atmosphere! Join us for a day filled with discussion, problem solving, design, and inspiration.
Are you an educator looking to learn about Creting solutions with AI from natural language prompts, an entrepreneur with a new Killer-App that they need to bring into the light of day or a student learning to develop marketable skills; Welcome to Vibe Coding!
This in-person event is perfect for tech enthusiasts, designers, and anyone looking to explore the intersection of technology and design. Dive into a hands-on workshop, network with like-minded individuals, and unleash your creative potential. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to vibe with fellow entrepreneurs, developers and creators! See you there!
Presented in partnership with VOLTA, supporting founders across Nova Scotia.
VibeNetworking: Friday, October 17 – 5:00 to 7:00
VibeCoding: Saturday, October 18, 10:30 to 3:00
Location: CBU Multiversity Room (Across from Security)

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS & ASK AN EXPERT LOUNGE: Small Business Big Growth
2025-10-17 16:00 - 18:00 | Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, 1919 Upper Water St, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3J5, Canada
Join us for a relaxed and energizing evening of connection at our Business After Hours, immediately following the Small Business Big Growth Summit. Our Business After Hours events provide the perfect opportunity to unwind, reflect on the day’s insights, and build meaningful relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, business leaders, and growth-minded professionals.
Enjoy casual conversations, and a welcoming atmosphere where big ideas and lasting partnerships can take root. Whether you’re looking to follow up on a summit conversation, expand your network, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, this is the space to make it happen.
Have a burning question about your business? Stop by one of our Ask an Expert booths at the event, where seasoned professionals will be available to offer quick tips, guidance, and real-time advice tailored to small business owners.

Marketing that Connects - A Workshop for Rural Business PARRSBORO
2025-10-20 09:00 - 11:00 | Fundy Geological Museum, 162 Two Islands Road, Parrsboro, Nova Scotia, B0M1S0, Canada
Overview

We are excited to have Michelle McCann, owner of Bold and Italic leading this workshop to help rural businesses maximize their marketing!

Join us for a community-focused education session on marketing designed especially for rural businesses. Together, we’ll explore simple, practical ways to share your story, reach more customers, and celebrate local products and services. This session will highlight how marketing can strengthen community connections, encourage local support, and grow your business.

Halihax Data Science Meetup
2025-10-20 18:30 - 21:00 | VOLTA, 1800 Argyle Street #Unit 801, Halifax, NS, B3J 3N8, Canada
2 Speakers and Social event. Pizza and Pop included. Join us for an evening of Data Science talks and networking!

Funnels, Filters & the Future of Sales
2025-10-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
In today’s tech environment, traditional sales strategies are losing their edge. This session explores how sales professionals can adapt to economic shifts, AI disruption, and evolving buyer behaviours. Learn how to recalibrate your approach to drive revenue and stay competitive.
3 Key Takeaways

Understand how leaner budgets, fewer resources, and SEO shifts are reshaping the top of the funnel
Learn how to pivot sales strategies to respond to constrained buying environments and evolving markets
Discover actionable tactics to use both modern and old-school techniques to reach more prospects and close more deals

Meet Your Facilitator – Mary Jane (MJ) Leslie
Mary Jane (MJ) Leslie is the owner of Chapter 3 Ltd., a consulting company that specializes in helping start-up companies and small businesses overcome obstacles and achieve growth objectives. With a background in communications and a career spent building start-up companies, MJ works with clients to identify gaps and improve business operations within marketing, client care, sales operations, and communications.
Prior to founding Chapter 3, MJ held the role of Chief Growth Officer for LifeRaft, a threat intelligence SaaS company. She focused on how to leverage open-source intelligence for security programs from enterprise clients to investigative firms. During her tenure at LifeRaft, MJ was responsible for all aspects of revenue operations, including: Pre and Post-Sales, Customer Support, Client Success, Marketing, Communications, and Shareholder Relations.

Designing in Agile: Lessons from the field
2025-10-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Nova Scotia
Details

Join us as Graham MacDougall shares what it’s really like to practice UX and Service Design within Agile teams. Drawing from real-world projects, he’ll show how methods like research, journey mapping, and blueprinting can be woven into fast-paced work without losing sight of what matters to users.
We’ll look at practical ways to integrate discovery into delivery, collaborate across disciplines, and keep a user-centred focus even when timelines are tight. It will be an interactive session with time to ask questions, exchange ideas, and reflect on how to make design more effective and influential in Agile environments.
Agenda
7:00 PM Doors open, networking time
7:15 PM Introductions from the event hosts, Nata and Ruby
7:20 PM Designing in Agile: Lessons from the field with Graham MacDougall
7:50 PM Q&A
8:15 PM Networking and wrap-up
8:45 PM Doors close
Speaker Bio
Graham MacDougall is a digital strategist and UX practitioner with over 25 years of experience helping teams design and deliver exceptional digital products. He’s worked across broadcasting, advertising, education, and tech — from national media brands to startups — leading projects that blend business goals with user needs. Drawing on his background in Service Design, content strategy and analytics, Graham focuses on connecting insights to results. He’s passionate about practical, human-centered design that helps teams build products people love to use.
How to find us at Volta (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
Enter at 1800 Argyle St. Proceed up the stairs or use the accessible ramp to the left of the stairs. Take elevators to the 8th floor. Go through the doors ahead. Volta is on your right. Proceed across the space. Take a left down the hallway after the projection wall. The room is ahead, to the right.
Acknowledgements
Thank you enormously to Volta for sharing their space with us. With this venue, we can continue to grow and scale our meetups for larger audiences.
Support us
We are solely volunteer-run and always looking for sponsors. Besides, if you liked the event, please spread the word on social media and bring a friend next time!

LUNCHEON: Canada’s Pension Advantage: A Conversation with John Graham
2025-10-22 11:30 - 13:30 | Westin Nova Scotia Hotel, 1181 Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 2P6, Canada
While many countries face mounting challenges in funding retirement for their citizens, Canada’s approach has drawn global attention for its resilience and results. In this fireside chat, John Graham, President & CEO of CPP Investments, will reflect on the factors that have shaped the CPP Fund’s growth, long-term stability and success.
From its origins to its role in today’s economy, Graham will offer an inside look at how CPP Investments manages one of the world’s largest pension funds, and what drives its performance. He’ll also share his perspectives on navigating global markets, the importance of staying focused on the long term, and the challenges and opportunities ahead. This candid conversation will provide a rare glimpse into how Canada’s national pension investment manager is positioning the Fund for the decades to come.
Meet Your Speaker
John Graham
President & Chief Executive Officer – CPP Investments

John Graham President & Chief Executive Officer, CPP Investments John was appointed President & CEO of CPP Investments in February 2021. He is responsible for leading the organization on its critical mission: to help ensure a strong foundation of financial security in retirement for millions of Canadians. The CPP Fund has over C$714 billion in assets under management and is projected to reach C$3 trillion by 2050.
John’s experience at CPP Investments has spanned the globe, having worked in our Toronto, London and Hong Kong offices. In 2008, he joined the Total Portfolio Management group (now Total Fund Management) before transitioning to Private Investments. He went on to become Managing Director and Global Head of Principal Credit Investments in 2015 and was subsequently appointed Senior Managing Director & Global Head of Credit Investments in 2018. Under his leadership, Credit Investments has grown its exposure globally and developed expertise across the entire credit spectrum. John champions the delivery of superior investment returns on behalf of generations of Canadians. He has been instrumental in shaping CPP Investments into an organization defined by growth, high performance and a spirit of collaboration In addition to sitting at the helm of CPP Investments,
John has served on the board of FCLTGlobal since 2021 and has been Chair since September 1, 2024. FCLTGlobal is a non-profit organization with a mission to focus capital on the long term to support a sustainable and prosperous economy. CPP Investments is the co-Founder of Focusing Capital on the Long Term, the joint initiative that led to the creation of FCLTGlobal in 2016. John holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Western Ontario and an MBA from the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. He is a CFA charter holder, is the inventor on 36 patents and has published 16 peer-reviewed journal articles.
Before joining CPP Investments, he worked as a research scientist, spending nine years at Xerox Innovation Group in research and strategy roles. John also serves on the board of SickKids, Canada’s most research-intensive hospital and the largest centre dedicated to improving children’s health.

Powering Cleantech Scale-Ups: IP, Innovation & Investment
2025-10-22 12:30 - 17:30 | The PIER, 1209 Marginal Rd, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4P7, Canada
Join Springboard Atlantic and the Innovation Asset Collective (IAC) for an afternoon of engaging dialogue, insight-sharing, and solution-building focused on intellectual property (IP) and innovation in Atlantic Canada.
Afternoon Forum | Powering Cleantech Scale-Ups: IP, Innovation & Investment Agenda
October 22, 2025, at The Pier, Halifax
Lunch: 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Attendees from both the morning and afternoon events are invited to join us for lunch.
Afternoon: 1:30 PM- 5:30 PM
Powering Cleantech Scale-Ups: IP, Innovation, and Investment will bring together local cleantech companies to highlight how robust IP strategies intersect with investment readiness and cleantech commercialization.
Event Flow
MC: Erin Pisko, VP, IP Strategy, IAC

1:30 PM: Welcome and introductions – Mike McLean, CEO, Innovation Asset Collective
1:40 PM: Keynote from Dr. Mina Mekhail, CEO & Founder, Freshr Technologies
1:50 PM: Fireside Chat: Founder & Funder with:·

Mina Mekhail, CEO & Founder, Freshr Technologies
Matt Stanley, Partner, Climate Tech Fund, BDC

2:10 PM: Panel: Building an Invisible Portfolio

Moderator: Ashley Hobb, VP of External Relations
Speaker: Mark Snow, VP, IP and Quality, Solace Power
Speaker: Jennifer Fuccillo, Investment Principal, Clean and Ocean Technology, Invest Nova Scotia
Speaker: TBA

2:45 PM: Break
3:05 PM: CIPO: Registering in Canada

Speaker: Lisa Desjardins, Manager, Business Services Design & Development at CIPO

3:25 PM: Fireside Chat: Building an IP Strategy that Promotes FTO

Mike McLean, CEO, Innovation Asset Collective
Niraj Shukla, Director, Atlantic IP Advantage Program, Springboard Atlantic

4:05 PM: Closing Remarks – Niraj Shukla, Director, Atlantic IP Advantage Program, Springboard Atlantic
4:15 PM: Networking and refreshments

Lunch & Learn with Futurpreneur
2025-10-23 12:00 - 13:00 | IGNITE Atlantic, 1209 Marginal Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4P8, Canada
Discover Futurpreneur’s mentorship & financing for young founders. Thu, Oct 23, 12–1 pm at IGNITE Yarmouth. Lunch provided.

Date and time

Thursday, October 23 · 12 – 1pm ADT

Location

IGNITE Atlantic
208 Main Street Yarmouth, NS B5A 1C7

Good to know

Highlights: 1 hour, In Person

About this event

Business • Startups

Join us for a practical Lunch & Learn with Futurpreneur—a national nonprofit that supports young entrepreneurs with startup financing, mentorship (up to two years), and resources to plan, launch, and grow. You’ll learn what programs exist, who’s eligible, and how to get started—plus tips on making the most of mentorship and funding pathways. Lunch is provided.
What you’ll learn:

An overview of Futurpreneur’s core offerings (financing, mentorship, tools & workshops).
Eligibility basics and how the application process works (especially for ages 18–39).
Program pathways and supports for diverse founders (e.g., Indigenous and Black entrepreneur programs, side-hustle support).
How to prepare a strong application and leverage mentorship for the first 24 months.

Who should attend:
Early-stage founders, side-hustlers, and aspiring entrepreneurs—especially those exploring mentorship and accessible financing options. (Futurpreneur programs primarily serve ages 18–39 who meet eligibility.)
Otni Chinenere
Business Development Manager, Futurpreneur Canada
Otni supports aspiring entrepreneurs across Nova Scotia through ideation, business planning, funding, and scaling. With nearly a decade in the entrepreneurship ecosystem—as an advisor, workshop facilitator, and community builder—she champions inclusive growth and practical, empathetic guidance. She’s a strong believer in the power of mentorship and accessible financing to help new founders move from idea to impact in their communities.
Details:

Date & Time: Thursday, October 23, 2025, 12:00–1:00 PM (ADT)
Location: IGNITE Yarmouth
Perks: Lunch provided
Format: Short talk + Q&A time for quick 1:1 questions at the end

Better Safe than Sorry, Eh: Competition Law 101 for Small Business Week
2025-10-23 14:30 - 15:15 | Nova Scotia
Many small business owners don’t know about competition law. For those who do, it can be hard to know how it applies to their business. In celebration of Small Business Week, join this webinar hosted by the Competition Bureau to learn about:

Why competition law matters to small businesses and entrepreneurs
How the Competition Bureau helps protect and promote competition
How to protect your business with compliance measures

About the Competition Bureau
The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. Our actions are guided by the principle that competition is good for Canadians. Competition drives lower prices and innovation while fueling economic growth.

Tribe Social : Celebrate and Connect
2025-10-23 17:00 - 20:00 | Tribe Network, 1717 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2A4, Canada
📍 Tribe HQ – 3rd & 4th Floor, 1717 Barrington Street, Halifax
📅 Thursday, October 23, 2025
🕔 5 PM – 8 PM

🎉 Celebrate. Connect. Collaborate.
Tribe Social: Celebrate & Connect — an evening dedicated to honouring milestones, spotlighting member stories, and building meaningful connections across Atlantic Canada’s innovation ecosystem.
This casual drop-in gathering brings together founders, partners, and ecosystem stakeholders for an evening of reflection, community, and celebration.
✨ Here’s what to expect:

Celebrate Tribe’s impact — look back on the wins and growth moments that shaped our journey.
Hear member stories — inspiring reflections from founders and partners within the Tribe community.
Connect and collaborate — enjoy light bites, music, and conversations that spark new ideas and partnerships.
Get a sneak peek at what’s next — including Startup Huddle Halifax and the public launch of our new-coworking space booking system on Lauft!

This is more than a social — it’s a moment to pause, appreciate, and look ahead together.
Whether you’re part of Tribe’s community, a partner supporting innovation in the region, or someone curious about what we’re building — you’re invited to celebrate with us.
Let’s connect. Let’s celebrate. Let’s grow — together.

Finclusiv Edge Community Launch
2025-10-23 17:30 - 20:00 | Westin Nova Scotia Hotel, 1181 Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 2P6, Canada
Join us for an evening of fintech inclusion. Networking with industry professionals, hear from sponsors and speakers, participate in interactive discussions, and build connections toward a more inclusive financial ecosystem here in Halifax.

DNS Breakfast Mixer
2025-10-24 08:30 - 10:00 | Bean There Cafe, 503 Chebucto Street #3, Baddeck, Nova Scotia, B0E 1B0, Canada
Start your day with us! Join us for breakfast and a morning coffee.
This casual morning mixer is a chance to meet industry professionals, innovators, and peers, while building meaningful relationships that strengthen Nova Scotia’s digital ecosystem.

Tech NL: Innovation Week 2025
2025-10-27 08:00 - 2025-10-29 17:00 | Nova Scotia
Save the date!
Join the Innovation Week 2025 Mailing List
Be the first to hear exciting updates about techNL’s Innovation Week, including speaker announcements, ticket launches, early bird pricing opportunities, and more.

Women in Tech Power Panel
2025-10-27 18:00 - 20:30 | VOLTA, 1800 Argyle Street #Unit 801, Halifax, NS, B3J 3N8, Canada
About
Women are reshaping the tech landscape and we’re bringing the leaders behind that change to the stage.
​Join Monday Girl x Digital Nova Scotia for a power-packed Women in Tech panel featuring women trailblazers and leaders in the industry. From navigating high-pressure decisions to leading with clarity and confidence, these women are sharing the real stories and strategies that shaped their paths.
​What to expect

​Candid insights on leadership in fast-changing industries
​Tactical advice for thriving under pressure
​Networking with ambitious women driving innovation across sectors

​Event Schedule

​5:30pm – 6:00pm – Guests arrive and mingle
​6:00pm – 6:45pm – Moderated Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A
​6:45pm – 8:00pm – Cocktail Hour and Networking

​Meet the Speakers

​Jen Warrington, Founder & Principal, Recruitment & Career Strategy at The Warrington Group
​Aminah Faubert, Director of Creative Media Operations at Podstarter
​Laura Hawkins & Eilidh Lindsay-Sinclair, Co-Founders, Digital Skills for Women+ (Moderators)

TECH7 Summit | October 28, 2025 | Ottawa, ON | Hybrid
2025-10-28 08:00 - 17:00 | Fairmont Chateau Laurier, 1 Rideau St, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 8S7, Canada
Register now for the TECH7 Summit! In-person tickets are extremely limited and capped at two per organization.
On October 28, TECHNATION invites you to the 2025 TECH7 Summit – live in Ottawa and online. This high-stakes event, held during Canada’s G7 Presidency, brings together top government and industry leaders to address the most pressing digital challenges of our time, from AI adoption and cybersecurity to trade and digital infrastructure resilience.
This year’s Summit builds on the TECH7 2025 Joint Declaration. The theme Building Trust and Accelerating AI Adoption aligns directly with Canada’s G7 priorities and offers a rare opportunity to influence global digital policy at the highest level.
Join 200+ senior government officials, tech executives and global experts for high-impact dialogue and actionable collaboration on:

Responsible AI adoption and governance
Cyber-resilient infrastructure
Harmonized digital trade policy
Trust-building across public and private sectors

Summit Details

Date: Tuesday, October 28
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Cinq à Sept networking reception to follow)
Location: Ottawa / Virtual (Fairmont Château Laurier, Ottawa)
Event Details | Agenda | Registration

Please note: in-person tickets are extremely limited and are capped at two per member organization to ensure broad industry representation.
Ticket Pricing:

In-Person: $600 Register
In-Person Government – Free – please contact grp@technationcanada.ca to register.
Virtual – $75 Member | $195 Non-member | Free for government Register

DNS members can access Virtual Member ticket price by using code TECH7-DNS on a Virtual Non-Member ticket at checkout!

Building Neurodivergent-Affirming Spaces
2025-10-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
Neurodivergent individuals (those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences) make up an estimated 15–20% of the global population. Yet many workplaces are not designed with their needs in mind, resulting in barriers to hiring, retention, and advancement.
This workshop is for managers, HR professionals, directors, and workplace leaders who want to create environments where neurodivergent employees can thrive, not just survive.
By the end of this session, participants will:
● Understand the basics of neurodiversity and the social model of disability from an intersectional lens
● Recognize common workplace barriers for neurodivergent employees
● Gain tools to create more accessible hiring, onboarding, and management practices
● Learn how to support diverse communication, processing, and working styles
● Begin building a culture of psychological safety and belonging
This is a space for leaders to reflect, ask questions, and move from good intentions to meaningful action. Whether you’re just starting to learn about neurodiversity or seeking deeper strategies for inclusion, this workshop will provide practical tools and a strong foundation to help.
MEET YOUR PRESENTER:
Taylor Yeomans (she/her) uses her extensive background in employment support and accessibility to advocate for inclusive workplaces. Taylor has an academic background in sociology, gender studies, and disability studies and has worked in the support sector for over 8 years. Taylor has a particular interest in creating and maintaining neurodiversity-affirming workplaces, a passion that comes from lived experience.

Employee Showcase - Welcome Home to Canada
2025-10-29 08:30 - 10:00 | Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, 1055 Marginal Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4P7, Canada
Are you an employer looking to tap into a pool of skilled,
educated and multilingual newcomers to Canada?
Would you like to bring new energy, creativity and new
perspectives to your workplace?
Come and meet a group of skilled immigrants at the
Welcome Home to Canada showcase. These job ready
newcomers are internationally educated and experienced in a variety of professions, sectors
and industries.
The Welcome Home to Canada program is supported by the R. Howard Webster Foundation and
RBC Foundation and provides six-month paid work experiences to eligible newcomers. With
support from government and corporate funders and through community partnerships, the
program has benefitted over 200 newcomers since 2004.

Perseverance & Prosperity: Imagining a Vibrant Future for Our Island
2025-10-29 11:30 - 13:00 | Holiday Inn Sydney – Waterfront, 300 Esplanade, Sydney, Nova Scotia, B1P 1A7, Canada
ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT
Cape Breton University, in collaboration with the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Cape Breton Partnership, will host a special luncheon event titled Perseverance and Prosperity: Imagining a Vibrant Future for Our Island. This gathering will bring together members of the business community for an important update on CBU’s current position, the lessons learned along its journey and its vision for the future.

Multi-generational Workplaces and Disability
2025-10-29 13:00 - 15:00 | Online
During this skill builder, we will:

Define generational perspectives on disability and explain differences in how disability is understood and experienced across age groups.
Explain how generational mindsets and intersectionality influence disclosure, inclusion, and access in the workplace.
Identify inclusive leadership practices that support accessibility and psychological safety across generations.
Apply inclusive strategies to create or strengthen disability-inclusive practices in your own workplace or team.

CBDC Hants Kings Fall Celebration with Eleanor Beaton!
2025-10-29 15:00 - 17:00 | Fevour the Food Film Fest, 360 Main Street, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, NS B4P 2B8, Canada
CBDC Hants Kings is excited to invite you to our Fall Celebration – it’s so big that we only do it every 2-3 years! It is on Wednesday, October 29, from 3:00–5:00 p.m. at Devour! Studios in Wolfville.
Come celebrate business resilience and local entrepreneurship, connect with fellow business leaders across the region, and enjoy an inspiring keynote from Eleanor Beaton—award-winning entrepreneur, podcaster, and founder of Safi Media. We’ll also be presenting the Business Award of Distinction from the Atlantic Association of CBDCs to recognize a remarkable business journey in our region.

Event Details:

Wednesday, October 29, 2025
3:00–5:00 p.m.
Devour! Studios, 360 Main Street, Wolfville

Catered by Cumin Kitchen & Drink

Please register at the link below, we’d love to see you there!

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact: darren.atherton@cbdc.ca
Eleanor Beaton is the founder of Safi Media, a coaching and education company dedicated to doubling the number of women founders who sustainably scale to $1M+ by 2030, and the host of the Woman Owned podcast, now ranked in the top 0.5% of all podcasts globally, providing insights and strategies to empower women entrepreneurs.
Since 2016, Eleanor has provided training to over 25,000 women entrepreneurs worldwide. A former chair of the Visiting Women’s Executive Exchange Program at the Yale School of Management, Eleanor has won national awards for her achievements in entrepreneurship, leadership development and business journalism. She lives in Nova Scotia with her husband and two sons.

Paper to Pixels
2025-10-29 18:00 - 20:00 | VOLTA, 1800 Argyle Street #Unit 801, Halifax, NS, B3J 3N8, Canada
The Evolution of Animation from Traditional Hand-Drawn to the Digital Pipeline of the Modern Age
About this event

Science & Tech • Science

Join us for an exciting event focused on the dynamic world of animation, where tradition meets innovation! Paper to Pixels is an exclusive event exploring how the art of animation has evolved from its roots in hand-drawn sketches to the sophisticated digital pipelines of today. Whether you’re a seasoned animator, aspiring creator, or just an animation enthusiast, this event will illuminate the technological breakthroughs that have transformed the industry.
We’ll take you through the journey of animation production. Discover how advanced programs and new animation techniques have not only increased productivity but also unlocked new creative possibilities for artists and storytellers.
Don’t miss this chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at how innovation and imagination come together in the world of animation!
6:00PM – 6:15PM: Welcome & Registration
6:15PM – 6:20PM: Sponsor Speech
6:20PM – 7:00PM: Presentation
7:00PM – 7:45PM: Networking
7:45PM – 8:00PM: Program End

AI in Cyber Warfare: The Double-Edged Sword
2025-10-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Nova Scotia
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping the cybersecurity landscape, presenting both unparalleled opportunities for defence and formidable new weapons for adversaries.
This panel will delve into the escalating “AI arms race” in cyber warfare, exploring how threat actors are leveraging AI to execute more sophisticated, autonomous, and scalable attacks – from hyper-realistic deepfake social engineering and AI-powered phishing to adaptive malware.
We will examine how defenders are harnessing AI for advanced threat detection, predictive analytics, and automated incident response, pushing the boundaries of proactive security. The discussion will also navigate the critical ethical considerations, the “black box” problem of AI decision-making, and the urgent need for robust AI-specific security frameworks to balance automation with human oversight in this evolving digital battlefield.

LUNCHEON: Building a Strong Economy for the Next Generation: A Conversation with Sean Fraser
2025-10-30 11:30 - 13:30 | Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, 1919 Upper Water St, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 3J5, Canada
Nova Scotia is leading a regional transformation that’s changing how Atlantic Canada grows. From offshore wind and clean hydrogen to shipbuilding, space technology, and digital innovation, new industries are taking shape here at home and creating opportunities that reach across the region.

Join Minister Sean Fraser, Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, for a conversation about how Nova Scotians and Atlantic Canadians are building an economy for the next generation. One that is clean, competitive, and built on collaboration between business, government, and research.

This discussion will explore how the region’s strengths are fueling growth, how we can keep that momentum going, and what it means to build an economy that works for the people who call Atlantic Canada home.

Startup Huddle Halifax @ Tribe Network
2025-10-30 18:00 - 20:30 | Tribe Network, 1717 Barrington Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3J 2A4, Canada
We are excited to be collaborating with the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) to launch Startup Huddle Halifax — the first of its kind here in the Province.
Startup Huddle is a global program created by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN). It provides a safe and supportive environment where founders present their ventures, share their biggest challenges, and receive constructive feedback from peers, mentors, investors, and community members.
It’s not a pitch competition — it’s about authentic stories, real challenges, and collective problem-solving. Startup Huddle is now active in cities around the world, connecting entrepreneurs to networks of support and collaboration.
Together, Tribe Network and GEN are creating a monthly forum where the community can:

Hear authentic founder stories and challenges
Offer feedback, ideas, and connections
Build stronger links across Halifax’s startup ecosystem and connect to a global network of innovators

Whether you’re a founder, mentor, student, or ecosystem supporter, we’d love to have you join us for the very first Startup Huddle Halifax.
Want to pitch your startup?

Founders get 6 minutes to present their biggest challenge, followed by 20 minutes of collaborative and constructive feedback from the room.
Founders walk away with lessons they can apply in their ventures and new connections across Halifax’s tech ecosystem.
Note: Startup Huddle Halifax runs on a rolling basis. If you’re not selected for the October 30th session, your application will be considered for upcoming sessions.
Apply Today
Want to Attend?
Not ready to pitch just yet? That’s okay — we’d still love to have you join us. Startup Huddle is just as much about the audience as it is about the founders. It’s a chance to network, learn, and help your peers work through some of the most exciting challenges in our ecosystem.
As an attendee, you’ll:

Hear authentic stories from Halifax tech founders
Provide feedback and support to presenting entrepreneurs
Connect with mentors, peers, and potential collaborators
Learn real-world startup lessons you can apply to your own work

Save your Spot
By being part of this event — you’re helping founders grow stronger companies and building a more inclusive startup community in Atlantic Canada.
Event Details

Launch event : October 30, 2025
6:00 – 8:30 PM
Tribe Network HQ — 1717 Barrington Street, Halifax

Together, we can put Nova Scotia on the map as a hub of inclusive innovation.

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