Volta AI
AI-First Startup Support
Tailored support to accelerate AI Innovation from Concept to Product Market Fit.
Tailored support to accelerate AI Innovation from Concept to Product Market Fit.
Partnering with Dalhousie University and leading cloud providers (Microsoft Azure, AWS), this program is focused on helping teams accelerate their market traction for their AI First startup.
Our tailored support is assessed individually for each startup.
A customized support plan is developed based on the team's stage of growth and progress to date.
Scale AI
Through our partnership with Scale AI provide funding support for AI-first startups participating in our program. Scale AI will offer financial assistance to eligible startups, enabling them to enhance their AI capabilities and drive commercialization. This support includes funding for AI exploration, scoping advisory, internships, proof of concept, and other essential activities.
By collaborating with Scale AI, we aim to ensure that startups have the necessary resources to develop, validate, and scale their AI-driven solutions, fostering innovation and growth in the AI ecosystem.
ACOA & NRC
We actively collaborate with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the National Research Council (NRC) to identify AI-first startups that meet their funding criteria. Leveraging the expertise and resources of ACOA and NRC, we ensure startups align with their strategic objectives. Both organizations provide funding opportunities for eligible startups, supporting their growth and development.
These partnerships maximize resource utilization and enhance the success rates of AI-driven startups across Atlantic Canada and nationally, fostering innovation and economic growth in the AI sector.
What is an “AI First” Startup?
An AI-First Startup is a company that integrates artificial intelligence into its core business model, products, and operations from inception. Here are the key characteristics and areas of focus for such startups:
Key Characteristics:
AI as the Foundation:
AI-first startups build their businesses with AI at the core, using it as the primary driver for innovation, product development, and decision-making.
Proprietary Data and Models:
These startups often rely on proprietary data and unique AI models to create competitive advantages, offering solutions that are difficult for others to replicate.
Real-Time Problem Solving:
They leverage AI to provide real-time insights, automate processes, and solve complex problems quickly and efficiently.
Continuous Learning and Improvement:
AI-first startups continuously learn and improve from the data they collect, refining their models and algorithms to enhance performance and user experience.
Key Areas of Focus:
Data Strategy:
Developing a robust data strategy is crucial. This involves collecting high-quality, relevant data and ensuring data privacy and security.
AI Capabilities:
Building strong AI capabilities, including hiring top AI talent, investing in research and development, and creating a culture of innovation.
Vertical Focus:
Often, these startups focus on specific industries or verticals where AI can provide significant value, such as healthcare, finance, or logistics.
Problem-Solution Fit:
Ensuring that their AI solutions address real, pressing problems faced by their target market.
How long can startups get this support?
The length of support for startups is determined by their performance, evaluated every 90 days based on team engagement, market traction, and the technology they are developing. Startups demonstrating consistent progress in these areas can receive support for up to 2 years. This performance-based approach ensures that resources are allocated to teams that are actively advancing toward their objectives and making significant strides in their market and technology development.
