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LEVERAGING AI
TO ACCELERATE
INCLUSIVE INNOVATION
2.0
Redefining What’s Possible
Maclab Theatre, Citadel,
Edmonton Alberta
26 June 2026
5PM TO 9PM
LEVERAGING AI
TO ACCELERATE
INCLUSIVE INNOVATION
2.0
Redefining What’s Possible
Maclab Theatre, Citadel,
Edmonton Alberta
26 June 2026
5PM TO 9PM
- Countdown Begins
The Summit is coming.
June 26, 2026 · Edmonton, AB
- Where Innovation Meets Infrastructure
Built on Real Numbers
BTF Summit 2025 in review; and what’s coming in 2026.
Founders, investors & leaders
In one room; government, industry, and ecosystem all present
Collaborations formed
Direct partnerships initiated at the Summit
Revenue generated
Directly tied to BTF Summit activity and engagement
Businesses formalized
Moved from informal operations into structured, revenue-generating models
- BTF Summit 2026 — Target
Expanding to bring together
700+ attendees
- Registration open
- 2025 — The proof
In 2025, we brought over 220 founders, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders into one room. The outcome went beyond conversation, with 30+ collaborations formed and $1.7M+ in revenue directly tied to BTF Summit. It made one thing clear: the gap is not innovation; it is intentional infrastructure.
- 2026 — The build
In 2026, we are building on that. In addition to keynotes, panels, and curated networking, BTF Summit will be the launchpad for Black-led tech start-ups, positioned for connection capital, partners, and market opportunities.
Who should attend?
Founders & Entrepreneurs
Be seen. Be supported.
Investors & Funders
Meet the next wave of ventures.
Ecosystem Builders
Explore cross-sector collaboration.
Students & Young Professionals
Step into the future of inclusive tech.
- Why Attend
Built for builders
BTF Summit brings together founders, investors, policymakers, and technology leaders building the future of inclusive innovation in Canada.
Startup Acceleration
Access growth opportunities, strategic partnerships, and founder support to move your startup forward.
AI & Emerging Tech
Explore AI, automation, and digital platforms shaping the next wave of innovation.
Capital & Commercialization
Connect with investors, ecosystem partners, and organizations that move capital toward inclusive growth.
Strategic Networking
Build meaningful relationships with founders, operators, investors, and ecosystem leaders.
Innovation Ecosystem Access
Engage with organizations and networks building Canada’s inclusive innovation infrastructure.
Practical Insights & Leadership
Learn from leaders actively building products, platforms, and systems at scale.
Where innovation meets infrastructure
In 2025, we brought over 220 founders, investors, government, and industry leaders into one room. The outcome went beyond conversation, with 30+ collaborations formed, $1.7M+ in revenue directly tied to BTF Summit, and 3 businesses moving from informal operations into structured, revenue-generating models. It made one thing clear: the gap is not innovation, it is intentional and inclusive infrastructure.
In 2026, we are building on that. In addition to a keynote, panel, and curated networking sessions, this year’s BTF Summit will be the launch pad for Black-led tech start-ups, positioned for connection capital, partners, and market opportunities.
Join 600+ founders, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders for a high-impact experience focused on how innovation translates into scalable systems, market access, and measurable economic participation. This is where technology, capital, and ecosystems align to shape the future of Black innovation in Canada.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Founders &
Entrepreneurs
Be seen. Be supported.
Investors &
Funders
Meet the next wave of ventures.
Ecosystem
Builders
Explore cross-sector collaboration.
Students & Young
Professionals
Step into the future of inclusive tech.
- Summit Speakers
Leaders shaping what's next
Conversations around AI, entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Enyinna Okere
Featured Speaker
Dr. Ako Ufodike
Speaker - Opening Remarks
Dennis Agbegha
Summit Host
More Speakers
Coming Soon
- Startup Opportunities
Pathways for founders
BTF Summit creates pathways for founders to access capital, visibility, partnerships, and ecosystem support designed to accelerate growth beyond the event itself.
- APPLICATIONS CLOSED
Startup Launchpad Applications Closed
BTF Startup Launchpad applications for the current cohort are now closed.
Selected startups are currently moving through the onboarding and preparation process ahead of BTF Summit 2026.
Launchpad exists to support emerging startups through ecosystem access, founder visibility, strategic connections, and growth opportunities designed to move businesses forward.
- Applications reopen for future cohorts
Interested in future Launchpad opportunities? Join our founder community to receive updates.
Selected startups gain access to:
Founder ecosystem support and strategic guidance
Exposure to investors and ecosystem partners
Startup visibility and showcase opportunities
Access Lab pathways supporting growth readiness
“Building a startup is hard. Building within an ecosystem makes it possible.”
- BoB Pitch Stage
Ready to Pitch to Your Biggest Audience Yet?
BoB Pitch is the live stage at the BTF Social where Black-led founders leveraging AI step in front of the investors, capital partners, and ecosystem leaders who can accelerate what they’re building.
Five finalists pitch live. One grand winner walks away with funding and the support to scale. And every founder who applies gains access to a community built to back them, long after the stage.
Up to $35,000 in funding, plus $120,000+ toward MVP, revenue pathways, and business support.
Through BoB Pitch, founders gain:
Up to $35,000 in funding from Summit ticket proceeds
$120,000+ toward MVP build, revenue pathways, and branding
Customized founder support through the Access Lab
Strategic partner and ecosystem introductions across The Nod
“Opportunity doesn’t begin when you win. It begins when you apply.”
- BTF Social
Where the ecosystem comes together
BTF Social is the gathering place for the people building what’s next. Founders, investors, operators, creators, and ecosystem leaders come together for an evening built around conversation, connection, and community.
Connect With Builders
Meet founders, investors, operators, and ecosystem leaders.
Experience BoB Pitch Live
Watch founders pitch live and experience the energy of emerging innovation.
Discover Opportunities
Create pathways for partnerships, mentorship, and collaboration.
Beyond The Summit
Designed to spark relationships that continue long after the event ends.
In the room:
Founders
Investors
Operators
Creators
Ecosystem Leaders
- Powering BTF Summit
Built on partnership
BTF Summit is made possible through organizations investing in entrepreneurship, technology, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Title Sponsor
- Partner With BTF Summit
Support Canada's growing innovation ecosystem
Supporting founders, innovators, and technology leaders across Canada.
- professional development experience
Need Approval to Attend?
BTF Summit is designed as a professional development and ecosystem-building experience for founders, innovation teams, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders.
Need your employer or organization to support attendance? Contact us for group and organizational registration options.
Attendees gain access to:
AI and emerging technology insights
Founder, investor, and ecosystem networks
Commercialization and growth opportunities
Strategic partnerships and industry connections
Practical insights applicable within organizations
- Media Partnership
Become a Media Partner
Help amplify the founders, ideas, and conversations shaping the future of AI, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Canada.
- The Nod Movement
Building the Infrastructure for Economic Participation
BTF Summit is part of The Nod Ecosystem, a national movement building and activating the infrastructure required for Black businesses to participate fully in Canada’s economy.
The Nod leverages media, technology, and strategic partnerships to enable the intentional recirculation of dollars, moving businesses from the shadow economy into formal, revenue-generating companies.
Integrated Ecosystem
The Nod App →
Canada's first social e-commerce platform powering real-time commerce and transaction tracking.
The Nod Media →
Driving visibility and market access for Black businesses across Canada.
The Nod Foundation →
Building readiness through research, access, and accountability.
Together, these systems are designed to do one thing: convert participation into economic outcomes.
- BTF Summit 1.0
Innovation Partners, Speakers & Attendees
A look back at those who helped make BTF Summit 2025 a defining moment for Black tech in Western Canada.
Dr. Ako Ufodike
Keynote Speaker
Michele Evans
Fire Side Chat Speaker
Max Rose
Fire Side Chat Speaker
Ayo Aiyeleye
Fire Side Chat Speaker
Christelle Bossalé-Mokoko
Keynote Speaker
Donna Combs Montrose
Fire Side Chat Speaker
- BTF 1.0 Moments
Some of the amazing Moments
2025 Innovation Partners & Funders
Changemakers Joining Us
BTF Summit brings together leaders, innovators, and disruptors from across industries and institutions.
Whether they’re speaking on stage or listening in the audience, their presence affirms the power of this gathering.
We’re proud to welcome those who continue to build, invest, and lead in ways that make equity tangible.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Explore The Summit Experience
Fireside Chats and
Keynote
Dive into conversations on building inclusive economies, rethinking infrastructure, and scaling Black innovation.
App Launch Live
Demo
Experience the launch of Black-led tech startups from Western Canada, positioned for connection capital, partners, and real market opportunities.
Immersive Brand Storytelling
Experience digital walls, branded activations, and in-app perks that connect brand to mission, and story to solution.
Intentional
Networking
Curated connections. Private rooms. Impact-driven mixers. Meet the collaborators you didn’t know you needed.
TICKET INFO
This is not a conference. It’s a convening. Your ticket doesn’t just get you in, it gets you involved, and gives you access to:
- First look at Black-led Tech Startups
- Full program + speaker sessions
- Curated networking sessions
- Interactive brand experience
- Light refreshments
BTF Summit
Explore
Register Now
The Black to the Future (BTF) Summit 2026 will take place on Friday, June 26 2026 from 5 pm to 9 pm at The Maclab Theatre, Citadel, Edmonton.
apply nowBTF Summit will feature a limited number of startups, ventures who are ready to connect with capital, partners, and market opportunities.
This is not an open launchpad, startups are selected based on alignment, readiness, and potential for growth within The Nod ecosystem.
Selected businesses receive mentorship, Access Lab pathways, and positioning within a room structured for execution not just visibility.
Apply HERE to be considered →
The summit is designed for purpose-driven people shaping the future of innovation and economic growth, including: Founders & Entrepreneurs, Investors, Government & Public Sector Leaders, Creatives & Culture Shapers, Students & Young Professionals, Tech Ecosystem Builders.
apply nowYes! We are actively partnering with mission-aligned organizations and brands. Click Become a Sponsor to connect with our team directly.
apply nowAbsolutely. BTF Summit will be covered by local and national media, and select press passes are available. Email info@btfsummit.com to request access and brand assets.
apply nowFAQS
Got Questions about the BTF Summit?
Fuel the Vision, Together
Don’t miss this opportunity to be in the same room with the people shaping tomorrow’s economy at the BTF Summit.
Friday, June 26, 2026 @ The Maclab Theatre, Citadel, Edmonton from 5pm to 9pm.
General Inquiries
© 2026 BTF Summit. All rights reserved.
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© 2025 BTF Summit. All rights reserved.