Weekly Updates: May 14, 2025 🚀
AI, AI, AI -- all the insights, trending conversations, and opportunities that are keeping the ecosystem on its toes!
Artificial Intelligence is more than a buzzword—it’s now a core part of conversations shaping our industries, institutions, and everyday work.
At Tribe, we’re constantly exploring how AI can inform innovation, empower people, and drive our entire ecosystem forward.
This past week offered several opportunities to lean into that curiosity and connect with others doing the same, starting off with the Atlantic Canada AI Summit.
Hosted by Saint Mary’s University, the Summit brought together researchers, business leaders, students, and entrepreneurs to explore the state of AI in our region. It was an event full of insight and possibility—and a clear signal that Atlantic Canada is ready to lead in this field.
Our Investment Principal, Phillip Yoon brought the rest of the team up to speed when he hosted a Lunch & Learn to share his personal takeaways from the event. He walked the team through standout ideas and lessons shared by speakers and facilitators, and reflected on what it all might mean for startups, venture investment, and the future of innovation across our network.
That theme—future readiness—was also front and centre at a webinar hosted by the Association of Industry Sector Councils. Titled AI and the Future of Work, the session focused on the evolving role of skills and education in an AI-integrated world. One standout takeaway, as shared by our Marketing & Communications Manager, Nicole Jackson was that storytelling—rooted in emotional intelligence and strong communication—will be one of the most in-demand skills of the future workplace.
We closed the week by hosting Women in AI Canada for their monthly Halifax meetup at our HQ. It was an energizing evening of connection, learning, and support among women working at the intersection of AI and technology. We’re proud to be the gathering space for these conversations and the incredible community behind them.
As AI continues to shape what’s next, we’re grateful to be in rooms where the dialogue is thoughtful, inclusive, and action-oriented.
Thanks for being part of it with us.
Join Us and Our Youth Climate Pitch Finalists As They Compete to Win $5K!
May 21st | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join us on May 21st at @ Tribe HQ (1717 Barrington Street) for the finale of our Youth Climate Pitch Competition! 🌱
This year’s finalists will pitch their bold ideas to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and drive clean energy solutions across Nova Scotia. 💡
But wait there’s more! We’ll also be having a $250 giveaway, and an insightful panel on sustainable innovation with some of our past participants and winners 🏆
We can’t wait to see you there! Register to secure your spot:
Apply for the Tribe Undergraduate Scholarship at Saint Mary’s University 🗞️
Apply to the Tribe Network Award where you could get $5,000 annually plus a subsidized internship at the end of your first year!
Here's what we're looking for:
Majoring in Computer Science or Computing and Information Systems
Self-identifies as Black (African Nova Scotian, African Canadian, or Black Immigrant) or Indigenous (First Nation, Métis, Inuit)
Has participated in programming through Tribe Network, SMU Entrepreneurship Centre, or one of our partners
Tribe’s Residence Mailboxes 📩
We’re excited to introduce our new Residence Mailbox service—a secure, professional mailing address designed to support entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses. When you rent one, you get:
📬 A secure, private mailbox at 1717 Barrington St
📨 Package acceptance & notifications: we’ll hold your deliveries and notify you when they arrive
💸 Flexible leasing: choose from 3, 6, or 12 months
😌 Bonus perks: get access to Wi-Fi, our kitchenette, and our welcoming co-working space.
Tribe’s AI Launchpad | Tribe x Scale AI
Meet Tribe AI Launchpad—an exciting accelerator program powered by Tribe Network and Scale AI!
With our new program, you can get access to up to $50,000 in funding, expert mentorship, and invaluable industry connections to take your AI solutions to the next level. 💸💡
This is your chance to fast-track your growth and contribute to Canada’s booming AI ecosystem. We’re looking for innovative startups and SMEs with applied AI solutions that can transform supply and value chains!
Show Tribe Some Love! 🧡
If you’ve attended a Tribe event, participated in one of our programs, or just love what we do—let us know! Leaving a review on Google helps us grow, reach more entrepreneurs, and continue building a stronger community.
Things to Read, Watch & Listen To
📰 Read: AI Pitch Decks Raise $650M (Q1 2025)
AI startups are experiencing a significant surge in funding, with over $650 million raised in Q1 2025 alone. New Economies highlights 30 emerging companies—such as HelloSky, Artisan, and Solve Intelligence—each sharing their successful pitch decks. These resources offer valuable insights into effective fundraising strategies.
If you’re a founder or investor aiming to navigate the evolving AI landscape, this article is a must-read for founders and investors.
🎥 Watch: AI AGENTS EMERGENCY DEBATE: These Jobs Won't Exist In 24 Months! We Must Prepare For What's Coming!
Is AI a tool or a threat? In this thought-provoking debate, Amjad Masad, Bret Weinstein, and Daniel Priestley assess the urgent realities of AI’s impact on jobs, creativity, and consciousness.
Entrepreneurs will gain key insights into where opportunities lie amid disruption, while professionals can better understand how to future-proof their roles in a rapidly changing landscape. For students and emerging talent, this conversation offers a roadmap to the critical skills and ethical considerations needed to thrive in the AI-powered economy.
🎧 Listen: The Top 100 GenAI Products, Ranked and Explained
Curious about which AI apps are leading the pack in 2025?
In this episode of the a16z Podcast, a16z General Partner, Anish Acharya and Consumer Partner, Olivia Moore dive into the shifting landscape of consumer AI, highlighting emerging trends like AI video, companion apps, and "vibe coding." They discuss which products are not only gaining users but generating real revenue, offering insights into the current GenAI adoption cycle and what might come next.
This marks the fourth edition of the GenAI 100, “a data-driven ranking of the top 50 AI-first web products and mobile apps, based on unique monthly visits and active users.”
Career Nexus: A Transformative Job Fair Experience
May 15th | 10:30AM - 4:00PM
Join WorkSource Alliance on May 15th at Tribe Network in Halifax for Career Nexus, a next-generation job fair designed to revolutionize the way employers and job seekers connect. This technology-driven event leverages AI-powered matchmaking to curate high-quality talent and pre-schedule one-on-one meetings, ensuring purposeful interaction.
What to Expect:
Targeted Matching: Using advanced algorithms to connect job seekers with top employers.
Pre-Pre-Scheduled Meetings: Transition from traditional open-floor formats to structured, pre-scheduled meetings, which allow deeper and more meaningful conversations with prescreened talent.
Insightful Sessions: Enjoy breakout sessions, workshops, and panels that provide industry insights and career guidance.
Public Impact Award | Research NS
Nominate someone before May 15, 2025 at 1p.m. (AST)
Do you know a researcher who deserves to be spotlighted and celebrated for their work that has benefitted Nova Scotians by tangibly improving the economy, environment, healthcare system, or society?
The recipient of the Public Impact Award is someone who has dedicated their research to respond to the needs of society. They are solving a problem, managing a risk, or creating an opportunity for Nova Scotians.
Apply to the AI Skills Lab Program
Applications close May 16th
Our friends at Onside are partnering with The Forum and Camp Tech Inc to offer free strategic AI training and expert support for self-identifying women, trans-femme, and non-binary entrepreneurs in the Halifax area.
This in-person program is for early-stage companies, with under $1 million in annual revenue and 1-10 employees. Sessions run from June 2-25.
Learn more and apply today:
Net Zero Atlantic, Mitacs and Dalhousie university
🌟Calling Homeowners in Atlantic Canada: Share Your Insights on Heat Pump Adoption and Usage!🌟
Dalhousie University is conducting an exciting study to better understand the motivations, challenges, and strategies behind the adoption and use of heat pumps in single-family households across Atlantic Canada.
If you are a homeowner who currently uses a heat pump or a homeowner who does not have one but has been thinking about getting one, you are eligible to participate!
✅ One-on-one interview (40–60 minutes)
💻 Conducted via Microsoft Teams
🎁 $50 gift card as a thank you
✨ We especially encourage participation from African Nova Scotians and immigrant communities, as these voices are currently underrepresented in the study. Your insights are essential to building a more inclusive understanding of home heating choices across the region.
Interested in participating? Contact Paria at paria.nashta@dal.ca for more details.
This study is funded by Mitacs, in partnership with Net Zero Atlantic.
Thank you for helping us make this research more representative and impactful!
Africville Heritage Trust Scholarship | Africville Museum
Apply before June 30th
The AHT have established a scholarship program to provide financial assistance to former residents and descendants of former Africville residents pursuing post secondary education, as well as to students who demonstrate an effort to further the purpose of the Society through community advocacy, research, publications and training. The scholarship is possible through a donation of $100,000 in seed money from the law firm, Waterbury Newton.
ADA HAIRITAGE BRAIDING & BUSINESS CAMP
Apply by June 30th
The 3rd Edition of ADA HAIRITAGE Youth braids class is coming up July 8th -12th 2025. Some of what the students will learn:
Sanitation
Braids
Marketing
Designs
Proper Parting Skills
Plaiting skills
Feed-in Braids
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
Braid Kit
Certificate of Completion
Prizes
Startup Atlantic Events Hub | Startup Atlantic
Startup Atlantic has launched a new events calendar that serves as a one-stop hub for all startup events happening across the country. It includes things like workshops, pitch competitions, networking opportunities, and much more. Check it out!
Join BEKH’s Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Map | Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub
The Canadian Black entrepreneurship ecosystem map will provide nation-wide visibility of your organization and services you provide as well as the Black Entrepreneurs you serve to customers, funders/investors, procurement opportunities, and more!
Ecosystem Events
At Tribe, we deeply value community and building relationships. This is why we aim to keep you informed about events happening within the ecosystem that could be beneficial to your personal or professional goals. These events foster relaxation, networking and relationship building and might help you find your Tribe.
Make sure to look through the carefully curated events happening within the community and register for any that catch your eye and work with your schedule. These events are mostly free to attend; however, there might be some paid events.
Resources: Jobs, Grants, and Scholarships & More🔍
RESOURCES
JOBS
Reconciliation Training Facilitators | Joint Economic Development Initiative
VOLUNTEER
General Volunteer at Akoma Holdings Incorporated Contact nmurphy@akoma.ca
Board members at Akoma Holdings Incorporated Contact nmurphy@akoma.ca
PROGRAMS
EmpowerHER | a 24-Week Self-Employment Program for Black Women in Nova Scotia (apply by June 21st)
The Taking Root Program | support and resources for BIPOC and/or newcomer entrepreneurs to kick-start selling at the farmers’ market
GRANTS
HCi3 Grants | for innovative projects that help Halifax/Kjipuktuk reach its goal of becoming net-zero by 2050 (Acceleration Grant, fall intake: October 24th; Catalyst Grant: applications accepted on a rolling basis, through Nov 15th)
Amber Grants | for majority women-owned businesses registered in the US or Canada (applications accepted every month)
SCHOLARSHIPS/ INTERNSHIPS
Promotion Requests
At Tribe, our mission is to empower members by offering access to capital, coaching, and a supportive community. We invite individuals and organizations to share opportunities or events with our members by completing this form. Providing us with all the necessary information ensures we can effectively and accurately promote your initiative.
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