Brampton AI Innovator
Real Business Problems. Smarter AI Solutions.
Brampton AI Innovator is a year-long applied AI program from Brampton Venture Zone at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). It connects Brampton businesses with multidisciplinary builders to explore practical AI solutions to real operational and business challenges.
How Does Brampton AI Innovator Work?
The program moves from a real business challenge to solution development, testing and showcase.
Why Participate?
💼 BUSINESSES
Explore how AI could address a real business challenge without needing to arrive with a technology solution or internal AI team.
💻 BUILDERS
Support practical AI adoption in Brampton through expertise, mentorship, technology and industry knowledge, and connect with emerging AI talent.
🤝 PARTNERS
Work on a real company challenge, collaborate across disciplines and build experience that can continue beyond the hackathon.
Program Timeline
Friday, October 23, 2026:
Last day for businesses to register interest
Saturday, October 31, 2026:
Business challenge submissions close
Friday, November 6, 2026:
Hackathon applications close
Tuesday, November 10, 2026:
Decisions sent to applicants by email
Saturday, November 21 & Sunday, November 22, 2026:
Brampton AI Innovator: Hackathon (in person in Brampton)
December 2026–August 2027:
Build + Validation Phase
September 2027:
AI Innovator Demo Day at Brampton Venture Expo (BVX)
Quick Answers
A year-long applied AI program from the Brampton Venture Zone by TMU (BVZ) that connects Brampton businesses with builders to develop practical AI solutions to real business challenges. It starts with the Brampton AI Innovator: Hackathon on November 21 and 22, 2026, and ends with Demo Day at BVX in September 2027.
Brampton businesses incorporated in Canada, of any size or stage, with a real operational, automation or business challenge they want to explore. Register interest by Friday, October 23, 2026. Full problem submissions close Saturday, October 31, 2026.
No. The program starts with the business problem. You do not need an AI strategy or predetermined technology solution.
Post-secondary students from any college or university, and Brampton residents who are not students, can apply. You must be 18 or older on November 21, 2026, and able to attend both days.
No. The program is designed around multidisciplinary teams and real business needs. Beginners are welcome, and accepted participants complete an applied AI primer before the hackathon.
Selected teams continue working with participating businesses from December 2026 to August 2027, and present at Demo Day at BVX in September 2027. You do not need to win the hackathon to continue.
At Brampton Venture Expo (BVX) in September 2027, where selected teams showcase what they developed.
No. There is no cost to apply to or take part in the Brampton AI Innovator.
Yes. The Brampton AI Innovator: Hackathon is in person in Brampton, Ontario, on both days, about eight hours each day. The venue will be announced before the hackathon.
No. Everyone applies individually, and teams of two to five form on day one. If you apply with friends, each person submits their own application, and we cannot promise you will be placed together.
Yes, for eligible students at TMU, Algoma University and Sheridan College, through TMU's Experience Ventures program. Placements are limited. International students can take part in the hackathon without a paid Experience Ventures placement. Funded in part by the Government of Canada's Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative.
Have a Business Challenge?
Bring the problem. Let's build the solution.
Ready to Build?
Take on a real problem. Build a smarter solution.