The Discovery Foundation AI Business Accelerator

Strategic AI Integration for Every Stage of Growth

The Discovery Foundation AI Business Accelerator consists of two AI training streams. Each stream is designed to train BC technology and tech-enabled companies to increase their efficiency and maximize output with the help of targeted AI implementation.

Through hands-on workshops and access to personalized 1:1 mentorship, companies will identify where AI can drive real value, develop a clear implementation plan, and take actionable steps toward integrating AI into their business operations.

Stream 1

Open to pre-revenue, early-stage startups, Stream 1 helps eligible companies gain a strong foundation in AI tools and best practices and build their own custom AI implementation plan that best suits their needs.

What to Expect

Two workshops covering Fundamentals of AI & Market Validation and Models of AI Implementation
Final presentation: companies share their internal AI implementation plan and receive expert feedback.
Up to 2 hours of mentorship with Program Advisors through scheduled office hours.
Ongoing peer learning and accountability through cohort touch-points and online collaboration space

Program structure subject to change

Applications for Stream 1 now open. Apply by May 22nd.

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Stream 2

If you or your company are in the growth or scale stage, Stream 2 may be a better fit for you. Stream 2 offers a more in-depth, implementation-focused program with intensive, hands-on support and additional office hours.

Applications for Stream 2 will open in late Summer 2026. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated.

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Stream 1 Eligibility Requirements

Stream 1 applications will be reviewed against the following criteria:

BC-based or Yukon-based, tech or tech-enabled company.
Pre-seed/early-stage startups with a strong desire to learn the foundations of AI tools and best practices.
Commitment from a senior level team member to attend all sessions in full. Recommended: founder(s), C-Suite or senior leadership level
Priority registration will be given to companies in the HealthTech, Green Tech, and CleanTech sectors

Important Notes:

Competitive intake. Only 15 companies will be accepted.
Due to program capacity limits, a maximum of one person per company will be accepted.
Application does not guarantee a spot. Interviews to assess fit and commitment will be held.

Stream 1 Fees & Timeline

$75 program fee per company
We also invite participants of our Summit Strategy Masterclass Series to apply for a discounted program rate of $50
Registration Deadline: May 22
Intake Interviews: End of May
Offers Sent: Early June
Workshop 1: June 4, 4 – 6 PM (virtual)
Workshop 2: June 11, 4 – 6 PM (virtual)
Final Presentation: June 23 (hybrid)
Office Hours: July through August

Program Mentor

Rochelle Grayson

Rochelle is an Afro-Latin, trilingual, serial entrepreneur, and digital strategist with over 30 years of experience in business, marketing, finance, tech, and education. She has worked with several women’s organizations, been nominated as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, awarded Vancouver’s Top Forty Under 40, and named one of Vancouver’s Top 10 Women in Technology.

Program Advisors

In partnership with the Discovery Foundation:
A registered charity, the Discovery Foundation has been a committed champion and enabler of the science and technology sector in BC since its formation in 1979. Its principal activity is the delivery of the Technology Education Program via agents that provide education and guidance to entrepreneurs in BC.