Women in AI Pitch Competition 2026
AI Enablement Workshop
August 20, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
Location Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus - University of Toronto | 108 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 0C6
Women in AI Pitch Competition
September 10, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
Location AWS | 18 York St., Toronto ON M5J 0B2
Women in AI Pitch Competition 2026
AI Enablement Workshop
August 20, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
Location: Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus - University of Toronto | 108 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 0C6
Women in AI Pitch Competition
September 10, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
Location: AWS | 18 York St, Toronto ON M5J 0B2
Women Shaping the Future of AI
AI is rapidly transforming the way organizations operate, innovate, and grow. This two-part event series—hosted by AWS and Softchoice, a WWT Company—is designed for women in business and technology who want to understand how AI can drive impact, unlock efficiency, and create new opportunities.
Whether you're exploring AI for your small business, improving a workflow, imagining a new capability, or looking to expand your AI understanding, this event gives you the tools, insights, and connections to accelerate your vision.
Two inspiring events designed to support your AI journey
Two Inspiring Events Designed to Support Your AI Journey
AI Enablement Workshop
Learn from AWS and Softchoice experts about how AI can support business growth, streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and solve real business challenges. This workshop is ideal for women in business and tech seeking practical, accessible AI knowledge.
Date: August 20, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
Location: Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus - University of Toronto | 108 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 0C6
Attendance at this workshop is encouraged but not required to participate in or attend the pitch competition
AI Enablement Workshop
Learn from AWS and Softchoice experts about how AI can support business growth, streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and solve real business challenges. This workshop is ideal for women in business and tech seeking practical, accessible AI knowledge.
Date: August 20, 2026
Time: 12 PM – 4 PM EDT
Location: 108 College St, Toronto, ON M5G 0C6
Attendance at this workshop is encouraged but not required to participate in or attend the pitch competition
Women in AI Pitch Competition
Watch innovative women share AI ideas designed to elevate business outcomes. This event brings together small business owners, business leaders, technologists, and AI experts to celebrate what's possible.
Date: September 10, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT
Location: AWS | 18 York St, Toronto ON M5J 0B2
Livestream Available
Women in AI Pitch Competition
Watch innovative women share AI ideas designed to elevate business outcomes. This event brings together small business owners, business leaders, technologists, and AI experts to celebrate what's possible.
Date: September 10, 2026
Time: 12 PM – 4 PM EDT
Location: AWS | 18 York St, Toronto ON M5J 0B2
Livestream Available
Win up to $25,000 in partner POC funding
One business pitch will be awarded up to $25,000 in partner-funded Proof of Concept (POC) support to build or accelerate their AI idea on AWS.
How does the funding work?
The winner will receive up to $25,000 in AWS Partner‑funded support to accelerate their Proof of Concept. This funding is delivered through Softchoice and AWS and covers technical resources, architectural support, and hands‑on solution development. Please note: this is not a cash prize or AWS Credits. Winners will be selected based on business needs and ability to adopt AI solutions.
This funding can support efforts such as
Prototyping or testing
an AI feature
Automating manual business processes
Enhancing customer engagement
Improving data
insights
Exploring generative
AI capabilities
Win Up to $25,000 in Partner POC Funding
One business pitch will be awarded up to $25,000 in partner-funded Proof of Concept (POC) support to build or accelerate their AI idea on AWS.
How does the funding work?
The winner will receive up to $25,000 in AWS Partner‑funded support to accelerate their Proof of Concept. This funding is delivered through Softchoice and AWS and covers technical resources, architectural support, and hands‑on solution development. Please note: this is not a cash prize or AWS Credits. Winners will be selected based on business needs and ability to adopt AI solutions.
This funding can support efforts such as
Prototyping or testing
an AI feature
Automating manual
business processes
Enhancing customer
engagement
Improving data
insights
Exploring generative
AI capabilities
Additional prizes include
A spot in BFN Accelerate 2027 (including up to $5K in startup services), plus the chance to pitch for up to $50K in prizes at BFN Demo Day.
A spot in the Annual True Blue Expo during U of T Entrepreneurship Week.
A one-year ONRamp membership for one founder.
Who should participate?
Why participate?
This event is designed for women who want to understand or leverage AI in their business or organization, including:
- Small business owners
- Business leaders or managers
- Women in tech or digital roles
- Women exploring how AI can drive efficiency or growth
- Anyone seeking practical, accessible AI knowledge for real-world use
- Discover how AI can support and grow your small business
- Learn directly from AWS and Softchoice experts
- Gain clear, practical guidance on shaping an AI idea
- Build connections with women leaders and industry innovators
- Pitch your concept for the chance to win up to $25K in POC support
No technical background is required—just curiosity and a desire to innovate.
Who Should Participate?
This event is designed for women who want to understand or leverage AI in their business or organization, including:
- Small business owners
- Business leaders or managers
- Women in tech or digital roles
- Women exploring how AI can drive efficiency or growth
- Anyone seeking practical, accessible AI knowledge for real-world use
Why Participate?
- Discover how AI can support and grow your small business
- Learn directly from AWS and Softchoice experts
- Gain clear, practical guidance on shaping an AI idea
- Build connections with women leaders and industry innovators
- Pitch your concept for the chance to win up to $25K in POC support
No technical background is required—just curiosity and a desire to innovate.
Panelists and Judges
Laurin Kelly, MC, Moderator and Judge
Founder and Executive Director, Association of Black Women in Project and Program Management
Cindy Okosun, Panelist and Judge
Executive Director, PEC PM Experts Inc.
Faizah Balogun, Panelist and Judge
Program Officer, Black Founders Network
Yashvi Gandhi, Panelist and Judge
Cloud Architect, Softchoice
Thais Nardo, Panelist and Judge
Senior Manager, Specialists and Partner Solutions Architects, AWS Canada
Najia Mustafa, Panelist and Judge
Team Lead, AWS Technical Account Manager, Softchoice
Neetha Mathew, Judge
National Leader, AWS Solutions Architecture for Partners, AWS Canada
Rey Lambie, Panelist
Founder, Founder Athlete
About the sponsors
AWS (Amazon Web Services)
AWS is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform, providing industry-leading AI and machine learning services that empower millions of customers globally. AWS supports women in business by delivering hands-on training, accessible AI tools, and community programs that accelerate digital transformation and unlock growth.
Softchoice, a WWT Company
Softchoice, a WWT Company, is a North American leader in cloud, AI, and digital transformation. Backed by WWT’s global scale and integrated ecosystem, Softchoice empowers organizations of all sizes to adopt AI securely, modernize operations, and build innovative solutions. Softchoice is committed to supporting women pursuing AI knowledge and leading business innovation.
Association of Black Women in Project and Program Management
The Association of Black Women in Project and Program Management (ABWIPPM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering Black women in project and program management through mentorship, education, and community. They provide access to programming and events, networking, scholarships, and skill-building opportunities that support career growth and leadership.
The Black Founders Network (BFN)
The Black Founders Network (BFN) is an inclusive community for Black entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. BFN provides access to the networks, resources, and inspiration to build, fund and scale impactful startups. By recognizing systemic barriers, celebrating Black excellence and providing allyship, mentorship and sponsorship for Black founders, we are building a thriving community of Black entrepreneurs from every industry and at every stage.
About the Sponsors
AWS (Amazon Web Services)
AWS is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform, providing industry-leading AI and machine learning services that empower millions of customers globally. AWS supports women in business by delivering hands-on training, accessible AI tools, and community programs that accelerate digital transformation and unlock growth.
Softchoice, a WWT Company
Softchoice, a WWT Company, is a North American leader in cloud, AI, and digital transformation. Backed by WWT’s global scale and integrated ecosystem, Softchoice empowers organizations of all sizes to adopt AI securely, modernize operations, and build innovative solutions. Softchoice is committed to supporting women pursuing AI knowledge and leading business innovation.
Association of Black Women in Project and Program Management
The Association of Black Women in Project and Program Management (ABWIPPM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering Black women in project and program management through mentorship, education, and community. They provide access to programming and events, networking, scholarships, and skill-building opportunities that support career growth and leadership.
The Black Founders Network (BFN)
The Black Founders Network (BFN) is an inclusive community for Black entrepreneurs at all stages of their journey. BFN provides access to the networks, resources, and inspiration to build, fund and scale impactful startups. By recognizing systemic barriers, celebrating Black excellence and providing allyship, mentorship and sponsorship for Black founders, we are building a thriving community of Black entrepreneurs from every industry and at every stage.
© 2026 Softchoice