By forging strong partnerships and establishing robust programs, we aim to position the Canadian AI ecosystem as a beacon of leadership on the global stage. Our efforts will encompass various initiatives, including securing funding, working with innovation centers, fostering collaborations with leading universities and supporting new startups. As part of this plan, I would like to invite Regina Noppe, CEO of Dream2B, to talk about a new initiative that will allow 10 AI Brazilian startups to come and grow here in Canada. Evandro brought DataH and I2A2 to Canada with the support of the Dream2B team demonstrating already the impact these projects can have.

Canada has long been recognized as a global leader in AI, with its thriving ecosystem of talent, research institutions, and forward-thinking policies. However, in today's world, the true potential of AI can only be realized through collaboration and partnerships that transcend borders. This is why it is important for us to build bridges, not walls, between Canada and other countries. At its core, the I2A2 Canadian Lab is about building a better future for all. Through collaboration and knowledge exchange, we have the opportunity to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, from healthcare and climate change to social justice and education. Together, we can harness the power of AI to build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable world for generations to come. All starting here in Canada.

Dream2b guided us on our internationalization journey, which made it possible to do business in the United States, Canada and several countries in Europe. And we continue to expand. The opportunities that arose from contact with Dream2B were immense. We just needed to know how to make the best use of them.

The Consulate General of Brazil in Vancouver has been very enthusiastic about carrying out missions by Brazilian entrepreneurs in the area of innovation and technology to the Vancouver ecosystem, with the purpose of qualifying and prospecting internationalization opportunities. Brazil and Canada have a lot to gain from establishing these ties. A fruitful partnership, spanning several years, with Dream2B has contributed greatly to these Consulate efforts.

Brazilian Silicon Valley North is a promising initiative that will encourage relations between Brazil and the Canadian West in the area of technology and innovation. This is an area that has been experiencing rapid growth in recent years. Vancouver's technology center is recognized worldwide and hosts several incubators, accelerators and co-working spaces. Brazil is also home to innovative startups, which makes the Silicon Valley North mission work as a point between these two worlds, generating excellent business opportunities.

Participating in LEAP International was transformative for me as CEO of a Startup with a Global vision, the intense learning presented me with so many possibilities in connections and new businesses that we are still experiencing the effects of the program in a major transformation within Startup Ciclano to effectively open the doors to the world. I'm grateful for Regina and her team at Dream2B, this is just the beginning.

In addition to my personal affinity and interest as an investor for the Brazilian market, Launch Academy is looking forward to partnering with the Brazil Silicon Valley North program. Launch Academy in Vancouver has been positioned as a safe landing pad for international companies in North America. Launch Academy is excited to be working with Dream2B and looking forward to helping connect some amazing Brazilian startups to the North American technology ecosystem landscape.

We had the privilege of participating in a Dream2B + Launch Academy mission in Vancouver in 2016. Canada has an entrepreneurship and Venture Capital ecosystem five times larger than Brazil's, with emphasis on the “give back” culture – successful entrepreneurs , who are extremely approachable and interested in supporting new entrepreneurs. Dream2B's leadership made all the difference, putting us 'in the clear' with the main mentors, to land in North America through the 'front door', through the best relationships. I recommend the experience to any early stage entrepreneur who is building a global business.