Overview
2026 ACCE Young Entrepreneurs Event – AI in Action: From Startup to Scale
AI in Action: From Startup to Scale
Real Stories. Practical Insights. Smarter Growth.
Artificial intelligence is no longer just a technology of the future. It’s transforming how businesses operate, compete and grow today. But beyond the hype and headlines, how are entrepreneurs actually putting AI to work?
Discover how innovative founders and thought leaders are leveraging AI to build smarter businesses, deliver better products and services, and accelerate growth. This interactive panel discussion moves beyond the buzzwords to explore real-world applications of AI, from streamlining operations and improving customer experiences to developing AI-powered solutions and scaling businesses with greater speed, efficiency and fewer resources.
Tune in to firsthand experiences, practical lessons, unexpected challenges and opportunities from startup founders who are putting AI into action. Gain practical insights into how AI is changing the economics of entrepreneurship, enabling smaller teams to achieve what once required significantly more people, time and investment.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, corporate professional, student or simply curious about AI, discover how this rapidly evolving technology can create new opportunities and provide a competitive edge.
No technical background required. Just curiosity, an open mind and an interest in turning new ideas into real-world possibilities. Come for the insights. Leave with ideas you can put to work.
About the Speakers
William Neal – STEM Education Leader | FIRST Robotics Program Manager | Curriculum Innovator
STEM educator and program leader with over 20 years of experience designing transformative learning experiences that blend rigorous academics, hands-on robotics, and real-world problem-solving, planning large scale robotics events, supporting FIRST Robotics Competition teams in Ontario and beyond.
William Neal is the FIRST Robotics Competition Program Manager at FIRST Robotics Canada. With a background in Theoretical Physics, William Neal taught a wide variety of courses in multiple disciplines over twenty-five years. In 2015, his teaching practice was profoundly transformed through starting a FIRST Robotics Competition team. Adopting an interdisciplinary, project-based approach allowed for multiple credits to be offered simultaneously and produced remarkable improvements in student achievement. William has shared lessons thus learned through teaching the Introduction to STEM course at Western University and through multiple courses and workshops in five countries.
Satoshi Takano – Founder & CEO | ReactForge
Satoshi Takano is a technology innovator and cognitive performance specialist at the intersection of AI and neuroscience. As Founder of ReactForge, Satoshi has pioneered a technology-driven approach to athletic development through its 12,000-square-foot Cognitive Performance Institute. ReactForge has trained over 2,000 athletes, from emerging talent to NHL professionals, with Satoshi’s expertise extending to consulting with the Detroit Red Wings. He is also the visionary behind ReactVIEW, an AI-powered sports video analysis and coaching platform that transforms game footage into actionable performance insights. Adopted by coaches and organizations across multiple sports, including at the NHL level, ReactVIEW is empowering coaches while redefining how teams can elevate their game. Beyond sports performance, Satoshi brings firsthand entrepreneurial experience to the practical application of AI in business. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs harness intelligent automation, streamline operations and unlock new opportunities for growth, enabling businesses to scale their capabilities. www.reactforge.com
Abdel Ali – Cofounder & CEO | Kiwi Charge
Abdel Ali is the founder and CEO of Kiwi Charge, a Robotics and AI startup on a mission to accelerate the deployment of EV chargers in buildings. Prior to founding Kiwi Charge, Abdel Ali was a Venture builder at R-LABS, where he was the project lead in launching a startup, from problem identification to securing over $1.5 M in funding. Abdel’s experience is further reinforced by his experience as a Venture Capital investor at Relay Ventures / Alate Partners. Abdel was instrumental in sourcing and evaluating potential investments. Abdel made a significant impact on the firm’s investment strategies and built the financial model for the fund’s $150+ M Fund of Funds. Abdel holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification. Abdel is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the venture capital space and is the Co-director of BLCK VC Canada. www.kiwicharge.ca
Date: November 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
Time:
6:00pm – 6:30pm: Registration, Refreshments & Networking
6:30pm – 6:45pm: MC to kick-start event and Opening Remarks
Venue:
The National Bank ShowBox
Exchange Tower (Ground Floor),
130 King Street West, Toronto ON M5X 2A2
FEES:
$30 per person (HST included) – ACCE Members and Partners
(Members of ACCE and Partners may bring 1 guest for free)
$30 per person (HST included) – Non-members
INQUIRY: Please call (905)479-2802 or email: membership@acce.ca
