Introducing Our Fall 2024 Changemaker Cohort!
This press announcement was released by Gambit. Click here to view it on their website.
We’re excited to announce the launch of the Gambit Changemaker Venture Studio, along with our first-ever cohort of changemakers. In total, seven groups will be part of our inaugural round, including both individuals and organizations. This program was created to empower passionate changemakers—individuals and non-profits—who are focused on solving real-world problems through AI and technology.
It all began with Gambit’s work alongside Ellyn Winters-Robinson in developing AskEllyn, the world’s first AI Conversational Breast Cancer Support Tool. The incredible response to that tool confirmed what we believed all along: the world needs more AskEllyns—changemakers paired with AI, ready to create solutions that scale and support people where they need it most. Often, those closest to a problem are best equipped to solve it, but lack the necessary tools, technology, or budget. With the Changemaker Venture Studio, we’re bridging that gap by providing these resources, enabling changemakers to harness AI and deliver impactful support on a large scale.
With the generous backing of Waterloo Region Community Foundation, local investor and philanthropist Mike Janzen, and Gambit Technologies, we’ve built a space where innovation meets purpose.
Patrick Belliveau, CEO of Gambit Technologies, shared his vision:
"At Gambit, we believe that real change happens when innovation meets purpose," said Belliveau. "Our 2024 cohort exemplifies this spirit, and we’re thrilled to help them bring their AI-driven solutions to life."
Our 2024 Cohort includes:
Elaine Xiao (In Partnership with Smart Waterloo Region Innovation Lab - SWRIL)
Supporting youth with eating disorders.Sustainable Waterloo Region
Helping businesses plan sustainability initiatives.Olabukonla (Ola) Mise (In Partnership with Waterloo Region Immigration Partnership)
Building a resume toolkit for newcomers to Canada.Aasha Khan (Youth Tech Labs)
Improving youth menstrual health support.Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council
Building a suicide prevention tool for parents.Volunteer Waterloo Region
Creating solutions for volunteer navigation in the community.Waterloo Region Community Foundation (WRCF)
Connecting residents with gathering spaces across our community.
Eric Avner, President & CEO, Waterloo Region Community Foundation, highlighted the importance of this work:
"WRCF has a mission of supporting changemakers to ensure our communities are equitable, connected, and sustainable, and that our residents are thriving. We're excited to see how this partnership can demonstrate new ways we can leverage local technology expertise to tackle social issues together."
Over the next three months, these changemakers will develop production-ready AI solutions aimed at creating positive social impact. The program will culminate in a Demo Day this January, where their work will be showcased to investors, funders, and community partners.
Mike Janzen, investor and philanthropist, reflected on the program’s impact:
"I’ve always believed in backing people who are ready to make a difference," Jenzen noted. "The Changemaker Venture Studio is giving these talented individuals the tools they need to take their ideas from concept to reality."
To learn more about our Changemaker Venture Studio, visit GambitForGood.com
To learn more about Waterloo Region Community Foundation, visit wrcf.ca
For media inquiries please contact
Ryan Burgio
Managing Partner
Gambit Technologies
Ryan@gambitco.io
416-709-4769