Accelerating Enterprise AI Adoption Worldwide
We connect enterprises with the world’s leading AI innovators making AI accessible, affordable, and actionable for organizations of every size.
Who We Are
AI Partnerships is built by experienced leaders who see both the vast potential of AI and the challenges enterprises face in adopting it. We act as the connective tissue between AI buyers and AI solution providers, enabling clarity, confidence, and accelerated adoption.
Our Mission
Our mission is to make enterprise‑grade AI accessible and affordable for businesses of all sizes. Through our global Affiliate Network of 190+ AI solution providers, we help organizations adopt AI faster, smarter, and with measurable impact.
Core Values
Innovation
We champion experimentation and invention to build a better business world.
Partner Growth
We grow by helping our Affiliate Network grow — their success is our success.
Accessibility
We’re committed to democratizing access for SMEs.
Meet The Team
Founders
Michael Nobrega
Former president and CEO of the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS), one of Canada’s largest pension funds with more than $100 billion in assets under management. Previously served as president and CEO of OMERS’ wholly owned subsidiary, Borealis Infrastructure Management Inc.
Dr. Tom Corr (CEO)
Former President and CEO of Ontario Centers of Excellence for 10 years, previously held the joint positions of president and CEO of the Accelerator Center at the Waterloo Research and Technology Park, and Associate Vice President of Commercialization at the University of Waterloo.
Patrick Horgan
Senior professional career at IBM and at the time of his retirement in 2017 was COO of IBM Canada. During this period, he was responsible for the successful implementation of the AI and High-Performance Computer initiatives with the Government of Ontario.
John Ruffolo
Founder and Managing Partner of Maverix Private Equity, founder of OMERS Ventures, an organization that he ran for 8 years. OMERS Ventures is the venture capital arm of OMERS pension fund. During his leadership, OMERS Ventures invested over $500 million of capital in over 40 disruptive technology companies across North America, including investments in Shopify, Hootsuite, Desire2Learn, Hopper, Wattpad, and League.
Advisors
Real (Ray) Tanguay C.M.
Former Toyota executive for 24 years. Held roles of Senior Managing Officer in Japan, EVP of Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing NA, and Chairman President of Toyota Canada. The Toyota Canadian Manufacturing Operations have two J.D. Power Awards; the only plant outside Japan and are a showcase for innovation, system integration, supply chain and people development. Recipient of the Order of Canada (2019) and the Order of the Rising Sun in Japan (2020).
Cameron Schuler
Chief Commercialization Officer & Vice President of Industry Innovation at the Vector Institute. Former Executive Director of Amii, where for 6 years, he led one of the top-ranked Machine Learning and AI groups in the world. Career includes consulting, business & product development, consumer products, and IT.
Ted Dzialowski
Serial entrepreneur, angel investor, business mentor, researcher and educator. Following a Corporate career in Labour Relations, Strategic Planning, and Mergers and Acquisitions, Ted’s business ownership and investments have covered finance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, agriculture and food processing, IT, marketing services, and franchising sectors.
Keith Thomas
Serial entrepreneur and investor for 20 years. Previously worked restructuring and financing companies in the US, Latin America, Europe and Australia. Member of YPO and forum. Business Board Chair at University of Toronto. 30+ years operational experience and financing companies as well as building three growth companies. He is a proven entrepreneur and was most recently CEO of Vive, a specialty chemicals company
Sherry Shannon-Vanstone
Serial tech entrepreneur, angel investor, and builder of high-performing teams. Sherry has led startups to successful exits in Silicon Valley and the Toronto-Waterloo Tech corridor. She is the founder, President, and CEO of Profound Impact, a data analytics firm that leverages AI to provide the perfect match of funding opportunities with academic and corporate researchers. In 2019, Sherry received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Western University.
Leadership
Dr. Tom Corr
CEO
Former President and CEO of Ontario Centers of Excellence for 10 years, previously held the joint positions of president and CEO of the Accelerator Center at the Waterloo Research and Technology Park, and Associate Vice President of Commercialization at the University of Waterloo.
Mark Ellingson
CFO
CFO and co-founder of Mobi, a Toronto based educational toy company, that designs and sells high-quality, educational toys around the world. Former auditor at Deloitte Private with clients ranging from software to real estate with revenues over $1 billion.
Dorian Marquez
Partner Lead
Former sales and marketing representative for Beam On Technology, Apex Leadership Co., and NAVER BAND Inc. Dorian has diversified experience in education technology marketing, manufacturing sales, partnership marketing, and event management. Dorian leverages his leadership and understanding of technology to find success in client facing roles that promote growth and education.
Nicholas Krahnke
Partner Lead
Senior Partnership Marketer with over 8 years of experience in partnerships, marketing, & business development. He is well seasoned in content creation, account management, & client onboarding. Over the years Nick has helped build brands from the ground up, whether B2C or B2B. Nick was recognized for his outstanding work ethic & commitment to his clients by winning Varsity Spirit’s partner of the year award in Feb. 2020.
