What mattersShow
- The move signals a shift in local tech support
- Primary sector: Fintech & Financial Operations
- Open the company page to keep the follow-up signal in view.
Co.Labs, Saskatchewan’s initial technology incubator, has announced an expansion of its programming, moving past its core mandate of serving early-stage tech founders to offer specialized AI adoption training for non-tech small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Executive Director Jonathan Lipoth stated the pivot was driven by 'market pull' from partners outside the traditional tech ecosystem.
The program is designed specifically for management or executive teams who are already familiar with AI concepts but struggle with practical, operational integration. Instead of general awareness training, Co.Labs aims to help non-technical sectors, including accounting, manufacturing, and agriculture, figure out how to roll out AI across disparate parts of their established business processes.
SMB management teams should treat Co.Labs’ advisory role not just as training, but as an initial resource for defining the specific operational pain points that AI could solve within non-tech departments.
The service model includes structured technical training delivered by Co.Labs staff, the development of a case study repository detailing successful non-tech AI integrations, and ad-hoc advisory roles for companies needing deep guidance. The program is slated to reach businesses across Saskatoon, Regina, and various rural communities via remote delivery.
While Co.Labs maintains that its primary focus remains on supporting tech startups, the expansion suggests a broader strategic goal: bolstering local economic resilience by helping non-tech industries adopt technology. Lipoth framed this as giving these companies 'optionality and control' to remain competitive locally, effectively encouraging them to view themselves through a technological lens.
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