Advancing Enterprise AI Adoption Worldwide
We connect organizations with trusted AI solution providers and practical technologies that support greater efficiency, capacity, and innovation
Who We Are
AI Partnerships is a curated global network of AI solution providers, technology companies, and specialized service firms. We strengthen connections between organizations seeking practical AI capabilities and providers with the expertise to support their needs, while encouraging collaboration across the broader partner ecosystem.
Our Mission
Our mission is to make practical AI easier for organizations to discover, evaluate, and adopt. By bringing together trusted providers across technologies, industries, and regions, we aim to reduce the complexity of finding the right expertise and support more effective AI implementation.
Core Values
Practical Innovation
We champion practical AI innovation that addresses real business needs and creates measurable value.
Partner Collaboration
We bring AI providers together to exchange expertise, strengthen solutions, and explore shared opportunities.
Accessibility
We help organizations of all sizes discover AI technologies aligned with their needs, resources, and goals.
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
Co-Founder AI Partnerships and Director of Partnerships – Railtown AI
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.
Nicholas Krahnke
Growth & Partnerships Manager
Nicholas Krahnke is a Growth & Partnerships Manager at AI Partnerships, a Railtown AI company. Drawing on nearly a decade of experience in growth marketing, partnerships, and business development, he leads social strategy, partner communications, and campaign execution across the AIP network. Nicholas has worked with more than 200 AI and machine learning companies to expand visibility, strengthen engagement, and support collaborative growth initiatives. His background includes scaling technology brands through organic content, digital campaigns, strategic partnerships, and community-building programs.
Dorian Marquez
Growth & Partnerships Manager
Dorian Marquez is a Growth & Partnerships Manager at AI Partnerships, a Railtown AI company. With a background in sales, marketing, business development, and technology commercialization, he helps lead ecosystem strategy, partner positioning, communications, and new growth initiatives across the AIP network. Dorian has worked with more than 200 AI and machine learning companies to clarify their offerings, identify complementary opportunities, and connect technical capabilities with business needs. He also created and manages the AIP Podcast, which has produced 80+ episodes spotlighting partner expertise and innovation.
