Opening the possibilities
A ribbon-cutting with school and student representatives, and recognition from the City of Mississauga.
18 SEPTEMBER 2026 · LAUNCH CELEBRATION
A day of ideas, connection and possibility.
The beginning of a new learning community.
The Erindale Academy · Mississauga, Canada
THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING SHARED
On September 18, 2026, students, educators, researchers, entrepreneurs and community members gathered at The Erindale Academy to launch the Erindale Youth AI Innovation Incubator.
Mayor Carolyn Parrish joined the ribbon-cutting. Mentors shared their perspectives, students presented four venture concepts, and the unveiling of a Froebel sculpture connected the campus’s educational heritage with a new chapter of innovation.
The common thread was young people: their questions, their ideas, and the opportunity to turn learning into creation.
A ribbon-cutting with school and student representatives, and recognition from the City of Mississauga.
A Froebel sculpture created for the occasion, on the grounds of the historic Taylor–Froebel House.
Four student venture concepts, followed by conversations with mentors, educators and community members.
WATCH & LISTEN
Perspectives on learning, mentorship
and young people’s possibilities.
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Watch the ribbon-cutting and launch celebration of the Erindale Youth AI Innovation Incubator.
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6 speaker videos. Choose a play button to watch.
Watch Mayor Carolyn Parrish’s message about the Erindale Youth AI Innovation Incubator.
Mayor Carolyn ParrishMayor of Mississauga · Honorary MentorConnecting AI, sustainability and real-world learning, with young people at the centre.
Professor Charles HopkinsUNESCO Chair · York UniversityIn his launch remarks, Professor Charles Hopkins connected AI and sustainability with the opportunity to bring education closer to the real world. His message encouraged young people to use AI for good and to see their learning as something that can contribute beyond the campus.
Meet Professor Charles HopkinsThe questions AI opens for education—and the value of learning alongside young people.
Professor Jim SlottaProfessor · President’s Chair · OISE, University of Toronto“AI is the great disruptor … it’s going to disrupt education at every level.”
Professor Jim Slotta’s launch reflections address the disruptive impact of AI on education. They invite educators to keep asking questions about learning, and to approach mentorship as a chance to learn with and from young people.
Meet Professor Jim SlottaA vision for critical thinking, responsible innovation and problems that truly matter.
Dr. Paul PuDirector · Erindale Youth AI Innovation Incubator“Our goal is not simply to teach young people how to use AI.”
Dr. Paul Pu introduced an approach that goes beyond learning to use AI tools. The incubator connects real-world questions, project development and teamwork, with AI intelligence, hands-on intelligence and social intelligence supporting young people’s growth.
Meet Dr. Paul PuA launch video from George Vanderkuur, Principal of The Erindale Academy.
George VanderkuurPrincipal · The Erindale AcademyWatch Robert Martellacci’s message on mentoring and leadership.
Robert MartellacciFounder & CEO · MindShare Learning

STUDENT VOICES
Four student venture concepts took the stage, opening conversations about time management, physical activity, sporting-goods selection and youth entrepreneurship.
These were starting points for learning—not finished products or claims of proven impact.
VOICES OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Three messages welcoming the incubator’s launch
and the possibilities it opens for young people.
“Bringing together AI literacy, hands-on learning, and collaboration offers a valuable opportunity to nurture thoughtful and responsible young innovators, committed to serving the public good.”
“By bringing together AI literacy, hands-on learning, and collaboration, it will help young people explore artificial intelligence, develop their creativity, and apply their learning to real-world challenges.”
“The initiative to launch the Erindale Youth AI Innovation Incubator takes a brave and meaningful step forward to address the revolutionary challenges benefiting not only the students but also the whole society.”
The letters are presented as messages from their individual authors. Institutional affiliations are shown for identification; no separate institutional endorsement is claimed. Each letter is available as readable text and as its original signed PDF.
THE DAY, IN PICTURES
From the first ribbon to the final photograph.
24 moments from our launch celebration.
Mayor Carolyn Parrish joins school representatives for the ribbon-cutting.
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Middle school student representatives present an honorary mentor certificate.

Professor Jim Slotta speaks at the launch.

Students use a project poster to share their thinking.

The Froebel sculpture is unveiled at The Erindale Academy.

Professor Charles Hopkins delivers remarks at the launch.

A student representative presents a venture concept to the launch audience.

Mayor Carolyn Parrish delivers her launch remarks.

Students present a sporting-goods selection concept.

A group photograph marking the launch of the incubator.

Dr. Paul Pu introduces the incubator’s approach to youth AI innovation.

Students and guests connect during the launch celebration.

A congratulatory certificate marks the official launch of the incubator.

A mentor certificate presentation at the launch celebration.

A celebration photograph with the Froebel artwork.

A mentor certificate presentation at the launch celebration.

A mentor certificate presentation at the launch celebration.

A mentor certificate presentation at the launch celebration.

A mentor certificate presentation at the launch celebration.

A mentor certificate presentation at the launch celebration.

A student project presentation at the launch celebration.

Students and guests share a conversation after the formal program.

An overhead view of the launch gathering at The Erindale Academy.

Guests gather outdoors for the launch celebration.
Event photography from The Erindale Academy’s launch report. Please contact the school regarding image use or removal.
COME WITH CURIOSITY
Bring your curiosity. Explore student projects, meet our mentors, or start a conversation about getting involved.