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CLAN presents / 2026

PEOPLE
COMMUNITY
POSSIBILITIES

DurhamBlackFutures

AI & INNOVATION SUMMIT

The future is being built now.
Let’s make sure Black communities help shape it.

Explore the two-day experience ↗Meet the confirmed speakers ↓
NOVEMBER 13–14, 2026Friday mixer + Saturday summit
ONTARIO TECH UNIVERSITY2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa
AI & TECHNOLOGY / BLACK TALENT / BUSINESS GROWTH / COMMUNITY

One community. Two ways to connect.

Start with connection.
Leave with possibility.

Join entrepreneurs, professionals, students, employers and community leaders for two days of conversations, ideas and new connections.

Attendees talking and connecting at CLAN’s CIBC event
From the CLAN gallery · CIBC × CLAN
13Friday
November 2026

The mixer.
Meet your next connection.

3:30–8:30 p.m. · Networking & community

An evening to connect across industries, exchange ideas and start conversations that continue beyond the room.

  • Meet founders, professionals and community leaders
  • Build connections with peers and partners
  • Set the stage for Saturday’s summit
Attendees gathered for a panel discussion at the AfriCanada Summit
From the CLAN gallery · AfriCanada Summit
14Saturday
November 2026

The summit.
Ideas into opportunity.

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. · AI & innovation

Explore how AI and technology are reshaping work, community leadership and business growth.

Meet employers, businesses and organizations at booths in the Atrium. Participants can learn more about the exhibitors, their work and the opportunities they offer. Some employers are already confirmed, with more exhibitor details to follow.

  • Four conversations that move the future forward
  • AI learning and business showcase opportunities
  • Visit employer, business and organization booths at the Atrium
  • Connect with talent, employers and ecosystem partners

The voices in the room

Confirmed speakers.

Meet the people joining the conversation. More speakers to be announced.

Abimbola Akinnuoye

Abimbola Akinnuoye

Community & technology · Panel 1

Carwyn Holland

Carwyn Holland

Who Shapes the Future? Black Voices in AI, Policy and Education

Chris Uchenwa

Chris Uchenwa

Future of work · Panel 2

Eily Hickson

Eily Hickson

Capital & partnerships · Panel 4

Huen Knox

Huen Knox

Capital & partnerships · Panel 4

Jake Effoduh

Jake Effoduh

Who Shapes the Future? Black Voices in AI, Policy and Education

Michael Okolie

Michael Okolie

Future of work · Panel 2

OOHeadshot coming soon

Olajide Oni

Community & technology · Panel 1

Olubukola Edun

Olubukola Edun

Community & technology · Panel 1

Wole Ogunwale

Wole Ogunwale

Future of work · Panel 2

The conversations

Four panels.
A future worth shaping.

Explore the themes and confirmed voices. Session times will be announced.

01

Harnessing AI and Technology to Strengthen Black Communities

How can emerging technologies create practical value for Black communities?

Confirmed: Olubukola Edun · Olajide Oni · Abimbola Akinnuoye
02

The Future of Work Is Here: Preparing Black Talent for an AI Economy

A conversation about skills, readiness and opportunity as AI transforms work.

Confirmed: Chris Uchenwa · Michael Okolie · Wole Ogunwale
03

Who Shapes the Future? Black Voices in AI, Policy and Education

Exploring representation and influence in the systems shaping tomorrow.

Confirmed: Carwyn Holland · Jake Effoduh
04

From Ambition to Access: Capital, Partnerships and Black Business Growth

Connecting ambition with the relationships and resources that help businesses grow.

Confirmed: Eily Hickson · Huen Knox
Additional speaker to be announced.
Ontario Tech’s North Oshawa Campus Library glowing gold against a deep blue evening sky, reflected in the pond
Ontario Tech University · North Oshawa campus
Campus Library photograph courtesy of Ontario Tech University ↗

The venue

Ontario Tech
University.

2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, Ontario

Room details, arrival information and parking guidance will be added before the event.

Beyond the summit

A year-round movement.
A stronger Durham.

Black economic empowerment.
Built together.

EntrepreneurshipInnovation & AISkilled trades & workforceLeadershipInvestment

Durham Black Futures is CLAN’s flagship platform advancing Black economic empowerment across Durham Region. We connect entrepreneurs, professionals, students, employers, investors, policymakers and community leaders to build long-term prosperity.

Through conferences, accelerator programs, networking events, workshops and strategic partnerships, DBF creates pathways to business growth, career advancement and community leadership.

Our vision: To make Durham Region Canada’s leading destination for Black entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and inclusive economic growth.

Be part of what comes next.

Attend, sponsor, volunteer, partner with CLAN or explore the Durham Black Futures Accelerator.

JOIN CLAN ↗
With support fromRBCDurham CollegeOntario Tech University