Daniel Wigdor is the Co-Founder and CEO of AXL.

AXL is a Canadian venture studio transforming world-class research into high-growth companies that shape the future of applied AI.

Led by seasoned tech entrepreneurs and applied AI experts, AXL’s mission is to ensure Canada’s top breakthroughs are built and scaled at home.

By connecting academia with real market demand and full-stack venture creation, AXL helps Canada move from invention to impact, anchoring talent, intellectual property, and long-term economic value within the country.

Daniel is also a Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Toronto. Daniel previously founded and sold Chatham Labs to Facebook and became the founding director of Meta’s Reality Labs in Toronto.

Chapters

00:00 Canada's Innovation Struggles

05:05 The Impact of AI on Innovation

08:20 Bridging the Gap: From Research to Entrepreneurship

12:20 Corporate Perspectives on AI

18:54 The Evolution of AI Applications

22:52 Exploring the Application Space in AI

24:20 Cultural Shifts in Startup Environments

26:19 The Role of Immigrants in Entrepreneurship

26:51 Innovative Approaches to AI in Education

29:58 Leveraging University Networks for Startup Success

31:43 Government Policies and AI Development

34:29 Proposed Changes for AI Policy in Canada

37:24 Investment Structures in Venture Studios

39:21 Navigating Challenges in Startup Founding

40:48 What Makes a Successful Venture Studio?

Debt Ceiling Crisis: World’s Financial System at Risk?