Technology is reshaping our world—but not everyone has equal access. We're building a future where every Canadian, from Main Street to Bay Street, has the tools, knowledge, and support to thrive in the digital economy.
And it's widening every day
Technology has become the primary driver of economic opportunity in our world. But access to that technology—the tools, the knowledge, the support—isn't equal.
85% of large enterprises are leveraging AI and advanced technology. Yet only 23% of small and medium businesses have access to the same capabilities.
This isn't just a statistic. It's 1.2 million Canadian businesses falling behind. It's rural communities without the infrastructure. It's workers losing opportunities to automation they don't understand. It's students in Northern territories with limited access to tech education.
"The gap isn't just about technology—it's about opportunity, equity, and Canada's future."
Technology inequality is creating two Canadas: those with access and those without.
Where technology empowers everyone, everywhere
A family-owned store in St. John's has the same technology capabilities as a Toronto startup—automating inventory, understanding customers, competing in the digital marketplace.
Communities from Iqaluit to Kahnawake build technology solutions for their own needs—preserving languages, supporting local economies, maintaining sovereignty over their data and futures.
A teenager in Yellowknife has the same access to world-class tech education as someone in Vancouver—learning, building, creating regardless of postal code.
Independent businesses, community organizations, and local economies leverage technology not just to survive, but to thrive—on their own terms, aligned with their values.
This isn't just a dream. It's the Canada we're building—together. Where technology is a public good, not a privilege. Where access is a right, not a luxury. Where every community can participate in shaping our digital future.
Why we exist
Not just AI—all technology.
From automation to data analytics, from digital tools to online platforms.
The full spectrum of technology that shapes our world.
Not just enterprises—all Canadians.
Small businesses, students, educators, communities, organizations.
From urban centers to rural regions, coast to coast to coast.
Not for profit—for impact.
We're a Canadian non-profit, building from the ground up,
measuring success by the barriers we remove and the opportunities we create.
Like public libraries opened access to knowledge, and public healthcare opened access to medicine, we believe technology should be a commons— shared, accessible, and beneficial for everyone.
Building pathways to technology access
Removing barriers to technology
Building affordable, accessible tools designed for real Canadian needs. From small business automation to community solutions—technology that serves people, not the other way around.
Empowering through learning
Creating practical education that demystifies technology. No coding required, no jargon, no gatekeeping—just clear, actionable learning that empowers Canadians to understand and use technology confidently.
Building networks of support
Fostering connections between people facing similar challenges. Peer learning, shared knowledge, collective problem-solving—because democratizing technology is a community effort, not an individual one.
Our guiding principles
Like healthcare and education, technology should serve the public interest. Not just commercial ventures, but fundamental infrastructure for a functioning, equitable society.
We prioritize serving those most in need over serving those most profitable. Rural before urban. Small before large. Excluded before included.
We're building with people, not selling to them. This is a movement, not a business. Participants, not purchasers. Together, not transactions.
We're honest about where we are and what we're building. No overpromising, no hype, no corporate doublespeak. Just clear truth about our journey.
Born in Canada, shaped by Canadian values of equity and inclusivity. Serving Canadians first—coast to coast, urban and rural, bilingual and multicultural, honoring indigenous sovereignty.
Built for everyone, regardless of technical background, geographic location, language, ability, or economic status. True accessibility, not checkbox compliance.
The honest truth
We're not going to pretend we have everything figured out or that we're further along than we are. Here's where we honestly stand:
We're not selling products. We don't have courses to enroll in yet. We're not pitching you anything except an idea and an invitation.
We're building a movement—from the ground up, in the open, with transparency about our progress and our challenges.
Join us at day one. Help shape what we build. Be part of the solution.
Multiple ways to participate
Stay informed with mission updates, be first to know when we launch initiatives, and help shape what we build with your input and feedback.
No spam, just honest updates on our journey.
SMEs, educators, community organizations, indigenous-led initiatives, municipal governments, tech companies aligned with our mission—let's work together.
Explore PartnershipWhat technology barriers do you face? What would help your community? Your insights shape our initiatives and ensure we're solving real problems.
Share FeedbackWho we are and why this matters
Technology is changing everything—how we work, learn, communicate, and participate in society. But that change isn't happening equally. The gap between those with access to technology and those without is widening, and it's creating two very different futures.
CognitiveCommons exists because we believe that gap is unacceptable. We believe technology should empower everyone, not just those who can afford expensive enterprise solutions or those who live in major urban centers.
We're building from Canadian values—equity, inclusivity, the public good—and we're building as a non-profit because this mission is too important to be driven by profit motives alone.
From coast to coast to coast, Canada is defined by diversity—geographic, linguistic, cultural. We serve all of it:
CognitiveCommons is a federally registered non-profit corporation dedicated to democratizing technology for all Canadians. Based in Atlantic Canada, serving all provinces and territories.