Nobellum, BIT Foundation, and BAIDA Partner with Microsoft to Empower Non-Technical Entrepreneurs Through AR Networking and Low-Code Innovation
Thursday, October 2, 2025 - Nobellum, BIT Foundation, and BAIDA, in partnership with the Microsoft Innovation Center Toronto, hosted the Azure-Powered AR Networking Bingo & Low-Code Innovation for Non-Tech event — a hybrid experience designed to equip non-technical entrepreneurs with accessible digital tools and immersive networking opportunities.
Held at the Microsoft Innovation Center, the event brought together 25 founders, innovators, and community leaders for an evening of AR-enabled networking, low-code Power Apps demonstrations, and strategic discussions on leveraging AI and AR for sustainable business growth.
Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Accessible Innovation
Moderated by Melisa Ellis, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Nobellum, the roundtable session centered on the theme “AI and AR: Increasing Market Success and Traction for Emerging Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses.”
Mel opened the discussion by engaging participants with thought-provoking questions such as:
“If you’re a startup founder, what AI tools are you currently using in your business?”
“Where do you see AI and AR being used in the future for your business?”
Her facilitation encouraged founders to reflect on how emerging technologies can be leveraged to scale their ventures and strengthen client engagement.
Innovation Meets Collaboration
The event’s unique AR Networking Bingo, powered by Microsoft Azure and developed through the Power Apps platform, allowed participants to connect through gamified AR experiences. Using tablets and kiosks, attendees scanned AR markers to meet peers, exchange ideas, and discover sponsor partners — creating an interactive networking environment that broke traditional ice-breaker norms.
During the “Tech for Non-Tech” Power Platform showcase, participants explored how to design business solutions using Microsoft’s low-code tools.
A student in structural engineering expressed concern that her field might seem “boring” in the context of AR. Dennis Dixon, Chief Executive Officer of OQULi Inc., who joined virtually, responded with encouragement — sharing how his team once started from a similar place. He explained that after attending an event like Next Gen AI, his company discovered new approaches that helped them build a successful AI-based startup.
Charles Nwankwo, Digital Experience Coordinator at Nobellum, added to the dialogue, offering a counterpoint to the idea that AR disconnects people from reality:
“Augmented reality doesn’t disconnect us — it reconnects us to our environment. Imagine scanning a QR code at an event and instantly seeing a guided AR map that helps you navigate and connect with the right people. That’s the kind of accessible, human-centered design we champion.”
Featured Speakers and Panelists
The event also featured an inspiring lineup of leaders and innovators, including:
Melisa Ellis, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Nobellum
Claudette Hutchinson, Chief Executive Officer, Owning My Liberty
Ehi Agbonlahor, Founder & CEO, Anutio
Oktay Kesebi, Chapter President, The VR/AR Association
Dennis Dixon, Chief Executive Officer, OQULi Inc.
Each speaker shared practical insights on leadership, AI integration, and accessibility in emerging technology.
Driving Inclusive Tech Ecosystems
The event concluded with an AR demo by BIT Foundation, projecting visual clips from Nobellum, OQULI, and Microsoft. Attendees gathered for a group photo by the Microsoft sign, sharing stories, ideas, and future partnership opportunities — a fitting close to a night of innovation and inclusion.
About Nobellum
Nobellum is a female-led social and technology enterprise committed to empowering Black innovators across sectors. With a mission to support and scale sustainable ventures, Nobellum provides tailored mentorship, funding access, strategic partnerships, and a thriving community-driven ecosystem. What began as a focus on launching Black-led STEM startups has grown into a broader innovation engine — helping underrepresented founders build high-impact, resilient businesses across diverse industries.
About BIT Foundation
BIT Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on bridging the gap between emerging technology and diverse communities. Through immersive programs in augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and low-code platforms, BIT Foundation enables individuals and businesses to develop real-world digital solutions that promote inclusion and innovation.
About BAIDA (Black Accountants and Inclusion Development Alliance)
BAIDA is a professional network committed to empowering Black professionals through mentorship, education, and inclusive community programming. By supporting events like this, BAIDA fosters spaces where collaboration and innovation intersect, advancing opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals across industries.
About Microsoft Innovation Center Toronto
The Microsoft Innovation Center Toronto provides entrepreneurs, students, and developers with access to state-of-the-art resources and training designed to accelerate digital transformation. Through partnerships and community events, the Center helps innovators harness Microsoft technologies to create scalable, inclusive solutions that shape the future of work.
