February 9, 2026 · Company News
We're thrilled to announce that Vayu has been selected for the 2026 cohort of Next AI Toronto — one of Canada's most prestigious AI accelerator programs.
Out of a highly competitive pool of applicants from across Canada, our team was chosen to join a select group of ventures that are pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence. This is a major milestone for Vayu and a testament to the potential of AI-powered breathwork technology.
What is Next AI?
Next AI is a world-class accelerator program run by NEXT Canada that supports early-stage AI ventures with:
- 100+ hours of structured founder development delivered by world-renowned faculty and entrepreneurs
- Dedicated venture managers, mentors, and scientists-in-residence
- Presentation opportunities with top VCs, angel investors, and AI community leaders
- Access to the NEXT Canada alumni network — a powerful community of entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders
- Working space in vibrant downtown Toronto
The program runs from March through August 2026, culminating in Venture Day on August 13th — where selected ventures present to Canada's top investors and innovation leaders.
What This Means for Vayu
Being part of Next AI accelerates our mission to make science-backed breathwork accessible to everyone. With access to world-class AI expertise and mentorship, we'll be able to:
- Advance our AI-powered breathing guidance and personalization engine
- Deepen our research into biometric-driven breathwork using Apple Watch and Wear OS data
- Scale Vayu's reach across wellness, healthcare, and enterprise markets
- Connect with investors and partners who share our vision
Our Journey So Far
This selection comes on the heels of significant momentum for Vayu — from our NRC IRAP funding to growing adoption of our guided breathing app on iOS and Android. Being recognized by Next AI validates what we've always believed: breathwork, combined with AI, has the power to transform how people manage stress, sleep, and mental well-being.
We're grateful to the Next AI team and the NEXT Canada community for this opportunity, and we can't wait to share what's ahead.
Interested in trying Vayu? Download the app and start your breathing journey today.
