Wrapping the Roadshow at the PIER: AI in Action with a Real-World MVP
A Fitting Finale on the Waterfront
Last Friday, we hosted the final event of the NovAI Labs roadshow at The PIER in Halifax — a collaborative innovation space right on the waterfront. With its focus on technology, logistics, and the future of business in Atlantic Canada, it was a perfect venue to wrap up a series built around exploring AI’s practical potential.
Like earlier stops on the roadshow, the PIER event was about more than just presentations. It was a hands-on opportunity for local businesses, developers, and curious minds to explore the latest AI tools and imagine how they might apply them in real-world contexts.
From Idea to App: An MVP Built with Claude
The highlight of the session came from Ignite intern Matt Bercovici, who used Anthropic’s Claude to build a functioning app during the event.
The concept? A mobile app that helps users explore local venues and events. It displays:
- Venue capacity and current wait times
- Cover charges and event details
- Options to buy tickets directly through the app
By the end of the session, Matt had built a simple MVP with Claude’s help — proving just how quickly generative AI can turn ideas into working prototypes.
Building Momentum
This roadshow was always about action over hype — showing Nova Scotia businesses what’s actually possible with the tools available right now. And if Matt’s app is any indication, the possibilities are real, and they’re growing.
Throughout the tour, we saw incredible engagement, thoughtful questions, and a growing community excited to bring AI into their workflows, products, and problem-solving processes.
A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us — from Yarmouth to Halifax — for making this series such a success. We’re excited to keep the conversation going.