Question 1

What is OnStack AI Labs?

Accepted Answer

OnStack AI Labs is a Calgary-based applied AI research lab and implementation consultancy. We're a joint venture between QA Enterprises and Begine Fusion. We conduct original research on how organizations adopt AI, publish our findings as open frameworks, and help mid-market companies and nonprofits implement AI using our stack-first methodology.

Question 2

What does stack-first mean?

Accepted Answer

Stack-first means we start with what you already have. Instead of requiring new platforms or infrastructure overhauls, we design AI solutions that integrate with your existing databases, cloud setup, and team capabilities. If it's not absolutely necessary to replace something, we don't.

Question 3

Why Calgary?

Accepted Answer

Calgary gives us strategic advantages: deep energy sector expertise, a growing tech ecosystem, and 30-40% lower operating costs than major tech hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, or San Francisco. We pass those savings to clients while maintaining access to top talent.

Question 4

Who are your services designed for?

Accepted Answer

Mid-market companies and nonprofits—organizations often overlooked by enterprise-focused AI consultancies. If you have 50-500 employees, existing systems you can't abandon, and real operational problems AI could solve, you're who we built this for.

Question 5

What are your service tiers?

Accepted Answer

We offer four structured pathways: OnStack Awareness (free 60-90 minute educational sessions), OnStack Readiness (half-day strategic workshop, $1,500-$5,000), OnStack Sprint (4-8 week implementation, $10,500-$25,000), and OnStack Support (monthly retainer, $250-$3,000/month).

Question 6

How long does a typical engagement take?

Accepted Answer

It depends on scope. An Awareness session is 60-90 minutes. A Readiness workshop is half a day. A Sprint runs 4-8 weeks. Support is ongoing monthly. Most clients start with Awareness or Readiness, then decide whether to move to Sprint.

Question 7

Do you work with clients outside Calgary?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Awareness sessions and Readiness workshops can be delivered virtually. Sprint engagements may involve some on-site work depending on the project, but we work with clients across Canada and the US.

Question 8

What if we're not sure AI is right for us yet?

Accepted Answer

Start with an Awareness session—it's free. We'll help you understand what AI can and can't do for your specific situation, and you'll walk away with an honest assessment of whether it makes sense to go further.

Question 9

What kind of research does OnStack conduct?

Accepted Answer

We focus on applied research—practical questions about how organizations actually adopt AI. Current programs include Energy Sector AI Applications, AI for Nonprofit Operations, Stack-First Deployment Frameworks, and Operational AI Governance. We publish findings as open frameworks anyone can use.

Question 10

Can we partner on research?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We collaborate with universities, industry organizations, and community groups. Partnership types include sponsored research on your specific challenges, student capstone projects with faculty oversight, and industry working groups. Contact us to discuss.

Question 11

Are your frameworks really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We publish what we learn with no paywalls. Our research is funded through implementation services and research partnerships—not by gating knowledge.

Question 12

How do we get started?

Accepted Answer

Schedule an Awareness session. It's free, takes 60-90 minutes, and gives both sides a chance to see if there's a fit. No commitment required.

Question 13

What industries do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We have deep expertise in energy and nonprofit sectors, but our stack-first methodology applies broadly. We've worked with organizations in professional services, manufacturing, and technology. If you have operational processes and existing systems, we can likely help.

Question 14

Do you build custom AI models?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, but often it's not necessary. Many organizations get more value from properly implementing existing AI tools and models than from building custom solutions. We'll recommend the approach that actually solves your problem—even if that means less work for us.

Question 15

What makes OnStack different from other AI consultancies?

Accepted Answer

Three things: (1) We're a research lab first—our methodology comes from studying what actually works, not vendor partnerships. (2) We focus on mid-market and nonprofits, not just enterprises. (3) Stack-first means we work with your existing infrastructure instead of selling you new platforms.

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What AI implementation services does OnStack AI Labs offer?

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