The Element Behind Smarter Business Growth
At Salient AI, we believe every business has the potential to grow faster, work smarter, and run leaner with the right elements in place. Since 2006, we’ve been helping businesses in Ottawa and across Canada do just that through a mix of digital marketing and, now, AI-powered solutions.
Meet the Founder: Stephen Lau
Stephen Lau has always seen connections others miss. With a Master’s degree in Biochemistry, he started his career in research trained to look at patterns, test ideas, and measure results. That scientific mindset became the foundation of his work in digital marketing.
Over the past 20+ years, Stephen has:
- Built and led Engine Creative Inc., a 36-person full-service marketing agency acquired by Arlene Dickinson of Dragon’s Den.
- Co-founded AutoCatch.com, a Canadian used car marketplace later acquired by Metroland Media for $2M.
- Worked with national and international brands like Cognos, Corel, Nortel, Sears Travel, Sunlight Detergent, Canada Post, and Industry Canada.
- Guided strategies across industries from tech and telecom to public sector, retail, travel, and professional services.
Through it all, his focus has been consistent: help clients achieve measurable results with strong ROI.
From Digital Marketing to AI
Stephen’s journey from biochemistry to marketing might sound unusual but it’s the perfect setup for AI. Just like in science, AI is about testing, analyzing, and finding the patterns that drive better outcomes.
That’s why Salient AI was founded: to make AI practical for small businesses. Not hype, not theory but real tools that help owners save time, get more customers, and run more efficiently.
Our Mission
To give small businesses in Ottawa and across Ontario access to AI-powered marketing, sales, and admin tools that were once only available to big corporations.
Our approach is simple:
Clarity over jargon
Plain-English strategies you can actually use.
Practicality over hype
AI that works today, not someday.
Local roots, global tools
Ottawa-based expertise with world-class AI.
The Element of Growth
Every era of business has a turning point: electricity, the internet, mobile. Today it’s AI.
Salient AI exists to make sure small businesses don’t get left behind but instead, get ahead.
And see how the Salient AI element can reshape your business.