Conversation Series

Launched at the 33rd ASTech Awards - The Conversation Series aimed to faciliate connect our innovators on topics of importance in our province and encouraged future collaboration throughtout the year. In 2023 the conversation continues! 

See below for our featured conversations at the 2022 ASTech Awards.

CONVERSATION 1: ACCELERATING INNOVATION

To get optimal capital to launch and develop technology, there needs to be a strong understanding and connection with the markets being served and management that can deliver.  We have tremendous innovators in Alberta, but how many are ready?. How do we ensure that the innovation delivers adequate value to the marketplace, connect with business understanding, and then secure optimal investment.

Host: Douglas Holt, Associate Vice President, Investments
Co-Host, Chris Micetich, CEO and Founder
Co-Host: Arden Tse, Investment Manager
Co-Host: Tom Ogaranko, Chief Innovation Officer

CONVERSATION 2: CLEANTECH INNOVATION - THE PATH TO NET ZERO

Where does Alberta have the necessary talent, infrastructure, and technologies to help support the globe in its path to net zero emissions, and where should we double down?  

Host: Justin Riemer, CEO
Co-Host: David Yiptong, Regional Director, Alberta
Co-Host: Dr. Mark Summers, Chief Innovation Officer

CONVERSATION 3: HEALTHTECH INNOVATION

There is a complex relationship between electronics, biology, and how innovation is deployed in healthcare.  People are resistant to change, however with good solutions this should come easier.  Solutions need to appear effortless to use and the benefits need to be clear. Unfortunately, innovation in healthcare takes time, and patient and more significant investment than many other sectors. 

Host: Randy Duguay, CEO and Founder
Co-Host, Dr. Vivian K. Mushahwar, Director
Co-Host, Farid Foroud, Senior Business & Strategy Advisor
Co-Host, Izabella Roth, CEO

CONVERSATION 4: CONSTRUCTION INNOVATION

Maintaining affordability in construction requires innovation in materials, planning, and processes – while maintaining safety, and awareness of the long-term impacts. The divide between the theoretical and the practical might be greater in this field than many others.

Host:Adil Kodian, Executive Vice President
Co-Host, Dr. Aminah Robinson Fayek, VP Research and Innovation
Co-Host, Charles Fay, Vice President

CONVERSATION 5: BIOTECH / LIFE SCIENCES

As people in Alberta’s Biotechnology and Life Sciences community know – this sector is surprisingly strong and diverse. As a growth sector, it could hold the potential to grow a robust economy – with jobs and careers that match those of Alberta’s legacy industries. How can new discoveries and applied research complement existing industrial and pharmaceutical processes for greater economic, health, and environmental sustainability for our province—all within a globally attractive ecosystem?

Host, Dr. Chris Fetterly, VP Sales and Marketing
Host, Jocelyn Drasdauskis, Global Product Specialist
Co-Host, Richard Gibson, Innovation Consultant

CONVERSATION 6: INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES AND PRACTICES

Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are integral to making the Alberta science and technology innovation community a place where all can thrive. Come learn what others are doing and how you can be a part of the solution. Representatives from several consulting companies will be on hand for a chat.  Members of AWSN and WISER will be part of the conversation as well.

Host, Alicia Bjarnason, PGeol, FGC, MA, CCIP, CCWESTT