Innovation Week 2020 was held last week from October 19-22. The theme of this year’s event was Opportunity in Uncertainty and showcased the cutting-edge work, impressive global reach and significant economic impacts of our sector. Throughout the week attendees heard from business and tech influencers, industry experts, innovation leaders, post-secondary students and government officials. Virtual platforms given the global COVID-19 pandemic, still allowed for quality information sharing. Innovation Week celebrated the continued growth of our sector and the endless possibilities for the future of NL’s technology and innovation industry with our members and stakeholders.
A New Brand and Logo
CEO Paul Preston kicked off the week by unveiling a new brand for NATI. Over the next several weeks, NATI will fully transition to the new name techNL. The new brand is all about the ideas, energy and people behind the technology! And with the new name, the new logo features the gamma brain wave: which indicates optimal brain power, active thought and potential for great things. Just like the sector we represent. The new name techNL better represents our commitment to members and the NL tech sector as a whole. Our focus remains on technology-enabled innovation which reaches all sectors of the economy.
The launch included remarks from Board Chair, Craig Rowe; techNL CEO, Paul Preston; Board Member, Johanna Brown; and the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of NL. Following the official launch which was streamed on Facebook and Zoom, Astronaut candidate Bethany Downer delivered the keynote presentation underlining the message that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can live and thrive in the province in a vibrant innovation economy.
On Tuesday, key technology leaders explored the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on the province’s technology and innovation sector on a panel with the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources and the Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology.
Cathy Bennett moderated Wednesday’s inspiring discussion about the Pandemic Pivot and how local companies CoLab, Granville Biomedical and PolyUnity have successfully adjusted their business models to respond to COVID-19.
A highlight of the week was an exciting virtual networking event for post-secondary students and tech companies. Students had the opportunity to visit tech company representatives in virtual booths and learn about the vast employment opportunities in the sector. Musician Clare Follett started off the session with her energetic original songs from her new album titled Reclamation.
Thanks to all who participated in Innovation Week 2020!