Innovation Week 2023
Get ready for an exciting week as techNL hosts Innovation Week 2023. The week will be filled with expert speakers, facilitated breakouts, networking events, and celebrations from October 31 to November 2 at the St. John’s Convention Centre. This year, we recognize 10 years of Innovation Week and promise not just to inform, but to captivate, invigorate, and spark waves of inspiration.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the unstoppable momentum of the tech and innovation sector in Newfoundland and Labrador. Register now for Innovation Week 2023.
Is your organization looking to explore a sponsorship opportunity? Take a look at our sponsorship package!
2023 Agenda
Tuesday, October 31
8:30 a.m.
Doors open!
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Launch Event and New Campaign Premiere
9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Welcome
10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Leverage the Transformative Power of AI with Ramy Nassar
11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Networking Coffee Break
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Expert Panel: Raising Capital
• Sarah Murphy
• Mike Winter
• Ray Rashed
• Cathy Bennett
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Luncheon with speaker John Hill
Wednesday, November 1
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Keynote Speaker Sedef Akinli Kocak
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Networking Coffee Break
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Breakout Sessions:
• Setting the Path to Success: Investment Strategy Session with Danielle Graham
sponsored by Genesis
• The Path to Growth in the New Sales Landscape with Johanna Brown
• Elusive Talent: Competing for the World’s Best Talent Against the World’s Best Companies featuring:
Ryan Thistle
Tessa Whelan & Steph Burry
TalentLift
Ajay Pande
• Cross-industry Connections at the Innovation Centre featuring:
Dan Brake (Moderator)
Charlene Brophy
Murray Brown
Dan Sweeney
Dr. Armin Strobel
Paul Griffin
Carolann Harding
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Innovation Centre live update and Q&A (at the Convention Centre)
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Innovation Centre site drop-in
Thursday, November 2
2:30 p.m.
Doors open
3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tech Sector Industry Award Ceremony
4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Networking Social: sponsored by McInnes Cooper
About the Sessions
Day 1 (October 31): Keynote: Ramy Nassar, Former Head of Innovation at Mattel
• Discover the untapped potential of AI for tech companies
• Gain practical AI adoption strategies
• Peek into cutting-edge generative AI tech
• Dive into the ethical side of AI for long-term success
Day 1 (October 31): Luncheon Speaker: John Hill, Techstars
• Navigate networks for growth and scalability
• Support your primary organizational needs: funding, talent, customer acquisition, mentorship and knowledge share
Day 2 Keynote (November 1): Sedef Kocak, Vector Institute (and named as a Top 100 Women Advancing AI)
• Explore the latest AI innovations
• Dive into AI’s sustainability
• Get a sneak peek into recent AI breakthroughs and discuss the future of AI
• Uncover potential growth areas in AI technology
Engaging Panels and Breakout Sessions
As well as learning from these expert keynote speakers, Innovation Week attendees will hear from local leaders in the panels and breakout sessions. In addition, be among the first to witness a groundbreaking campaign redefining Newfoundland and Labrador’s tech sector.
Day 1 (October 31): Expert Panel: Raising Capital
Join our panel of experts discussing the all-important topic of raising capital. They’ll be talking about the current tech investment landscape in Canada, and where should companies at different stages focus their energy. Panelists include: Ray Rashed, RBCx, Sarah Murphy, Pelorus, Mike Winter, trophi.ai.
Day 2 (November 1): Breakout Sessions
• Setting the Path to Success: Investment Strategy Session
The session will kick off with a captivating introduction to Danielle Graham’s own experience in the tech ecosystem, sharing personal anecdotes and insights from her experience as a venture capitalist and founder. We will then dive deep into the fundamentals of fundraising, where she will guide you through the key aspects of crafting a compelling pitch, understanding valuation, and building strategic relationships with investors. To provide real-world context, we’ll share inspiring stories from both successful founders and angel investors who have played pivotal roles in the startup ecosystem. Finally, we’ll wrap up with an interactive investment strategy exercise, allowing founders in the audience to apply the knowledge gained and explore effective fundraising strategies tailored to their unique ventures. This session promises to equip you with the essential tools and knowledge needed for that all-important first fundraise, setting you on the path to success in the world of entrepreneurship.
• The Path to Growth in the New Sales Landscape
The path to revenue for technology companies has undergone significant transformation in recent years. In this session we will explore the essential strategies that will elevate your sales organization. Whether you’re a seasoned sales professional or just starting in the industry, you’ll discover actionable tips and techniques throughout the sales cycle.
• Elusive Talent: Competing for the World’s Best Talent Against the World’s Best Companies
The session will answer the questions of how an NL company can compete for talent against global tech companies in Toronto, New York City and beyond. Attendees will hear about different methods of sourcing candidates, promoting your organization to the broad job-seeker world, and finding unique talents. Panelists include representatives from CoLab, TalentLift, Venor and Keyin.
• Cross-industry Connections at the Innovation Centre
This Cross-Industry Fireside Chat will highlight the world of remote-operated technologies, and their impact on industries such as energy, mining, oil & gas, aquaculture, healthcare, and more. Hear from local-company panelists across industries as they share invaluable insights and experiences related to remote operations, including challenges, how they’ve been overcome, the impact on their respective industries, and potential cross-industry impacts.
Day 2 (November 1): *NEW* Innovation Centre Drop In
Curious about how the new Innovation Centre is coming along? President of the Innovation Centre, Meagan Kay-Fowlow, will be delivering a live update and Q&A session at the Convention Centre from 2:00-3:00. Furthermore, there will be a drop-in session at the Innovation Centre from 5:00-6:00 that evening! Come check out the construction progress from a safe vantage point and see the vision of where it’s going! You will need to sign up ahead of time and have your Innovation Week badge for admittance.
Day 2 (November 1) afternoon: Navigating the Tech Job Market for Post-Secondary Students
As a post-secondary student, you’re either gearing up to enter the job market for a work term or a full-time job. You’re wondering how you can go about employment outreach, perform well in job interviews, negotiate for appropriate salaries and benefits, and accept or reject a job offer. Our panel at this year’s student event during Innovation Week will discuss these topics so that you feel more prepared and confident in navigating the existing tech job market in Newfoundland and Labrador. Plus you’ll get to network with local tech companies! Panelists include Avalon Holographics and more. Tech companies include: BreatheSuite, Avalon Holographics, PolyUnity, OPAS Mobile, Verafin, Keyin College, PragmaClin, Vision33, Econext, Bluedrop, Nucliq and Hatch.
Day 3 (November 2): Tech Sector Industry Award Ceremony & Networking Social
The excitement of Innovation Week culminates with our Industry Awards celebration and social. Join us as we acknowledge and celebrate all the incredible work in the NL tech sector over the last year.
Platinum Sponsor: Keyin College
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the digital era has permeated every sector, from businesses and hospitals to energy and mining, enhancing efficiency, productivity, and global reach. As technology’s presence grows, there’s an increasing need for a new generation of creative, energetic problem-solvers who can navigate this digital landscape. Keyin College is at the forefront of this change, equipping students with the skills needed for the digital age. From travel agents managing global itineraries to software developers crafting innovative apps, Keyin graduates are ready to lead.
Gold Sponsor / 2023-24 Mission Sponsor: Stewart McKelvey
Stewart McKelvey is Atlantic Canada’s largest full-service law firm with six offices across four provinces. We are leaders in providing the valued legal advice and innovative solutions clients need to solve their challenges now and in the future. By thinking forward, we guide our clients with a forward focus by solving their business challenges, avoiding future risks and identifying new opportunities. We lead clients and the practice of law forward.
Gold Sponsor: EPRA-NL
EPRA NL can help you recycle your end-of-life electronics – including office
products like computers, monitors, phone systems and microwaves.
EPRA NL will be having an electronics recycling drop-off site at Innovation Week. Be sure to bring in your small electronic items like drives, cell phone, laptops, headphones, etc. so they can be recycled, safely and securely.