Tech Horizons Agenda

Our dynamic lineup of thought-provoking presentations, engaging panel discussions, and captivating keynotes:

Please note: Agenda is subject to change
 

7:45 a.m. | Breakfast and networking


8:30 a.m. | Welcome and opening remarks

Step into the realm of innovation and knowledge as we commence this highly anticipated event with a warm welcome from Dr. Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Waterloo and Richard Jardim, EVP and CTO, Technology, Infrastructure, and Innovation, CIBC.

A headshot of Vivek Goel

Dr. Vivek Goel

President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Waterloo

Richard Jardim headshot

Richard Jardim

EVP and CTO, Technology, Infrastructure, and Innovation, CIBC


8:45 a.m. | Geopolitics and global uncertainty: Navigating risks for Canadian leaders 

Panel discussion 

Unpack the challenges of geopolitical tensions, from ongoing conflicts to global power shifts, and understand their business implications for supply chains, technology access, data privacy, cybersecurity, and more. 

Headshot of Bessma Momani

Dr. Bessma Momani

Professor, Political Science
Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)

George Takach headshot

George Takach

Author on geopolitics and AI, including the recent Cold War 2.0

Rachel Ziemba

Rachel Ziemba

Founder, Ziemba Insights
Senior Advisor, Horizon Engage
Adjunct Senior Fellow, Center for a New American Security


9:25 a.m. | Charting new horizons: Sustainable technology investments 

Fireside chat

Discover the future of wealth management with a focus on sustainability, strategic investment, and future-proofing in an evolving global landscape. 

Headshot of Bruce Flatt

Bruce Flatt

CEO, Brookfield Asset Management

Headshot of Jagdeep Bachher

Dr. Jagdeep Singh Bachher

Chancellor, University of Waterloo
Chief Investment Officer, University of California


10:05 a.m. | Networking break


10:30 a.m. | AI applications: Insights from Canada’s top technology leaders 

Panel discussion

Hear from top CTOs how their organizations are embracing and implementing AI. Discover how AI is transforming business operations and driving innovation across various sectors. 

Manav Gupta

Manav Gupta

Vice-President, Technical Sales and CTO, IBM Canada

Headshot of Jimmy Lin

Dr. Jimmy Lin

Cheriton Chair, David R. Cheriton School of Computer Science
Co-director, Waterloo AI Institute
CTO, Primal

Headshot of Rex Lee

Rex Lee

CITO, Canadian Tire Corporation

Headshot of Jodie Wallis

Jodie Wallis

Global Chief Analytics Officer, Manulife


11:20 a.m. | Technology as a catalyst: Shaping Canada's future prosperity

Fireside chat

Canadian businesses face critical decisions about technology, innovation, and talent. This discussion will explore the importance of digital transformation, the role of generative AI in boosting productivity, and the strategies needed to invest in Canada’s digital workforce.

Victor Dodig headshot

Victor Dodig

President and CEO, CIBC

A headshot of Vivek Goel

Dr. Vivek Goel

President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Waterloo


12:00 p.m. | Lunch


1:00 p.m. | Trust in AI: Building responsible AI frameworks 

Active learning session

Gain insights on the ethical implications of AI and the importance of fostering trust through responsible AI practices. 

Amir-Hossein Karimi

Dr. Amir-Hossein Karimi

Assistant Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo

A headshot of John Weigelt

John Weigelt

National Technology Officer, Microsoft Canada

Headshot of Mary Wells

Dr. Mary Wells

Dean of Engineering, University of Waterloo

Ozge Yeloglu headshot

Ozge Yeloglu

Vice President, Advanced Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, CIBC


1:45 p.m. | AI adoption: Overcoming challenges and harnessing opportunities 

Panel discussion

Explore the barriers and opportunities for AI adoption. Learn actionable strategies to effectively integrate AI into your business operations. 

Headshot of Francis Bilodeau

Francis Bilodeau

Associate Deputy Minister, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Headshot of Joel Blit

Dr. Joël Blit

Chair, Council on Innovation Policy
Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)

Nick Frosst headshot

Nick Frosst

Co-founder, Cohere

Headshot of Nicole Janssen

Nicole Janssen

Co-founder and Co-CEO, AltaML


2:35 p.m. | Networking break


3:00 p.m. | Leading amidst disruption: Driving a culture of innovation  

Fireside chat

Hear the leadership strategies that emphasize continuous learning and innovation in an era of rapid technological change. 

Headshot of Melody Hobson

Mellody Hobson

Co-CEO and President, Ariel Investments

Headshot of Jagdeep Bachher

Dr. Jagdeep Singh Bachher

Chancellor, University of Waterloo
Chief Investment Officer, University of California


3:45 p.m. | Closing remarks

As the event draws to a close, we'll reflect on the illuminating discussions and insights into emerging technologies, and their direct applications to business. 

A headshot of Vivek Goel

Dr. Vivek Goel

President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Waterloo


4 p.m. | Closing reception, hosted by Microsoft

End the day with networking and refreshments at Microsoft headquarters.