Tesla, IBM and BroadbandTV Speakers Announced
VANCOUVER, Jan. 9, 2017 /CNW/ - An impressive list of local and global thought leaders participating in the #BCTECH Summit continues to grow. Delegates will be inspired by keynotes including JB Straubel, CTO and Co-founder of Tesla Motors; Beth Smith, GM of Watson Technology, IBM; and Shahrzad Rafati of BroadbandTV – to name only a few.
How are Tesla's renewal energy solutions driving us towards a cleaner, brighter, more sustainable world for future generations? How do artificial intelligence and quantum have the potential to augment our traditional sectors? Such thought-provoking topics and so much more will be front and centre at this year's #BCTECH Summit.
Hosted by the BC Innovation Council and the Government of B.C., the #BCTECH Summit is two days of important conversation and revelations around how tech is redefining the way we work and play, and is providing critical solutions to major industry challenges.
"IBM is proud to sponsor the #BCTECH Summit and support this investment in the province's technology sector," said Pat Horgan, VP Manufacturing, Development and Operations, IBM Canada. "IBM is introducing advanced cognitive and cloud technologies in pivotal industries in B.C. and across Canada, including healthcare, financial services, and natural resources. Our strategic focus on innovation enables researchers, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and businesses to cultivate and extract data insights that foster greater discoveries, lead to better decisions, and drive economic growth."
B.C.'s tech sector is growing at a faster rate than the provincial economy, employing more than 92,700 people at wages 75% higher than the average province-wide. It is transforming every part of our lives - from the way we conduct business in today's global marketplace to how traditional industries, including forestry and mining, conduct operations. The #BCTECH Summit will showcase the movement of technology into these industries, driving growth and making them more competitive, adaptable and efficient.
"#BCTECH Summit attendees will have the opportunity to hear from highly successful and influential tech industry leaders with valuable insights into their successes in the tech marketplace," said Honourable Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services. "The Summit will provide opportunities for investors and business owners, and showcase career opportunities and tech training for students so they can enter B.C.'s vibrant tech industry ready to fill in-demand jobs."
"We're absolutely thrilled about this year's #BCTECH Summit, which will feature over 200 high-caliber speakers," said Carl Anderson, President & CEO, BC Innovation Council. "It's no wonder that we're attracting attention from around the world to attend B.C.'s biggest tech event."
The two-day #BCTECH Summit, with Microsoft returning as title sponsor, will offer opportunities for businesses to accelerate and grow, facilitating connections to new markets, capital and talent.
The Investment Showcase, an exclusive deal-flow event will put 40 B.C. companies on stage to pitch to local and international investors. Separately, #BCTECH Summit B2B Meetings will connect innovative B.C.-based technology solution providers with technology buyers, innovation scouts and government procurement specialists to explore partnerships and growth opportunities. Applications are now open for companies interested in participating in these growth opportunities.
The #BCTECH Summit takes place on March 14-15, 2017 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. To learn more about the lineup of speakers and the agenda, B2B meetings or the Investment Showcase, visit bctechsummit.ca. Early Bird tickets are available for $599 until January 31, 2017.
About the #BCTECH Summit
The #BCTECH Summit is brought to you by the Government of British Columbia, in collaboration with the BC Innovation Council, a Crown agency of the Province of B.C. As the largest technology conference in British Columbia, the two-day event showcases B.C.'s vibrant technology industry, builds cross-sector opportunities for businesses and explores the latest ideas and innovations fueling our economy. Learn more at bctechsummit.ca.
About the BC Innovation Council
The BC Innovation Council accelerates the growth and success of B.C. companies by providing resources and market opportunities for applied innovations that solve challenges and drive competitiveness in B.C. industries. Through the annual #BCTECH Summit and support of the B.C. Government's #BCTECH Strategy, BCIC is fostering the growth of competitive companies that generate revenue, produce high-paying skilled jobs and drive economic development in B.C.
About the Government of B.C.
The #BCTECH Summit is an initiative of the B.C. government's #BCTECH Strategy, which is a key component of the BC Jobs Plan to support the growth of B.C.'s vibrant technology sector and strengthen B.C's diverse innovation economy. The multi-year strategy includes a $100-million BC Tech Fund and initiatives to increase talent development and market access for tech companies that will drive innovation and productivity throughout the province.
SOURCE BC Innovation Council
Media Contacts: Lindsay Chan, Director, #BCTECH Summit, BC Innovation Council, 604-602-5214 or 604-551-9068, [email protected]; Joanne Whittier, Government Communications and Public Engagement, Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services, 250-893-5650, [email protected]
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