Innovate BC announces #BCTECHSummit 2019 Keynote Speakers Eric O'Neill and Tan Le
Western Canada's largest annual innovation event to spotlight the Reality Revolution
VANCOUVER, Nov. 5, 2018 /CNW/ - Innovate BC and the B.C. government today announced Eric O'Neill and Tan Le as keynote speakers for the 4th annual #BCTECHSummit, March 11-13, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia. With the theme of the Reality Revolution, the 2019 #BCTECHSummit invites speakers and delegates to explore and discover how we can use emerging technologies—from AI to robotics, quantum to cleantech, blockchain to AR/VR—to solve the biggest challenges facing B.C. and the world.
Eric O'Neill is an attorney, former FBI counterterrorism and counterintelligence operative, cybersecurity expert, and was the inspiration for the film, Breach. In 2001, Eric helped capture the most notorious spy in United States history, Robert Phillip Hanssen. O'Neill is at the forefront of cybersecurity and will share insights into how people and organizations can take advantage of an era of big data and innovation, while protecting themselves from the security vulnerabilities of a digitally, interconnected world.
Tan Le is an entrepreneur, inventor and CEO of Emotiv, a cutting-edge brain research company. Le has created technology that enabled a quadriplegic man to drive a Formula One car, using only his brain waves. For her achievements, Le has been recognized by Fast Company, Forbes and the World Economic Forum. Le will share her unique story, from refugee to tech and innovation leader, and she will demonstrate how advances in technology can fundamentally improve people's lives here in B.C. and around the world.
"The #BCTECHSummit is an extraordinary event that will showcase the best of technology and innovation in our province and around the world," said Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology. "This year's summit will show why B.C. is such an exciting place for cutting-edge tech, and will give participants a unique opportunity to connect with innovators, thought-leaders and companies that are developing emerging technology here in B.C. and at a global level."
The #BCTECHSummit brings together an unparalleled mix of technology leaders, industry executives, investors, senior government officials, researchers and students to connect and share insights, experiences and opportunities. With Super Early Bird tickets already sold-out, the conference's fourth edition is once again set to highlight the transformations technology is driving across all industries and its impact on how we work, live and play.
Additional speakers announced today include: John Horgan, Premier of British Columbia, Shirley Vickers, President & CEO of Innovate BC, and Dr. Alan Winter, B.C.'s Innovation Commissioner.
"We are absolutely thrilled by the incredible demand we're seeing to get involved in this year's event," said Shirley Vickers, President & CEO, Innovate BC. "Businesses are recognizing that technology is everywhere and revolutionizing every part of our economy—so this year's program will empower conference attendees to discover and learn how emerging technologies can be harnessed to solve global problems, benefit British Columbians in all regions of our province, and enable the industries and jobs of the future."
The Summit features global corporations from diverse sectors, content that transcends industries and new opportunities to connect, explore and learn. 2019 delegates can look forward to:
- High quality content through Masterclasses (new), hyper-focused sessions where experts share rare insights into business strategies and successes.
- Hands-on learning in Workshops (new), micro-courses with learning outcomes and practical takeaways.
- Investment opportunities through the Investment Showcase, giving investors the chance to meet with the rising stars of B.C.'s tech industry.
- Innovation Challenges (new) where industry and government will pitch their business problems to B.C.'s brightest technology solution providers and researchers.
- The largest showcase of innovation and game-changing technologies in the Marketplace, Ignite Alley and Startup Village.
- Youth Innovation Day will bring 1,000 Gr. 10-12 high school students from across B.C. to the event to explore careers in tech, interactive experiences, hands-on workshops and local, breakthrough technology.
Early bird tickets to the #BCTECHSummit are currently available for $699. To purchase tickets, or for more information about the event, visit bctechsummit.ca.
About #BCTECHSummit
Hosted by the B.C. government and Innovate BC, the #BCTECHSummit is Western Canada's largest annual innovation event. The #BCTECHSummit showcases B.C.'s vibrant technology industry, builds cross-sector and cross-border opportunities for businesses and explores the latest ideas and innovations solving challenges and fueling the global economy. Every year, the #BCTECHSummit brings together an unparalleled mix of technology leaders, industry executives, investors, senior government officials, researchers and students to connect and share insights, experiences and opportunities. Learn more: bctechsummit.ca.
About Innovate BC
Innovate BC is a one stop service centre to connect innovators — large and small — with B.C. government funding, tools, resources and support. Innovate BC programs and initiatives serve and celebrate innovation in British Columbia, helping our industries grow, while ensuring the benefits of our thriving technology sector are felt by people in all regions of our province. Innovate BC is a Crown Agency of the Province of B.C. Learn more: innovatebc.ca.
SOURCE Innovate BC
Media Contact: Jamil A. Karim, Marketing + Communications Manager, Innovate BC, [email protected], 604 602 5248
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