This year’s Annual Partner Summit at Hub350 brought together the innovative minds behind Kanata North’s success to celebrate achievements and strategize on answering the evolving challenges and opportunities within Canada’s largest tech park.
Behind the success of the event lie the Partners. Standing on the pillars of industry, academia, government, investment, 5G, and media, each partner plays an essential role in this ecosystem from driving economic development, to advancing technological research, and supporting sustainable growth. The event is not just about networking: it’s an event for building partnerships that fuel growth, foster resilience, and transform Kanata North into a global tech hub.
The Power of Partnership
As attendees filled the room, the day opened with remarks from some of Kanata North’s most influential figures. The Honorable Jenna Sudds, Sir Terry Matthews, City Councilor Cathy Curry, and a message from Mayor Mark Sutcliffe set the tone for the day. “Since the inception of the [Kanata North] Business Association in 2013, look at how much growth we’ve seen in the technology community. The profile of not only the park but the businesses within it has been elevated to a level of awareness that did not exist prior to having that collective voice”, shared Jenna Sudds, founder and former Executive Director of the KNBA.
“We’re at the beginning of the right time for the next generation.”
Sir Terry Matthews has always spotlighted the power of correct timing, noting that the park is at a pivotal moment. “This tech park has grown over many years. Some of the biggest companies in the world are here. Now, we’re at the beginning of the right time for the next generation.”
Insights on the Future: Tech Trends in Canada
The day’s keynote address, delivered by Duncan Stewart of Deloitte, highlighted the transformative tech trends shaping Canada’s future. Stewart captivated the audience with insights on the major trends defining 2024, from the surge of Generative AI to the push for sustainability, and the power of telecom and media, along with a special preview of the coming year.
Post-Secondary Institution Showcase
This year’s Summit featured an engaging Post-Secondary Institution (PSI) showcase, highlighting the valuable contributions of Algonquin College, Carleton University, and the University of Ottawa to the Kanata North ecosystem. From keeping a pulse on future needs to ensure that talent demands are met, preparing students for the professional world through co-op programs, to conducting research that propels industry, and forming key partnerships with businesses to power their research needs.
Algonquin College’s booth highlighted its commitment to hands-on learning and research. Their representatives showcased the college’s focus on corporate training and experiential learning, emphasizing programs that prepare students for real-world challenges in the tech sector.
The University of Ottawa’s team emphasized their role in driving impact within Canada’s largest tech park. Their display celebrated the success of co-op programs, connecting students with businesses in Kanata North.
Carleton University also made a strong impression with its commitment to research and education, while students from their Music program provided a live trio performance that filled their space at 350 Legget with smooth jazz classics. One of their students was also showcasing a new instrument, designed to be usable for musicians with disabilities.
This showcase was a testament to how these institutions are vital to Kanata North’s success: bonds between industry and academia aren’t nice to have, but rather crucial to innovation.
Building an Innovation Economy Through Collaboration
A highlight of the day was a panel on fostering collaboration to build an innovation economy, moderated by Adnan Ali from Deloitte. Industry leaders discussed the unique role that Kanata North plays as a Special Economic District, with Councillor Cathy Curry noting, “all of you have your heads down making amazing technology. At the city, we’re working on what can we do to make that possible. We changed the permits in Kanata North so it will be easier to do new, innovative things.”
“We changed the permits in Kanata North so it will be easier to do new, innovative things.”
Panelists explored how creative solutions could overcome strategic challenges, including government-academia-industry partnerships. From addressing commercialization challenges to nurturing sustainable growth, the panel gave attendees much to consider about each organization’s role in strengthening the innovation economy.
Afternoon Insight: Ask the Expert
Returning after lunch, the “Ask the Expert” panel, moderated by Dr. Lindy Ledohowski of RBCx, tackled emerging issues in AI, cybersecurity, and data privacy. The audience was engaged, with concerns being brought forward around data that was going back to other countries through TikTok, with some wondering ‘was kicking them out just a PR move?’
John Rikhtegar from RBCx shifted the conversation to talent acquisition challenges, particularly for international students. The discussion encompassed the idea that international students disproportionately enter Canadian STEM programs, but may not stay in Canada after graduation. The audience asked, “could new policy changes cause challenges in attracting and keeping talent in our park?” To stay competitive and keep talent in Kanata North, we must cultivate a skilled, diverse workforce, with the policy and infrastructure to support the application of their talents.
Powering the Next Generation of Tech Parks
The day’s final panel, “Building the Next Generation of Tech Parks,” was moderated by the KNBA’s own Executive Director, Kelly Daize. The panel discussed the transformation of Kanata North into an innovation district that sets the bar for sustainability and resiliency. Terry Young from KRP Properties shared that their company is constantly addressing the need for a circular economy, posing the question, “how do we not recycle, but reuse?”
“How do we not recycle but reuse?”
Panelist Daniel Byrne from main + main focused on the importance of building energy efficient infrastructure, noting, “our projects are substantially more energy-efficient than building code requires. We look at three components: the r-value of the builds, the airtightness of the building, and the efficiency of the building systems that you put in.”
A Community that Thrives Together
The day closed with a wine and cheese networking session, where partners reconnected and developed new relationships, sharing their visions for the future of Kanata North. It was a fitting end to a day that showcased the power of partnership in driving growth and resilience.
Partner with Hub350
For those who want to contribute to Kanata North’s dynamic community, now is the perfect time to become a partner. Reach out to Jessica Roedig at Hub350 to learn more about how you can help build the future of Canada’s largest tech park. As each year’s summit builds on the last, new voices and ideas are always welcome in this collective journey towards an innovative future.
By Ethan McHugh, Kanata North Business Association
Photos by Sarah Bradley, ishootevents
Contact Jessica Roedig at jessica.roedig@kanatanorthba.ca.
