Tech Talk 2024: Building Together, Creating a Connected Community

TECH TALK

BUILDING TOGETHER: CREATING A CONNECTED COMMUNITY

Embracing a New Era of Innovation for Kanata North

I am thrilled and honored to step into the role of Executive Director at the Kanata North Business Association, (KNBA) and represent the members of Canada’s largest technology park. The KNBA was formed in 2013 to represent, advocate for, and support the interests of our over 540 member companies while promoting the region as the best place to work and grow a business. As I embark on this journey, I am filled with enthusiasm for the immense potential and transformative opportunities that lie ahead.

Our focus remains on delivering exceptional value to our members and partners. Over the last year the team at the KNBA has organized numerous roundtables and announcements including the recent Minister Champagne and Minister Sudds industry consultation for the new AI fund. The Hub350 space including the Ross Video Media Lab attracted over 10,300 visitors and supported over 100 events. The Discover Technata Job Fair has continued to support our tech sector talent attraction with over 4,000 registrants and 30 exhibitors. We also held our 3rd annual Hackathon and the challenge statement provided by the Ottawa Climate and Action Fund was looking at the opportunity for the Kanata Research Park to be a Clean Energy Resilience District.

The KNBA and our members are also actively working with the City of Ottawa on the planning around our designation as a Special Economic District and the transportation needs for the park. Most recently, a new project with Transport Canada was revealed that will use an automated shuttle to move people around the park.

The KNBA will continue to evolve as our community evolves, ensuring that we are nimble and responsive to the needs of our members and partners. Innovation is defined as the process of bringing about new ideas or solutions that have a significant positive impact and value. It involves transformation and change and the realization that things can always be improved. For decades, Kanata North represented by KNBA has been the engine of Ottawa’s tech sector. It has been attracting and retaining the companies and talent from around the world. Our vision extends beyond being a hub for technological advancement; we are committed to creating a dynamic and integrated environment where people can both live and work. The prospect of building a vibrant, mixed-use community within the tech park is truly inspiring.

This is a time of change, modernization and growth for the KNBA, and the City of Ottawa’s recognition of Kanata North as a Special Economic District has set the stage to support the future of our innovation ecosystem. With the announcements of new mixed-use residential and commercial towers coming into the park, our evolution continues. In a future of unprecedented growth, with new residential and commercial developments underway, Kanata will require infrastructure development to support its

‘live, work, play, learn, innovate’ motto. Increased transportation, recreational spaces, and moving towards net-zero carbon emissions, energy-efficient buildings and energy resilience is another huge vision for the park. If done correctly creating a holistic “live, work, play, learn” environment and fostering a collaborative, innovative community, Kanata North is poised to become a beacon of technological and economic success in Canada and beyond.

Over the last few years, one area of collaboration that has flourished is with our post-secondary partners across the country. Not only do they provide amazing new grads, co-ops, and collaborative research opportunities to our companies, but they also are providing training for students and business happening right here in the park. By combining the strength of the post-secondary R&D and talent opportunities directly with our members, we provide a true culture of innovation.

I would be remiss not to thank the amazing leaders that have come before me and formed the foundation of the KNBA and Hub350. Thank you to member companies and partners who have enabled us to represent you and advance our mandate. I hope that you enjoy this magazine and hearing from some of the amazing champions that have truly made Kanata North, home of Canada’s largest tech park, the best place to live, work, play and innovate.

The future is bright, and I am excited to be a part of this incredible journey. There has never been a more exciting future in the history of Canada’s largest technology park.

A MESSAGE FROM KELLY DAIZE

Next-Generation Technologies Shaping the Future of Kanata North Tech Park

BY TERRY MATTHEWS, CHAIRMAN, WESLEY CLOVER INTERNATIONAL

Canada’s largest technology hub, the Kanata North Tech Park, is home to over 500 tech companies with a deep history in communications and networking technologies. As we look toward the future, three rapidly advancing technologies - Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things

(IoT), and edge computing - are poised to help drive Kanata North and Canada into a new era of growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. It may surprise many to know that technology widely developed for the communications industry, such as photonics used in optical networking, is critical technology that brings things like AI enabled chips from companies like NVIDIA to life.

I am proud to be associated with the technology and business in Kanata North. Kanata North companies have been leaders in optical networking, including: Cambrian Technologies, and now Ciena, Nokia, Ericsson, and others, as well as cloud-based real time communications with Mitel, who developed the first real-time cloud-communications technology.

GAME CHANGERS: AI, IOT, AND EDGE COMPUTING

In my years in the tech industry, I’ve seen trends come and go, and I’ve been lucky and successful enough in catching several tech waves. However, AI, IoT, and edge computing stand out as transformative technologies with immense potential to reshape the Canadian tech landscape. The ability of AI to analyze large datasets, recognize patterns, and make decisions is revolutionizing various sectors, including healthcare and finance. IoT connects devices to the internet, allowing real-time data collection and communication. When combined with edge computing—which processes data closer to its source—these technologies significantly reduce latency and improve real-time decision-making.

A Wesley Clover investment in this space is Edge Signal, a Kanata Northbased company providing an edge computing platform to simplify the management and operation of edge infrastructure. Their platform enables companies to develop and operate edge applications efficiently and securely, offering seamless integration with IoT and cloud systems. The technology is already being adopted in some large global entities.

DRIVING GROWTH AND INNOVATION

For Kanata North, AI, IoT, and edge computing are not mere trends but critical drivers of economic growth and global leadership. Companies like Solink, known for its video management solutions, and others are leveraging AI and IoT to create smart technologies that optimize operations and unlock new business opportunities.

Telecommunications firms in the Park, along with companies like Martello, are using AI to enhance network performance and manage traffic efficiently. IoT ensures continuous connectivity across edge computing environments, resulting in predictive maintenance, reduced downtime, and cost savings. This creates a robust ecosystem where these technologies generate new business opportunities across various industries worldwide.

AI and IoT are also instrumental in the development of smart cities, a key

focus for many Kanata North companies. Through IoT sensors and AI-driven analytics, these firms are creating intelligent infrastructures that improve urban living. From efficient traffic management to responsive public services, these technologies are making cities more sustainable and livable.

In healthcare, companies in Kanata North are developing AI-enabled medical devices, such as Celestra Health Systems, that offer real-time health monitoring. AI algorithms analyze patient data to predict outcomes and recommend personalized treatments. This convergence of AI and IoT is enhancing patient care and advancing medical research, paving the way for groundbreaking healthcare solutions.

STRENGTHENING THE ECOSYSTEM

The integration of AI, IoT, and edge computing in Kanata North is transforming individual companies and strengthening the entire ecosystem. Collaboration between businesses, academic institutions, and government bodies is leading to innovative solutions that address real-world challenges. The Park’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation ensures that emerging technologies are continuously refined to meet evolving industry needs.

Moreover, the presence of these technologies is attracting global talent and

investment. As they advance, the demand for skilled professionals grows, making Kanata North a magnet for top talent and helping maintain a competitive edge on the global stage.

Supported by government investment, these advancements place Kanata North at the forefront of technological leadership.

The new AI funding of $2.4B recently announced from the Federal government will be right on time for AI development. Plus, a new $250M fund for the FABrIC program with CMC Microsystems will help with the development of new semiconductor devices, in particular compound semiconductor devices for IoT solutions.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

Looking ahead, the impact of AI, IoT, and edge computing on the Kanata North Tech Park will deepen. As these technologies mature, they will unlock new possibilities, from autonomous vehicles and advanced manufacturing to enhanced customer experiences. Our ongoing commitment to supporting, funding, and collaborating around these technologies will ensure Kanata North remains at the forefront of technological innovation, solidifying Canada’s leadership in the global tech landscape.

A LOOK AT THE PAST DECADE OF CANADIAN VENTURE CAPITAL FUNDRAISING -  DISRUPTION TO OPTIMISM FOR VC FUNDS

Local ecosystems need a healthy amount of VC capital to drive the growth of innovative companies like the incredible KNBA members and growing technology companies within the Wesley Clover portfolio. It’s common knowledge that not every startup progresses from seed stage to Series A, and even fewer will raise subsequent rounds and eventually exit. A recent analysis on the past decade of VC fundraising by RBCx indicates that similar graduation dynamics also exist at the investor level.

“As both founders and investors progress on building their companies, whether that be a company with a product or a portfolio of investments, eventually dispersion will show and the very best will pull away from the pack,” says John Rikhtegar, Director Capital at RBCx who presented the analysis at this year’s StartupFest in Montreal.

Like the startups they invest in, not all VC firms will last the long-term. Many firms that successfully raise their inaugural fund (called Fund I) do not raise subsequent funds. Consider that over the past decade, only half of Fund Is were able to raise a second fund (Fund IIs), and only 50 per cent of Fund IIs raised a Fund III. To graduate from “emerging” to “established” funds, firms typically must raise four funds, however, the probability of an emerging fund becoming an established name (Funds IV+) was a mere 16.2 per cent over the past 10 years.

While this may seem somewhat alarming, Rikhtegar’s analysis, using RBCx proprietary data and publicly available information, shows these trends are actually indicative of a maturing ecosystem on the cusp of a new era of opportunity.

Despite their hurdles, the asset class enjoyed steady momentum across all stages over most of the past decade when the Canadian venture ecosystem flourished alongside a bull market, swelling investor confidence – similar to global trends across the venture markets. Canadian venture capital funds went from raising $0.9 billion in 2013 to $3.9 billion in 2020 then peaking in 2022 at $7.4 billion before VC funding plummeted when the Bank of Canada raised interest rates and ended qualitative easing. In 2023, the amount of capital raised by Canadian VCs dropped by 76 per cent from the year prior. But not all VCs experienced the 2023 capital flight equally.

Emerging firms were hit hardest when the economy soured and limited partners (LPs) shifted to more established names. In 2023, only one per cent of all VC capital raised in Canada went to Fund Is – a sharp decline from 2013 when more than half of all VC capital raised went to Fund Is. This year, emerging funds are on track to have the lowest volume of Fund I and Fund II raises over the last decade.

Since Canadian VCs often raise a new fund every three to four years, many funds that last closed during the peak years of 2021 and the first half of 2022 will soon embark on raising their next fund. While challenging economic conditions make it even more difficult to raise capital in this environment, Rikhtegar sees reason for optimism. Those startups that endured the economic downturn by focusing on capital efficiency and key priorities are now well-positioned for the next venture cycle, offering huge opportunities for both emerging and established funds.

“In fact, with less relative capital being allocated, the past two and next two years represent one of the most opportunistic periods to invest in venture capital that we have seen in over a decade, “says Rikhtegar. “As capital will be concentrated in the very best founders – and investors.”

RBCx provides specialized financial products and professional services to high growth technology companies and investment firms in North America. We serve the unique needs of founders and investors in the Ottawa region and across the country by connecting them to the right people, ideas, and financial solutions. To learn more, visit rbcx.com

JOHN RIKHTEGAR, DIRECTOR, RBCx CAPITAL

TELUS PARTNERS WITH ONTARIO’S GEOTAB TO DRIVE FLEET EFFICIENCY AND REACH ESG GOALS

WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE FLEETS MORE EFFICIENT

Millions of people depend on TELUS to deliver reliable, high-speed telecommunications services everyday. With more than 4,000 service vehicles across North America, TELUS sought a trusted and secure fleet management solution that aligned not only with its business goals, but also its ambitious sustainability goals. Discover how TELUS improves productivity, reduces fuel consumption, enhances driver safety, complies with regulations, and supports important sustainability goals through data-empowered technology.

THE CHALLENGE

In an effort to simplify fleet management, TELUS leverages its global-leading technology to drive positive change and enable truly remarkable outcomes—however, efficiency is not the only consideration factor.

As a social capital organization, TELUS sets ambitious sustainability goals such as achieving net carbon-neutral operations, reducing 46% of fleet greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, and to have 100% of electricity requirements effectively procured from renewable or low-emitting sources by 2025. To achieve these

goals, TELUS needed a fleet management solution dedicated to continued delivery of high-quality, uninterrupted service to customers, while maintaining support for TELUS’ many sustainability initiatives.

THE SOLUTION

TELUS partnered with Geotab to utilize its innovative telematics platform, enhanced security, and data-driven analytics. Geotab processes over 55 billion data points a day, identifying patterns in the data to help customers extract valuable insights. Through the use of accurate and comprehensive data provided by this solution, TELUS is able to validate decision-making, support compliance with government regulations, and align with its overall social purpose.

“We’re aligned on our overall values which makes it really easy and enjoyable to work with Geotab. They have a smart team who are always willing to help, and we appreciate the strong partnership.”

Leandro Giordano, Fleet Strategy and Operations Manager, TELUS Business

TELUS began implementing Geotab technology in 2018 and today 85% of its fleet runs on the platform. Telematics data helps assess overall fuel efficiency and identify opportunities for reductions in fuel consumption and emissions.

LOOKING TOWARD A GREENER FUTURE

Vehicles remain the number one source of carbon emissions worldwide—idling wastes money and natural resources. Not only does idling damage vehicles, it increases operational costs and produces emissions that contribute to climate change. To support TELUS’ sustainability agenda, the company uses Geotab data to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-engine idling programs in its fleet.

TELUS is now piloting the adoption of electric power take off (PTO), through the use of electric motors, powered battery packs. These motors are now powering their bucket truck hydraulic pumps used to operate the boom, eliminating the need to idle the vehicles or run gasoline-powered onboard generators. In addition to this, TELUS is also leveraging Geotab’s fleet industry trends dashboard to identify realistic idling targets by benchmarking against vehicles with similar vocation or by city size.

By using Geotab’s technology, TELUS is able to measure and optimize its fleet operations and reduce its environmental impact. Telematics data validates business decisions by enabling the company to understand true fuel utilization, identify under-used vehicles, and justify the transition to electric vehicles. Fuel costs alone consume upwards of 39% of an organization’s fleet budget. Data-driven solutions to reduce fuel consumption save organizations money while positively impacting the environment.

For TELUS, monitoring and optimizing fuel consumption not only improves the bottom line, it also supports its sustain-

ability goals. By implementing this technology, TELUS has gained insights into daily usage and costs at the vehicle level, including the ability to predict mileage use resulting in more than 10% improvement in fuel economy, and allows TELUS to predict mileage use and future vehicle replacement needs.

Telematics data is consistent, comprehensive, and efficient, helping TELUS better understand its fleet and its usage— providing more accurate data compared to self-reported readings. Analyzing GPS data has helped TELUS to better understand overall usage and identify which vehicles offer the most value across its fleet. Through this analysis, 50 under-utilized vehicles were identified and ultimately sold.

PUTTING SAFETY AT THE FOREFRONT

End-to-end visibility has simplified and optimized fleet management for TELUS. Using Geotab’s Geofencing feature, TELUS measures turnaround times for each province, identifies vehicles delayed in transit, and provides delivery status updates to the field. Accurate and real-time fleet data also provides peace of mind for both management and drivers. If a roadside incident occurs, the vehicle is easily located and can be tracked on a map to ensure both the driver and vehicle’s safe return.

HITTING THE GROUND RUNNING

Geotab’s easy platform implementation and seamless OEM integration enabled TELUS to add the technology to its vehicles and get the system up and running without pausing operations for formal training. Communications to fleet managers along with a few links to Geotab videos proved sufficient to get fleet managers using the platform quickly and easily.

IMPACTS AT A GLANCE

• 85% of TELUS fleet deployed on the Geotab platform

• 50 under-utilized vehicles identified by GPS data

• 10% improvement in fuel economy since 2019

“Installation

of Geotab devices was a breeze. The technology is flexible, integrates with OEMs using the vehicle’s built-in modem, and can scale easily to different fleet sizes. We’re now on dedicated Geotab GO devices,

and are taking advantage of an incredible amount of data and insights to help us achieve our sustainability and business goals.”

Leandro Giordano, Fleet Strategy and Operations Manager, TELUS Business

Geotab’s telematics solution enabled TELUS to reach its business goals while continuing to work towards its ambitious sustainability goals. Reliable and accurate data has given TELUS visibility on true fuel economy at the vehicle level. This insight incorporates vehicle up-fitting and driving patterns, and helps optimize vehicle replacement strategies. Accurate data has led to game-changing insights from day one, and operational efficiencies are yielding cost savings across the board.

• 10% reduction in costs per kilometre (excluding fuel) by replacing inefficient vehicles

• $0 spent on training time or resources for the Geotab platform

BUILDING INDUSTRY ECOSYSTEMS: THE POWER OF PARTNERING WITH ALGONQUIN COLLEGE

At Algonquin College, our mission is to transform hopes and dreams into lifelong success. This mission is achieved through strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with industry leaders. These collaborations build an ecosystem that drives innovation, attracts top-tier talent, and strengthens businesses.

By partnering with Algonquin College, companies access industry-ready graduates, cutting-edge research, and flexible professional development that supports the future of their business. Additionally, corporate contributions through the Office of Advancement and Strategy—such as equipment donations and financial support—enhance student learning and research.

A prime example is the long-standing partnership between Nokia and Algonquin College, which has flourished in recent years.

CO-OP WORK TERMS: DEVELOPING TALENT

The partnership between Algonquin College’s Co-op and Career Centre and Nokia continues to grow each year. Nokia has become a top private-sector employer for co-op students, offering valuable work experience across disciplines. Last year alone, Nokia offered 46 co-op work terms to students from programs like Computer Programming, Networking, and Mechanical Engineering Technology.

Nokia’s commitment to early talent development is evident in the high transition rate from co-op to full-time employment, with more students from Algonquin College making this transition than from any other institution. Beyond co-op work terms, Nokia engages through Career Fairs and research showcases.

CORPORATE TRAINING: UPSKILLING THE WORKFORCE

Corporate training at Algonquin College is customized to meet the needs of industry partners like Nokia, helping upskill employees in emerging technologies, leadership, and other critical areas. These programs keep teams competitive in fast-evolving sectors while fostering continuous learning and innovation.

Nokia collaborated with the College to develop and deliver specialized training in Business Analysis, UX Design, UX Research, and UX Strategy, providing Nokia employees with essential skills to remain industry leaders in user experience and business analysis.

CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS: ENHANCING STUDENT LEARNING

Corporate contributions through the Office of Advancement and Strategy significantly enhance the student learning experience. Donations like equipment, financial support, and in-kind resources from companies such as Nokia provide students with hands-on training using real-world tools and technologies.

A recent example is Nokia’s donation of carrier-grade routers for the Woodroffe Campus Networking Lab. Previously, students could only interact with virtual versions of this equipment. Now, with direct access to cutting-edge technology, they are better prepared to be workforce-ready on day one.

These contributions benefit both students and companies. Graduates enter the job market with the necessary skills, and businesses like Nokia gain talent already trained on industry-standard tools.

PROGRAM COLLABORATION: PREPARING GRADUATES FOR THE FUTURE OF INDUSTRY

Nokia plays a significant role in shaping Algonquin College’s curriculum. Regular communication and participation in Program Advisory Committees (PACs) ensure programs align with industry needs, preparing students for the workforce.

DARE6: PARTNERING FOR RECONCILIATION AND INNOVATION

A standout collaboration between Algonquin College and Nokia is the DARE6 initiative, based on Indigenous governance principles and focused on engaging Indigenous communities and cultures. Through this partnership, Nokia supports Truth and Reconciliation efforts while benefiting from innovative approaches blending traditional knowledge with modern technology.

As a DARE6 partner, Nokia joins a select group of organizations contributing to cultural education, community involvement, and corporate social responsibility. This partnership offers professional development, campus engagements, and strengthened relationships with Indigenous stakeholders, demonstrating both organizations’ commitment to diversity, reconciliation, and cultural awareness.

LOOKING AHEAD: A FUTURE OF PARTNERSHIP

Nokia’s long-standing partnership with Algonquin College is a powerful example of how industry-academia collaboration leads to mutual success. Through co-op work terms, applied research, corporate training, curriculum development, corporate contributions, and initiatives like DARE6, both organizations prepare students for tomorrow’s challenges while fueling innovation.

As we continue building partnerships with industry leaders like Nokia, the value of collaboration is clear: Algonquin College transforms hopes and dreams into lifelong success, and our partners gain access to top talent, innovation, and meaningful contributions to their industries.

LEARN MORE AND GET INVOLVED

To explore how your organization can benefit from partnering with Algonquin College, contact partnerships@algonquincollege.com.

UNLOCK POTENTIAL THROUGH INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS

Carleton University is bridging academia and industry through its presence in Kanata North’s Hub350, enhancing our research capabilities and creating impactful collaborations with the region’s dynamic technology sector. Whether through research partnerships, corporate social responsibility initiatives, or talent development programs, Carleton is fostering mutually beneficial relationships that drive progress and innovation.

DRIVING INNOVATION IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Our collaboration with Ross Video, a renewed integrated partnership launched last winter, drives innovation and talent development in robotics, digital media, and communications. This collaboration leverages Carleton’s research calibre in science and engineering to advance product design and development, using artificial intelligence and digital systems. Key facets of the partnership include:

• Expanding co-op and internship opportunities;

• Supporting Carleton’s Women in Engineering & IT Program; and

• Establishing the Ross Video Award for Indigenous Students.

By combining Carleton’s academic strength with Ross Video’s industry leadership, the partnership promises to develop significant advancements in the video and live event production sectors and enhance the future workforce.

“Carleton’s

WITH CARLETON UNIVERSITY

exceptional talent in science and engineering, coupled with their dedication to producing top-notch

graduates, makes them an ideal partner for Ross Video, said David Ross, chief executive officer of Ross Video. “We are confident that together we will push the boundaries of technology and advance the live event and video production industry.”

ENHANCING CYBERSECURITY MEASURES

Another groundbreaking initiative, Carleton’s partnership with General Dynamics, focuses on creating collaborative partnerships in cyber research at the Cyber Reference Lab. This lab represents a significant leap in our efforts to enhance cybersecurity measures through collective experiences. The innovative workspace allows students and researchers to work with industry professionals, tackling challenges from low-level operating systems to complex security protocols. The lab is a testament to Carleton’s commitment to creating environments where academic inquiry and industry needs intersect, preparing students to meet the evolving demands of the cybersecurity field.

ADVANCING 6G TECHNOLOGIES

One of Carleton’s top researchers, Dr. Halim Yanikomeroglu, attracts significant interest from industry leaders with his work

investigating 6G technology, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) including satellites and high-altitude platform stations (HAPS). He is part of IEEE leadership, helping influence regulations, policy, and development for 6G networks.

Dr. Yanikomeroglu offers innovative solutions for global connectivity and network reliability as he aims to revolutionize wireless communication with faster speeds and enhanced connectivity. His expertise has led to growing partnerships with local industries that are eager to drive forward emerging technologies.

EQUIPPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF TALENT

Carleton University is leading the way in cultivating the next generation of talent through cooperative education and work-integrated learning programs. Employers in the Kanata North Tech Park employ hundreds of highly skilled students each term, gaining fresh perspectives in fields like engineering, IT, and data analytics. Through initiatives like ACT to Employ, which provides paid experiential learning for students with disabilities, and the Women in Engineering and IT (WiE&IT) Program, designed to close the gender gap in STEM, Carleton is committed to shaping a more inclusive and innovative workforce.

Our commitment to the connection between education and industry is evident in our collaborations across sectors, including partnerships with Ericsson, Bruyere, and IBM. For organizations looking to support research advancements, our Director of Operations, Travis Flieler (travis.flieler@ carleton.ca), can help you facilitate a discussion on how to tap into early talent pipelines, address your corporate socially responsible goals, and partner with top researchers at Carleton University.

UOTTAWA KANATA NORTH CAMPUS

The Smart Connected Vehicle Innovation Centre (SCVIC), located on the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) Kanata North campus, stands out as a beacon of collaborative innovation in Canada’s largest tech park. Since being established in 2021, the SCVIC team has positioned itself as a leader in communications and computing research for connected and autonomous vehicles. In just three short years, the SCVIC has collaborated with over 14 Kanata North industry partners on numerous projects, enabled unique training experiences for students through research internships in the tech park, created a formal industry-guided training program, and generated immense overall impact through research and innovation initiatives.

SITE-CAV: SECURE, INTELLIGENT, AND TRUSTWORTHY ECOSYSTEM FOR CONNECTED AND AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES

Building on momentum of bringing various novel initiatives to the tech park, uOttawa, through its SCVIC, launched a provincially funded large-scale research project out of their Kanata North campus. This initiative known as SITE-CAV, led by Burak Kantarci, Professor with uOttawa’s Faculty of Engineering and Director of the SCVIC, aims to develop a Secure, Intelligent, and Trustworthy Ecosystem (SITE) for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CAV).

The support for the SITE-CAV project comes from the Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence (ORF-RE) program which supports research excellence in new leading-edge, transformative, industry-relevant, and internationally significant research, of strategic importance to Ontario. Total funding from the ORF-RE grant will see $1 million provided to support SITECAV which has a cumulative value of over $3.5 million across 4 years.

“Establishing this large collaboration represents a significant milestone for our research team in Kanata North and highlights the importance of our work,”

explained Professor Kantarci. “We are committed to driving meaningful advancements in technology that will benefit not only our students and academic community but also society at large.”

PARTNERSHIP AND COLLABORATION AT ITS CORE

At the heart of the SITE-CAV project is a dynamic collaboration between academia and industry. This multidisciplinary effort brings together experts from two additional Ontario universities and ten industry

partners, four of which are in the Kanata North tech park.

Importantly, this collaboration goes beyond pooling resources like the stateof-the-art indoor autonomous vehicle test track at the Kanata North campus, the uOttawa-IBM Cyber Range, and supporting technologies. Rather, it is centered on creating a synergy where the whole exceeds the sum of its parts.

Project partners will each contribute unique strengths to this large-scale initiative, including advanced research capabilities, practical industry experience, and innovative technological solutions. This collaborative approach ensures the project will benefit from diverse perspectives and expertise, fostering an environment where innovative ideas thrive, and impact is maximized.

Sean Geddes, the Director, innovation and partnerships with the uOttawa Kanata North campus emphasizes the importance of thinking big about industry collaborations and how partnerships are developed in the tech park, including the opportunities that come from partnering with uOttawa.

“The

SITE-CAV project is a testament to the

power of collaboration in driving innovation. By bringing together the best in academia and industry, the project can readily tackle complex industry relevant challenges and develop cutting-edge solutions for CAV technology while provide unique training environments for our graduate students. Through initiatives like SITECAV, uOttawa is showing in real time the transformative impact of collaborative research and development” says Geddes.

FOSTERING INNOVATION THROUGH A MULTIDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION

While centered on connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs), the SITECAV project delves into several critical research areas, with experts collaborating across various fields. A primary focus is on cybersecurity and cybersafety, where the team explores solutions to CAV vulnerabilities that will ultimately prevent malicious actors from hacking into complex automotive systems such as antilock braking or distance sensors. This investigation extends to working to address other cyber threats at the radio frequency, network, and software levels.

Ultrafast and reliable communications are a crucial part of the SITE-CAV project. The team is working to enhance real-time data processing, monitoring, and AI-driven decision-making, enabling vehicles to quickly respond to dangers like oncoming traffic or pedestrians crossing the street. This communication aspect is vital as CAVs increasingly interact with external technologies, including other CAVs, highway sensors, and smart infrastructure at intersections and railways. Recognizing that any disruption, slowdown, or security breach in communication could impact public safety, the SITE-CAV team also prioritizes cybersecurity in this project focus area.

Beyond the more technical aspects, the project also emphasizes human factors, exploring public perceptions and trust in CAVs to improve human-AI interaction and foster user trust. Interestingly, it will also address the legal and social implications of CAVs, tackling complex legal and ethical challenges, including researching the evolving landscape of algorithmic decision-making and ethical considerations that CAVs must act on in responding to real-life situations and the environment.

The SITE-CAV Project is scheduled to launch in January 2025.

KANATA NORTH’S EVOLUTION: CREATING A DYNAMIC MIXED-USE COMMUNITY

In October 2021, the City of Ottawa approved a new Official Plan that included significant changes for Kanata North. The plan aimed to transform the district from a traditional office park into a vibrant, mixed-use community. The vision is to transform a traditional suburban car-oriented business park started in the 1970s into a contemporary mixed-use community.

“We heard loud and clear that the City needed to integrate economic development into its new Official Plan. The logical place to start was to focus on one of the region’s main economic engines,” according to Steve Willis, the City’s former General Manager of Planning, Real Estate and Economic Development, and now a consultant with Stantec Consulting. “We had to think about Kanata North as an area competing with technology hubs around the world, and how planning policy could support it to evolve so that the area could continue to thrive, grow and attract the world’s best talent. We had to allow Kanata North to have its own set of rules since the area is unique in our region.”

The new plan introduced more zoning flexibility, introducing several forms of residential development, and additional height to allow for intensification. Inspired by the new strategic direction for the area, Main and Main, along with its partners Westdale and DIR, assembled a 14 acre property at the intersection of March Road and Terry Fox Drive.

Main and Main worked with local residents and stakeholders to develop an ambitious plan for the site, culminating in a successful rezoning of the lands in 2023. A team of design professionals, including SvN, Novatech and developed a project plan and vision organized around several guiding themes: high performance buildings; mixed-use programming; lively and intimate public spaces; and flexibility in planning.

At full build out, the project will include a mix of mid-rise and high rise residential buildings, a new public park and several smaller plazas and gathering places. The development will improve housing options for workers in the business park

and serve as a gathering place for area residents and visitors. A mix of dining options and neighbourhood conveniences will be programmed in the ground floor of many of the buildings. The plans for the site include the potential of adding post-secondary or other institutional uses to the site that complement the innovation theme of the business park and buildto-suit office sites will also be available. Opportunities to integrate the technology and innovation that the Kanata North is famous for continue to be explored with both the KNBA and other stakeholders.

A site plan application is underway for the first building on the site. Designs are underway for the 150 unit building rental building. The building, designed by local architect Barry Hobin, will incorporate ambitious energy efficiency standards and bring elegant design to Kanata North. Ground breaking for this first phase of construction is anticipated for late 2025 or early 2026.

MY KANATA LIFE WITH YUN YAO, CEO & CO-FOUNDER OF SORALINK

Montreal-based Soralink has an accelerator in Kanata and loves being a part of the tech park. As part of International Women’s Month, we sat down and spoke with Yun Yao, the company’s CEO and Co-Founder, who is also an accomplished musician.

Q: WHAT DO YOU DO AT SORALINK?

Yao: I’m the CEO and Co-Founder at Soralink. We help manufacturers to prevent and find downtime due to critical machine failure. We’ve built an IoT solution in predictive maintenance for the industrial sector.

Q: WHAT’S THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT YOUR ROLE?

Yao: Well, internally, being the CEO and co-founder, I get the freedom to decide where the company should go. I think that’s what I appreciate the most compared to being an employee, is this freedom to explore. It’s freedom to go meet people, and the freedom to steer the company in the direction you think is most beneficial, both for your customers and for your team.

Q: HOW CAN WE BE MORE INCLUSIVE IN THE TECH SECTOR?

Yao: When I was selecting a career, a university program to go into, I wanted to go into architecture. I was told, “Don’t go there. It’s mostly men. It’s going to be difficult. It’ll be hard. Nobody will listen to you. It’s all macho.” So that’s why I went to electrical engineering. Now, I’m back to this super male-dominant area. (laughs) The two sides of what I do is being the CEO of the company toward my team, as well as working with my customers. Let me talk about the side for the customers. In my career, I’ve been in different areas, from academia to as a software engineer. Now, as a provider in industrial maintenance.

For my customers, I think what helps is for them to accept better what I do. I would say, try to find a way to be credible. This is outside of just your appearance and your role.

For example, it could help to be more visible in the area that the customer may see you being active. From a customer’s perspective, they have very little time

to dedicate it to vetting the person who is selling them services. Let’s say, for example, we have an article in a business magazine. That actually helps because seeing us, the company, and seeing me elsewhere, it’s like ‘Oh, this is a legit person.’

I never think about being a woman as a factor. It doesn’t affect me. I can work

with men without problems. I do see a difference sometimes in the way I am treated. For example, if I go to a factory, they will let my male colleague work on the machines by himself. But for me, they always stay on my side to make sure that I’m secure. ‘Are you able to climb the stairs?’ (laughs)

What struck me, the nature of it, is I think manufacturing is super important for society. I want to bring technology into this space to help a society waste less, be more efficient, and just benefit from the latest technology advancements. I never thought about it being a male-dominant area. It just didn’t ever cross my mind, and it’s one of the things that doesn’t bother me that much.

Q: WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT KANATA?

Yao: It’s the proximity to the high-tech industry. The crowd, the community over there understands technology, appreciates high tech, and also the talent pool. People with amazing backgrounds, education, and talent are just concentrated in this area, which may seem unfair to other areas.

Q: HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?

Yao: When things are difficult – because difficult times happen to everybody –what helps me is going back to several encounters I had with my customers when they say, ‘Oh, thank you for taking care of my machines because I cannot do this. Please keep going. Please don’t let me down.’

People in this area, I would say in the manufacturing sector, are really straightforward, hard-working, straightforward people. It connects my values, my personal values as well. I think working hard is good.

Q: HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR FREE TIME?

Yao: I have been playing music since I was very young. I played different instruments. I always played piano before, and being in many choirs, singing choirs throughout university. I picked up cello only about seven years ago because I wanted to play in an orchestra.

The piano is a lonely instrument. You do it by yourself or you accompany someone. But in an orchestra, by default, you play with people.

The reason I chose cello is that the parts in the cello in the orchestra tend to be easier, for example, than the violin. (laughs). I could get in without being super good and still be part of amazing music.

Q: HOW DO YOU FIND THE TIME FOR THE ORCHESTRA ON TOP OF RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL TECH COMPANY?

Yao: I think if I don’t play music, I’ll just be wasting my time with my phone scrolling. This is quality time. I spend less time wasted.

You focus on something to improve yourself. And it could be frustrating because it’s not always easy to learn an instrument. But there is joy in seeing that you get better. I love that. How do I find

time? I find time by doing fewer activities that don’t bring real value to myself.

Q: WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR STUDENTS/RECENT GRADS LOOKING TO WORK IN THE TECH SECTOR?

Yao: I think something I told myself early on is don’t undermine yourself. You may achieve things that you thought were impossible before. But at the same time, stay grounded. Always go back to what motivates you at the start and why you do this.

“Trust yourself to be able to achieve something that may seem impossible.”

RECORD-BREAKING CAREER

FAIR CONNECTS KANATA NORTH TECH GIANTS WITH TOP TALENT

Some of Ontario’s smartest working professionals gathered together at the Brookstreet Hotel on April 9 for the 2024 Discover Technata Career Fair.

It was an opportunity for people of all ages to network with some of Kanata’s biggest tech companies who were looking for new talent to join their expanding teams. Busloads of students from Carleton University, uOttawa, and Algonquin College also took part in the event that included 30 exhibitors. The job fair drew a record-breaking 4,961 registrants and 2,278 attendees.

“Discover Technata is the KNBA’s signature event. Every year we pack the Brookstreet Hotel with thousands of registrants looking for their first career role, and the world-leading companies who attend each year come because of the outstanding talent produced by our four amazing postsecondary institutions right here in Ottawa,” said interim Kanata North Business Association executive director Guy Levesque.

“Even with the economic headwinds of the past 18 months, hiring remains strong in Canada’s largest technology park, and this is the place for the best talent to launch their professional journey,” he added. “There is no place quite like Kanata North in all of Canada where talent, technology and community converges so beautifully.”

That positive reaction was also felt on the floor of the event by attendees who were excited to network with some of Canada’s best and brightest professionals. Jobseeker Nicole Gitobu said she’s always been interested in the tech sector and was looking for a career in product marketing or as a marketing manager.

“As an Ottawa resident, I’ve known of Kanata and its technology hub, however this was an opportunity to learn more about the companies there up close and center at the various booths, and I loved that it was a centralized experience too,” she said.

Gitobu added she’s struggled to find stable employment, understanding the struggling market which is already saturated and filled with exceptional talent.

“Competition is higher, so I’m upskilling where I can to stay abreast of the competition,” said Gitobu. “I’m passionate about films and the film industry and in recent times, I’ve admired the way film/ streaming-related companies have created viewer experiences surrounding a film. So being a Marketing Manager at Prime Video, Netflix, Warner Bros Discovery, Apple TV, and so on — That’s something I’d love to do.”

MDA Space were the winners of the Best in Tech award, a prestigious honor that was voted on by KNBA’s Levesque, alongside Kanata city councilors Cathy Curry and Allan Hubley. They spoke with Warner Bros Discovery, Nanometrics Inc, and MDA Space about their major initiatives. The judges were won over by MDA Space’s futuristic setup and projects like low-orbit satellites, Canadarm 3, and MDA Aurora.

For Kanata Tech Park businesses, the day was about scoping new talent for their companies.

Fortinet, an exhibitor and brand-new partner of Hub350, said the event was an opportunity to get its name out to jobseekers who may not have heard about them before. The cyber security company specializes in products like firewalls and VPNs that protect against hackers.

“It’s really great getting to meet all of the talent and getting to know the people of Ottawa,” said Lauren MacGillivray, who works in the company’s Human Resources department. She said they have been hiring “lots of software developers and technical support engineers.”

MMist, a cargo delivery company that has made parachutes for military applications, wanted to show the world they are

ready for its vast technology. Chief Technology Officer Ken Edwards said they are looking to fill a variety of positions within their operations.

“We’ve been here for 20 years and we are looking to get our name out there a little more,” said Edwards. “We are meeting a wide array of people here today. It’s a great intersection of all the different types of engineering disciplines, product managers and tech types that we have here in Kanata.”

The event would not have been possible without its sponsors: Warner Bros Discovery, uOttawa, and Huawei. Anyone who is looking for a job in Kanata North is encouraged to visit the Discover Technata job board. From there you can check out the new Talent Network section to discover where you might be the best fit.

CELEBRATING BLACK FOUNDERS AND INNOVATORS IN KANATA NORTH

The important underlying theme of this year’s Celebrating Black Innovators, Founders and Leaders event was building a future with not for the Black community, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, equity, and inclusion.

Hosted at the Brookstreet Hotel, the gathering was more than a celebration; it was a call for collective action and empowerment within and beyond the Black community. The event was hosted by Invest Ottawa, Wesley Clover, the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce, and Kanata North Business Association as a special Black History Month event with, and for, our ecosystem in partnership with Ottawa Tourism, OCOBIA, and the Ottawa Board of Trade.

The day kicked off with a showcase of Black-owned businesses and artists. Attendees explored booths of all kinds, from art to science and tech to culinary delights. Notable exhibitors included Cooking with Karly, offering cooking classes for individuals with special needs, Chng Mker Innovation Hub, The Badést Events, Vilsaint Design, Uma’s Sweets, and Charm’s Handmade Chocolates, known for its screen-printed chocolates with authentic African prints. This showcase wasn’t just a display of products and services but a testament to the diversity and innovation within the Black community.

Solange Tuyishime Keita, who is an international speaker as well as CEO and founder of Elevate International, and a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, opened the event by highlighting the potential of increasing women’s representation in senior leadership roles, explaining that diversity at the top can lead to more equitable and inclusive organizations and societies.

The Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC) and the Ottawa CBCC Innovation Hub were spotlighted by Nikki Clarke, who emphasized the CBCC’s role as a national voice supporting Black business owners.

“Our intention is to be the national voice to support black business owners and help them scale and grow in a global market,” she said, underscoring the importance of community and collaboration in overcoming systemic barriers and achieving global market presence.

A panel discussion titled “Innovators at the Forefront: Pioneering Paths in Technology with Black Founders and Business Leaders” provided profound insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by Black innovators.

Moderated by Sue Odle, the panelists, who included Diane Watson of Nokia, Dominira Saul of DFFRNT.ca, Emma Todd of MMH Technology Group, and Shav Hasfal-McIntosh of Wealthsimple, shared their personal journeys and the significance of diversity. Their stories highlighted the critical role of early support from parents and communities in nurturing curiosity and resilience against systemic challenges.

“It’s not just about diversity. The equity and inclusion piece is a bit harder for people to understand. It’s not just about bringing people in, it’s about ensuring the experience is equitable,” said Hasfal-McIntosh.

This sentiment was echoed throughout the day, emphasizing that true innovation and impact comes from not only inviting diversity into the room but also ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute and succeed.

The day concluded with a panel discussion on “Empowering Main Street through Black Innovation, Leadership, and Creativity”, where Kevin Bourne shared his entrepreneurial journey and the opportunities he found in Ottawa.

“Ottawa is a place where you can have such an impact. It was such an important training ground for me. At the Critics Choice Awards, my colleague and I reflected – we started this at a dining table in Vanier. Diversity is everyone being at the same restaurant. Equity and inclusion means we can all afford the same meal.”

Also on the panel were Blessing Okundaye, the founder and CEO of Afrodeez Food and Education , Nikki Clarke, founder of the award-winning Nikki Clarke Show, a Global Speaker, and recipient of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women 2022. The panel reinforced the message that embracing one’s identity and leveraging community support can pave the way for groundbreaking achievements in business and beyond.

Building Our Future: Celebrating Black Innovators, Founders, and Leaders was a powerful demonstration of the talent, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit within the Black community. It reminded attendees that building with—not for— encompasses understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by Black professionals and entrepreneurs

RANOVUS PROVIDES LEADING EDGE CONNECTIVITY TO DATA CENTRES

Ranovus Inc. has mastered many difficult technology challenges to become a leading provider of optical interconnectivity solutions and co-packaged optics for artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) in data centre applications.

“We do it with a very innovative, and very power efficient and cost-effective technology,” says Hamid Arabzadeh, Ranovus’ chairman and chief executive officer. “We source a quantum dot laser from the Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre (CPFC) at the National Research Council Canada (NRC).”

The source of that technology is a multi-wavelength laser source single chip. “Think of each of these wavelengths as being lanes of a highway, and in a single fiber you can have many lanes. In each

lane you have cars that go at a very high speed. This allows you to put a lot of cars in that single fiber,” explains Arabzadeh.

Ranovus spent tens of millions of dollars in the NRC-CPFC facility to enable this technology to be advanced from a research phase and then sampled into something that could be production-ready, qualified and rolled out into the market, says Arabzadeh.

In 2018, Ranovus began examining the next generation of interconnect for inside the data centre that would be able to connect servers, GPUs, CPUs and memory together. The company also studied how to find a very power-efficient and cost-effective way of doing so. Instead of using traditional copper, they discovered this could be accomplished in fiber optics using optical technology.

Furthermore, interconnectivity using copper is reaching its limit, says Arabzadeh. “You cannot put multiple cars and multiple lanes on the copper highway, but on fiber, you can. So that’s what we got into,” he explains.

CPFC manufactures the Ranovus designed lasers. The wafers manufactured at the CPFC are sent to Europe to be diced into bars, coated, and then thinned, tested and brought back to Ranovus to complete the rest of the production.

The silicon photonics, designed by Ranovus, come from a foundry in New York State. “Once we get the wafers, we do the testing of all that at our facility and package it in our clean room in Kanata. So the product comes out of Ranovus. This is a made-in-Canada optical engine from Ranovus,” says Arabzadeh.

Ranovus, which sells globally, has just over 100 employees, with about 85 in Ot-

BY JEFF BUCKSTEIN

tawa and the rest in Nuremberg, Germany.

Arabzadeh expects the company to grow by about 25 percent over each of the next couple of years, primarily in the laser, silicon, photonics, high-speed electronics, digital circuit design, hardware design, firmware design, mechanical design, and advanced packages verticals.

He says Ranovus adds 10 to 12 people a semester by hiring from universities, primarily the University of Ottawa and Carleton, along with the University of British Columbia, McGill, McMaster, and the University of Waterloo.

“I think the biggest attribute locally is the critical mass of talent in Ottawa in this sector,” he says. “There are a lot of companies here, including chip companies, fabless semiconductors, photonics, and systems companies,” notes Arabzadeh.

Arabzadeh says a big challenge in the National Capital Region’s high-tech community is that there needs to be more large Canadian-owned companies. “The majority of the people are hired by multinationals. This is the foundational issue we have in our sector whereby we don’t have enough receptor Canadian-owned companies such that their IP resides in Canada.”

“We need to figure out how to create some more Nortels as opposed to branch offices of multinationals here,” he stresses.

Odin®8P ASIC dies beside a Canadian 25c coin.

ROSS VIDEO REVOLUTIONIZING OLYMPIC COVERAGE IN PARIS

Ottawa-based Ross Video played a pivotal role in the coverage of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, supporting the production of numerous events across the city.

The company’s spidercam team was instrumental in operating cable-cam systems at nine different venues throughout Paris. These aerial camera setups delivered dynamic shots for a wide array of Olympic sports, including rugby, track and field, diving, artistic swimming, gymnastics, basketball, skateboarding, BMX, volleyball, beach volleyball, swimming, water polo, handball, tennis, and boxing.

At the Olympic Stadium, Le Stade de France, located north of Paris, spidercam captured thrilling footage of rugby matches and track and field events. The system was also deployed at the beach volleyball arena, offering stunning aerial views with the iconic Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.

Within the city, spidercam provided unique perspectives at the Bercy Arena for gymnastics events, and at La Defense Arena, located in the western business district, it enhanced the coverage of swimming competitions. Additionally, at Roland Garros, the home of the French Open, spidercam played a crucial role in capturing tennis matches.

The technology was also used at the Aquatics Arena for diving events, while several other venues across Paris benefited from spidercam’s innovative capabilities for various Olympic sports.

Ross Video’s Rocket Surgery Virtual Productions team also contributed to the coverage by creating augmented reality (AR) graphics. This team operated at three key locations: Le Stade de France for track events, Bercy Arena for gymnastics, and La Defense Arena for swimming. The AR graphics were used to enhance audience engagement and understanding of the competitions and athletes.

Want to be a part of Ross Video’s team? Visit Careers - Ross Video  regularly for new opportunities!

KNBA SUMMER VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE SETS NEW RECORD!

This summer, the Kanata North Business Association (KNBA) volleyball league spiked its way into the hearts of local tech professionals, achieving a record-breaking 28 teams—the highest number of participants in the league’s history. This annual summer league, exclusively for KNBA member companies and Hub350 partners, has proven to be more than just a game; it is a vibrant celebration of community, camaraderie, and corporate spirit.

As the Kanata North Technology Park continues to transform into a place where people live, work, play, learn, and innovate, initiatives like the summer volleyball league offer employees a fantastic opportunity to step away from their desks, enjoy some physical activity, and build connections with colleagues from other companies. The league’s expansion this year highlights the growing enthusiasm for more “play”, fostering the opportunity for physical activity and friendly competition among local businesses.

This year’s league was marked by intense matches and spirited teamwork, showcasing the diverse talent and competitive edge of the Kanata North business community. From dramatic serves and strategic plays to light-hearted banter and team-building moments, the league has delivered a summer full of memorable experiences. By bringing employees together outside of the office, the league fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose, enriching the professional network and boosting morale across the tech park.

This year, JSI took home the championship, beating Scotia Wealth Management in an exhilarating finals showdown.

“We’ve played in the volleyball league for two summers now and have loved it. It’s helped bring our office closer together and really brought some colleagues out of their shell. It’s always nice to get outside in the summer, and get some exercise and sunshine, but it’s low commitment, so doesn’t interfere with work. This year our team did really well, placing second overall which shocked us, and we can’t wait to play again next year!”

Scout Schooley, Scotia Wealth Management

As the summer league wraps up, it is evident that the event has had a significant impact. The league’s record team numbers reflect its growing popularity and its invaluable contribution to the Kanata North community. This year’s success set a high bar, and there’s already an excited buzz anticipating next summer’s competition. Until then, the memories of thrilling matches and new friendships forged will continue to resonate throughout the technology park.

BEYOND TECH: FOSTERING COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION IN KANATA NORTH – SYNTRONIC

At first glace, a technology park might display the stereotypical, robotic nine-tofive, but it’s actually buzzing with innovative companies that offer their employees amazing perks and creative workspaces - live, work, play, learn, innovate.

At Syntronic, the Social Committee works hard to cultivate a positive work experience by integrating “play” into the employees’ busy schedules. Their goal? To find activities that are accessible for everyone across the company. As it turns out, you really do not need a lot. Jaclyn Eisenmann, Business Development Manager, explains how Syntronic hosts both summer and winter Olympics. One of the games is Hockey-Golf, where employees use large hockey sticks, with the goal to “play the hole,” and try to hit a soccer ball into hula hoops. In these Olympics, the points are accumulative; you receive points if you participate, if you win, of course, but also if you just show up and cheer. The point of these games is not to exclude, but rather to bring employees, all with varying levels of social comfort and activity level, together in a fun and positive environment.

The Social Committee also focuses on getting active. Their hiking club allows for the participants to include their families as they embark on a low-level hike together. This gives the employees, some who have either recently immigrated or moved to Ottawa and are not yet familiar with the National Capital Region, the chance to explore parts of the city they might not otherwise see. After the hike is done, the club unwinds at a restaurant together, giving the members the chance to talk and mingle. Employees who might not otherwise have met, have the chance to socialize and make connections. These activities are cost conscious, instead of the Social Committee hiring a professional to come and teach, say, skating lessons they recruit from within! Many of Syntronic’s team members have different sets of skills and interests, which can come in handy. Jaclyn is a former high-level skater and professional skating instructor, so she gives free skating lessons to her co-workers for Syntronic’s skating program. For their photography club, an in-house engineer (Neil Coleman, Project Manager) does a lunch and learn on how to use cameras, and more!

It is important to remember that the park is not all tech, there are tons of resources that can and should be utilized for fun. Syntronic’s Social Committee is currently organizing a mini golf tournament at Blackbird Falls, part of the Marshes Golf Club. Jaclyn remarks that “people forget to use the park,” but there is a lot here.

With all their fun activities, Syntronic sets a high bar for other Kanata North businesses looking to do the same. However, Jaclyn reminds us that they are a big company +400, with lots of resources. She would love for the smaller companies with less people to benefit as well. Because of this, her dream is to have an Intra-park social committee, one that extends beyond a single company and encompasses them all. While Kanata North is a technology park, it is more than that. It is a community.

A CO-OPERATIVE EDGE: HOW OTTAWA’S POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS ARE SHAPING KANATA’S TECH LANDSCAPE

It’s the start of a new year and for many post-secondary students, the start of a new phase of their education.

For those students lucky enough to secure a co-op position at a Kanata tech park business, they will find a level of collaboration and innovation that goes beyond the classroom. Beyond being gateways to real-world experience, students find co-op programs successfully bridge academic learning with practical application. This exposure not only enhances their academic understanding but also prepares them for the demands of the modern workforce.

“What we hear from our students time and time again is how amazing their experiences are in Kanata North,” says Brent Moore, business development and partnerships specialist at uOttawa’s careers & co-op department. “In addition to working on and with the latest technologies, the opportunity to work with and interact with professionals in those domains is an invaluable experience and the networks they amass will aid them when they’re looking for fulltime work after graduation.”

For businesses, the cooperative pro-

grams provide a steady stream of eager, skilled talent, ready to contribute fresh perspectives and up-to-date knowledge. This setup is particularly advantageous for long-term talent acquisition strategies. Coop programs allow companies to ‘try before they buy,’ reducing the risks and costs associated with hiring new employees.

While students from all three schools see advantages to various programs in the tech park, each institution brings its distinctive approach to cooperative education.

uOttawa distinguishes itself with the sheer diversity of its cooperative programs. Hosting about 500 work terms a year, it offers placements in a wide array of fields, catering to a broad spectrum of industries within the tech park.

“Just as the programs of study vary, so do the jobs our students are performing at the companies they’re working for. We have students working with a variety of organizations, such as: Nokia, Natural Resources Canada, Solace, Ciena, Kinaxis, Stratford Group, KNBA, Ericsson, CISCO, WarnerBros.Discovery, TrendMicro and Marvell, just to name a few,” says Moore.

Carleton University’s cooperative program spotlights fields like cognitive science, psychology, and neuroscience, aligning with the innovative character of Kanata’s tech companies. The school’s focus on cutting-edge sectors offers students the chance to be at the forefront of technological advances and participate in transformative projects.

“Roles for students include web and software development, UI development, optical performance testing, research, environmental health and safety, project management support, human resources, accounting, and digital marketing,” says Rocio Alvarez, director of career services and co-operative education at Carleton University. “Carleton students are working at leading organizations in aerospace, communications technology, finance, cybersecurity, supply chain, software, and hardware.”

Algonquin College stands out with its ‘learning by doing’ philosophy. Its cooperative programs, ranging from cyber secu-

rity to biotechnology, emphasize practical, hands-on experience. The school says this approach ensures that students are job-ready and equipped with the latest technological skill sets, offering immediate value to employers.

“If there is a building in the Kanata Business Park with a sign on it, you can bet there are AC graduates working there. The College has been a part of the Ottawa landscape for over 55 years, and we have an extremely good reputation. The changemakers and decision makers within the

tech park are often graduates themselves or have children studying at Algonquin College,” Wheatley says.

Ottawa’s postsecondary institutions are shaping the future workforce of Ottawa’s Kanata tech park, each in their unique way. This diverse approach ensures that the tech park is not just a hub for technological innovation but a learning centre for comprehensive talent development, benefitting the entire tech ecosystem.

Many students transition from coop placements to full-time positions post-graduation. Carleton University, uOttawa, and Algonquin College are key players in the growth and development of Kanata’s tech park. Their cooperative

programs offer a win-win: providing students with invaluable work experience while enabling businesses to cultivate and harness local talent.

Businesses who would like to hire students at these co-op programs can find more information at HireLocal. In this initiative uOttawa, Carleton, Algonquin and LaCite joined forces with local partners the City of Ottawa, KNBA, Ottawa Board of Trade and Invest Ottawa to promote the availability of local talent.

TEDXKANATA RE-EMERGES IN CANADA’S LARGEST TECHNOLOGY PARK AFTER THREE YEARS

On May 15th, TEDxKanata ignited discussions on the ever-changing landscape of our world, all wrapped up under the theme: EMERGE. As a 100% volunteer-driven organization rooted in the heart of the Kanata North Technology Park, the goal was to spotlight remarkable individuals and their groundbreaking ideas. With the only necessity being to share an “idea worth spreading,” our speakers all emerged with vastly different topics that addressed everything from AI-enhanced communication to ageism and more.

HERE’S A LOOK INTO SOME OF THE INCREDIBLE VOICES THAT TOOK TO THE STAGE.

The first was Arun Munje Almost four years ago, inspired by his brother Anand’s desire to communicate and the barriers he faced in doing so as a person with cerebral palsy, Munje founded AIHEARU. Noticing that his brother Amit could perfectly interpret Anand, he thought, “how can I use AI to create an Amit for every Anand?”. Using a small language model, AI technology, and other recently developed tools, Anand is now understood. When Anand speaks, real-time captions are generated to help others interpret his speech.

Munje spoke about this invention, its applications, his inspiration, and the ways which we can use technology to foster

true inclusion. Learn more about Arun, Anand, Amit, and AIHEARU in this CBC article

Ksenia Yadav also touched upon AI, explaining how “artificial intelligence is a force,” and how we need to “harness this force for good.”

Within this, he addressed common fears while advocating for the continued development of AI. Despite many regarding AI as a tool which deepens biases and further isolates marginalized communities, Yadav reminded us of AI’s often overlooked benefits, likening tech progress to a flowing river, where all global players can either go with the flow or stagnate.

Later in the event, Geoffrey MacKay reminded us that garbage is not natural, and solving our waste problem is imperative.

Mackay’s solution: replacing single-use plastics with reusable containers that store bulk foods and allow shoppers to dispense the amount they need into the containers of their choosing, all while displaying the real-time weight and cost of the dispensed product.

Helen Hirsh Spence brought forth an entirely different issue: that of ageism and the stigma surrounding it.

Modern science has significantly raised the average lifespan of humans, and Spence refers to this as a ‘longevity bonus’: the extra years for robust, dynamic

would talk to them, and they would give us insight.” Those insights helped them refine their ideas into a winning, market-ready pitch.

Jake explained how their background was in research, not in a technical field. However, his take-away from this event came from seeing how the importance of research could be applied in real life.

Yara, too, found encouragement within this. “It was really nice to see that you can still tackle a problem even if you know nothing about it. You don’t need to know everything to find a strong solution.”

Coming in second place was team Greennata Microtransit, with team members Jae Li, Jierong Zhang, and Yizhuang Lin, and in third place was team EcoIntelligence, with team members Lina Alkhani, Qurb e Muhammad Syed, Saim Hashmi, and Srivathsan Murali.

“It’s a two-way street. Always. Never a one-way street.”

John Brennan, judge and mentor

One of the main pillars of KNBA involves talent and cultivating a pipeline between post-secondary institutions and the tech park, to both raise the profile of Kanata North and to drive top talent to the region. This ensures that talent is prepared to enter the workforce here, which is everchanging and always on the forefront of new technology.

While the hackathon is beneficial to students in that it provides networking opportunities, exposure to the working world, and allows them to apply classroom knowledge to current issues, John Brennan, CAE’s judge and mentor, explains that it is a two-way street.

When asked why CAE decided to sponsor this event, he shared that one of the key components was “to connect with the students, because the students are the people we need to be hiring over the next several years.”

Steve Winkelman explains how this event gives mentors, who have a demand for highly skilled employees, the chance to get to know the future talent: the students. He remarks: “Really, it’s a win, win, win.”

Additionally, this event provides mentors the opportunity to impact students in a positive way. Marco Cen, a volunteer mentor, discusses that it was passion which prompted him to become a mentor and that he loved watching student growth from the first to the last day. “It was super cool to see the top five because I had spoken to most of them. If I am able to contribute in a positive way, I love to see that.”

With this year’s hackathon coming to an end, one thing is certain: the experiences gained here will have a lasting impact—for all parties involved.

Discover Technata Hacks will return in Fall 2025, with a new problem to solve and new hackers up to the challenge.

NURTURING AN INNOVATION CULTURE: FOR SUCCESS IN TODAY’S HIGH-OCTANE ENVIRONMENTS

BY JOHN BRENNAN

Innovation. It’s a word we see almost everywhere we look today. This would imply innovation is critically important, which in turn implies an innovation culture must be equally important to organizations. Despite the pervasive presence of this word, the way it is interpreted can vary as much as the market sectors and target domains that relentlessly rely on innovation. So, what is innovation? What is it all about. Let’s cut through the jargon and get back to some basics.

Looking across the literature a common theme emerges: innovation is about adding value to an existing capability or situation (compare this to invention, which involves the creation of something entirely new). Taking this as a foundational definition, we can deduce that the source of innovation lies in need. Often, people think that innovation begins with a good idea. In fact, innovation begins with a need, and then is fueled by ideas, always focused on an outcome that is value oriented.

If we intend to pursue an increase in value that is sourced in needs, how do we go about this? We need to rely on our front-line people – the people in our organization that are closest to our customers, and who understand their challenges. Tony Ulwick, founder of Strategyn, developed a proven innovation approach (Outcome-Driven Innovation ®) based on his Jobs-to-be-Done Theory, wherein the focus is on the customer’s need. For innovation to be successful, we need to nurture a culture infused with attentiveness, empathy, and curiosity. We need people who will (as the old saying goes) walk a mile in the customer’s shoes

However, it doesn’t stop there! We need leaders in our organizations who encourage their people to adopt this approach and who are willing to commit the time and resources required to allow this approach to flourish. People find it hard to focus on their customers if they are always “switched on” – executing, building, and

delivering. Finally, we need to drive a culture of collaboration, a willingness to engage with other organizations – practise open innovation.

In the end, innovation is rooted in people. As Jim Collins states in his book Good to Great, “get the right people on the bus.” Yes, technology plays an important role (watch for a future article where we dig deeper into this topic); however, more important is understanding the unmet needs of one group of people (our customers), than leveraging the curiosity, care, and openness of other groups (our employees and partners) to fuel the drive towards increased value.

John served 20 years in the RCAF and now leads innovation for the Canada Region of CAE’s Defence and Security Division.

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FIDUS ACHIEVES TOP SEMI-

CONDUCTOR RECOGNITION, SHOWCASING EXCELLENCE IN ELECTRONIC AND EMBEDDED

DESIGN WITH AMD DEVICES

Fidus Systems, based in Kanata, has been recognized with the prestigious 2023 Adaptive Compute Partner of the Year award by AMD, the world’s 6th largest semiconductor company. Competing against 39 other AMD Premier Partners, Fidus’ win highlights its cutting-edge expertise in electronic and embedded system design and is a testament to the talent available in Kanata. The award

showcases Fidus’ significant contributions in FPGA, MPSoC, Adaptive SoC and embedded software projects, further solidifying its partnership with AMD.

A PILLAR OF ECONOMIC STABILITY IN KANATA

This recognition underscores Fidus’ technical prowess and innovative edge in the embedded systems services space. Scott Turnbull, Fidus’ CTO, emphasized the

value of Fidus’ strong collaboration with AMD, enabling Fidus to push the boundaries of highly complex, electrical system development.

Beyond its technical achievements, Fidus plays a vital role in Kanata’s economy. With double-digit year-over-year growth and over 150 employees, Fidus continues to offer stable, high-complexity jobs in the region. Alan Coady, CEO of Fidus,

highlighted that Fidus’ growth reflects its adaptability in the rapidly evolving tech industry, providing opportunities for local talent and reinforcing Kanata’s reputation as a high-tech hub.

Since its founding in 2001, Fidus has completed over 4,000 projects for more than 400 customers, most of which remain anonymous due to the technical complexity and confidentiality of the projects. Its enduring commitment to delivering solutions ‘First-Time-Right’ has strengthened its reputation while supporting the local economy. “We are proud of our long-standing presence in the Ottawa region,” said Coady, noting Fidus’ role in Kanata’s growth as a high-tech center.

NOW RENOWNED FOR EXPERTISE IN AMD DEVICES

Fidus is renowned for its reliability in designing electronic systems using AMD technologies. By working closely with AMD teams, including close collabora-

tion with ‘the Factory’, Fidus provides critical feedback on industry needs and emerging customer requirements to AMD. This collaboration spans across a variety of AMD products, including AMD Zynq™ and AMD Versal Adaptive SoCs, AMD FPGAs (including Spartan™, Artix™, Kintex™, and Virtex™ families), and AMD Kria™ SOMs.

Rhett Whatcott, Director, Global Training & Enablement at AMD said, “We extend our congratulations to Fidus who has consistently provided expertise across a range of AMD products, including their expertise in designing with Versal devices. Fidus is a key contributor to the success of AMD, and we are proud to recognize them as the 2023 Adaptive Compute Partner of the Year.”

For more information on Fidus Systems and their award-winning services, visit Fidus Systems.