A Conversation with B.C.’s Innovation Leaders

Join three of B.C.’s top innovation leaders for a candid and engaging discussion. The panelists will discuss their career paths from private sector executives to three of the most influential leaders in B.C.’s tech industry. We’ll also get their input on the current state of our provincial tech sector and what we need to do to become the next major global tech hub.

Panelists

Raghwa Gopal, President + CEO of Innovate BC

Jill Tipping, CEO of BC Tech Association

Jeanette Jackson, CEO of Foresight Cleantech Accelerator

Farhan Mohamed, Editor-in-Chief & Partner of Daily Hive

Agenda

08:30 – 09:00: Registration

09:00 – 09:45: Panel discussion

09:45 – 11:00: Networking

Location

The Salon Pommard Ballroom at the Sutton Place Hotel. You can directly enter the ballroom from the outside of the hotel, through the door next to the Sutton Place Wine Merchant.

Bios

Raghwa Gopal, President + CEO of Innovate BC

A serial entrepreneur who has extensive experience starting, growing and selling numerous businesses, Gopal joined Innovate BC from Accelerate Okanagan (AO), where he was Chief Executive Officer. At AO, Gopal was instrumental in the creation and management of successful programs for technology companies at all stages of growth, and he has been a driving force in the development of the Okanagan’s tech sector into a $1.6 billion economic contributor.

Jill Tipping, CEO of BC Tech Association

Jill Tipping is a passionate advocate for the tech industry—having spent most of her career working with, and for tech companies, she is no stranger to the challenges and needs of the sector. As BC Tech’s President and CEO, she is determined to make BC a top ten startup ecosystem worldwide by strengthening connections through collaboration, building a strong home team of anchor companies, and pursuing a global strategy.

Jeanette Jackson, CEO of Foresight Cleantech Accelerator

Jeanette is an experienced CEO, entrepreneur and business strategist with broad-based experience in technology, business development, marketing and operations. Jeanette held the position of founding CEO of Light-Based Technologies where she successfully raised millions in funding, established industry partnerships to maximize revenue potential, led cross-functional teams to achieve bold milestones, and created highly functional advisory teams. As President of The Brag Company, she oversaw the complete restructuring of the business and a sale of the company in 2 short years. Over the last 4 years, Jeanette has supported more than 20 Foresight companies as an Executive In Residence in several markets including bio-energy, electric vehicles, smart buildings, water tech, robotics and wind. In August 2018, Jeanette became the new Managing Director of Foresight, Western Canada’s largest clean technology accelerator. Since taking on the role, Jeanette has led the organization to secure funding for two new programs around technology development and scale up for member companies. She looks forward to collaborating with all partners from government to industry to investors to held position Canada as a global leader in the cleantech sector.

Farhan Mohamed, Editor-in-Chief & Partner of Daily Hive

A born and raised Vancouverite, Farhan Mohamed joined Daily Hive (formerly Vancity Buzz) in 2012 while the company was still in its infancy. He saw an opportunity to fill the void between traditional media and blogs, and connect locals, share untold stories, and celebrate the community. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief and a partner of what has become one of the largest digital media publications in Canada. Today, he leads the company's Editorial team, which is comprised of journalists, editors, videographers, and content creators. In an effort to bridge the gap between people in power and the general public, Farhan has used his platform to host dialogues with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the YPO Edge conference, Andrew Scheer, Jagmeet Singh, John Horgan, Chip Wilson, and Seth Rogen, to name a few. Ahead of British Columbia's 2018 municipal elections, he conceptualized and hosted a live mayoral debate between the City of Vancouver’s top contenders. Farhan has been named in Vancouver Magazine’s Power 50 as one of the most influential people in Vancouver along with his business partners. In the last two years, Daily Hive acquired Colony Digital, a full service digital agency, as well as Torontoist, an established Toronto publication, and started an influencer agency - leading to the company’s ranking as the 38th fastest growing company in Canada by Canadian Business in 2019. Farhan has a BBA from Capilano University and has also been a longtime volunteer within Canada’s Ismaili Muslim community.

Vancouver Startup Week Pass Holders

This event is taking place as part of Vancouver Startup Week (VSW). 50 seats will be reserved for VSW pass holders. Just show your pass to a VSW volunteer upon entry and a they will direct you to your seat.

Non VSW Pass Holders

Registration is required to attend the event.

Food and Beverage

Pastries and coffee will be provided.

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For inquiries, please e-mail marketing@innovatebc.ca.