The Peel Region is at the epicenter of the Toronto-Waterloo innovation corridor.

The collision of ideas happens every day. When one entrepreneur meets another, diverse backgrounds and perspectives create new ways of tackling old problems. The resources and networks that facilitate collisions is why Ontario’s startup ecosystem – with Toronto on one side and Waterloo on the other – is thriving.

But right at the epicenter of the Toronto-Waterloo innovation corridor is Mississauga. As the Region grows, so do the opportunities for entrepreneurs to Bump into the Future. On March 28, discover what resources are available so that you can build, scale and go global right from the Peel Region.

By inviting leaders from the Xerox Research Centre of Canada, National Research Council and the Mega Hub at Toronto Pearson International Airport, we want to spotlight the resources and opportunities entrepreneurs can leverage right at their doorstep.

Speakers

Diana Facchini is a Strategic Advisor for the National Research Council Canada’s new advanced materials manufacturing research facility under construction in Mississauga. Designed to serve as a catalyst for innovation in advanced materials, this state-of-the-art facility will provide world-class expertise and infrastructure to both private and public sector researchers for the development and integration of novel materials for a wide range of products. This will assist Canadian industry to bolster materials development and close the gap that exists in commercializing research outcomes, giving them a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

Ms. Facchini’s career has centred on advancing Canadian materials innovations to market, first as an industrial researcher and program lead driving the design, development and commercialization of structural nanomaterials, and later fostering public-private partnerships to facilitate Canadian industry access to leading-edge product development and assessment resources.

Ms. Facchini holds a MASc in Materials Engineering from the University of Toronto.

Paul Smith is Vice President of Xerox Innovation Group, the Centre Manager of Xerox Research Centre of Canada, and an Officer of Xerox Canada Inc. He leads the company’s Global Materials Research Centre, which is responsible for advanced materials research and development.

In partnership with the National Research Council of Canada, Dr. Smith spearheaded the creation of the Canadian Campus for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing – an exciting partnership between government and industry for leading-edge, world-class research and development in the commercialization of Advanced Materials in the field of devices for the Internet of Everything, printed electronics, additive manufacturing, automotive, aerospace and other critical sectors; pioneering an exciting field in the most exciting of times.

Kim Stangeby joined the GTAA in March 2017. She has spent the last 17 years working with organizations to implement their strategies, and enable their transformation programs. For 10 of those years, she was with the strategy firm McKinsey & Company, where she specialized in change management, results delivery, and the public sector.

Since 2010, she has led strategic transformation programs both in an executive capacity within organizations such as the Bank of Montreal, and as a special advisor to institutions such as St Michael's Hospital and the Royal Canadian Mint.

Ms. Stangeby holds a PhD in Biomechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto.

Paul Barter is a business leader and strategist with more than thirty years of experience helping technology based businesses outperform. He was worked with technology giants such as General Electric, MobileQ, nGenera Innovation Network, and T4G Limited among others. He has deep insight into technology trends and the challenges and strategic opportunities they present. Given his experience, he is a valuable asset to the RIC Centre, working as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Paul also teaches technology strategy to MBA students and acts as a Venture Services Advisor at MaRS Discovery District.

For more information, please contact:

Arushi Sachdev
Marketing Communications Officer, RIC Centre
T: 289-373-3050 x 201
E: communications@riccentre.com

Photography Disclaimer

RIC Centre reserves the right to photograph its events, and from time to time we use these photos in our publications. By registering for any of our events, you understand and acknowledge that your photograph may be taken and used, per RIC Centre's discretion.