Build, Scale and Adopt Innovations in Automotive Technology

Future of Transportation and Mobility Series

Date: November 7, 2024 9:00AM-1:00PM

Location: Virtual Conference

Build, Scale and Adopt Innovations in Automotive Technology

FTMS hosted its 7th year with its exciting virtual conference, “Build, Scale and Adopt Innovations in Automotive Technology“!

Hosted by CITM (Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility) and Durham RTDS (Durham Regional Technology Development Site), this year’s conference was an electrifying exploration into Ontario’s automotive innovation landscape.

We heard insightful keynotes and listened to engaging panel discussions uncovering the driving force behind building, scaling, and adopting ground-breaking innovations in the heart of Canada’s automotive industry. From cutting-edge technology to sustainable solutions, this event uncovered the latest trends, connected guests with industry leaders, and accelerated the future of automotive innovation in Ontario.

About the Future of Transportation and Mobility Series

Held annually, The Future of Transportation and Mobility Event Series (FTMS) explores and promotes a variety of topics and solutions to accelerate the future of the connected and autonomous technology sector. The series — featuring a new theme each year — is designed to engage decision-makers, industry, government, innovators and academia in exploring opportunities for critical sectors of the economy and prepare for disruption in the transportation and mobility industries.

Your Must-Attend Event Here's Why:

  • Expand your network and connect with innovators, influencers and decision-makers.
  • Get a first-hand look at the latest ventures, sector headwinds, technology milestones, and key challenges and solutions around electrification. 
  • Gain access to key stakeholders within the electrified technology and smart transportation sectors.

Agenda

Thursday, November 7, 2024 | 9:00AM - 1:00PM (EST)

Join the opening remarks to kickstart your morning and lead us into our first Opening Keynote.

Attend the keynote presentation to explore cutting-edge innovations and the latest developments that are reshaping the future of mobility and transportation infrastructure.

Dr. Ali Emadi – Professor and Canada Excellence Research Chair Laureate, McMaster Automotive Resource Centre (MARC), McMaster University

As AI continues to revolutionize the automotive industry, our panelists will explore the exciting opportunities and address the concerns surrounding its implementation.

Our expert panel will delve into the multifaceted world of AI, dispelling common fears and highlighting the broad spectrum of its applications. From enhancing vehicle performance to improving safety and efficiency, AI offers immense potential. However, with these advancements come critical considerations around cybersecurity, governance, and ethics.

Learn how to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead as we learn how AI is shaping the future of electrification.

Amir Sayegh – AVP, Data Advocacy and Product Analytics, Geotab

Niko Hammond – Vice President, Business Development, BlackBerry QNX

Ramzi Abdelmoula Head of AI Strategy, General Motors Canada

Petrina Gentile (Moderator) Automotive Journalist, The Globe and Mail

As large companies embark on the transition from internal combustion engines (ICE) and diesel vehicles to battery and fuel cell technologies, they encounter unique and complex obstacles.

Hear from panelists representing large companies at the forefront of this shift, as they share their insights and experiences in managing this transition. We’ll hear about the distinctive issues these organizations face, often more challenging due to their historical momentum and corporate dynamics.

This discussion offers a rare glimpse into the strategic approaches large corporations are taking to overcome these real-world challenges and the innovative solutions they rely on in their electrification journey.

Robert Weggaesser – Head of Strategy & Industrialization, PowerCo Canada Inc.

Brett McQueen – Director of Innovation, North America, Linamar

Brenda Hogan (Moderator) Chief Investment Officer, Venture Ontario

With significant investments from the private sector fueling the momentum in this space, we are witnessing an unprecedented excitement around electrification. But the critical question remains: Are the benefits of this momentum reaching the founders who are driving these innovations?

Our panel of industry experts will explore whether this wave of investment and enthusiasm is translating into the support and interest that founders need. Are small-scale innovators reaping the benefits, or is the financial influx concentrated only on the big players?

Silvio Rotilli Filho – Co-Founder & CEO, Auper Motorcycles

Vivek Burhanpurkar – CEO, Cyberworks Robotics

Gina Succi – Co-Founder, Westhill Innovation

Homeira Afshar (Moderator) Research and Insight Analyst, Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network

Join the keynote presentation to gain insights into the transformative advancements, challenges, and opportunities that will shape Canada’s role in the electric vehicle revolution.

Flavio Volpe – President, APMA – Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association

Close out the event with participating regional technology development sites. 

Speakers

Ali Emadi headshot
Ali Emadi
McMaster University
Biography
Amir Sayegh headshot
Amir Sayegh
Geotab
Biography
Brenda M. Hogan
Venture Ontario
Biography
Brett McQueen
Linamar Corporation
Biography
Dan Ruby headshot
Dan Ruby
Ontario Centre of Innovation
Biography
Flavio Volpe headshot
Flavio Volpe
APMA
Biography
Gina Succi headshot
Gina Succi
Westhill Innovation
Biography
Homeira Afshar headshot
Homeira Afshar
Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network
Biography
Niko Hammond headshot
Niko Hammond
BlackBerry QNX
Biography
Petrina Gentile headshot
Petrina Gentile
The Globe and Mail
Biography
Ramzi Abdelmoula
General Motors Canada
Biography
Robert Weggaesser headshot
Robert Weggaesser
PowerCo Canada Inc.
Biography
Silvio Rotilli Filho headshot
Silvio Rotilli Filho
Auper Motorcycles
Biography
Vivek Burhanpurkar headshot
Vivek Burhanpurkar
Cyberworks Robotics
Biography

Virtual Conference

The FTMS virtual conference featured a thought-provoking keynote, and several engaging panel discussions featuring industry leaders and innovators! Plus, participating regional technology development sites to network with!

Are you ready to accelerate your business?

Let us help you grow your business! If you are a start-up or scaling business that is developing the next generation of connected and autonomous vehicle, smart mobility, and smart transportation technology get in touch and we can help your business focus, develop, and grow.

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