#VTJTalks x HardTech Forum: FireTech: So Hot Right Now
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#VTJTalks x HardTech Forum Vancouver: FireTech: So Hot Right Now
Wildfire season around the planet is expanding in size, frequency and duration. British Columbia experienced 1300 wildfires in 2025 alone (the second-worst on record according to the CIFFC), and climate events such as drought and excess temperatures mean things will get worse before they get better.
But where there are challenges, there are also solutions. Vancouver Tech Journal, MistyWest and HardTech Forum are bringing together a panel of experts to discuss how technology is reshaping wildfire management with tools like automated aerial fire suppression, real time data from stratospheric imaging units, and perimeter control with robotic firelines.
What will it take to scale these solutions in the decade ahead? Come to our panel to find out.
Our Speakers
Alex Deslauriers, CEO & Co-Founder of FireSwarm Solutions
Alex brings 25 years of Solution Architecture in the Airline, Aerospace and Defense sector, specializing in solving complex Aviation ERP implementation problems. As a certified airline rated pilot and dedicated Search & Rescue volunteer, Alex brings a passion for innovation at the convergence of aeronautics and emergency management.
Hamed Noori, CEO & Founder of SenseNet
Hamed Noori is the Founder and CEO of SenseNet, a global wildfire-intelligence company protecting hundreds of millions of hectares across Canada, the U.S., Latin America, Southeast Asia, and more. He has led SenseNet’s expansion into one of the world’s most advanced wildfire detection platforms, integrating AI sensors, autonomous cameras, multi-satellite fusion, and predictive analytics.
Hamed holds a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of British Columbia and is an engineer, scientist, and inventor with more than 30 patents and over 50 publications and books spanning AI, sensing systems, and environmental intelligence. His work includes collaborating with senior government officials, major utilities, railways, First Nations, mining groups, and industrial partners to scale.
Teva Zanker, Head Of Hardware at Voxelis
Teva Zanker is the Head of Hardware at Voxelis, where he leads the development of VoxVision, a helicopter-mounted sensing and compute system for aerial wildfire operations. He holds a degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Waterloo and has worked across robotics, path planning, and embedded system design. He now focuses on scaling VoxVision from prototypes to production deployments.
Oscar Malpica, CEO of Envisioning Labs
With a background spanning multiple industries including technology, manufacturing, and sustainability, Oscar drives the company's strategic vision and partnerships. His expertise in innovation management, lean methodology, and international project management has been instrumental in growing Envisioning Labs into a recognized leader in climate-focused innovation.
Mike Guite, Director, Transmission Asset Planning at BC Hydro
Mike Guité is the Director of Transmission Asset Planning at BC Hydro, and is involved with both the long-term planning and the sustainment planning of the transmission system, as well as the planning of the Vegetation Program. Mike first started working on wildfire risk reduction at BC Hydro in the aftermath of the 2003 wildfire season and the implementation of the BC Wildfire Act and Regulations. Mike is a Registered Professional Forester, and a Professional Engineering Licensee.
Ashley Callister, Climate Tech Investment Lead at NorthX
Ashley Callister evaluates biomass solutions, low carbon fuel innovations, and wildfire technologies at NorthX. With a strong background in biofuels, climate tech, and conservation, she focuses on scaling emerging technologies essential to a net-zero future. Ashley also co-leads NorthX’s Wildfire Tech and Women in Climate Tech programs.
Before joining NorthX, she worked with BC Bioenergy Network to accelerate the commercialization of renewable and low carbon fuels through strategic partnerships. She also brings ocean-sector experience, having worked with local and global organizations to study climate impacts on biodiversity and marine systems through research and fieldwork. Ashley is dedicated to advancing practical climate solutions that deliver both emissions reductions and lasting economic value.
Scott Gingrich, Climate Tech Analyst at Evok Innovations
Scott’s career has focused on leveraging entrepreneurship and innovation to address environmental and social challenges. As an Analyst at Evok Innovations, Scott assists with deal flow, due diligence, and Limited Partner engagement activities.
Prior to joining Evok, Scott worked as a Program Manager at Foresight Canada, a cleantech accelerator supporting early-stage ventures in scaling their solutions. He also brings experience working with international start-ups at the Dunin-Deshpande Queen’s Innovation Centre, and previously co-founded an employee engagement software company, gaining first-hand experience in venture building and commercialization.
About Vancouver Tech Journal
Vancouver Tech Journal provides the most complete coverage of Vancouver’s innovation ecosystem.
We connect our readers to the stories that matter. We’re here to fill in the gaps in your knowledge, awareness, and understanding of the people, ideas, and technologies shaping your community and world.
About MistyWest
MistyWest is a product development firm accelerating the world’s transition to a sustainable future with technology. We help our clients develop market-ready solutions for mining, infrastructure, and clean tech in half the time compared to ramping up an equivalent internal team.
About HardTech Forum
HardTech Forum brings together tech enthusiasts, industry experts, and entrepreneurs for panel discussions on commercialization, funding, and scaling deep tech innovations. Our goal is to bridge the gap between emerging startups, established companies, and the broader tech ecosystem in a relaxed, informal setting.
Overview:
#VTJTalks x HardTech Forum: FireTech: So Hot Right Now
When: Wed, Dec 3
Time: 5:00-8:30pm
Where: Northeastern University Vancouver
Tickets: Prices vary
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Thank you to our VTJ sponsors!
Thank you to our MistyWest sponsors!
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsor
A huge thank you to all of our core sponsors — who continuously support our events. Your contributions are pivotal in helping us drive impact in Vancouver’s tech ecosystem and bring together the community.
Thank you to our Venue Partner: Northeastern University Vancouver
Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. With 13 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, over 320,000 alumni, and more than 3,800 partners worldwide, the global university network serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.
Located in the heart of downtown, the Vancouver campus offers a wide range of master’s-level tech degrees, including pathway programs that allow students with non-STEM backgrounds to pursue a graduate degree in tech.
Land Acknowledgement
HardTech Forum acknowledges that this event takes place on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Code of Conduct
We promise a welcoming environment at our events for all, regardless of gender, identity, sexual orientation, disability, appearance, race, age, or religion. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated, and any attendees in violation of our code will be asked to leave.
Interested in partnering with us? Contact Nicole at [email protected]