Catalyst Innovation Network Igniter
Hosted by ISACA Vancouver Chapter in partnership with the City of Maple Ridge, this event brings together entrepreneurs, technology companies, educators, industry partners, government leaders, and community innovators for an evening of learning, networking, and forward-thinking conversations. Enjoy exclusive networking, refreshments, and a keynote from Dr. Jon Thomas of UFV’s School of Business.
What To Expect:
Gain insights and identify innovation and collaboration opportunities
Spark the development of meaningful relationships across sectors
Help shape the future of innovation and business in Maple Ridge
Network opportunity with local peers and subject matter experts
Food included
Who Should Attend:
Entrepreneurs and investors looking to discover new opportunities insights and identify innovation and collaboration opportunities
Community leaders looking to help shape the future of Maple Ridge
Members of businesses or schools focused on innovation
Local businesses interested in diversifying or scaling their operation
About the Maple Ridge Catalyst Innovation Network:
The Catalyst Innovation Network is a new municipal initiative focused on accelerating the conditions for scalable, innovation-driven entrepreneurship while promoting innovation within existing businesses in the city.
Through facilitated connections among startups, local companies, educational institutions, industry leaders, technology professionals, investors, and community partners, the City of Maple Ridge is building a strong foundation for long-term, innovation-led economic growth.
About ISACA:
The goal of the ISACA Vancouver Chapter is to promote the practices and development of professionals in IT risk management, governance of enterprise IT, information security management, and IT assurance within the local business, academic community, the chapter membership, and with future chapter members throughout the Greater Vancouver area. They sponsor local educational seminars and workshops, as well as conduct regular chapter meetings. LEARN. CONNECT. GROW.
Agenda (subject to change):
5.30 PM – Registration
Welcome refreshments, sponsor booths, and informal networking opportunities
Key Note Speaker:
Dr. Jon Thomas
Dr. Jon Thomas is a BC Regional Innovation Chair and the Director of the Esposito Family Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (EFCIE) at the University of the Fraser Valley. He is an Associate Professor at UFV’s School of Business and studies science commercialization and venture emergence, particularly from university settings.
Dr. Thomas is also the Research Director, EDII Lead, and one of a four-member National Leadership Team (NLT) of researchers heading the National invention to Innovation (i2I) Network in Canada which received nearly $23 million in 2025 to expand science and technology commercialization training for STEM and health graduates across Canada.
He has mentored students, postdoctoral fellows, scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs across Canada and India for over two decades and his collaborative innovation research and training initiatives have received funding from Canadian and Indian organizations including IIT Delhi, AICTE, Mitacs, NSERC, and the Govt. of Canada. He is regularly invited as a keynote speaker on innovation and entrepreneurship topics. A recent book he co-edited on the innovation ecosystem in India was launched in July 2025.
Sponsors:
Registration & Privacy Notice:
By registering, you acknowledge and agree that:
ISACA will collect registration data and share it with the City of Maple Ridge and event sponsors.
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Personal information entered on this form is collected by ISACA and shared with the City of Maple Ridge under the authority of section 26(c) and 26(e) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) for the purposes of event registration and communication.
If you have questions about the use of your personal information, contact the Legislative Services Department at 604-466-4300 ext. 5557 or [email protected].
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