Punching Above Our Weight: How Ottawa Built Canada's Most Valuable Tech Ecosystem
For decades, Ottawa has quietly built one of the world's most successful technology ecosystems. From pioneering telecommunications and software to leading in AI, cybersecurity, semiconductors, defence technology and SaaS, the region has generated $1.49 trillion in technology value, more than all other Canadian technology hubs combined. Yet despite producing 26 unicorn companies and more unicorns per capita than any other Canadian city, Ottawa’s innovation story remains one of Canada's best-kept secrets.
Join us for this engaging TechTuesday with Sacha Gera, Chief Operating Officer of HEALWELL AI and founder of Unicorn North, as he reveals the data and insights behind one of Canada's most compelling technology success stories. Drawing on the latest research from Unicorn North, Sacha will trace the evolution of the Ottawa-Gatineau technology ecosystem from the Nortel era to today's globally recognized hub for AI, while sharing why it continues to produce more unicorns per capita than any other Canadian technology ecosystem.
Following the presentation, Sacha will join Veronica Farmer, Chief Marketing Officer, Wesley Clover International, for a fireside chat on why Ottawa consistently punches above its weight in creating globally successful technology companies. Together, they'll discuss what has made the region one of the country's most productive innovation ecosystems and home to Canada's largest technology park, the role of visionary founders, anchor companies, investors and institutions in that success, and what must happen next to ensure Ottawa remains a global leader in technology innovation. The audience will also have an opportunity to share their perspectives on the future of Ottawa as a world-class technology hub.
Whether you're a founder, investor, technology leader, policymaker, student or simply passionate about Canada's innovation economy, this TechTuesday will leave you with a deeper understanding of why Ottawa has become Canada's most valuable technology ecosystem and what it will take to ensure the next generation of globally successful technology companies is built right here. Ahead of the event, we invite you to watch Sacha Gera's recent OBJ Techopia podcast with Michael Curran for an introduction to Unicorn North and the discussion to come.
Featured Speaker:
· Sacha Gera, COO of HEALWELL | Founder of Unicorn AI
Agenda:
Networking: 5:00 – 6:00pm
Presentation: 6:00 – 7:00pm
Post-Panel Networking: 7:00 – 7:30pm
Location: Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Dr, Kanata, ON
If you plan to attend, please register before 5pm on Monday, August 31st. The popularity of the TechTuesday event means those who register and do not show up, take a seat away from those who would like to attend. If you wish to register more than one person, please ensure you register each one individually.
Thank you,
The TechTuesday Team