2017 Agenda

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  • There are no sessions on this stage today.
  • 10:00 AM - 10:10 PM
    Welcome
    CryptoFest
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 10:00:00 2018-07-10 22:10:00 America/New_York Welcome Breakdown of the day ahead! BLUE STAGE Francis Pouliot (MC)
    Breakdown of the day ahead!
  • 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
    Welcome
    Cannabisfest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 10:00:00 2018-07-10 10:10:00 America/New_York Welcome Breakdown of the day ahead GREEN STAGE Larry Lisser (MC)
    Breakdown of the day ahead
  • 10:10 AM - 10:30 AM
    How did we get here?
    Cannabisfest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 10:10:00 2018-07-10 10:30:00 America/New_York How did we get here? A recent history of Cannabis in Canada, looking at decriminalization and legalization GREEN STAGE John Prentice
    A recent history of Cannabis in Canada, looking at decriminalization and legalization
  • 10:10 AM - 10:30 AM
    Bitcoin: How an open-source software project created the most advanced form of money ever
    CryptoFest
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 10:10:00 2018-07-10 10:30:00 America/New_York Bitcoin: How an open-source software project created the most advanced form of money ever What makes for sound money, and could Bitcoin be it? Ammous overviews the various technologies to play the role of money across history and explores what gave these technologies their monetary role, how they lost it, what that teaches us about the desirable features of money, and how Bitcoin is designed to improve on these technologies. Ammous elucidates the economic, social, cultural, and political benefits of sound money over unsound money to allow for an informed discussion of the potential role Bitcoin could play in the digital economy of the future. Rather than as a currency for criminals or a cheap mass consumer payment network, this book argues Bitcoin is emerging as a decentralized, politically neutral, free-market alternative to national central banks, with potentially enormous implications for individual freedom and prosperity. BLUE STAGE Dr. Saifedean Ammous
    What makes for sound money, and could Bitcoin be it? Ammous overviews the various technologies to play the role of money across history and explores what gave these technologies their monetary role, how they lost it, what that teaches us about the desirable features of money, and how Bitcoin is designed to improve on these technologies. Ammous elucidates the economic, social, cultural, and political benefits of sound money over unsound money to allow for an informed discussion of the potential role Bitcoin could play in the digital economy of the future. Rather than as a currency for criminals or a cheap mass consumer payment network, this book argues Bitcoin is emerging as a decentralized, politically neutral, free-market alternative to national central banks, with potentially enormous implications for individual freedom and prosperity.
  • 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
    New frontier data
    Cannabisfest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 10:30:00 2018-07-10 10:50:00 America/New_York New frontier data The economics and what's happening around the world and in Canada GREEN STAGE Giadha Aguirre de Carcer
    The economics and what's happening around the world and in Canada
  • 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
    How to raise money as a pre-seed crypto startup
    CryptoFest
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 10:30:00 2018-07-10 10:50:00 America/New_York How to raise money as a pre-seed crypto startup The crypto landscape is constantly changing. In 2017, it was "easy" to run a public ICO and raise a lot of money. By the Spring of 2018, public ICOs had gone the wayside and altcoins were plummeting in value. In this session, we'll talk about the current state of crypto-fundraising as well as top considerations in structuring a token raise covering everything from legal considerations to "playing mini-Fed". BLUE STAGE Elizabeth Yin
    The crypto landscape is constantly changing. In 2017, it was "easy" to run a public ICO and raise a lot of money. By the Spring of 2018, public ICOs had gone the wayside and altcoins were plummeting in value. In this session, we'll talk about the current state of crypto-fundraising as well as top considerations in structuring a token raise covering everything from legal considerations to "playing mini-Fed".
  • 10:50 AM - 11:10 AM
    Crypto compliance: Risk and regulation
    CryptoFest
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 10:50:00 2018-07-10 11:10:00 America/New_York Crypto compliance: Risk and regulation As a startup founder, you make decisions about managing risk, and where to spend your hard-won dollars every day. Many founders know that ignoring compliance until they get a call from a regulator isn't a great strategy, but struggle to make sense of all of the rules. Let's discuss the unknowns. BLUE STAGE Amber Scott
    As a startup founder, you make decisions about managing risk, and where to spend your hard-won dollars every day. Many founders know that ignoring compliance until they get a call from a regulator isn't a great strategy, but struggle to make sense of all of the rules. Let's discuss the unknowns.
  • 10:50 AM - 11:20 AM
    Chain Reaction Panel: Cannabis Opportunities
    Cannabisfest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 10:50:00 2018-07-10 11:20:00 America/New_York Chain Reaction Panel: Cannabis Opportunities This panel breaks down the opportunities in the Cannabis industry, and the inherent difficulties that come with each of them. It looks at the stories behind some of the big cannabis startup successes. GREEN STAGE Pamela Hadfield George Scorsis Cassandra Farrington
    This panel breaks down the opportunities in the Cannabis industry, and the inherent difficulties that come with each of them. It looks at the stories behind some of the big cannabis startup successes.
  • 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM
    Welcome
    ArtupFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 11:00:00 2018-07-10 11:20:00 America/New_York Welcome ORANGE STAGE Ashley Werhun
  • 11:10 AM - 11:30 PM
    Democracy Enhancing Technologies
    CryptoFest
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 11:10:00 2018-07-10 23:30:00 America/New_York Democracy Enhancing Technologies A fair and accurate tally of ballots is fundamental to democracy, and the secret ballot is integral to political freedom. Verifiable election systems use cryptography to provide a provably correct tally while maintaining the secrecy of each voter’s ballot, even if the voter is complicit in demonstrating how they voted. Jeremy will discuss their system, Scantegrity, which was used in the first fully-verifiable governmental election ever run. BLUE STAGE Jeremy Clark
    A fair and accurate tally of ballots is fundamental to democracy, and the secret ballot is integral to political freedom. Verifiable election systems use cryptography to provide a provably correct tally while maintaining the secrecy of each voter’s ballot, even if the voter is complicit in demonstrating how they voted. Jeremy will discuss their system, Scantegrity, which was used in the first fully-verifiable governmental election ever run.
  • 11:20 AM - 11:40 AM
    The power of art
    ArtupFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 11:20:00 2018-07-10 11:40:00 America/New_York The power of art ORANGE STAGE Nadine St.Louis
  • 11:20 AM - 11:50 AM
    Policy, regulation and compliance | Canada & Abroad
    Cannabisfest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 11:20:00 2018-07-10 11:50:00 America/New_York Policy, regulation and compliance | Canada & Abroad You've heard about he opportunities, but there are regulations and policies that need to be considered and adhered to, how will they affect your ability to innovate in the space? GREEN STAGE Trina Fraser Deepak Anand
    You've heard about he opportunities, but there are regulations and policies that need to be considered and adhered to, how will they affect your ability to innovate in the space?
  • 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    The role reversal: The new startup / VC relationship in crypto
    CryptoFest
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 11:30:00 2018-07-10 12:00:00 America/New_York The role reversal: The new startup / VC relationship in crypto When it comes to crypto it seems that raising capital means ICO, or does it? Jack Mallers and Alyse Killeen will chat about how VCs and startups are exploring new ways of building long lasting relationships to build crypto companies. BLUE STAGE Alyse Killeen Jack Mallers
    When it comes to crypto it seems that raising capital means ICO, or does it? Jack Mallers and Alyse Killeen will chat about how VCs and startups are exploring new ways of building long lasting relationships to build crypto companies.
  • 11:40 AM - 12:20 PM
    The monetization of art
    ArtupFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 11:40:00 2018-07-10 12:20:00 America/New_York The monetization of art ORANGE STAGE Dominique Toutant
  • 11:50 AM - 12:10 PM
    What's happening in the US?
    Cannabisfest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 11:50:00 2018-07-10 12:10:00 America/New_York What's happening in the US? While the Canadian market is HOT, the US market is still the elephant in the room. This session will highlight some of the key regulatory trends and obstacles in the US market, and look at how US based leaders in the social media space are tackling the strict regulations on social media marketing. GREEN STAGE Mona Zhang
    While the Canadian market is HOT, the US market is still the elephant in the room. This session will highlight some of the key regulatory trends and obstacles in the US market, and look at how US based leaders in the social media space are tackling the strict regulations on social media marketing.
  • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    LUNCH
    CryptoFest
    FOOD COURT

    + 2018-07-10 12:00:00 2018-07-10 13:00:00 America/New_York LUNCH FOOD COURT
  • 12:10 PM - 1:10 PM
    LUNCH
    Cannabisfest
    FOOD COURT

    + 2018-07-10 12:10:00 2018-07-10 13:10:00 America/New_York LUNCH FOOD COURT
  • 12:20 PM - 1:10 PM
    From data to virtual reality: How technology is changing the artworld
    ArtupFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 12:20:00 2018-07-10 13:10:00 America/New_York From data to virtual reality: How technology is changing the artworld ORANGE STAGE Emilie Boudrias Louis-Richard Tremblay Marc Beaudet Myriam Achard
  • 1:00 PM - 1:20 PM
    The VC perspective: How do you sift through the noise to find the signal?
    CryptoFest
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 13:00:00 2018-07-10 13:20:00 America/New_York The VC perspective: How do you sift through the noise to find the signal? startups, products and protocols BLUE STAGE Alyse Killeen
    startups, products and protocols
  • 1:10 PM - 1:40 PM
    Ask Me Anything: B2C
    Cannabisfest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 13:10:00 2018-07-10 13:40:00 America/New_York Ask Me Anything: B2C An interactive session with trail blazers in the B2C cannabis space. Hear about their innovations in technology, packaging and user experience and debate where the trends are going, and where the gaps lie. Discuss what makes consumer product development and marketing so complex and still so wide open to innovators. GREEN STAGE Derek McCarty Erin Gore Stephanie Karasick Jenn Larry
    An interactive session with trail blazers in the B2C cannabis space. Hear about their innovations in technology, packaging and user experience and debate where the trends are going, and where the gaps lie. Discuss what makes consumer product development and marketing so complex and still so wide open to innovators.
  • 1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
    LUNCH
    ArtupFest
    FOOD COURT

    + 2018-07-10 13:10:00 2018-07-10 14:10:00 America/New_York LUNCH FOOD COURT
  • 1:20 PM - 1:40 PM
    Banking, blockchain and institutions - Bridging the gap
    CryptoFest
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 13:20:00 2018-07-10 13:40:00 America/New_York Banking, blockchain and institutions - Bridging the gap The talk will focus on the opportunities for institutions around blockchain and what institutions and companies in the public blockchain space can learn from each other. BLUE STAGE Jillian Friedman
    The talk will focus on the opportunities for institutions around blockchain and what institutions and companies in the public blockchain space can learn from each other.
  • 1:40 PM - 2:00 PM
    From gateway to exit drug: Cannabis is helping the masses get off of their pharmaceutical dependencies
    Cannabisfest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 13:40:00 2018-07-10 14:00:00 America/New_York From gateway to exit drug: Cannabis is helping the masses get off of their pharmaceutical dependencies Pharmaceutical drugs are no longer the go-to solution they once were as patients are beginning to realize that there are better and safer avenues to achieving good health. This talk looks at how people are using cannabis to reduce or avoid opioid dependency and addiction, and why populations of people accustomed to relying on pharmaceutical medications are now seeking more natural alternatives. We examine these and other health-and-wellness trends that have emerged within the California market, and how they may impact the Canadian market. GREEN STAGE Pamela Hadfield
    Pharmaceutical drugs are no longer the go-to solution they once were as patients are beginning to realize that there are better and safer avenues to achieving good health. This talk looks at how people are using cannabis to reduce or avoid opioid dependency and addiction, and why populations of people accustomed to relying on pharmaceutical medications are now seeking more natural alternatives. We examine these and other health-and-wellness trends that have emerged within the California market, and how they may impact the Canadian market.
  • 1:40 PM - 2:00 PM
    Smart Contracts and their Applications
    CryptoFest
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 13:40:00 2018-07-10 14:00:00 America/New_York Smart Contracts and their Applications Smart contracts are one of the most exciting features of blockchain technology, but their capabilities are often misunderstood. This talk will provide an explanation of how smart contracts work, and introduce examples of what they can be used for, including automating and streamlining complex financial agreements, running unstoppable decentralized applications, and building solutions like Lightning and Plasma that could scale public blockchains like Bitcoin or Ethereum to millions of transactions per second. BLUE STAGE Dan Robinson
    Smart contracts are one of the most exciting features of blockchain technology, but their capabilities are often misunderstood. This talk will provide an explanation of how smart contracts work, and introduce examples of what they can be used for, including automating and streamlining complex financial agreements, running unstoppable decentralized applications, and building solutions like Lightning and Plasma that could scale public blockchains like Bitcoin or Ethereum to millions of transactions per second.
  • 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    Ask Me Anything: B2B
    Cannabisfest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 14:00:00 2018-07-10 14:30:00 America/New_York Ask Me Anything: B2B An interactive session to uncover and discuss how to best technology-enable the cannabis supply chain to ensure product capacity, quality, compliance and cost efficiency in the face of scaling consumer demand. GREEN STAGE Alison McMahon John Prentice Matt Skynner Alex Blumenstein
    An interactive session to uncover and discuss how to best technology-enable the cannabis supply chain to ensure product capacity, quality, compliance and cost efficiency in the face of scaling consumer demand.
  • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Ideation and Creation: guided workshop session on the A-Z of implementing Blockchain into your business
    CryptoFest
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 14:00:00 2018-07-10 15:00:00 America/New_York Ideation and Creation: guided workshop session on the A-Z of implementing Blockchain into your business Dive into the Bitcoin Lightning Network and make it support your business. Includes practical demonstrations. BLUE STAGE Brandon Wong
    Dive into the Bitcoin Lightning Network and make it support your business. Includes practical demonstrations.
  • 2:10 PM - 2:40 PM
    Ask Me Anything
    ArtupFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 14:10:00 2018-07-10 14:40:00 America/New_York Ask Me Anything ORANGE STAGE David Usher
  • 2:40 PM - 3:40 PM
    Pitch clinic: How to articulate your vision
    ArtupFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 14:40:00 2018-07-10 15:40:00 America/New_York Pitch clinic: How to articulate your vision ORANGE STAGE Catherine Orer Axle Davids
  • 3:00 PM - 3:40 PM
    + 2018-07-10 15:00:00 2018-07-10 15:40:00 America/New_York Pitch Competition Do you have an idea for the next big Cannabis startup? CannabisFest will get up to 5 STARTUPS on stage, each of whom will have 3 minutes to present their companies. Judges will have 2 minutes to ask questions and give feedback. One winner will be crowned!

    Pitching startups:
    Otorize Ltd.
    Blühen Solutions
    Flow Filters
    Mary Agrotechnologies Inc
    All Day Sunday
    GREEN STAGE Judge: Alison McMahon Judge:Lisa Campbell Judge:Matt Shalhoub MC: Greg Vermeulen
    Do you have an idea for the next big Cannabis startup? CannabisFest will get up to 5 STARTUPS on stage, each of whom will have 3 minutes to present their companies. Judges will have 2 minutes to ask questions and give feedback. One winner will be crowned!

    Pitching startups:
    Otorize Ltd.
    Blühen Solutions
    Flow Filters
    Mary Agrotechnologies Inc
    All Day Sunday
  • 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
    Mining, Wallets and ICO's - what's it all about?
    CryptoFest
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 15:30:00 2018-07-10 16:30:00 America/New_York Mining, Wallets and ICO's - what's it all about? 1. Mining
    2. Installing, understanding and securing your wallet
    3. Launching an ICO and the inherent problems
    BLUE STAGE Jonathan Bertrand Leila Najim Ethan Wilding
    1. Mining
    2. Installing, understanding and securing your wallet
    3. Launching an ICO and the inherent problems
  • 3:40 PM - 4:05 PM
    Cannabis in Quebec
    Cannabisfest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 15:40:00 2018-07-10 16:05:00 America/New_York Cannabis in Quebec What's happening in the province, what do you need to know now, where are the opportunities? GREEN STAGE Erin Prosk Jenn Larry Phil Depault Moderator: Jesse Staniforth
    What's happening in the province, what do you need to know now, where are the opportunities?
  • 4:00 PM - 4:50 PM
    + 2018-07-10 16:00:00 2018-07-10 16:50:00 America/New_York Roundtable discussion Roundtable discussions:
    1. How to earn passive income as an artist - Meg Athavale
    2. Lighting the Expanded Field – Architecture, Art and Light - Conor and Daniel
    3. Getting your art out in a digital world - Ana Marinescu & Alex Camarano
    4. The Artists proposal: Turning your ideas into words - Rebecca Duclos
    5. Clarify and Conquer: branding your artistic vision - Axle Davids
    ORANGE STAGE Meg Athavale Conor Sampson Daniel Iregui Rebecca Duclos Ana Marinescu Alex Camarano Axle Davids
    Roundtable discussions:
    1. How to earn passive income as an artist - Meg Athavale
    2. Lighting the Expanded Field – Architecture, Art and Light - Conor and Daniel
    3. Getting your art out in a digital world - Ana Marinescu & Alex Camarano
    4. The Artists proposal: Turning your ideas into words - Rebecca Duclos
    5. Clarify and Conquer: branding your artistic vision - Axle Davids
  • 4:05 PM - 4:15 PM
    The Cannabus Stories
    Cannabisfest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 16:05:00 2018-07-10 16:15:00 America/New_York The Cannabus Stories Results/predictions from the Cannabus minds with Jessica Moran (Strainprint) & Jay Rosenthal (Business of Cannabis) GREEN STAGE
    Results/predictions from the Cannabus minds with Jessica Moran (Strainprint) & Jay Rosenthal (Business of Cannabis)
  • 4:15 PM - 4:35 PM
    What Women Want (from Cannabis)
    Cannabisfest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 16:15:00 2018-07-10 16:35:00 America/New_York What Women Want (from Cannabis) Women are the gatekeepers of household spend and often the first line of defense when it comes to deciding right from wrong. Join industry marketing experts as they explore opportunities around education, community-building and product development all geared towards helping this critical market segment embrace cannabis for both recreational and wellness purposes. GREEN STAGE Derek McCarty Erin Gore Pamela Hadfield
    Women are the gatekeepers of household spend and often the first line of defense when it comes to deciding right from wrong. Join industry marketing experts as they explore opportunities around education, community-building and product development all geared towards helping this critical market segment embrace cannabis for both recreational and wellness purposes.
  • 4:30 PM - 4:50 PM
    The Token Economy: Reinventing Money to Build a Better, Decentralized Future
    CryptoFest
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 16:30:00 2018-07-10 16:50:00 America/New_York The Token Economy: Reinventing Money to Build a Better, Decentralized Future The Age of Blockchain Technology promises a new multi-currency era of programmable money and localized smart contracts that will help communities create new governance systems in alignment with their values and resource preservation needs. It could turn our system of value exchange into a solution for the "Tragedy of the Commons". BLUE STAGE Michael Casey
    The Age of Blockchain Technology promises a new multi-currency era of programmable money and localized smart contracts that will help communities create new governance systems in alignment with their values and resource preservation needs. It could turn our system of value exchange into a solution for the "Tragedy of the Commons".
  • 4:35 PM - 5:00 PM
    Closing keynote - Canada's head start | fireside chat
    Cannabisfest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 16:35:00 2018-07-10 17:00:00 America/New_York Closing keynote - Canada's head start | fireside chat It's as if the internet was built in Canada and the US couldn't use it for 5 years... What do we do with the head start? GREEN STAGE Chuck Rifici Larry Lisser
    It's as if the internet was built in Canada and the US couldn't use it for 5 years... What do we do with the head start?
  • 4:50 PM - 5:00 PM
    Closing statements
    CryptoFest
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 16:50:00 2018-07-10 17:00:00 America/New_York Closing statements BLUE STAGE MC Francis Pouliot
  • 4:50 PM - 5:00 PM
    Summary and announcement of panel pitches to go on for prize
    ArtupFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-10 16:50:00 2018-07-10 17:00:00 America/New_York Summary and announcement of panel pitches to go on for prize ORANGE STAGE MC Ashley Werhun
  • There are no sessions on this stage today.
  • 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
    Welcome and state of the nation
    AcceleratorFest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 10:00:00 2018-07-11 10:10:00 America/New_York Welcome and state of the nation Breakdown of the day ahead
    What does it take for funders and startups to grow scaleups – and why should they? After years of in-depth research into the effectiveness of growth strategies, founder and investor mindsets, attitudes, knowledge and relationships, Startup Genome has been able to codify the factors that take startup ecosystems from good to great.
    GREEN STAGE Brady Forrest JF Gauthier
    Breakdown of the day ahead
    What does it take for funders and startups to grow scaleups – and why should they? After years of in-depth research into the effectiveness of growth strategies, founder and investor mindsets, attitudes, knowledge and relationships, Startup Genome has been able to codify the factors that take startup ecosystems from good to great.
  • 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
    Opening and welcome
    Scaleupfest
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 10:00:00 2018-07-11 10:10:00 America/New_York Opening and welcome Run down of the day PURPLE STAGE MC Heather Anne Ritchie
    Run down of the day
  • 10:00 AM - 10:10 PM
    Welcome
    SciFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 10:00:00 2018-07-11 22:10:00 America/New_York Welcome ORANGE STAGE Omar Zahr
  • 10:10 AM - 10:40 AM
    Successful Science-Based Start-ups beyond Artificial Intelligence and Business Intelligence: Emotional Intelligence and its secret ingredients (the B.A.G.E.L. Montreal Model)
    SciFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 10:10:00 2018-07-11 10:40:00 America/New_York Successful Science-Based Start-ups beyond Artificial Intelligence and Business Intelligence: Emotional Intelligence and its secret ingredients (the B.A.G.E.L. Montreal Model) Based on lessons from cumulative experience as a Coach and Seed-VC in dozens of tech start-ups, and supported by field research on hundreds of University spin-offs by professors and students, the conference will propose an alternate Model for successful Technology/Science-based academic entrepreneurship, labeled BAGEL, in honor of this worldwide recognized Montreal-style bakers' invention. B.AG.E.L. synthesizes and combines 5 basic ingredients (Beliefs, Allies, Gang, Ethics & Leadership) and its operationalization will be illustrated with real stories of success. ORANGE STAGE Isabelle Deschamps
    Based on lessons from cumulative experience as a Coach and Seed-VC in dozens of tech start-ups, and supported by field research on hundreds of University spin-offs by professors and students, the conference will propose an alternate Model for successful Technology/Science-based academic entrepreneurship, labeled BAGEL, in honor of this worldwide recognized Montreal-style bakers' invention. B.AG.E.L. synthesizes and combines 5 basic ingredients (Beliefs, Allies, Gang, Ethics & Leadership) and its operationalization will be illustrated with real stories of success.
  • 10:10 AM - 10:30 PM
    Start from quality
    AcceleratorFest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 10:10:00 2018-07-11 22:30:00 America/New_York Start from quality Stay tuned for more information GREEN STAGE Ravi Belani
    Stay tuned for more information
  • 10:10 AM - 10:30 AM
    Catching Lightning in a Bottle
    Scaleupfest
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 10:10:00 2018-07-11 10:30:00 America/New_York Catching Lightning in a Bottle David Byttow gives real world examples of why attempting to catch lightning in a bottle is an existential threat to your startup. PURPLE STAGE David Byttow
    David Byttow gives real world examples of why attempting to catch lightning in a bottle is an existential threat to your startup.
  • 10:40 AM - 11:10 AM
    From idea to execution: The Founder/Mentor winning combination
    SciFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 10:40:00 2018-07-11 11:10:00 America/New_York From idea to execution: The Founder/Mentor winning combination Headlines about startup success rate are rarely positive so it is crucial to do everything possible to increase the chances to last longer than the stats. You will hear the story of Mario Bouchard who started a software company with no startup or business knowledge and Mike Cegelski who served as mentor to teach and help him avoid the weekly pitfalls of starting and growing a business. The team went from zero to multiple successful liquidity events, thus enhancing statistics on startup success stories. ORANGE STAGE Mike Cegelski Mario Bouchard
    Headlines about startup success rate are rarely positive so it is crucial to do everything possible to increase the chances to last longer than the stats. You will hear the story of Mario Bouchard who started a software company with no startup or business knowledge and Mike Cegelski who served as mentor to teach and help him avoid the weekly pitfalls of starting and growing a business. The team went from zero to multiple successful liquidity events, thus enhancing statistics on startup success stories.
  • 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
    Nothing standard
    AcceleratorFest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 10:30:00 2018-07-11 11:00:00 America/New_York Nothing standard After seeing the prevalence of misogyny, lethargy and elitism within the European startup ecosystem, The Family's Alice Zagury and her co-founders sought to build a program that countered that, by building a new kind of infrastructure that provides entrepreneurs with the most favourable environment for success, in Europe.
    Now, after five years, they've worked with over 500 startups, fundraised €350M, had 5M views on YouTube and shared some incredible startup success stories. In this session, Alice will look at what they've learned along the way, and what elements she thinks lead to the best program for startup success.
    GREEN STAGE Alice Zagury
    After seeing the prevalence of misogyny, lethargy and elitism within the European startup ecosystem, The Family's Alice Zagury and her co-founders sought to build a program that countered that, by building a new kind of infrastructure that provides entrepreneurs with the most favourable environment for success, in Europe.
    Now, after five years, they've worked with over 500 startups, fundraised €350M, had 5M views on YouTube and shared some incredible startup success stories. In this session, Alice will look at what they've learned along the way, and what elements she thinks lead to the best program for startup success.
  • 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
    A startup story
    Scaleupfest
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 10:30:00 2018-07-11 10:50:00 America/New_York A startup story SweetIQ’s Mohannad (Mo) El-Barachi will take you through his story - the transition through 3 CEOs, the struggles between perception and reality, the big bets and gambles that led to substantial growth and scale, and the crazy story that was their unplanned, but meticulously manoeuvred and ultimately very successful exit. PURPLE STAGE Mohannad (Mo) El-Barachi
    SweetIQ’s Mohannad (Mo) El-Barachi will take you through his story - the transition through 3 CEOs, the struggles between perception and reality, the big bets and gambles that led to substantial growth and scale, and the crazy story that was their unplanned, but meticulously manoeuvred and ultimately very successful exit.
  • 11:10 AM - 11:40 AM
    Metamaterials: The Unconventional Path of Unconventional Science to Unconventional Technology
    SciFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 11:10:00 2018-07-11 11:40:00 America/New_York Metamaterials: The Unconventional Path of Unconventional Science to Unconventional Technology In 2000, their group experimentally demonstrated a “negative index material,” created using artificially structured materials, or metamaterials. This negative index material had been hypothesized more than thirty years prior by Russian physicist Victor Veselago, but had never been realized with any conventional materials. The use of metamaterials to achieve materials not available or difficult to produce with conventional materials produced a wave of excitement—and considerable controversy—within the scientific community. The level of interest intensified with the demonstration by our group in 2006 of an “invisibility cloak,” again made possible through the use of metamaterials.
    Yet, despite the enormous enthusiasm and scientific promise for metamaterials, it was not clear how to harness the remarkable properties of metamaterials for practical applications; considerable skepticism was expressed that metamaterials would ever be useful. Were metamaterials destined to be just a scientific curiosity?
    Starting around 2004, Intellectual Ventures (IV) decided to invest in metamaterials, building a significant portfolio around the “crazy” ideas that were emerging from the research. Despite tremendous risk and uncertainty, IV continued to collect the ideas, and coupled the ideas with serious marketing and internal development. Their persistence paid off, with the creation of Kymeta Corporation in 2012, a company devoted to the use of metamaterial devices for satellite communications. This success has led to a string of spinoff companies now practicing on the exact same ideas that were used to create invisibility cloaks and other exotic materials.
    In this talk, David Smith will describe the journey from scientific discovery to commercialization. The partnership between Duke University and Intellectual Ventures, though unconventional, proved to be remarkably fruitful and could provide a template for the transition of early-stage ideas that may eventually serve as platform technologies.
    ORANGE STAGE Dr. David R. Smith
    In 2000, their group experimentally demonstrated a “negative index material,” created using artificially structured materials, or metamaterials. This negative index material had been hypothesized more than thirty years prior by Russian physicist Victor Veselago, but had never been realized with any conventional materials. The use of metamaterials to achieve materials not available or difficult to produce with conventional materials produced a wave of excitement—and considerable controversy—within the scientific community. The level of interest intensified with the demonstration by our group in 2006 of an “invisibility cloak,” again made possible through the use of metamaterials.
    Yet, despite the enormous enthusiasm and scientific promise for metamaterials, it was not clear how to harness the remarkable properties of metamaterials for practical applications; considerable skepticism was expressed that metamaterials would ever be useful. Were metamaterials destined to be just a scientific curiosity?
    Starting around 2004, Intellectual Ventures (IV) decided to invest in metamaterials, building a significant portfolio around the “crazy” ideas that were emerging from the research. Despite tremendous risk and uncertainty, IV continued to collect the ideas, and coupled the ideas with serious marketing and internal development. Their persistence paid off, with the creation of Kymeta Corporation in 2012, a company devoted to the use of metamaterial devices for satellite communications. This success has led to a string of spinoff companies now practicing on the exact same ideas that were used to create invisibility cloaks and other exotic materials.
    In this talk, David Smith will describe the journey from scientific discovery to commercialization. The partnership between Duke University and Intellectual Ventures, though unconventional, proved to be remarkably fruitful and could provide a template for the transition of early-stage ideas that may eventually serve as platform technologies.
  • 10:50 AM - 11:10 AM
    IP for Scaleups
    Scaleupfest
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 10:50:00 2018-07-11 11:10:00 America/New_York IP for Scaleups Stay tuned for more information PURPLE STAGE Alyssa Harvey Dawson
    Stay tuned for more information
  • 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    Don't forget the graduates!
    AcceleratorFest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 11:00:00 2018-07-11 11:30:00 America/New_York Don't forget the graduates! A lot of us in entrepreneurship talk about building our networks so we can advance. But a network is innately something you take from - it's a transactional approach. But a community, on the other hand, that is something that you give to. This giving helps the community to grow - in depth, in trust, in value. And in giving, you will always naturally get back. And it's incredibly valuable to leverage this. If you’re an accelerator, it’s nigh impossible to scale in lockstep with your portfolio and directly keep up with the increasing quantity of graduates and their needs. You need to build the tools, assets and communication that allow your community to self support. Your much more manageable and valuable role is then one of fostering that growth and the continued evolution of your support system. GREEN STAGE Evan Patronik
    A lot of us in entrepreneurship talk about building our networks so we can advance. But a network is innately something you take from - it's a transactional approach. But a community, on the other hand, that is something that you give to. This giving helps the community to grow - in depth, in trust, in value. And in giving, you will always naturally get back. And it's incredibly valuable to leverage this. If you’re an accelerator, it’s nigh impossible to scale in lockstep with your portfolio and directly keep up with the increasing quantity of graduates and their needs. You need to build the tools, assets and communication that allow your community to self support. Your much more manageable and valuable role is then one of fostering that growth and the continued evolution of your support system.
  • 11:10 AM - 11:30 AM
    Support systems as you scale
    Scaleupfest
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 11:10:00 2018-07-11 11:30:00 America/New_York Support systems as you scale Scaling from a startup into a real grown-up business is like transitioning from your teenage years into early adulthood. You have to start doing things you used to say were a waste of time or downright against your principles. Like an older brother who has gone through it all before, seasoned entrepreneur Warren Levitan will guide you through the strategies and support systems you need to embrace growth without sacrificing your values and culture. PURPLE STAGE Warren Levitan
    Scaling from a startup into a real grown-up business is like transitioning from your teenage years into early adulthood. You have to start doing things you used to say were a waste of time or downright against your principles. Like an older brother who has gone through it all before, seasoned entrepreneur Warren Levitan will guide you through the strategies and support systems you need to embrace growth without sacrificing your values and culture.
  • 11:40 AM - 12:00 PM
    My thesis vs. my startup: Balancing grad school and entrepreneurship
    SciFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 11:40:00 2018-07-11 12:00:00 America/New_York My thesis vs. my startup: Balancing grad school and entrepreneurship Lessons learned trying to launch a startup while still in school. ORANGE STAGE Daniel Cohen
    Lessons learned trying to launch a startup while still in school.
  • 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM
    This is a marathon, not a sprint!
    Scaleupfest
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 11:30:00 2018-07-11 11:50:00 America/New_York This is a marathon, not a sprint! When you're gearing up for that Series A raise, you're focused on executing on short-term goals - you need to hit those metrics month over month, and hire someone for that new role ASAP. But are you aware of the impacts your short term outlook is having on your company? And will you successfully raise that Series A, only to realize you've built your company on a bunch of short term decisions that you'll have to spend precious time, energy and resources fixing (if they're even fixable)? Eva will chat about 4 things to be aware of so you're not just building for short-term success, but long-term too. PURPLE STAGE Eva Wong
    When you're gearing up for that Series A raise, you're focused on executing on short-term goals - you need to hit those metrics month over month, and hire someone for that new role ASAP. But are you aware of the impacts your short term outlook is having on your company? And will you successfully raise that Series A, only to realize you've built your company on a bunch of short term decisions that you'll have to spend precious time, energy and resources fixing (if they're even fixable)? Eva will chat about 4 things to be aware of so you're not just building for short-term success, but long-term too.
  • 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM
    Human capital is borderless
    AcceleratorFest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 11:30:00 2018-07-11 11:50:00 America/New_York Human capital is borderless We are living in a world that’s truly global. Human capital is borderless— partners, clients, teams, and investors are accessible anywhere in the world.
    How can accelerators leverage this global startup revolution to help their portfolio companies scale?
    What resources are available to help connect these international startup ecosystems?
    In this talk, we will explore the resources available for portfolio startups to “go global” and how accelerators can contribute to this global ecosystem dialogue.
    GREEN STAGE Lisa Besserman
    We are living in a world that’s truly global. Human capital is borderless— partners, clients, teams, and investors are accessible anywhere in the world.
    How can accelerators leverage this global startup revolution to help their portfolio companies scale?
    What resources are available to help connect these international startup ecosystems?
    In this talk, we will explore the resources available for portfolio startups to “go global” and how accelerators can contribute to this global ecosystem dialogue.
  • 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
    A Journey from a PhD student to an Entrepreneur - Lessons Learned
    SciFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 12:00:00 2018-07-11 12:20:00 America/New_York A Journey from a PhD student to an Entrepreneur - Lessons Learned Tara would love to share her story; her failures and lessons learned during her education and career. She has lived in three continents and three countries, worked for two companies, finished BSc in Computer Engineering, MSc in Artificial Intelligence and PhD in Computer Vision, all before she changed gears to entrepreneurship. The path from being a technical PhD student to establishing a company is not necessarily the usual path. Although, she thinks it is one of the most efficient ways to entrepreneurship, of course if one is willing to accept the challenges and surround ourselves with the right people. ORANGE STAGE Dr. Tara Akhavan
    Tara would love to share her story; her failures and lessons learned during her education and career. She has lived in three continents and three countries, worked for two companies, finished BSc in Computer Engineering, MSc in Artificial Intelligence and PhD in Computer Vision, all before she changed gears to entrepreneurship. The path from being a technical PhD student to establishing a company is not necessarily the usual path. Although, she thinks it is one of the most efficient ways to entrepreneurship, of course if one is willing to accept the challenges and surround ourselves with the right people.
  • 11:50 AM - 12:10 PM
    How to compete for startups when there are now thousands of accelerator globally
    AcceleratorFest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 11:50:00 2018-07-11 12:10:00 America/New_York How to compete for startups when there are now thousands of accelerator globally In the mid-2000s, YC and Techstars pioneered the accelerator concept. Today, there are thousands of accelerators globally, and startups have a lot of options in raising their first tranche of capital. In this session, we'll talk about A) how to differentiate your accelerator, B) how to attract the best startups, C) how to manage accelerator costs effectively, and D) how to evolve your accelerator to be well-positioned for the future. GREEN STAGE Elizabeth Yin
    In the mid-2000s, YC and Techstars pioneered the accelerator concept. Today, there are thousands of accelerators globally, and startups have a lot of options in raising their first tranche of capital. In this session, we'll talk about A) how to differentiate your accelerator, B) how to attract the best startups, C) how to manage accelerator costs effectively, and D) how to evolve your accelerator to be well-positioned for the future.
  • 11:50 AM - 12:20 PM
    How to build your revenue engine for Series A
    Scaleupfest
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 11:50:00 2018-07-11 12:20:00 America/New_York How to build your revenue engine for Series A Understanding how to scale growth in SaaS and can make (or break) your ability to boost revenue. It comes down to three things: people, process and tools. How do you structure your marketing and sales teams? What are processes do you need? What tools should you use? How do you measure impact?

    Key takeaways for this session include:

    - Three phases of building a team and how to structure your funnel at each stage
    - How a tight marketing ops process can be a competitive advantage
    - How to bridge the gap (or avoid it in the first place) between marketing & sales
    - What key metrics show the efficiency of your funnel operations
    PURPLE STAGE Hana Abaza
    Understanding how to scale growth in SaaS and can make (or break) your ability to boost revenue. It comes down to three things: people, process and tools. How do you structure your marketing and sales teams? What are processes do you need? What tools should you use? How do you measure impact?

    Key takeaways for this session include:

    - Three phases of building a team and how to structure your funnel at each stage
    - How a tight marketing ops process can be a competitive advantage
    - How to bridge the gap (or avoid it in the first place) between marketing & sales
    - What key metrics show the efficiency of your funnel operations
  • 12:20 PM - 1:30 PM
    Lunch
    SciFest
    FOOD COURT

    + 2018-07-11 12:20:00 2018-07-11 13:30:00 America/New_York Lunch FOOD COURT
  • 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    Braindate
    Tent Village
    BRAINDATE LOUNGE

    + 2018-07-11 12:00:00 2018-07-11 20:00:00 America/New_York Braindate BRAINDATE LOUNGE
  • 12:10 PM - 1:10 PM
    Lunch
    AcceleratorFest
    FOOD COURT

    + 2018-07-11 12:10:00 2018-07-11 13:10:00 America/New_York Lunch FOOD COURT
  • 12:20 PM - 1:20 PM
    Lunch
    Scaleupfest
    FOOD COURT

    + 2018-07-11 12:20:00 2018-07-11 13:20:00 America/New_York Lunch FOOD COURT
  • 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Women in Technology Boot Camp
    Other Events
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 13:00:00 2018-07-11 17:00:00 America/New_York Women in Technology Boot Camp Come and learn what it takes to build your tech start-up! During this half-day Women in Technology (WIT) Boot Camp hosted by BDC Capital’s Women in Technology Fund, we are looking to connect women founders and leaders of technology start-ups with the resources they need to grow their businesses. BLUE STAGE
    Come and learn what it takes to build your tech start-up! During this half-day Women in Technology (WIT) Boot Camp hosted by BDC Capital’s Women in Technology Fund, we are looking to connect women founders and leaders of technology start-ups with the resources they need to grow their businesses.
  • 1:00 PM - 1:10 PM
    Bienvenue
    "Startupfest Version Française" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 13:00:00 2018-07-11 13:10:00 America/New_York Bienvenue PINK STAGE Jade Vaillancourt MC Philippe-Olivier Daniel
  • 1:10 PM - 3:20 PM
    + 2018-07-11 13:10:00 2018-07-11 15:20:00 America/New_York Round table discussions Roundtable discussions are a chance to connect with the community and share your thoughts and experiences around some of the most urgent, front-of-mind challenges all accelerators face.

    We'll run 3 simultaneous sessions at the event: Corporate relationships (led by Michael Hauser, Chris Kay, & Lauren Robinson); Fundraising and investor relationships (led by Brady Forrest & Ravi Belani); and Operating budgets and real numbers (led by Sofiane Ammar, Isaac Souweine & Taylor Sanders).

    As part of Acceleratorfest, you’ll get to participate in fast-paced, moderated discussions on all three topics, as we rotate through sessions so smaller groups can tackle each subject interactively. This gives you a chance to hear fresh perspectives and unexpected ideas from your peers and partners in accelerators around the world.
    GREEN STAGE Michael Hauser Chris Kay Lauren Robinson Brady Forrest Ravi Belani Sofiane Ammar Taylor Sanders Isaac Souweine
    Roundtable discussions are a chance to connect with the community and share your thoughts and experiences around some of the most urgent, front-of-mind challenges all accelerators face.

    We'll run 3 simultaneous sessions at the event: Corporate relationships (led by Michael Hauser, Chris Kay, & Lauren Robinson); Fundraising and investor relationships (led by Brady Forrest & Ravi Belani); and Operating budgets and real numbers (led by Sofiane Ammar, Isaac Souweine & Taylor Sanders).

    As part of Acceleratorfest, you’ll get to participate in fast-paced, moderated discussions on all three topics, as we rotate through sessions so smaller groups can tackle each subject interactively. This gives you a chance to hear fresh perspectives and unexpected ideas from your peers and partners in accelerators around the world.
  • 1:10 PM - 1:40 PM
    De la Survie au Succès
    "Startupfest Version Française" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 13:10:00 2018-07-11 13:40:00 America/New_York De la Survie au Succès De la Survie au Succès: Aider les entrepreneurs du B2B a réussir aujourd'hui & anticiper le future.
    - Quel est le lien manquant permettant une acceleration de croissance?
    - Impact du succès et de la croissance du business sur la structure de la startup et ses employés.
    - Parcours et défis personnels du leader d'entreprise B2B.
    PINK STAGE Pascale Diaine
    De la Survie au Succès: Aider les entrepreneurs du B2B a réussir aujourd'hui & anticiper le future.
    - Quel est le lien manquant permettant une acceleration de croissance?
    - Impact du succès et de la croissance du business sur la structure de la startup et ses employés.
    - Parcours et défis personnels du leader d'entreprise B2B.
  • 1:20 PM - 2:00 PM
    Raising
    Scaleupfest
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 13:20:00 2018-07-11 14:00:00 America/New_York Raising You have a first meeting. You're sure it went great; you follow up diligently. But after a couple of weeks, the investor has probably forgotten who you are; they've seen dozens of potential investments. How do you keep the flame alive? Raising money is a series of contradictions: The investor reduces risk the longer they wait, while the founder wants to get back to work. The investor wants clear predictions while the founder is still searching for product-market fit.

    Here's your chance to ask questions about the opportunities, pitfalls, best practices and faux-pas of fundraising, from experts who have the cap tables and battle scars to prove their knowledge.
    PURPLE STAGE Derrick Fung Julie Lacasse Lennie Moreno
    You have a first meeting. You're sure it went great; you follow up diligently. But after a couple of weeks, the investor has probably forgotten who you are; they've seen dozens of potential investments. How do you keep the flame alive? Raising money is a series of contradictions: The investor reduces risk the longer they wait, while the founder wants to get back to work. The investor wants clear predictions while the founder is still searching for product-market fit.

    Here's your chance to ask questions about the opportunities, pitfalls, best practices and faux-pas of fundraising, from experts who have the cap tables and battle scars to prove their knowledge.
  • 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM
    Tech transfer and IP
    SciFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 13:30:00 2018-07-11 14:00:00 America/New_York Tech transfer and IP Myra's presentation will focus on the various gaps within the intellectual property (IP) ecosystem for start-ups on university campuses in relation to IP literacy, IP strategy and access to relevant expertise. She will address how these gaps may be remedied along with some of the pitfalls that can present themselves. Finally, she will also explore the Federal government’s recent national IP strategy as a framework for building greater IP capacity across the innovation ecosystem. ORANGE STAGE Myra Tawfik
    Myra's presentation will focus on the various gaps within the intellectual property (IP) ecosystem for start-ups on university campuses in relation to IP literacy, IP strategy and access to relevant expertise. She will address how these gaps may be remedied along with some of the pitfalls that can present themselves. Finally, she will also explore the Federal government’s recent national IP strategy as a framework for building greater IP capacity across the innovation ecosystem.
  • 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    Who are the founders of university startups?
    SciFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 14:00:00 2018-07-11 14:30:00 America/New_York Who are the founders of university startups? Osage University Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in university startups. Over the past 9 years they have spoken with about 5000 teams attempting to start a business based on research. In this talk, David will use some of their own data to discuss the different roles that the scientific founder play in the commercialization effort. He will also talk about what they, as investors, look for in a CEO when they are deciding to fund a university startup, using a fictional example for discussion. ORANGE STAGE David Dorsey
    Osage University Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in university startups. Over the past 9 years they have spoken with about 5000 teams attempting to start a business based on research. In this talk, David will use some of their own data to discuss the different roles that the scientific founder play in the commercialization effort. He will also talk about what they, as investors, look for in a CEO when they are deciding to fund a university startup, using a fictional example for discussion.
  • 1:40 PM - 2:00 PM
    Comment j'ai réussi à faire de ma startup une entreprise pérenne!
    "Startupfest Version Française" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 13:40:00 2018-07-11 14:00:00 America/New_York Comment j'ai réussi à faire de ma startup une entreprise pérenne! Découvrez le parcours de la fondatrice Hannah Oiknine, ainsi que les hauts, les bas, les succès et les erreurs qui ont accompagnés le développement de Babbler. PINK STAGE Hannah Ouiknine
    Découvrez le parcours de la fondatrice Hannah Oiknine, ainsi que les hauts, les bas, les succès et les erreurs qui ont accompagnés le développement de Babbler.
  • 2:00 PM - 2:40 PM
    Les deux perspectives du financement
    "Startupfest Version Française" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 14:00:00 2018-07-11 14:40:00 America/New_York Les deux perspectives du financement Ce que les investisseurs recherchent (la perspective de l'investisseur) et les réalités de la levée d'une première ronde de financement (la perspective de la startup)
    PINK STAGE Annick Charbonneau MC LP Maurice Magaly Charbonneau
    Ce que les investisseurs recherchent (la perspective de l'investisseur) et les réalités de la levée d'une première ronde de financement (la perspective de la startup)
  • 2:00 PM - 2:20 PM
    Scaling your startup: Determining the metrics that matter
    Scaleupfest
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 14:00:00 2018-07-11 14:20:00 America/New_York Scaling your startup: Determining the metrics that matter When scaling your business, there are standard metrics and KPI’s to track, particularly in the growth phase (e.g. burn, customer churn & retention & revenue). But the reality is, depending on your industry, there is no real textbook solution. Moreover, there are unique challenges for AI startups. This talk will explore what some of those metrics are (or at least what we think they are), how to iterate and adapt for those new metrics and some of the challenges with hitting those metrics and KPI’s. PURPLE STAGE Craig Buntin
    When scaling your business, there are standard metrics and KPI’s to track, particularly in the growth phase (e.g. burn, customer churn & retention & revenue). But the reality is, depending on your industry, there is no real textbook solution. Moreover, there are unique challenges for AI startups. This talk will explore what some of those metrics are (or at least what we think they are), how to iterate and adapt for those new metrics and some of the challenges with hitting those metrics and KPI’s.
  • 2:20 PM - 2:40 PM
    Hiring in the C-suite
    Scaleupfest
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 14:20:00 2018-07-11 14:40:00 America/New_York Hiring in the C-suite As you grow, you'll need to hire. You may even need to replace yourself as CEO which can be a difficult transition. This session will focus on hiring C-suite employees: what you need to think about, what you need to avoid, and how you mitigate expectations PURPLE STAGE Emily Key Ivana Lochhead
    As you grow, you'll need to hire. You may even need to replace yourself as CEO which can be a difficult transition. This session will focus on hiring C-suite employees: what you need to think about, what you need to avoid, and how you mitigate expectations
  • 2:30 PM - 3:10 PM
    Fundraising for your tech transfer startup - Interactive session with experts
    SciFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 14:30:00 2018-07-11 15:10:00 America/New_York Fundraising for your tech transfer startup - Interactive session with experts Money is your venture's fuel and there have never been so many options for a fledgling venture to secure the finances it needs. However, how to navigate these various options, when to engage them and how to guarantee your success in this constantly evolving landscape is not a trivial exercise. Find out how to fund your next prototype, your next engineer and your next manufacturing run with this panel of experts representing your options for keeping your venture growing. ORANGE STAGE Sophie Forest Raphaël Christian-Roy Mike Lee Josette-Renée Landry
    Money is your venture's fuel and there have never been so many options for a fledgling venture to secure the finances it needs. However, how to navigate these various options, when to engage them and how to guarantee your success in this constantly evolving landscape is not a trivial exercise. Find out how to fund your next prototype, your next engineer and your next manufacturing run with this panel of experts representing your options for keeping your venture growing.
  • 2:40 PM - 3:00 PM
    Ce que les grandes entreprises peuvent apprendre des startups et comment elles peuvent travailler ensemble
    "Startupfest Version Française" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 14:40:00 2018-07-11 15:00:00 America/New_York Ce que les grandes entreprises peuvent apprendre des startups et comment elles peuvent travailler ensemble À première vue bien différents, les univers des startups et grandes entreprises sont pourtant beaucoup plus près qu’il ne le paraît. Sylvain Carle, associé chez Real Ventures et mentor pour Founder Fuel et Manon Brouillette, présidente et chef de la direction de Vidéotron, abordent ensemble les défis communs, les opportunités de collaboration et les enjeux qui ponctuent la réalité de chacun. PINK STAGE Manon Brouillette Sylvain Carle
    À première vue bien différents, les univers des startups et grandes entreprises sont pourtant beaucoup plus près qu’il ne le paraît. Sylvain Carle, associé chez Real Ventures et mentor pour Founder Fuel et Manon Brouillette, présidente et chef de la direction de Vidéotron, abordent ensemble les défis communs, les opportunités de collaboration et les enjeux qui ponctuent la réalité de chacun.
  • 2:40 PM - 3:20 PM
    Growing at Lightspeed
    Scaleupfest
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 14:40:00 2018-07-11 15:20:00 America/New_York Growing at Lightspeed Lightspeed has raised more money for a tech startup, that any other company in Canada's history. Through 7 years of bootstrapping, growing the team, building the culture and the customer base, raising... Dax has done it all and he's done it all really well. What can you learn from his decade of scaling Lightspeed? Dax takes us behind the scenes, in conversation with Investissement Quebec's Sylvie Pinsonnault, who's been with him from the beginning. PURPLE STAGE Dax Dasilva Sylvie Pinsonnault
    Lightspeed has raised more money for a tech startup, that any other company in Canada's history. Through 7 years of bootstrapping, growing the team, building the culture and the customer base, raising... Dax has done it all and he's done it all really well. What can you learn from his decade of scaling Lightspeed? Dax takes us behind the scenes, in conversation with Investissement Quebec's Sylvie Pinsonnault, who's been with him from the beginning.
  • 3:10 PM - 3:25 PM
    IVADO : Errors & Lessons Learned
    SciFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 15:10:00 2018-07-11 15:25:00 America/New_York IVADO : Errors & Lessons Learned With one foot in the industry and the other in academia, IVADO is a special kind of startup. From the initial market study to our offer definition and how we interact with our partners, I will present a summary of some mistakes we made and what we have learned as an organization since our beginning. ORANGE STAGE Jean-François Connolly
    With one foot in the industry and the other in academia, IVADO is a special kind of startup. From the initial market study to our offer definition and how we interact with our partners, I will present a summary of some mistakes we made and what we have learned as an organization since our beginning.
  • 3:20 PM - 3:40 PM
    Advisors
    Scaleupfest
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 15:20:00 2018-07-11 15:40:00 America/New_York Advisors Startups need advisors, they need board members and they need mentors who can help them along their respective journeys. What's the best way to engage (and compensate) top tier independent advisors and board members? How do you get them to care about you and what you're doing? And once you get them, how do you make sure you keep them? PURPLE STAGE Senia Rapisarda Richard Reiner
    Startups need advisors, they need board members and they need mentors who can help them along their respective journeys. What's the best way to engage (and compensate) top tier independent advisors and board members? How do you get them to care about you and what you're doing? And once you get them, how do you make sure you keep them?
  • 3:30 PM - 3:50 PM
    Le pitch qui tue! - Comment convaincre un investisseur en capital de risque
    "Startupfest Version Française" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 15:30:00 2018-07-11 15:50:00 America/New_York Le pitch qui tue! - Comment convaincre un investisseur en capital de risque David Dufresne a vu plus d'un millier de pitchs de startups dans sa (pourtant) jeune carrière en capital de risque et il a investi dans moins de 3% de ces compagnies. Sa présentation portera sur ce que les différents types d'investisseurs recherchent, sur la meilleure façon pour un ou une entrepreneure d'articuler sa vision, vendre son rêve et, ultimement, réussir à clôturer une ronde. PINK STAGE David Dufresne
    David Dufresne a vu plus d'un millier de pitchs de startups dans sa (pourtant) jeune carrière en capital de risque et il a investi dans moins de 3% de ces compagnies. Sa présentation portera sur ce que les différents types d'investisseurs recherchent, sur la meilleure façon pour un ou une entrepreneure d'articuler sa vision, vendre son rêve et, ultimement, réussir à clôturer une ronde.
  • 3:40 PM - 4:20 PM
    What does industry want?
    SciFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 15:40:00 2018-07-11 16:20:00 America/New_York What does industry want? Most startups fail due to poor product/market fit. This is no less true when spinning out a university technology. How do you figure out what your target market needs? How do you engage decision makers? And at what stage? This panel of strategic investors will give you real insight into the collective minds of some of the biggest industry players in the world. ORANGE STAGE Robert Ashcraft Danielle Alexander Murray Grainger
    Most startups fail due to poor product/market fit. This is no less true when spinning out a university technology. How do you figure out what your target market needs? How do you engage decision makers? And at what stage? This panel of strategic investors will give you real insight into the collective minds of some of the biggest industry players in the world.
  • 3:40 PM - 3:43 PM
    Remarks by Minister Bardish Chagger
    Scaleupfest
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 15:40:00 2018-07-11 15:43:00 America/New_York Remarks by Minister Bardish Chagger PURPLE STAGE The Honourable Bardish Chagger
  • 3:50 PM - 4:10 PM
    Techstars Anywhere
    AcceleratorFest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 15:50:00 2018-07-11 16:10:00 America/New_York Techstars Anywhere Can great companies be built anywhere or do they require the physical facility in order to thrive? In this session, Karina Costa, Director of Techstars Anywhere, will outline the takeaways, the pros and the cons from launching the first worldwide "semi-virtual" accelerator program that leverages the Techstars global network, and uses technology and a bit of travel to invest in, and work with founders, from #anywhere. GREEN STAGE Karina Costa
    Can great companies be built anywhere or do they require the physical facility in order to thrive? In this session, Karina Costa, Director of Techstars Anywhere, will outline the takeaways, the pros and the cons from launching the first worldwide "semi-virtual" accelerator program that leverages the Techstars global network, and uses technology and a bit of travel to invest in, and work with founders, from #anywhere.
  • 3:50 PM - 4:40 PM
    Compétition du Meilleur Pitch sur Scène
    "Startupfest Version Française" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 15:50:00 2018-07-11 16:40:00 America/New_York Compétition du Meilleur Pitch sur Scène Écoutez les sept startups qui ont été sélectionnées pour participer à la compétition du Meilleur Pitch sur Scène de VF dans l'espoir de remporter le grand titre!
    Juges:
    Nicolas Jacques-Bouchard (Panache Ventures)
    Magaly Charbonneau (iNovia Capital)
    Alice Zagury (The Family)
    Marc Assaf (Vidéotron Affaires)
    Christian Perron (PME MTL Centre-Ville)
    PINK STAGE
    Écoutez les sept startups qui ont été sélectionnées pour participer à la compétition du Meilleur Pitch sur Scène de VF dans l'espoir de remporter le grand titre!
    Juges:
    Nicolas Jacques-Bouchard (Panache Ventures)
    Magaly Charbonneau (iNovia Capital)
    Alice Zagury (The Family)
    Marc Assaf (Vidéotron Affaires)
    Christian Perron (PME MTL Centre-Ville)
  • 4:00 PM - 4:55 PM
    Lightning pitch to investors
    Scaleupfest
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 16:00:00 2018-07-11 16:55:00 America/New_York Lightning pitch to investors Have you honed your elevator pitch? The somewhat mythical explanation of what you are and why someone should care that can take no longer than a brief elevator ride with your dream investor? Then a minute should seem like an eternity!

    At the Lightning Pitch round, you get a minute to tell investors why they should find out more about you. The room's full of VCs and experts. They're eager to discover the next great thing. But the pressure's on: Can you pique their interest in a flash, and leave them begging for more?
    PURPLE STAGE
    Have you honed your elevator pitch? The somewhat mythical explanation of what you are and why someone should care that can take no longer than a brief elevator ride with your dream investor? Then a minute should seem like an eternity!

    At the Lightning Pitch round, you get a minute to tell investors why they should find out more about you. The room's full of VCs and experts. They're eager to discover the next great thing. But the pressure's on: Can you pique their interest in a flash, and leave them begging for more?
  • 4:10 PM - 4:30 PM
    Scaling the Creative Destruction Lab
    AcceleratorFest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 16:10:00 2018-07-11 16:30:00 America/New_York Scaling the Creative Destruction Lab Kristjan Sigurdson is one of the first employees of the Creative Destruction Lab, a seed-stage program for massively scalable, science-based ventures launched at the University of Toronto in 2012. The CDL has grown from an annual cohort of 25 companies at one site in 2012 to 350 companies accepted in 6 cities and two countries in 2018. Kristjan will share a series of lessons learned in scaling a university-linked startup program from one campus to six.
    GREEN STAGE Kristjan Sigurdson
    Kristjan Sigurdson is one of the first employees of the Creative Destruction Lab, a seed-stage program for massively scalable, science-based ventures launched at the University of Toronto in 2012. The CDL has grown from an annual cohort of 25 companies at one site in 2012 to 350 companies accepted in 6 cities and two countries in 2018. Kristjan will share a series of lessons learned in scaling a university-linked startup program from one campus to six.
  • 4:20 PM - 4:50 PM
    Wearable Computing - an extension of self
    SciFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 16:20:00 2018-07-11 16:50:00 America/New_York Wearable Computing - an extension of self Bringing a technology closer to the body can help get it out of the
    way. Binoculars, for example, augment our ability to see. Yet, we are
    painfully aware of their bulk and inconvenience. We sense, very
    explicitly, that we are using a tool. Yet sunglasses and eyeglasses,
    which also augment our ability to see, become an extension of
    ourselves. They are worn, not held, and we see the world better
    through their lenses without much effort or thought. What if we could
    make computers that augmented our minds in a similar manner to
    eyeglasses - "mindglasses" that help us think, remember, and
    communicate better with little effort?

    For 25 years, my teams have been bringing computing closer to the
    body, trying to augment the wearer while keeping the technology out of
    the way. We have created "living laboratories" where groups of people
    wear computers as part of their daily life and explore the benefits
    and challenges of the technology. Our wearables augment memory, focus
    attention, assist communication, augment the senses, and even teach
    wearers manual skills without active attention. I believe wearables,
    more than any class of computing to date, has the potential to extend
    us beyond ourselves in unexpected and compelling ways. Join me for a
    personal journey through the world of wearable computing that will
    reveal a different perspective than is expressed in headlines and tech
    blogs.
    ORANGE STAGE Thad Starner
    Bringing a technology closer to the body can help get it out of the
    way. Binoculars, for example, augment our ability to see. Yet, we are
    painfully aware of their bulk and inconvenience. We sense, very
    explicitly, that we are using a tool. Yet sunglasses and eyeglasses,
    which also augment our ability to see, become an extension of
    ourselves. They are worn, not held, and we see the world better
    through their lenses without much effort or thought. What if we could
    make computers that augmented our minds in a similar manner to
    eyeglasses - "mindglasses" that help us think, remember, and
    communicate better with little effort?

    For 25 years, my teams have been bringing computing closer to the
    body, trying to augment the wearer while keeping the technology out of
    the way. We have created "living laboratories" where groups of people
    wear computers as part of their daily life and explore the benefits
    and challenges of the technology. Our wearables augment memory, focus
    attention, assist communication, augment the senses, and even teach
    wearers manual skills without active attention. I believe wearables,
    more than any class of computing to date, has the potential to extend
    us beyond ourselves in unexpected and compelling ways. Join me for a
    personal journey through the world of wearable computing that will
    reveal a different perspective than is expressed in headlines and tech
    blogs.
  • 4:30 PM - 4:50 PM
    Creating a culture of innovation
    AcceleratorFest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 16:30:00 2018-07-11 16:50:00 America/New_York Creating a culture of innovation Well-known as Asia’s business hub, Hong Kong is also emerging as a start-up destination. Accelerators and co-working spaces have sprung up across the city, and entrepreneurs from around the world use Hong Kong as a base to expand into Asia and China. Edward will draw upon the experience of the Hong Kong Science Park, which runs some of the city’s most popular incubators and accelerators, to share tips on building relationships with stakeholders and fostering a dynamic start-up ecosystem. GREEN STAGE Edward Chan
    Well-known as Asia’s business hub, Hong Kong is also emerging as a start-up destination. Accelerators and co-working spaces have sprung up across the city, and entrepreneurs from around the world use Hong Kong as a base to expand into Asia and China. Edward will draw upon the experience of the Hong Kong Science Park, which runs some of the city’s most popular incubators and accelerators, to share tips on building relationships with stakeholders and fostering a dynamic start-up ecosystem.
  • 4:40 PM - 5:00 PM
    Une idée de fous!
    "Startupfest Version Française" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 16:40:00 2018-07-11 17:00:00 America/New_York Une idée de fous! Bâtir un festival ou une start-up est une affaire de coeur, de tripes et de folie. Comment transmettre les valeurs et la vision de projets ambitieux tout en s’assurant d’une exécution (presque) sans failles? Venez entendre cet humoriste et homme d’affaires, dont la feuille de route est indéniable, des Pêcheurs au Grand Montréal comédie fest, en passant par le succès planétaire de Starbuck, Martin Petit partagera avec vous les dessous de cette dernière réalisation.

    Une entrevue menée par fondateur de Play the Future, Andy Nulman
    PINK STAGE Martin Petit Andy Nulman
    Bâtir un festival ou une start-up est une affaire de coeur, de tripes et de folie. Comment transmettre les valeurs et la vision de projets ambitieux tout en s’assurant d’une exécution (presque) sans failles? Venez entendre cet humoriste et homme d’affaires, dont la feuille de route est indéniable, des Pêcheurs au Grand Montréal comédie fest, en passant par le succès planétaire de Starbuck, Martin Petit partagera avec vous les dessous de cette dernière réalisation.

    Une entrevue menée par fondateur de Play the Future, Andy Nulman
  • 4:50 PM - 5:00 PM
    Closing remarks
    SciFest
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 16:50:00 2018-07-11 17:00:00 America/New_York Closing remarks Summary of day ORANGE STAGE MC Omar Zahr
    Summary of day
  • 4:50 PM - 5:00 PM
    Closing statements
    AcceleratorFest
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 16:50:00 2018-07-11 17:00:00 America/New_York Closing statements Steven Abrams (Partner, IT Venture Fund, Strategic Investments & Women in Tech Fund, BDC)
    Brady Forrest (Co-founder, Highway1 & Ignite Talks)
    GREEN STAGE
    Steven Abrams (Partner, IT Venture Fund, Strategic Investments & Women in Tech Fund, BDC)
    Brady Forrest (Co-founder, Highway1 & Ignite Talks)
  • 4:55 PM - 5:00 PM
    Closing remarks
    Scaleupfest
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-11 16:55:00 2018-07-11 17:00:00 America/New_York Closing remarks PURPLE STAGE MC Heather Anne Ritchie
  • 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
    Opening Cocktail
    Other Events
    LOUNGE

    + 2018-07-11 17:00:00 2018-07-11 23:00:00 America/New_York Opening Cocktail Drinks provided by SKYY Canada and Montoni! LOUNGE
    Drinks provided by SKYY Canada and Montoni!
  • There are no sessions on this stage today.
  • 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    Braindate
    Tent Village
    BRAINDATE LOUNGE

    + 2018-07-12 08:00:00 2018-07-12 10:00:00 America/New_York Braindate BRAINDATE LOUNGE
  • 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
    State of the nation
    "Keynote" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 10:00:00 2018-07-12 10:20:00 America/New_York State of the nation What does it take for funders and startups to grow scaleups – and why should they? After years of in-depth research into the effectiveness of growth strategies, founder and investor mindsets, attitudes, knowledge and relationships, Startup Genome has been able to codify the factors that take startup ecosystems from good to great. PINK STAGE JF Gauthier
    What does it take for funders and startups to grow scaleups – and why should they? After years of in-depth research into the effectiveness of growth strategies, founder and investor mindsets, attitudes, knowledge and relationships, Startup Genome has been able to codify the factors that take startup ecosystems from good to great.
  • 10:20 AM - 10:40 AM
    The age of instant gratification is here. What does it mean for your business?
    "Keynote" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 10:20:00 2018-07-12 10:40:00 America/New_York The age of instant gratification is here. What does it mean for your business? Stay tuned for more information PINK STAGE Laura Behrens Wu Brady Forrest
    Stay tuned for more information
  • 10:40 AM - 11:00 AM
    Before, during and after: What really happens in M&A
    "Keynote" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 10:40:00 2018-07-12 11:00:00 America/New_York Before, during and after: What really happens in M&A Most successful exits happen through M&A. But that process is often opaque, and starts long before acquisition negotiations begin. Facebook's Lara Cumberland joins Alistair Croll to shine a light on what it takes to realize the promise of an acquisition: Getting the company culture, team, and structure right beforehand; setting expectations and shared vision during; and the zen and focus needed afterwards. PINK STAGE Lara Cumberland Alistair Croll
    Most successful exits happen through M&A. But that process is often opaque, and starts long before acquisition negotiations begin. Facebook's Lara Cumberland joins Alistair Croll to shine a light on what it takes to realize the promise of an acquisition: Getting the company culture, team, and structure right beforehand; setting expectations and shared vision during; and the zen and focus needed afterwards.
  • 11:00 AM - 11:20 AM
    14 lessons mentors taught me that I should have listened to
    "Keynote" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 11:00:00 2018-07-12 11:20:00 America/New_York 14 lessons mentors taught me that I should have listened to Stay tuned for more information PINK STAGE David Byttow
    Stay tuned for more information
  • 11:20 AM - 11:25 AM
    How to build a billion dollar business
    "Keynote" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 11:20:00 2018-07-12 11:25:00 America/New_York How to build a billion dollar business Stay tuned for more information PINK STAGE Ravi Belani
    Stay tuned for more information
  • 11:25 AM - 11:30 AM
    It's not ideas that count, it's relationships
    "Keynote" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 11:25:00 2018-07-12 11:30:00 America/New_York It's not ideas that count, it's relationships You’ve mastered the elevator pitch and produced a slick pitch deck but you’ve forgotten one thing: the network. In this lightening keynote J. Kelly Hoey, Author of BUILD YOUR DREAM NETWORK shares why genuine relationships are the differentiator in a world overflowing with good ideas. PINK STAGE Kelly Hoey
    You’ve mastered the elevator pitch and produced a slick pitch deck but you’ve forgotten one thing: the network. In this lightening keynote J. Kelly Hoey, Author of BUILD YOUR DREAM NETWORK shares why genuine relationships are the differentiator in a world overflowing with good ideas.
  • 11:30 AM - 11:40 AM
    Augmenting Human Communication
    "Keynote" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 11:30:00 2018-07-12 11:40:00 America/New_York Augmenting Human Communication For millions of years, primates and humans have had limits to what they can sense. But we're creating digital tools at a breakneck speed, pushing the boundaries of human perception. How far can we go? Beyond merely sensing new things, can we augment how we interpret and make sense of the world around us better? Can a wearable computer augment the user’s ability to communicate? In this talk, Thad Starner and Dimitri Kanevsky discuss advances in wearable prototypes that bridge the gap between working dogs and their handlers, and help deaf and autistic users better communicate with their colleagues. PINK STAGE Thad Starner Dimitri Kanevsky
    For millions of years, primates and humans have had limits to what they can sense. But we're creating digital tools at a breakneck speed, pushing the boundaries of human perception. How far can we go? Beyond merely sensing new things, can we augment how we interpret and make sense of the world around us better? Can a wearable computer augment the user’s ability to communicate? In this talk, Thad Starner and Dimitri Kanevsky discuss advances in wearable prototypes that bridge the gap between working dogs and their handlers, and help deaf and autistic users better communicate with their colleagues.
  • 11:40 AM - 12:00 PM
    Finding your why
    "Keynote" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 11:40:00 2018-07-12 12:00:00 America/New_York Finding your why As a founder, it is easy to articulate what you do and how you do it, but do you, your team and your customers know why you do it? Companies who differentiate based on value alignment are more successful; modern consumers don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it. PINK STAGE Amber Venz Box
    As a founder, it is easy to articulate what you do and how you do it, but do you, your team and your customers know why you do it? Companies who differentiate based on value alignment are more successful; modern consumers don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it.
  • 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
    The Power of 1
    "Keynote" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 12:00:00 2018-07-12 12:20:00 America/New_York The Power of 1 Innovation depends on fresh takes, new perspectives, and breakthrough ideas. If you're a startup founder, entrepreneur, or just someone who wants to put a dent in the world, you know that all forward progress–whether in business, or society–is born of new ideas.
    But most of us “cover” our wildest ideas—choosing to fit in and belong to the mainstream—even if it means denying ourselves and our desire to share our unique voice with the world. What might our world look like and what problems could we solve if any “wild idea,” regardless of its source, had an equal chance?
    Into this context, business innovator Nilofer Merchant offers a way forward: Onlyness. Onlyness unlocks the capacity in each of us, all of us. Historically, when people were told their ideas are too weird, too wild, or simply “too much”, they tended to give up. Not because they wanted to, but because when one has to choose between activating an idea and belonging to a community, belonging wins.
    Every. Darn. Time.
    Until, now, that is. In today's world, you can easily find those who share the same purpose as you, who are equally passionate, motivated, and mobilized. Now you can belong to your weird and wild ideas, and to a community of like-minded individuals.
    This is THE POWER OF ONLYNESS—that an idea, born of the spot in which ONLY you stand, can scale by connectedNESS, to become mighty enough to dent the world. Companies of all sizes that harness this power will out-innovate the market. Moreover, this is how each and every one of us turns the change we want into reality.
    Thru inspirational stories, from her book, The Power of Onlyness, Nilofer illuminates what’s now possible.
    PINK STAGE Nilofer Merchant
    Innovation depends on fresh takes, new perspectives, and breakthrough ideas. If you're a startup founder, entrepreneur, or just someone who wants to put a dent in the world, you know that all forward progress–whether in business, or society–is born of new ideas.
    But most of us “cover” our wildest ideas—choosing to fit in and belong to the mainstream—even if it means denying ourselves and our desire to share our unique voice with the world. What might our world look like and what problems could we solve if any “wild idea,” regardless of its source, had an equal chance?
    Into this context, business innovator Nilofer Merchant offers a way forward: Onlyness. Onlyness unlocks the capacity in each of us, all of us. Historically, when people were told their ideas are too weird, too wild, or simply “too much”, they tended to give up. Not because they wanted to, but because when one has to choose between activating an idea and belonging to a community, belonging wins.
    Every. Darn. Time.
    Until, now, that is. In today's world, you can easily find those who share the same purpose as you, who are equally passionate, motivated, and mobilized. Now you can belong to your weird and wild ideas, and to a community of like-minded individuals.
    This is THE POWER OF ONLYNESS—that an idea, born of the spot in which ONLY you stand, can scale by connectedNESS, to become mighty enough to dent the world. Companies of all sizes that harness this power will out-innovate the market. Moreover, this is how each and every one of us turns the change we want into reality.
    Thru inspirational stories, from her book, The Power of Onlyness, Nilofer illuminates what’s now possible.
  • 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Braindate
    Tent Village
    BRAINDATE LOUNGE

    + 2018-07-12 12:00:00 2018-07-12 18:00:00 America/New_York Braindate BRAINDATE LOUNGE
  • 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    $100k Prize Pitching
    Tent Village
    RIVERSIDE VILLAGE

    + 2018-07-12 12:00:00 2018-07-12 18:00:00 America/New_York $100k Prize Pitching RIVERSIDE VILLAGE
  • 12:10 PM - 1:30 PM
    LUNCH
    "Keynote" Track, "How to" Track, "Future of" Track, "Interactive" Track, "Startupfest Version Française" Track
    FOOD COURT

    + 2018-07-12 12:10:00 2018-07-12 13:30:00 America/New_York LUNCH FOOD COURT
  • 1:30 PM - 2:10 PM
    The Future of Communication
    "Future of" Track
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 13:30:00 2018-07-12 14:10:00 America/New_York The Future of Communication Often, information created in one medium is better consumed in another. A driver shouldn't read text messages, for example, but can listen to spoken words. A firefighter may want to read verbal messages on a heads-up display in a noisy environment.
    In other cases, these approaches can be used to augment senses: A blind person navigating using pressure on their tongue, or someone hard of hearing having vibrations on their ear or wrist to let them know someone else is speaking.
    What's more, people can use alternate senses to better understand hard-to-interpret information. Neuroscientist David Eagleman has demonstrated that vibrations through a tactile vest can feed humans information about stock markets intuitively.
    All of these efforts are based on one idea: That the human brain can learn new ways to absorb data. Ultimately, such interfaces aren't just assistive—they can give people quite literally superhuman senses.
    This talk from the forefront of sensory science looks at alternative audio displays for the deaf. Thad Starner and Dimitri Kanevsky will discuss Stabilized Auditory Images (SAI) for speech, music, and environmental sounds, mimicking how the ear works. They demonstrate how this information enriches sound understanding for people who do not hear, and how this provides feedback to improve pronunciation or reduce accent. And they demonstrate this through wearable projectors and Google glasses in combination with automatically-generated sound labels, discussing the advantages and disadvantages for each of these methods.
    GREEN STAGE Thad Starner Dimitri Kanevsky
    Often, information created in one medium is better consumed in another. A driver shouldn't read text messages, for example, but can listen to spoken words. A firefighter may want to read verbal messages on a heads-up display in a noisy environment.
    In other cases, these approaches can be used to augment senses: A blind person navigating using pressure on their tongue, or someone hard of hearing having vibrations on their ear or wrist to let them know someone else is speaking.
    What's more, people can use alternate senses to better understand hard-to-interpret information. Neuroscientist David Eagleman has demonstrated that vibrations through a tactile vest can feed humans information about stock markets intuitively.
    All of these efforts are based on one idea: That the human brain can learn new ways to absorb data. Ultimately, such interfaces aren't just assistive—they can give people quite literally superhuman senses.
    This talk from the forefront of sensory science looks at alternative audio displays for the deaf. Thad Starner and Dimitri Kanevsky will discuss Stabilized Auditory Images (SAI) for speech, music, and environmental sounds, mimicking how the ear works. They demonstrate how this information enriches sound understanding for people who do not hear, and how this provides feedback to improve pronunciation or reduce accent. And they demonstrate this through wearable projectors and Google glasses in combination with automatically-generated sound labels, discussing the advantages and disadvantages for each of these methods.
  • 1:30 PM - 2:10 PM
    How to build a solid infrastructure for a startup that is cheap and can scale
    "How to" Track
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 13:30:00 2018-07-12 14:10:00 America/New_York How to build a solid infrastructure for a startup that is cheap and can scale You're building your startup and you know it will be big. You don't want to spend a lot of time on infrastructure, but you also don't want to be putting out fires after you get mentioned on Hacker News. In this session, we will give you real practical tips that you can take home with you on building an infrastructure that will scale quickly with minimal up front work on your part, using time tested techniques in infrastructure as code, SaaS, and Serverless, among other things. BLUE STAGE Jeremy Edberg
    You're building your startup and you know it will be big. You don't want to spend a lot of time on infrastructure, but you also don't want to be putting out fires after you get mentioned on Hacker News. In this session, we will give you real practical tips that you can take home with you on building an infrastructure that will scale quickly with minimal up front work on your part, using time tested techniques in infrastructure as code, SaaS, and Serverless, among other things.
  • 1:30 PM - 2:10 PM
    D’étudiant-entrepreneur à leader mondial
    "Startupfest Version Française" Track
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 13:30:00 2018-07-12 14:10:00 America/New_York D’étudiant-entrepreneur à leader mondial M. Yale présentera les principales étapes de son parcours entrepreneurial qui l’a mené d’un entrepreneur-étudiant explorant les opportunités au début de l’ère numérique à la fondation de Triotech, leader mondial dans le marché des manèges interactifs pour les parcs d’attraction.
    Il mettra l’accent sur les moments clés et les leçons que peuvent en tirer les entrepreneurs d’aujourd’hui.
    M. Yale commentera aussi sur son implication personnelle en tant qu’ange investisseur et la perspective d’aide aux start-ups que cela implique.
    ORANGE STAGE Ernest Yale
    M. Yale présentera les principales étapes de son parcours entrepreneurial qui l’a mené d’un entrepreneur-étudiant explorant les opportunités au début de l’ère numérique à la fondation de Triotech, leader mondial dans le marché des manèges interactifs pour les parcs d’attraction.
    Il mettra l’accent sur les moments clés et les leçons que peuvent en tirer les entrepreneurs d’aujourd’hui.
    M. Yale commentera aussi sur son implication personnelle en tant qu’ange investisseur et la perspective d’aide aux start-ups que cela implique.
  • 1:30 PM - 2:10 PM
    Accelerators AMA
    "Interactive" Track
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 13:30:00 2018-07-12 14:10:00 America/New_York Accelerators AMA Getting from idea to scaleable business takes a lot of work. Fortunately, there is a spectrum of organizations designed to help: Incubators, accelerators, and scale-up schools. Where does an accelerator start, and where does it end? Is it just a 90-day pitch contest? Endless mentor meetings? Formal curricula? And how do accelerator operators decide who makes the cut? In this candid interactive session, the leaders of some of the world's most renowned accelerators shed light on how they work, what they've learned, and the best way for your startup to get the boost it needs to take it to the next level. PURPLE STAGE Alice Zagury Karina Costa Patrick White Ravi Belani Lisa Besserman
    Getting from idea to scaleable business takes a lot of work. Fortunately, there is a spectrum of organizations designed to help: Incubators, accelerators, and scale-up schools. Where does an accelerator start, and where does it end? Is it just a 90-day pitch contest? Endless mentor meetings? Formal curricula? And how do accelerator operators decide who makes the cut? In this candid interactive session, the leaders of some of the world's most renowned accelerators shed light on how they work, what they've learned, and the best way for your startup to get the boost it needs to take it to the next level.
  • 1:30 PM - 1:40 PM
    Welcome and breakdown of the event
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 13:30:00 2018-07-12 13:40:00 America/New_York Welcome and breakdown of the event Welcome to AIFest, what can you expect over the next 3 days PINK STAGE Jesse Albiston
    Welcome to AIFest, what can you expect over the next 3 days
  • 1:40 PM - 2:00 PM
    AI: The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 13:40:00 2018-07-12 14:00:00 America/New_York AI: The Good, the Bad and the Beautiful You certainly can't say we don't hear enough about AI these days, but what is signal and what is noise? The most important signal is the good: you don't have to be a major tech company who has already amassed gigantic data and even bigger AI talent to be successful with AI. Nara Logics Inc.'s Jana Eggers will tell you how mere mortal companies are winning with AI. The bad is that you have been granted great powers, and with great powers comes great opportunity to screw it up. Jana will talk about how to avoid things like grossly inappropriate photo tagging or creating swearing, genocidal chat bots. she'll end with the beautiful -- why as Kevin Kelly said, "There has never been a better time in the whole history of the world to invent something." PINK STAGE Jana Eggers
    You certainly can't say we don't hear enough about AI these days, but what is signal and what is noise? The most important signal is the good: you don't have to be a major tech company who has already amassed gigantic data and even bigger AI talent to be successful with AI. Nara Logics Inc.'s Jana Eggers will tell you how mere mortal companies are winning with AI. The bad is that you have been granted great powers, and with great powers comes great opportunity to screw it up. Jana will talk about how to avoid things like grossly inappropriate photo tagging or creating swearing, genocidal chat bots. she'll end with the beautiful -- why as Kevin Kelly said, "There has never been a better time in the whole history of the world to invent something."
  • 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
    Design Thinking for Cyborgs and Centaurs
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 14:00:00 2018-07-12 14:30:00 America/New_York Design Thinking for Cyborgs and Centaurs Welcome to the techno-forest, where the most precious resources are data and attention. You are probably already augmented with either the speed and stamina of horse legs or the precision of biomechatronics. If not, a lot of the people you're going to be interacting with are.

    Machine learning and other techniques give you new ways to direct your attention and your users'. But that involves balancing when it's best to surface the thing someone almost certainly wants and when you help them explore new corners of the world. As we'll discuss, AI-first design reaffirms how important problem statements, goals, and feedback loops are. It gives you more--or at least different--arrows in your quiver. And it shows how laser focus can make you blind to the humanity all around you if you're not careful.
    PINK STAGE Tyler Schnoebelen
    Welcome to the techno-forest, where the most precious resources are data and attention. You are probably already augmented with either the speed and stamina of horse legs or the precision of biomechatronics. If not, a lot of the people you're going to be interacting with are.

    Machine learning and other techniques give you new ways to direct your attention and your users'. But that involves balancing when it's best to surface the thing someone almost certainly wants and when you help them explore new corners of the world. As we'll discuss, AI-first design reaffirms how important problem statements, goals, and feedback loops are. It gives you more--or at least different--arrows in your quiver. And it shows how laser focus can make you blind to the humanity all around you if you're not careful.
  • 2:20 PM - 3:00 PM
    The future of facts: building a better consensus with the blockchain's truth machine
    "Future of" Track
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 14:20:00 2018-07-12 15:00:00 America/New_York The future of facts: building a better consensus with the blockchain's truth machine Blockchains can't guarantee absolute truths and prevent outright lies but they can deliver something arguably more useful: a robust, algorithm-based consensus, a system with which to agree upon objective truths for tackling the disinformation challenges of a chaotic social media age. GREEN STAGE Michael Casey
    Blockchains can't guarantee absolute truths and prevent outright lies but they can deliver something arguably more useful: a robust, algorithm-based consensus, a system with which to agree upon objective truths for tackling the disinformation challenges of a chaotic social media age.
  • 2:20 PM - 3:00 PM
    How to build a dream network for your startup
    "How to" Track
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 14:20:00 2018-07-12 15:00:00 America/New_York How to build a dream network for your startup Forget the hero’s journey and the myth of overnight success. Great companies are built by teams that surround themselves with a diverse community of supporters, champions and advocates every step of the way. Get ready for 40 minutes of tactical and practical advice from J. Kelly Hoey, Author of BUILD YOUR DREAM NETWORK (and one of the 10 most connected people in New York City’s startup scene according to Inc. Magazine). Kelly will give you the “how to’s” on building the network of relationships your startup needs to have the faintest hope of achieving success. BLUE STAGE Kelly Hoey
    Forget the hero’s journey and the myth of overnight success. Great companies are built by teams that surround themselves with a diverse community of supporters, champions and advocates every step of the way. Get ready for 40 minutes of tactical and practical advice from J. Kelly Hoey, Author of BUILD YOUR DREAM NETWORK (and one of the 10 most connected people in New York City’s startup scene according to Inc. Magazine). Kelly will give you the “how to’s” on building the network of relationships your startup needs to have the faintest hope of achieving success.
  • 2:20 PM - 3:00 PM
    Le capital-risque, ça en vaut le coût?
    "Startupfest Version Française" Track
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 14:20:00 2018-07-12 15:00:00 America/New_York Le capital-risque, ça en vaut le coût? Quand chaque dollar est compté et que la paye est chroniquement incertaine, on se dit que tout serait tellement plus facile avec du capital-risque. Mais quand est-il vraiment quand on est une des rares startups dans lesquels les VCs investissent des centaines de milliers voir des millions de dollars? Devrais-je bootstrapper me compagnie ou y injecter du capital-risque? Comparons ces deux philosophies de croissance souvent présentées comme antagonistes. ORANGE STAGE Bruno Morency
    Quand chaque dollar est compté et que la paye est chroniquement incertaine, on se dit que tout serait tellement plus facile avec du capital-risque. Mais quand est-il vraiment quand on est une des rares startups dans lesquels les VCs investissent des centaines de milliers voir des millions de dollars? Devrais-je bootstrapper me compagnie ou y injecter du capital-risque? Comparons ces deux philosophies de croissance souvent présentées comme antagonistes.
  • 2:20 PM - 3:00 PM
    Fundraising AMA
    "Interactive" Track
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 14:20:00 2018-07-12 15:00:00 America/New_York Fundraising AMA The number one job of a CEO is to make payroll. Everything else comes second. Fundraising is a critical skill for any founder, but it's not easy. For starters, many lenders have high aspirations married to low tolerance for risk. What's more, there are myriad funding instruments from which to choose—loans, convertible debt, equity financing, and more. And complex terms mean money today can have negative consequences for founders tomorrow if you don't understand what you're getting into.
    Fortunately, there's this AMA. Founders who've successfully raised funds in the past talk about their experiences, what they've learned, how it changed their organizations, and how to go about closing the right financing for your business model, growth stage, and culture.
    PURPLE STAGE Derrick Fung Vicky Saunders Jessica O Matthews Elizabeth Gore Kim Yeung
    The number one job of a CEO is to make payroll. Everything else comes second. Fundraising is a critical skill for any founder, but it's not easy. For starters, many lenders have high aspirations married to low tolerance for risk. What's more, there are myriad funding instruments from which to choose—loans, convertible debt, equity financing, and more. And complex terms mean money today can have negative consequences for founders tomorrow if you don't understand what you're getting into.
    Fortunately, there's this AMA. Founders who've successfully raised funds in the past talk about their experiences, what they've learned, how it changed their organizations, and how to go about closing the right financing for your business model, growth stage, and culture.
  • 2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
    Getting Started with Implementing AI at Work
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 14:30:00 2018-07-12 15:00:00 America/New_York Getting Started with Implementing AI at Work Roughly one third of the average human's life is spent at work. How can we leverage AI and human-AI collaboration to improve how we work and spend those precious hours? In this session, we will explore the readiness of AI applications in the workplace and introduce 5 key principles to follow when getting started with implementing AI in your workplace. You’ll walk away with clear takeaways on key opportunities and barriers for workplace AI innovation and adoption and key partnership models to develop in order to get started. PINK STAGE Trishala Pillai Erik von Stackelberg
    Roughly one third of the average human's life is spent at work. How can we leverage AI and human-AI collaboration to improve how we work and spend those precious hours? In this session, we will explore the readiness of AI applications in the workplace and introduce 5 key principles to follow when getting started with implementing AI in your workplace. You’ll walk away with clear takeaways on key opportunities and barriers for workplace AI innovation and adoption and key partnership models to develop in order to get started.
  • 3:10 PM - 3:50 PM
    How to influence the influencers
    "How to" Track
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 15:10:00 2018-07-12 15:50:00 America/New_York How to influence the influencers What works with getting influencers on board? Is it just paying them? Is it something deeper? Now that everyone (and their dog… literally) claim to be an influencer, let’s dive deep into this trend by speaking to some real influencers and figuring out how to make the relationship mutually beneficial, authentic and valuable. Is that even possible in these transactional times? We think it is… let’s explore… BLUE STAGE Mitch Joel Tom Emrich Amber Mac
    What works with getting influencers on board? Is it just paying them? Is it something deeper? Now that everyone (and their dog… literally) claim to be an influencer, let’s dive deep into this trend by speaking to some real influencers and figuring out how to make the relationship mutually beneficial, authentic and valuable. Is that even possible in these transactional times? We think it is… let’s explore…
  • 3:10 PM - 3:50 PM
    Sound Design and The Future of Experience
    "Future of" Track
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 15:10:00 2018-07-12 15:50:00 America/New_York Sound Design and The Future of Experience Sound is one of the most commonly overlooked components in product design, even though it's often the first way people interact with many products. When designers don’t pay enough attention sound elements, customers are frequently left with annoying and interruptive results. This talk will cover several methods that product designers and managers can use to improve everyday interactions through an understanding and application of sound design. GREEN STAGE Amber Case
    Sound is one of the most commonly overlooked components in product design, even though it's often the first way people interact with many products. When designers don’t pay enough attention sound elements, customers are frequently left with annoying and interruptive results. This talk will cover several methods that product designers and managers can use to improve everyday interactions through an understanding and application of sound design.
  • 3:10 PM - 3:50 PM
    L'accélérateur et les facteurs clés du succès d'une startup
    "Startupfest Version Française" Track
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 15:10:00 2018-07-12 15:50:00 America/New_York L'accélérateur et les facteurs clés du succès d'une startup L'accélérateur et les facteurs clés du succès d'une startup / La personne accélérée et les apprentissages du processus. ORANGE STAGE Alice Zagury Amira Boutouchent
    L'accélérateur et les facteurs clés du succès d'une startup / La personne accélérée et les apprentissages du processus.
  • 3:10 PM - 3:50 PM
    Investors AMA
    "Interactive" Track
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 15:10:00 2018-07-12 15:50:00 America/New_York Investors AMA How do investors think? It's not obvious to many startups, but investors have their own goals, challenges, and customers. They need to deliver solid results to Limited Partners. They need to comply with regulations. They may be constrained to a particular company size or industry vertical. You wouldn't try to sell something without understanding your prospect—yet many startups looking for money fail to get inside the minds of the investors they're courting.
    Here's your chance to ask investors anything you want (except "will you fund my company?"—that's what the rest of Startupfest is for!) From how they became VCs, to what they look for in companies, and how you can take advantage of everything they can offer. What's the best way to attract the best investors? What can they offer beyond just money? What keeps them up at night - you can ask them anything.
    PURPLE STAGE Robert Keith Elizabeth Yin Evan Patronik Adam Wang-Levine
    How do investors think? It's not obvious to many startups, but investors have their own goals, challenges, and customers. They need to deliver solid results to Limited Partners. They need to comply with regulations. They may be constrained to a particular company size or industry vertical. You wouldn't try to sell something without understanding your prospect—yet many startups looking for money fail to get inside the minds of the investors they're courting.
    Here's your chance to ask investors anything you want (except "will you fund my company?"—that's what the rest of Startupfest is for!) From how they became VCs, to what they look for in companies, and how you can take advantage of everything they can offer. What's the best way to attract the best investors? What can they offer beyond just money? What keeps them up at night - you can ask them anything.
  • 3:20 PM - 4:00 PM
    Pitch Competition
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 15:20:00 2018-07-12 16:00:00 America/New_York Pitch Competition Pitch Competition - Do you have an idea for the next big AI startup? The AI Fest Pitch Competition has been established to encourage entrepreneurs to propose new ideas that solve real-world problems using AI. During AIFest (July 11-14), a panel of judges from the AI and startup community will hear from 5 STARTUPS, who will have 3 minutes each to present their solutions. Judges will have 2 minutes to ask questions and give feedback. The winning pitch will win a prize of 15 hours of mentorship from Element AI.

    Judges:
    Jon French (Director of Marketing & Communications, NEXT Canada)
    Sarah Jenna (CEO of Mims)
    Bruno Morency (Managing Director of Techstars Montreal AI)
    PINK STAGE
    Pitch Competition - Do you have an idea for the next big AI startup? The AI Fest Pitch Competition has been established to encourage entrepreneurs to propose new ideas that solve real-world problems using AI. During AIFest (July 11-14), a panel of judges from the AI and startup community will hear from 5 STARTUPS, who will have 3 minutes each to present their solutions. Judges will have 2 minutes to ask questions and give feedback. The winning pitch will win a prize of 15 hours of mentorship from Element AI.

    Judges:
    Jon French (Director of Marketing & Communications, NEXT Canada)
    Sarah Jenna (CEO of Mims)
    Bruno Morency (Managing Director of Techstars Montreal AI)
  • 4:00 PM - 4:40 PM
    The future of energy is convenient
    "Future of" Track
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 16:00:00 2018-07-12 16:40:00 America/New_York The future of energy is convenient Convenience—in the form of on-demand, democratized, and/or decentralized services—is the hallmark of today’s successful technologies. Unfortunately, the status quo of energy technologies is far from convenient. Industry pundits will often agree that the holy grail of energy is a solution that is both cheap and clean. Sharing research, lab results, and personal experiences from an 11+ year career in energy innovation, Jessica will propose that while affordable and renewable energy are vital factors in addressing the power needs of people, businesses, and communities worldwide, it ignores the importance of a third—and distinct— “C”: convenient. GREEN STAGE Jessica O. Matthews
    Convenience—in the form of on-demand, democratized, and/or decentralized services—is the hallmark of today’s successful technologies. Unfortunately, the status quo of energy technologies is far from convenient. Industry pundits will often agree that the holy grail of energy is a solution that is both cheap and clean. Sharing research, lab results, and personal experiences from an 11+ year career in energy innovation, Jessica will propose that while affordable and renewable energy are vital factors in addressing the power needs of people, businesses, and communities worldwide, it ignores the importance of a third—and distinct— “C”: convenient.
  • 4:00 PM - 4:40 PM
    How to navigate the lows
    "How to" Track
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 16:00:00 2018-07-12 16:40:00 America/New_York How to navigate the lows Startup life can look pretty amazing. The travel, rubbing shoulders with celebrities, breaking norms and challenging traditions. But it's a lot of work, with daily highs and lows. We seldom talk about the dark side of startups, though. Leadership can be lonely; the hours are hard and the stress wreaks havoc on the body and the soul. Everyone feels the lows, but we don't spend much time fixing them.
    In this session, we bring together founders who've spoken openly about everything from personal challenges to outright depression. From the vacuum after a successful exit, to the self-doubt from constantly faking it 'till you make it, this can't-miss session delves into one of the most important topics in the startup world, offering concrete ways to recognize, prevent, and mitigate the downside of new ventures.
    BLUE STAGE Shawn Smith Vahid Jozi Joanna Killen
    Startup life can look pretty amazing. The travel, rubbing shoulders with celebrities, breaking norms and challenging traditions. But it's a lot of work, with daily highs and lows. We seldom talk about the dark side of startups, though. Leadership can be lonely; the hours are hard and the stress wreaks havoc on the body and the soul. Everyone feels the lows, but we don't spend much time fixing them.
    In this session, we bring together founders who've spoken openly about everything from personal challenges to outright depression. From the vacuum after a successful exit, to the self-doubt from constantly faking it 'till you make it, this can't-miss session delves into one of the most important topics in the startup world, offering concrete ways to recognize, prevent, and mitigate the downside of new ventures.
  • 4:00 PM - 4:40 PM
    Chérie, je me suis lancé en affaire avec un ami!
    "Startupfest Version Française" Track
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 16:00:00 2018-07-12 16:40:00 America/New_York Chérie, je me suis lancé en affaire avec un ami! Comment choisir un cofondateur? Quoi éviter? Qu’est-ce qui forme un bon partenariat d’affaire? À travers l’expérience entrepreneuriale de SmartHalo, Gab et Xavier, deux amis du secondaire, tentent de répondre à ces questions en revenant sur les bons coups, le «fit», la complémentarité et... les erreurs de débutants. ORANGE STAGE Xavier Peich Gab Alberola
    Comment choisir un cofondateur? Quoi éviter? Qu’est-ce qui forme un bon partenariat d’affaire? À travers l’expérience entrepreneuriale de SmartHalo, Gab et Xavier, deux amis du secondaire, tentent de répondre à ces questions en revenant sur les bons coups, le «fit», la complémentarité et... les erreurs de débutants.
  • 4:00 PM - 4:40 PM
    Acquisition AMA
    "Interactive" Track
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-12 16:00:00 2018-07-12 16:40:00 America/New_York Acquisition AMA Startups have only four possible outcomes: They shut down; they become lifestyle businesses; they have an IPO; or they get acquired. If you're taking money from investors, then the first two aren't an option—you're literally accepting investment to deliver a return to investors. And it's more than 95% likely that if you have an exit, it will be an acquisition; very few companies go public.
    With that in mind, how do you engineer an acquisition? How do you make sure it's not just an acqu-hire? And when should you hold out for more, rather than taking the offer? From the platforms you choose, to the employment contracts you sign, to what features you build and what you decide partner on, everything affects who can acquire you and how the acquisition will go. In this AMA, we'll dive deep into the mechanics of acquisitions, ensuring you have the best chances of navigating the gauntlet to a successful exit.
    PURPLE STAGE Zach Coelius Lara Cumberland Harper Reed
    Startups have only four possible outcomes: They shut down; they become lifestyle businesses; they have an IPO; or they get acquired. If you're taking money from investors, then the first two aren't an option—you're literally accepting investment to deliver a return to investors. And it's more than 95% likely that if you have an exit, it will be an acquisition; very few companies go public.
    With that in mind, how do you engineer an acquisition? How do you make sure it's not just an acqu-hire? And when should you hold out for more, rather than taking the offer? From the platforms you choose, to the employment contracts you sign, to what features you build and what you decide partner on, everything affects who can acquire you and how the acquisition will go. In this AMA, we'll dive deep into the mechanics of acquisitions, ensuring you have the best chances of navigating the gauntlet to a successful exit.
  • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    + 2018-07-12 16:00:00 2018-07-12 17:00:00 America/New_York AI Ethics: Day 1 Artificial intelligence is advancing at a much faster rate than most people thought. As it continues to embed itself into every aspect of our lives, we need to ask ethical questions. Who is accountable for the decisions an AI makes? How do we remove bias from these programs? These are the types of questions we'll be answering in this panel.
    Part 1: Brainstorm issues of AI Ethics: 5 mins each
    Part 2: Groups interact to discuss and come up with solutions for AI ethics
    PINK STAGE Jana Eggers Tyler Schnoebelen Facilitator: Katy Yam Facilitator: Satsuko VanAntwerp
    Artificial intelligence is advancing at a much faster rate than most people thought. As it continues to embed itself into every aspect of our lives, we need to ask ethical questions. Who is accountable for the decisions an AI makes? How do we remove bias from these programs? These are the types of questions we'll be answering in this panel.
    Part 1: Brainstorm issues of AI Ethics: 5 mins each
    Part 2: Groups interact to discuss and come up with solutions for AI ethics
  • There are no sessions on this stage today.
  • 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
    Braindate
    Tent Village
    BRAINDATE LOUNGE

    + 2018-07-13 08:00:00 2018-07-13 10:00:00 America/New_York Braindate BRAINDATE LOUNGE
  • 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
    Announcements
    "Keynote" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 09:30:00 2018-07-13 10:00:00 America/New_York Announcements Some special announcements coming from community leaders! PINK STAGE
    Some special announcements coming from community leaders!
  • 10:00 AM - 10:20 AM
    The Emperor's New Clicks: What happens to Internet business models now that the bot/attention game is out in public
    "Keynote" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 10:00:00 2018-07-13 10:20:00 America/New_York The Emperor's New Clicks: What happens to Internet business models now that the bot/attention game is out in public The advertising business model has long been called "the Internet's Original Sin". In 2017, big tech companies found themselves the subject of Congressional investigations and public ire, as scandals ranging from Russian election interference to the Cambridge Analytica data breach made it clear that the social ecosystem has deep flaws. This talk examines the unintended consequences of the intersection between algorithms and business models, and "suggests a way forward". PINK STAGE Renee DiResta
    The advertising business model has long been called "the Internet's Original Sin". In 2017, big tech companies found themselves the subject of Congressional investigations and public ire, as scandals ranging from Russian election interference to the Cambridge Analytica data breach made it clear that the social ecosystem has deep flaws. This talk examines the unintended consequences of the intersection between algorithms and business models, and "suggests a way forward".
  • 10:20 AM - 10:40 AM
    AR will devour the world
    "Keynote" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 10:20:00 2018-07-13 10:40:00 America/New_York AR will devour the world Software," said Marc Andreesen, "is eating the world." But until now, despite its ravenous appetite, software has been on a diet. Trapped behind screens and in traditional computing environments, software has been unable to touch many aspects of our everyday lives.

    That's about to change. Because Augmented Reality (AR) gives software an all-you-can-eat buffet.

    The next wave of computing integrates seamlessly with our everyday lives, moving beyond the safety of a desk-bound display or a phone in our pocket and instead digitizing the very world we inhabit—and with it, ourselves. No business is safe from a world where every surface, person, and interaction is augmented. In this talk, Tom Emrich gives you key insights into what such a world might look like, and what you can do to prepare for it.
    PINK STAGE Tom Emrich
    Software," said Marc Andreesen, "is eating the world." But until now, despite its ravenous appetite, software has been on a diet. Trapped behind screens and in traditional computing environments, software has been unable to touch many aspects of our everyday lives.

    That's about to change. Because Augmented Reality (AR) gives software an all-you-can-eat buffet.

    The next wave of computing integrates seamlessly with our everyday lives, moving beyond the safety of a desk-bound display or a phone in our pocket and instead digitizing the very world we inhabit—and with it, ourselves. No business is safe from a world where every surface, person, and interaction is augmented. In this talk, Tom Emrich gives you key insights into what such a world might look like, and what you can do to prepare for it.
  • 10:40 AM - 11:00 AM
    The Connected Kitchen, Nomiku's Food Journey through hardware and IoT
    "Keynote" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 10:40:00 2018-07-13 11:00:00 America/New_York The Connected Kitchen, Nomiku's Food Journey through hardware and IoT Stay tuned for more information PINK STAGE Lisa Q. Fetterman
    Stay tuned for more information
  • 11:00 AM - 11:05 AM
    Your venture's potential may be limitless, but your time and energy aren't.
    "Keynote" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 11:00:00 2018-07-13 11:05:00 America/New_York Your venture's potential may be limitless, but your time and energy aren't. Every entrepreneur has experienced it - that breaking point when you've pushed yourself too far. Your innovation and disruption may know no limits, but unfortunately your body and mind do. This race is a hard one, for sure, but we often make it harder than it needs to be. Let's talk about about reducing the friction to success, so you can get further, faster, in one piece. PINK STAGE Evan Patronik
    Every entrepreneur has experienced it - that breaking point when you've pushed yourself too far. Your innovation and disruption may know no limits, but unfortunately your body and mind do. This race is a hard one, for sure, but we often make it harder than it needs to be. Let's talk about about reducing the friction to success, so you can get further, faster, in one piece.
  • 11:05 AM - 11:10 AM
    The Radical Generosity Advantage
    "Keynote" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 11:05:00 2018-07-13 11:10:00 America/New_York The Radical Generosity Advantage Imagine being surrounded by a global network of radically generous people. What would you do to take your business to the next level if you were one step removed from whomever and whatever you need? Vicki Saunders, Founder of SheEO will share the vision and the impact to date of radically rethinking what we need to get our innovation to the next level; #radicalgenerosity
    PINK STAGE Vicki Saunders
    Imagine being surrounded by a global network of radically generous people. What would you do to take your business to the next level if you were one step removed from whomever and whatever you need? Vicki Saunders, Founder of SheEO will share the vision and the impact to date of radically rethinking what we need to get our innovation to the next level; #radicalgenerosity
  • 11:10 AM - 11:15 AM
    How tech creates wealth & growth for Africa’s middle class
    "Keynote" Track
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 11:10:00 2018-07-13 11:15:00 America/New_York How tech creates wealth & growth for Africa’s middle class It's no secret that access to capital is a challenge for African businesses. In fact, that challenge is global—great companies around the world can't get the funding they need to grow.

    In Africa, past solutions have included charity, micro-lending, Monetary Financial Institutions, and grants. But those approaches don't tackle the underlying problem, because amazingly, access to capital has nothing to do with money.

    Instead, true economic growth comes when we encourage the adoption of new technologies, reliable systems of capital, and a better understanding of what "good growth" entails. Deployed right, technology grows the middle class, creates new kinds of consumption and growth, and ultimately, creates endless opportunities for the 1.2 billion inhabitants of the world's biggest emerging market.
    PINK STAGE Viola Llewellyn
    It's no secret that access to capital is a challenge for African businesses. In fact, that challenge is global—great companies around the world can't get the funding they need to grow.

    In Africa, past solutions have included charity, micro-lending, Monetary Financial Institutions, and grants. But those approaches don't tackle the underlying problem, because amazingly, access to capital has nothing to do with money.

    Instead, true economic growth comes when we encourage the adoption of new technologies, reliable systems of capital, and a better understanding of what "good growth" entails. Deployed right, technology grows the middle class, creates new kinds of consumption and growth, and ultimately, creates endless opportunities for the 1.2 billion inhabitants of the world's biggest emerging market.
  • 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
    + 2018-07-13 11:15:00 2018-07-13 12:00:00 America/New_York Best Pitch Competition 7 startups compete for the title of "Best Pitch"
    Sharesmart
    Indig
    Liscena
    Weavair
    InVivo AI
    Sucseed
    Spect
    PINK STAGE Judge: Evan Patronik Judge: Elizabeth Yin Judge: Alice Zagury Judge: Adam Wang-Levine Judge: Rachel Vanier MC: Willie G
    7 startups compete for the title of "Best Pitch"
    Sharesmart
    Indig
    Liscena
    Weavair
    InVivo AI
    Sucseed
    Spect
  • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
    LUNCH
    "Keynote" Track, "How to" Track, "Future of" Track, "Interactive" Track, "Startupfest Version Française" Track, AIFest
    FOOD COURT

    + 2018-07-13 12:00:00 2018-07-13 13:30:00 America/New_York LUNCH FOOD COURT
  • 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    Braindate
    Tent Village
    BRAINDATE LOUNGE

    + 2018-07-13 12:00:00 2018-07-13 18:00:00 America/New_York Braindate BRAINDATE LOUNGE
  • 1:30 PM - 2:10 PM
    The Future of Workforce Talent
    "Future of" Track
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 13:30:00 2018-07-13 14:10:00 America/New_York The Future of Workforce Talent The industrial revolution introduced corporations as a standard destination for the world’s first knowledge workers. Those who started, ran and worked in these 19th century ventures were naturally dominated by the people given the privilege of education and acquiring domain expertise. Fast forward to the fourth industrial revolution that we are currently embarking upon we will see how technology, changing gender roles, longer life spans, and burgeoning cultural norms will inevitably change the demographics of the knowledge worker. Stephanie Lampkin, Stanford and MIT alum, now Founder & CEO of Blendoor will discuss the impact of these changing demographics and how overcoming biases will be vital to innovation and competitive advantage. GREEN STAGE Stephanie Lampkin
    The industrial revolution introduced corporations as a standard destination for the world’s first knowledge workers. Those who started, ran and worked in these 19th century ventures were naturally dominated by the people given the privilege of education and acquiring domain expertise. Fast forward to the fourth industrial revolution that we are currently embarking upon we will see how technology, changing gender roles, longer life spans, and burgeoning cultural norms will inevitably change the demographics of the knowledge worker. Stephanie Lampkin, Stanford and MIT alum, now Founder & CEO of Blendoor will discuss the impact of these changing demographics and how overcoming biases will be vital to innovation and competitive advantage.
  • 1:30 PM - 2:10 PM
    How to acquire customers
    "How to" Track
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 13:30:00 2018-07-13 14:10:00 America/New_York How to acquire customers There is nothing more important to a startup than showing customer traction. Over the past 15 years, the sales process has changed so much that a traditional salesperson wouldn't recognize today's best practices. Companies now focus almost exclusively on digital customer acquisition, which has transformed how they drive growth and measure results. Learn the tools, philosophy and tricks of some of the fastest growing businesses on the planet. BLUE STAGE Owen Matthews
    There is nothing more important to a startup than showing customer traction. Over the past 15 years, the sales process has changed so much that a traditional salesperson wouldn't recognize today's best practices. Companies now focus almost exclusively on digital customer acquisition, which has transformed how they drive growth and measure results. Learn the tools, philosophy and tricks of some of the fastest growing businesses on the planet.
  • 1:30 PM - 2:10 PM
    L’Intelligence Artificielle au service des startups
    "Startupfest Version Française" Track
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 13:30:00 2018-07-13 14:10:00 America/New_York L’Intelligence Artificielle au service des startups Un article récent de Harvard Business Review s'ouvre sur «toutes les entreprises de technologie sérieuses ont maintenant une équipe d'intelligence artificielle (AI) en place».
    Dans cette intervention, Hanan réponds aux questions suivantes:
    Comment construire une stratégie IA pour votre startup? Que devrait faire une entreprise numérique pour intégrer l'intelligence artificielle dans ses processus métier de base?
    ORANGE STAGE Hanan Salam
    Un article récent de Harvard Business Review s'ouvre sur «toutes les entreprises de technologie sérieuses ont maintenant une équipe d'intelligence artificielle (AI) en place».
    Dans cette intervention, Hanan réponds aux questions suivantes:
    Comment construire une stratégie IA pour votre startup? Que devrait faire une entreprise numérique pour intégrer l'intelligence artificielle dans ses processus métier de base?
  • 1:30 PM - 2:10 PM
    B2G: The third kind of startup
    "Interactive" Track
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 13:30:00 2018-07-13 14:10:00 America/New_York B2G: The third kind of startup B2B. B2C. If you're a founder, you pick one of these two, and it drives a lot of your business model—from how you position your product, to how you grow, to who you hire. But there's a new game in town for startups: B2G. More than ever before, Business to Government is a viable angle for many startups. Governments are thirsty for technological solutions to age-old problems. They're tolerant of distributed, on-demand delivery. Rather than buying solutions, they're articulating problems, looking for the private sector to propose novel ways of delivering government to a demanding, connected citizenry.

    In this discussion, our panel will expose how governments' attitudes to innovation and newfound tolerance for risk paves the way for a wave of B2G upstarts that can transform society and build sustainable companies. Come ready with your questions, they're there to answer them!
    PURPLE STAGE Robert Smith Hillary Hartley Alex Benay Dr. Kate Kaminska
    B2B. B2C. If you're a founder, you pick one of these two, and it drives a lot of your business model—from how you position your product, to how you grow, to who you hire. But there's a new game in town for startups: B2G. More than ever before, Business to Government is a viable angle for many startups. Governments are thirsty for technological solutions to age-old problems. They're tolerant of distributed, on-demand delivery. Rather than buying solutions, they're articulating problems, looking for the private sector to propose novel ways of delivering government to a demanding, connected citizenry.

    In this discussion, our panel will expose how governments' attitudes to innovation and newfound tolerance for risk paves the way for a wave of B2G upstarts that can transform society and build sustainable companies. Come ready with your questions, they're there to answer them!
  • 1:30 PM - 1:40 PM
    Welcome back
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 13:30:00 2018-07-13 13:40:00 America/New_York Welcome back Recap of what we've learned so far PINK STAGE Jesse Albiston
    Recap of what we've learned so far
  • 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
    + 2018-07-13 13:30:00 2018-07-13 15:30:00 America/New_York ArtupFest Pitch Competition RIVERSIDE VILLAGE Judge: Philippe Demers Judge: Elisabeth Laett Judge: Benoit Lacoste Bienvenue Judge: Andy Nulman Judge: Dax Dasilva Judge: Clarence Epstein Judge: Philip Hazan
  • 1:40 PM - 2:00 PM
    You're a startup and not doing AI?
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 13:40:00 2018-07-13 14:00:00 America/New_York You're a startup and not doing AI? Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly moving out of the laboratory and into business and consumer applications. As a result, we're seeing a fundamental shift in how software is built and what it's capable of doing. In this talk, Parinaz will begin by introducing the principles of applied artificial intelligence that can bring structure to this highly complex topic and be a useful reference point to design and develop AI-based products.
    With the commoditization of machine learning, one of the main challenges that many startups have is designing data-efficient machine learning solutions. In the rest of the talk, she will describe the potential solutions to train machine learning models while having access to limited data by using data aggregation, transfer learning and generative approaches based on our recent projects.
    PINK STAGE Parinaz Sobhani
    Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly moving out of the laboratory and into business and consumer applications. As a result, we're seeing a fundamental shift in how software is built and what it's capable of doing. In this talk, Parinaz will begin by introducing the principles of applied artificial intelligence that can bring structure to this highly complex topic and be a useful reference point to design and develop AI-based products.
    With the commoditization of machine learning, one of the main challenges that many startups have is designing data-efficient machine learning solutions. In the rest of the talk, she will describe the potential solutions to train machine learning models while having access to limited data by using data aggregation, transfer learning and generative approaches based on our recent projects.
  • 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Investor Zone powered by DMZ
    Tent Village
    BRAINDATE LOUNGE

    + 2018-07-13 14:00:00 2018-07-13 17:00:00 America/New_York Investor Zone powered by DMZ BRAINDATE LOUNGE
  • 2:00 PM - 2:40 PM
    AMA on fundraising for your AI Startup
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 14:00:00 2018-07-13 14:40:00 America/New_York AMA on fundraising for your AI Startup In this unique, "ask me anything" session, you'll hear from successful serial entrepreneurs on how they were able to raise large sums of VC money for their AI company. You'll have the opportunity to ask any question you'd like so that you can increase your chances of successfully raising capital. PINK STAGE Elizabeth Gore Lauren Kunze Craig Buntin Naomi Goldapple
    In this unique, "ask me anything" session, you'll hear from successful serial entrepreneurs on how they were able to raise large sums of VC money for their AI company. You'll have the opportunity to ask any question you'd like so that you can increase your chances of successfully raising capital.
  • 2:20 PM - 3:00 PM
    Future of healthcare: How convergence of exponential technology within the plecosystem economy is already defining our future
    "Future of" Track
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 14:20:00 2018-07-13 15:00:00 America/New_York Future of healthcare: How convergence of exponential technology within the plecosystem economy is already defining our future We have been living in a multi-platform ecosystem (aka Plecosystem) for almost a decade already, and yet few organizations have built their future strategy around a plecosystem approach. Every healthcare organization must develop a plecosystem strategy that maximizes the opportunity for accelerated innovation through convergence of multiple exponential technologies, e.g. Machine Learning, IOT, Voice integration, EHR with untethered PHR, Integrated Virtual Care, API platforms, Cloud strategies, Blockchain implementations, etc. Failure to embrace a plecosystem strategy with slow innovation, raise costs and reduce ROI and services offered. All too often, “Innovation Teams” are too focused on point solutions rather than platform solutions, and they are increasingly putting their organizational cost structure and innovation stream in peril. GREEN STAGE John Mattison
    We have been living in a multi-platform ecosystem (aka Plecosystem) for almost a decade already, and yet few organizations have built their future strategy around a plecosystem approach. Every healthcare organization must develop a plecosystem strategy that maximizes the opportunity for accelerated innovation through convergence of multiple exponential technologies, e.g. Machine Learning, IOT, Voice integration, EHR with untethered PHR, Integrated Virtual Care, API platforms, Cloud strategies, Blockchain implementations, etc. Failure to embrace a plecosystem strategy with slow innovation, raise costs and reduce ROI and services offered. All too often, “Innovation Teams” are too focused on point solutions rather than platform solutions, and they are increasingly putting their organizational cost structure and innovation stream in peril.
  • 2:20 PM - 3:00 PM
    How to embrace failure
    "How to" Track
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 14:20:00 2018-07-13 15:00:00 America/New_York How to embrace failure Yona Shtern, CEO of ParkWhiz and previously co-founder of Beyond The Rack shares his journey as an entrepreneur and the role that failure has played in his evolution as an entrepreneur, leader and mentor. BLUE STAGE Yona Shtern
    Yona Shtern, CEO of ParkWhiz and previously co-founder of Beyond The Rack shares his journey as an entrepreneur and the role that failure has played in his evolution as an entrepreneur, leader and mentor.
  • 2:20 PM - 3:00 PM
    Créer une culture d'entreprise
    "Startupfest Version Française" Track
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 14:20:00 2018-07-13 15:00:00 America/New_York Créer une culture d'entreprise Pour créer une compagnie prospère, il faut établir ce qui vous est important dès le début. Quelles sont les valeurs que vous souhaitez mettre de l'avant en tant qu'organisation? Comment travaillera votre équipe à travers les hauts et les bas? Écoutez l'expérience de trois fondateurs qui ont bâti d'incroyables cultures au sein de leurs propres entreprises et apprenez comment orienter votre startup vers le succès. ORANGE STAGE Noemie Dupuy Frantz Saintellemy Pashû Christensen
    Pour créer une compagnie prospère, il faut établir ce qui vous est important dès le début. Quelles sont les valeurs que vous souhaitez mettre de l'avant en tant qu'organisation? Comment travaillera votre équipe à travers les hauts et les bas? Écoutez l'expérience de trois fondateurs qui ont bâti d'incroyables cultures au sein de leurs propres entreprises et apprenez comment orienter votre startup vers le succès.
  • 2:20 PM - 3:00 PM
    AMA Building businesses with social agendas
    "Interactive" Track
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 14:20:00 2018-07-13 15:00:00 America/New_York AMA Building businesses with social agendas Founders are idealists. When they start a business, they have a mission—and hopefully it's not just to get rich at all costs. But how does that mission become intrinsic to the business?
    Consider a company like Kiva, which offers microloans. Now compare it to Ethos Water, which donates water every time someone buys bottled water at Starbucks. Both have a social agenda; but of the two, only Kiva would stop working entirely if it abandoned that agenda.
    If you want to change the world, it's not enough to be charitable. Your business model must be inherently beneficial. The change you want to see in the world has to be intrinsically woven into the very nature of the company, so a change of fortunes or shift in management won't eliminate the vision with which you started. That's hard—so this AMA will look at how to build a social agenda into a business model so your vision can survive.
    PURPLE STAGE Marika Anthony-Shaw Jeff Ward Ohad Elhelo
    Founders are idealists. When they start a business, they have a mission—and hopefully it's not just to get rich at all costs. But how does that mission become intrinsic to the business?
    Consider a company like Kiva, which offers microloans. Now compare it to Ethos Water, which donates water every time someone buys bottled water at Starbucks. Both have a social agenda; but of the two, only Kiva would stop working entirely if it abandoned that agenda.
    If you want to change the world, it's not enough to be charitable. Your business model must be inherently beneficial. The change you want to see in the world has to be intrinsically woven into the very nature of the company, so a change of fortunes or shift in management won't eliminate the vision with which you started. That's hard—so this AMA will look at how to build a social agenda into a business model so your vision can survive.
  • 2:40 PM - 3:00 PM
    How big business is using AI
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 14:40:00 2018-07-13 15:00:00 America/New_York How big business is using AI Corporations now have access to large data sets. Leveraging AI capabilities brings vast opportunity to big business. To seize these opportunities, enterprise needs startup agility and core skills to survive. This session, with L’Oréal Canada's Martin Aubut, will look at Open Innovation, Co-Creation, how AI is changing the way companies are working and where the core focus lies, in leveraging AI systems. PINK STAGE Martin Aubut
    Corporations now have access to large data sets. Leveraging AI capabilities brings vast opportunity to big business. To seize these opportunities, enterprise needs startup agility and core skills to survive. This session, with L’Oréal Canada's Martin Aubut, will look at Open Innovation, Co-Creation, how AI is changing the way companies are working and where the core focus lies, in leveraging AI systems.
  • 3:00 PM - 3:20 PM
    The Last Mile: Challenges of deployment
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 15:00:00 2018-07-13 15:20:00 America/New_York The Last Mile: Challenges of deployment Machine learning in the real world is a formidable challenge few have solved; where the theoretical meets practice; when trust and clarity are critical and where hype meets real impact.

    Benjamin will present two ways of thinking about the Last Mile: 1) the policy, financial and communication challenges in presenting machine learning driven solutions to decision makers and getting to implementation 2) how to operationalize AI and think about bridging the gap between the insight that machine learning can generate and the solved problem.
    PINK STAGE Benjamin Fels
    Machine learning in the real world is a formidable challenge few have solved; where the theoretical meets practice; when trust and clarity are critical and where hype meets real impact.

    Benjamin will present two ways of thinking about the Last Mile: 1) the policy, financial and communication challenges in presenting machine learning driven solutions to decision makers and getting to implementation 2) how to operationalize AI and think about bridging the gap between the insight that machine learning can generate and the solved problem.
  • 3:10 PM - 3:50 PM
    The future of AI
    "Future of" Track
    GREEN STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 15:10:00 2018-07-13 15:50:00 America/New_York The future of AI Artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, with several key trends taking off. Generative models allow AI to actually create content -- images, text, sounds or even new AI models. However, they also open up a new set of risks around fake data and misinformation. Techniques for transferring models and simulating missing training data expand the reach of AI in ways that were previously impossible. As AI makes inroads into increasingly regulated domains such as health care and education, being able to explain why AI makes the decisions that it does and report on error and bias is increasingly important. We'll explore some of these trends in detail and describe recent work we've done to apply them to a variety of fields — from robotic process automation to workplace safety and ghostwriting detection. GREEN STAGE Parinaz Sobhani
    Artificial intelligence continues to transform industries, with several key trends taking off. Generative models allow AI to actually create content -- images, text, sounds or even new AI models. However, they also open up a new set of risks around fake data and misinformation. Techniques for transferring models and simulating missing training data expand the reach of AI in ways that were previously impossible. As AI makes inroads into increasingly regulated domains such as health care and education, being able to explain why AI makes the decisions that it does and report on error and bias is increasingly important. We'll explore some of these trends in detail and describe recent work we've done to apply them to a variety of fields — from robotic process automation to workplace safety and ghostwriting detection.
  • 3:10 PM - 3:50 PM
    How to be just evil enough
    "How to" Track
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 15:10:00 2018-07-13 15:50:00 America/New_York How to be just evil enough How to stop writing press releases and start hacking markets. The dirty secret behind every great startup. Why the risk isn’t whether you can build something but whether anyone will care. BLUE STAGE Alistair Croll
    How to stop writing press releases and start hacking markets. The dirty secret behind every great startup. Why the risk isn’t whether you can build something but whether anyone will care.
  • 3:10 PM - 3:50 PM
    Bâtir une équipe Succès client; par ou commencer?
    "Startupfest Version Française" Track
    ORANGE STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 15:10:00 2018-07-13 15:50:00 America/New_York Bâtir une équipe Succès client; par ou commencer? Dans une entreprise en forte croissance, la victoire est souvent célébré au moment de la vente. Pourtant le succès d'une entreprise réside tout autant dans son habileté à maintenir ses clients satisfaits et à faire croître l'expansion naturelle de ceux-ci en se concentrant sur ce que représente le succès pour chacun de ses clients. Quand devrait-on commencer à bâtir une équipe succès client? Quels sont les principales responsabilités et objectifs de cette équipe? Est-ce que le modèle implanté peut évoluer avec mon entreprise? Julie vous partagera l'évolution d'une équipe succès client de 0 à 20+ employés ainsi que les bonnes questions à se poser pour assurer l'implantation d'un modèle qui correspond à vos besoins. ORANGE STAGE Julie Lacasse
    Dans une entreprise en forte croissance, la victoire est souvent célébré au moment de la vente. Pourtant le succès d'une entreprise réside tout autant dans son habileté à maintenir ses clients satisfaits et à faire croître l'expansion naturelle de ceux-ci en se concentrant sur ce que représente le succès pour chacun de ses clients. Quand devrait-on commencer à bâtir une équipe succès client? Quels sont les principales responsabilités et objectifs de cette équipe? Est-ce que le modèle implanté peut évoluer avec mon entreprise? Julie vous partagera l'évolution d'une équipe succès client de 0 à 20+ employés ainsi que les bonnes questions à se poser pour assurer l'implantation d'un modèle qui correspond à vos besoins.
  • 3:10 PM - 3:50 PM
    Global Business AMA
    "Interactive" Track
    PURPLE STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 15:10:00 2018-07-13 15:50:00 America/New_York Global Business AMA You can scale your company by introducing new products; changing your go-to-market methodology; or reaching new markets. But globalization is seldom easy. In addition to legal, linguistic, and logistical issues, there are dozens of subtle cultural changes needed to succeed globally. For example:
    When bringing beauty products to Asia, some Western companies have had to add the parasite Cordyceps Sinensis to their formulations. Others had to launch marketing campaigns explaining how more concentrated detergents worked. Some had to rename products entirely (most memorably the Chevy Nova, which translates to "does not go" in Spanish.) And some had to change pricing, because in many cultures, numbers have specific meanings.
    While these might seem like funny anecdotes, they point to a bigger problem: First you have to ready your business for going global; then you have to localize to specific markets to ensure success. That may mean hiring, consultants, channels, or a lot of time on planes. Come to this Ask Me Anything to find out the often-surprising, always-critical secrets of global growth.
    PURPLE STAGE Viola Llewellyn Ajay Bam Zach Coelius Rachel Vanier Paul Zhuravlev
    You can scale your company by introducing new products; changing your go-to-market methodology; or reaching new markets. But globalization is seldom easy. In addition to legal, linguistic, and logistical issues, there are dozens of subtle cultural changes needed to succeed globally. For example:
    When bringing beauty products to Asia, some Western companies have had to add the parasite Cordyceps Sinensis to their formulations. Others had to launch marketing campaigns explaining how more concentrated detergents worked. Some had to rename products entirely (most memorably the Chevy Nova, which translates to "does not go" in Spanish.) And some had to change pricing, because in many cultures, numbers have specific meanings.
    While these might seem like funny anecdotes, they point to a bigger problem: First you have to ready your business for going global; then you have to localize to specific markets to ensure success. That may mean hiring, consultants, channels, or a lot of time on planes. Come to this Ask Me Anything to find out the often-surprising, always-critical secrets of global growth.
  • 3:40 PM - 4:00 PM
    Issues about AI from a lawyer’s perspective
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 15:40:00 2018-07-13 16:00:00 America/New_York Issues about AI from a lawyer’s perspective This talk will discuss some of the key legal implications in the development and deployment of AI technologies in enterprise.
    PINK STAGE Carole Piovesan
    This talk will discuss some of the key legal implications in the development and deployment of AI technologies in enterprise.
  • 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    + 2018-07-13 16:00:00 2018-07-13 17:00:00 America/New_York AI Ethics: Day 2 Artificial intelligence is advancing at a much faster rate than most people thought. As it continues to embed itself into every aspect of our lives, we need to ask ethical questions. Who is accountable for the decisions an AI makes? How do we remove bias from these programs? These are the types of questions we'll be answering in this panel.
    Part 1: Brainstorm issues of AI Ethics: 5 mins each
    Part 2: Groups interact to discuss and come up with solutions for AI ethics
    PINK STAGE Jana Eggers Tyler Schnoebelen Facilitator: Katy Yam Facilitator: Satsuko VanAntwerp
    Artificial intelligence is advancing at a much faster rate than most people thought. As it continues to embed itself into every aspect of our lives, we need to ask ethical questions. Who is accountable for the decisions an AI makes? How do we remove bias from these programs? These are the types of questions we'll be answering in this panel.
    Part 1: Brainstorm issues of AI Ethics: 5 mins each
    Part 2: Groups interact to discuss and come up with solutions for AI ethics
  • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
    Welcoming participants for HackerFest
    Hackerfest
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 17:00:00 2018-07-13 19:00:00 America/New_York Welcoming participants for HackerFest BLUE STAGE
  • 7:00 PM - 11:59 PM
    HackerFest
    Hackerfest
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-13 19:00:00 2018-07-13 23:59:00 America/New_York HackerFest - NeuroTechMTL Hacknight
    - MonBUG Summer Hackathon
    - Finnovation
    - 24-hour Bio-Build
    - Axel
    - BCF
    - Upgrade Axiona App with PrideHacks
    BLUE STAGE
    - NeuroTechMTL Hacknight
    - MonBUG Summer Hackathon
    - Finnovation
    - 24-hour Bio-Build
    - Axel
    - BCF
    - Upgrade Axiona App with PrideHacks
  • There are no sessions on this stage today.
  • 12:00 AM - 7:00 PM
    HackerFest
    Hackerfest
    BLUE STAGE

    + 2018-07-14 00:00:00 2018-07-14 19:00:00 America/New_York HackerFest - NeuroTechMTL Hacknight
    - MonBUG Summer Hackathon
    - Finnovation
    - 24-hour Bio-Build
    - Axel
    - BCF
    - Upgrade Axiona App with PrideHacks
    BLUE STAGE
    - NeuroTechMTL Hacknight
    - MonBUG Summer Hackathon
    - Finnovation
    - 24-hour Bio-Build
    - Axel
    - BCF
    - Upgrade Axiona App with PrideHacks
  • 10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
    Welcome and recap
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-14 10:00:00 2018-07-14 10:10:00 America/New_York Welcome and recap What have we learned so far, welcome to the new arrivals PINK STAGE Vaugh Di Marco
    What have we learned so far, welcome to the new arrivals
  • 10:10 AM - 10:30 AM
    Tackling gender bias in AI
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-14 10:10:00 2018-07-14 10:30:00 America/New_York Tackling gender bias in AI Unfortunately we are living in a biased world. As humans we have biased opinions and we tend to make biased decisions.
    So when we develop AI models and feed them data, we have to be careful that we are neither simply confirming existing biases nor introducing new ones.
    Examples of biais are already there in our world, so if we dont take significant actions, we are at the risk of constructing machine intelligence that mirrors a narrow and privileged vision of society, with its old, familiar biases and stereotypes.
    In this talk, Women in AI's Dr. Hanan Salam will present examples of bias that exist in AI applications. She will tackle the question of gender bias in AI and how we can assure a clean, inclusive representation of the world of AI.
    PINK STAGE Hanan Salam
    Unfortunately we are living in a biased world. As humans we have biased opinions and we tend to make biased decisions.
    So when we develop AI models and feed them data, we have to be careful that we are neither simply confirming existing biases nor introducing new ones.
    Examples of biais are already there in our world, so if we dont take significant actions, we are at the risk of constructing machine intelligence that mirrors a narrow and privileged vision of society, with its old, familiar biases and stereotypes.
    In this talk, Women in AI's Dr. Hanan Salam will present examples of bias that exist in AI applications. She will tackle the question of gender bias in AI and how we can assure a clean, inclusive representation of the world of AI.
  • 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM
    The Brilliant Future of AI and Healthcare
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-14 10:30:00 2018-07-14 10:50:00 America/New_York The Brilliant Future of AI and Healthcare AI is now in its third generation. The first two generations were premature and suffered from constraints of insufficient digital data substrates and computational power. Now that both of those constraints have disappeared, how do we leverage this exponential capability in EVERY aspect of healthcare delivery? Machine learning entrepreneurs are taking on every element of health, wellness, and disease with astonishing progress. While imaging is the simplest target with the earliest yields, I will describe how every step of the human life cycle, and every step of the healthcare delivery system lifecycle will be disrupted in the very near future and at scale. Amara’s Law states that visionaries tend to overestimate how quickly disruption will emerge, and underestimate the ultimate impact of new technologies. We are now well past the tipping point between hype and hyper-reality. PINK STAGE John Mattison
    AI is now in its third generation. The first two generations were premature and suffered from constraints of insufficient digital data substrates and computational power. Now that both of those constraints have disappeared, how do we leverage this exponential capability in EVERY aspect of healthcare delivery? Machine learning entrepreneurs are taking on every element of health, wellness, and disease with astonishing progress. While imaging is the simplest target with the earliest yields, I will describe how every step of the human life cycle, and every step of the healthcare delivery system lifecycle will be disrupted in the very near future and at scale. Amara’s Law states that visionaries tend to overestimate how quickly disruption will emerge, and underestimate the ultimate impact of new technologies. We are now well past the tipping point between hype and hyper-reality.
  • 10:50 AM - 11:10 AM
    AI For Good
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-14 10:50:00 2018-07-14 11:10:00 America/New_York AI For Good We’re all familiar with the dystopian scenarios painted out in the pages of science fiction where humans fall prey to AI. But, how many of us are aware of the plethora of real-life uses of AI for Good and as a driver of positive societal change?

    This session will delve into the intersection of society and benevolent AI. We’ll discuss the many ways in which AI is already impacting education, healthcare, and the law, among other areas, today, including how Botler AI is using this transformative technology to empower the average citizen.
    PINK STAGE Ritika Dutt
    We’re all familiar with the dystopian scenarios painted out in the pages of science fiction where humans fall prey to AI. But, how many of us are aware of the plethora of real-life uses of AI for Good and as a driver of positive societal change?

    This session will delve into the intersection of society and benevolent AI. We’ll discuss the many ways in which AI is already impacting education, healthcare, and the law, among other areas, today, including how Botler AI is using this transformative technology to empower the average citizen.
  • 11:10 AM - 11:40 AM
    Conversational commerce
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-14 11:10:00 2018-07-14 11:40:00 America/New_York Conversational commerce Conversational Commerce is an opportunity to completely disrupt the way you interact with your customers. Using machine learning, natural language processing, and conversational analytics, this panel will introduce ways to engage your customers with chatbots, intelligent assistants, and virtual agents. Hear from experts that build these solutions on how you can take advantage of this new trend. PINK STAGE Andy Mauro Ravi Raj Lauren Kunze Mike Gozzo
    Conversational Commerce is an opportunity to completely disrupt the way you interact with your customers. Using machine learning, natural language processing, and conversational analytics, this panel will introduce ways to engage your customers with chatbots, intelligent assistants, and virtual agents. Hear from experts that build these solutions on how you can take advantage of this new trend.
  • 11:40 AM - 12:00 PM
    The Future of Work
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-14 11:40:00 2018-07-14 12:00:00 America/New_York The Future of Work Dave Gray, Author of The Connected Company says this: "Customers are adopting disruptive technologies faster than your company can you adapt." Business Transformation is an inevitability. The market has already moved on but business today is mired in complacency, legacy systems and archaic processes. In the meantime, information and intelligence technology are moving at a faster pace. The future organization is connected to the market in real-time. It enables decision-making at all levels of the organization that is increasingly precise and effective. The future organization creates a culture of incessant learning that allows its employees to collaborate and innovate and iterate to maintain market relevancy. It will create new roles and opportunities for those who choose to evolve in an age of constant disruption. PINK STAGE Hessie Jones
    Dave Gray, Author of The Connected Company says this: "Customers are adopting disruptive technologies faster than your company can you adapt." Business Transformation is an inevitability. The market has already moved on but business today is mired in complacency, legacy systems and archaic processes. In the meantime, information and intelligence technology are moving at a faster pace. The future organization is connected to the market in real-time. It enables decision-making at all levels of the organization that is increasingly precise and effective. The future organization creates a culture of incessant learning that allows its employees to collaborate and innovate and iterate to maintain market relevancy. It will create new roles and opportunities for those who choose to evolve in an age of constant disruption.
  • 12:00 PM - 12:20 PM
    The future of customer service
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-14 12:00:00 2018-07-14 12:20:00 America/New_York The future of customer service - How will AI drive the next wave of customer service

    - What does that mean for business models (and ethics)

    - What kind of skills are required to get there
    PINK STAGE David Furlong
    - How will AI drive the next wave of customer service

    - What does that mean for business models (and ethics)

    - What kind of skills are required to get there
  • 12:20 PM - 1:40 PM
    LUNCH
    Hackerfest, AIFest
    FOOD COURT

    + 2018-07-14 12:20:00 2018-07-14 13:40:00 America/New_York LUNCH FOOD COURT
  • 1:40 PM - 3:50 PM
    + 2018-07-14 13:40:00 2018-07-14 15:50:00 America/New_York Round table discussions 1. Bias
    2. AI and healthcare
    3. AI for good
    4. Conversational commerce
    5. AI and work
    6. AI and finance
    7. Spill-over Birds of a feather

    You've spent the morning hearing about a variety of topics and now you'll have the chance to talk about them! The round table discussions bring the community together for a dialogue with experts and a chance to tackle some of the biggest AI issues facing society today.
    PINK STAGE Hanan Salam Ritika Dutt Andy Mauro Ravi Raj Lauren Kunze Hessie Jones David Furlong Mike Gozzo John Mattison
    1. Bias
    2. AI and healthcare
    3. AI for good
    4. Conversational commerce
    5. AI and work
    6. AI and finance
    7. Spill-over Birds of a feather

    You've spent the morning hearing about a variety of topics and now you'll have the chance to talk about them! The round table discussions bring the community together for a dialogue with experts and a chance to tackle some of the biggest AI issues facing society today.
  • 4:20 PM - 4:30 PM
    AI Ethics - what have we learned?
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-14 16:20:00 2018-07-14 16:30:00 America/New_York AI Ethics - what have we learned? Looking at the takeaways from the Thursday / Friday workshops, with a focus on probelm solving and tackling the biggest issues in AI Ethics PINK STAGE Katy Yam
    Looking at the takeaways from the Thursday / Friday workshops, with a focus on probelm solving and tackling the biggest issues in AI Ethics
  • 4:30 PM - 4:50 PM
    Past, Present and Next Generation of AI
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-14 16:30:00 2018-07-14 16:50:00 America/New_York Past, Present and Next Generation of AI After over fifty years of evolution, AI has changed our thinking about innovation, hardware and software. Come learn more about the Enterprise AI successes with this disruptive technology. It is also causing transformation along its path of jobs, legal and social practice and violation of personal privacy. The AI adventure has just begun and come learn what the future holds. PINK STAGE Karen Bennet
    After over fifty years of evolution, AI has changed our thinking about innovation, hardware and software. Come learn more about the Enterprise AI successes with this disruptive technology. It is also causing transformation along its path of jobs, legal and social practice and violation of personal privacy. The AI adventure has just begun and come learn what the future holds.
  • 4:50 PM - 5:00 PM
    Closing statements
    AIFest
    PINK STAGE

    + 2018-07-14 16:50:00 2018-07-14 17:00:00 America/New_York Closing statements Thank you and wrap up PINK STAGE Vaugh Di Marco
    Thank you and wrap up