More than 2,500 techies gathered at the Vancouver Convention Centre on January 18 and 19 for Vancouver’s first-ever BC Tech Summit. Sponsored in part by BCIT, the sold-out event showcased some of BC’s best new ideas and developments in tech.
Keynote speakers included futurist and Google Director of Engineering Ray Kurzweil and president and CEO of GE Canada Elyse Allan, recently named one of the 25 most powerful people in Canada. Premier Christy Clark opened the Summit on Monday by unveiling the province’s new #BCTech Strategy.
BCIT was there to demonstrate some ingenious new technologies—and to talk about how we can help jump-start a career in tech. At the BCIT demo booths, we hosted an energy-generating stationary bicycle from BC Hydro and two new 3D printers. At the Technology Showcase, BCIT faculty member Dr. Neil Cox spoke with attendees about the prototype for a concrete block strength tester, which provides a non-destructive, low-cost way to evaluate building materials for earthquake safety.
Students and recent grads were given free access to the BC Tech Summit Career Showcase, emceed by BCIT Broadcast and Online Journalism student and Gamespot writer student Mat Paget. BCIT Mechanical Engineering student Jamie Haakons spoke about his work on the AutoGarden project at a panel discussion on student innovators. Career Showcase attendees had the chance to meet with local tech employers and gain insight into career opportunities in BC’s tech job market.
Game Design students and faculty members from the School of Computing and Academic Studies were also on hand in the Tech Summit’s games room, where visitors had the chance to play games created by BCIT students.
We’re looking forward to seeing you at the next BC Tech Summit!