Supercharging Canada’s Hardware Innovation

June 11, 2021
CkD
Events

The global semiconductor industry generates $7 trillion in economic activity, creates almost 5 new jobs for every 1 semiconductor job, and enables the development of breakthrough products like smart energy, autonomous vehicles, and innovative healthcare solutions. Hardware and semiconductors are essential to building sustainable and revolutionizing solutions to global challenges with the potential to create greener solutions, modernize traditional sectors, and develop trailblazing products.    

Hardware and semiconductors are foundational technologies - they power everything from consumer electronics like our smartphones and laptops, to household appliances like microwaves and washing machines that talk to us, to advanced technologies like autonomous vehicles or precision agriculture.

York Region has well-established roots in deep tech. With over 4,300 tech firms in the Region, it is Canada’s second largest tech hub with access to both expert and emerging talent.     Through ventureLAB’s Hardware Catalyst Initiative — Canada’s only lab and incubator for hardware and semiconductor companies — ventureLAB is establishing York Region as Canada’s Hardware Hub.     This year, ventureLAB is launching HardTech, Canada’s premiere hardware and semiconductor event for innovators, leaders and hardware enthusiasts. On June 22 and 23, we’re featuring prominent thought leaders in the tech ecosystem who are creating transformative global experience. A connected tech ecosystem will lead to more inspiration, innovation, and opportunities in the hardware and semiconductor industry.    

Why have I heard so much about hardware and semiconductors this year?

A growing number of global manufacturers have had difficulty securing supplies of semiconductors due to COVID-19. The semiconductor shortage has wreaked havoc on industries far and wide including automotive, smart devices and appliances by delaying the production and delivery of goods and threatening to raise consumer prices. As technology continues to advance, the demand for chips will continue to surge. The HardTech Conference has been carefully curated to address key opportunities in Canada's manufacturing and semiconductor industries as we look to future-proof our economy. We’re bringing together industry leaders in hardware technology to discuss the latest developments in the field and share their insights. Thought leaders from AMD, Siemens, Open Ocean Robotics, and more will discuss how the demand for advanced and smart technologies have led to the global chip shortage.  

Top 3 reasons to attend HardTech this year

1. Hear from world-class speakers

 For us to truly understand today’s market, we need to look at the evolution of technology and examine the increasingly important role that hardware plays. We’re proud to present three panel discussions that will help us examine our digital future and the nature of being a hardware company today.  

2. Tune in for a competitive Pitch Competition

 After a rigorous national application process, we selected eight finalists developing product-level and chip innovations in electronic hardware. On June 23, watch them battle it out in front of a live audience and top-notch public and private sector judges. Three winners will walk away with almost $100K in cash and in-kind prizing.  

 Join us to see what it takes to be a champion.  

3. Expand your knowledge and build connections

 Connect with 500+ attendees across Canada in various ways, participate in matchmaking, join a group lounge or simply connect one-to-one on the platform! The opportunities are endless, and you never know where these connections will take you. Plus, you can pick from three simultaneous breakout sessions and join the conversation. These breakout sessions will have you engaging in discussions around the role hardware plays in healthcare, autonomous vehicles and agritech.  

Rebuilding a resilient, stable economy

 Not only will Canadian hardware and semiconductor companies greatly improve Canadian IP portfolio, giving Canada the competitive edge on a global scale, but will help rebuild a resilient, stable economy beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.    Register for HardTech today and receive your complimentary, all-access pass valued at $189! With this ticket, you can access premium panel discussions and breakout sessions discussing these pressing issues and how they’ve affected the automotive, healthcare and agriculture industries.  

About ventureLAB

ventureLAB is a leading technology hub located in Markham in York Region, Canada’s second largest tech cluster. Through its programs focused on capital, talent, technology, and customers, ventureLAB has supported over 2,000 tech companies and entrepreneurs, including 100 companies that have raised over $100 million and created 3,500 jobs. At ventureLAB, we grow globally competitive tech titans that build-to-scale in Canada, for global markets.

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