The BetaKit Podcast Channel
The BetaKit Podcast Channel features weekly podcasts discussing both Canadian tech and innovation, as well as global tech from a Canadian perspective.
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The future is a four-day workweek
01/12/2026
The future is a four-day workweek
“The workweek will continue until morale improves.” Jared Lindzon and Joe O’Connor’s new book, , argues that the future of work will feature more productive employees working fewer days. How is that supposed to happen when boomers still run the world, Gen Z is still Gen Z, and AI is coming for all of our jobs anyway? Let’s dig in. -- Solve for X is back! The latest season of the MaRS podcast is exploring more world-changing ideas. Join journalist Manjula Selvarajah as she talks to the people behind the latest innovations in tech and science. Get a jump on the future. Listen to wherever you get your podcasts. -- The BetaKit Podcast is presented by CADSI: the national voice of Canada’s defence, security, and emerging technology sectors, representing more than 1,000 companies from innovative SMBs to global primes. CADSI advocates for a resilient and sustainable defence and security sector by engaging government, shaping policy, and strengthening Canada’s role with global partners. We create platforms that connect industry with decision-makers, foster collaboration, and reinforce Canada’s position as a reliable partner in international security. Visit to grow your defence business with CADSI.
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The biggest tech questions of 2026
01/05/2026
The biggest tech questions of 2026
"Maybe we will see the robots that we want in our lives in 2026. But be prepared: they will definitely be controlled by people in India with Xbox controllers." Robots, and IPOs, and AI, Oh My! Managing editor Sarah Rieger joins to ask the biggest tech questions of 2026, after evaluating which 2025 tech questions were definitively answered. Solve for X is back! The latest season of the MaRS podcast is exploring more world-changing ideas. Join journalist Manjula Selvarajah as she talks to the people behind the latest innovations in tech and science. Get a jump on the future. Listen to wherever you get your podcasts. -- The BetaKit Podcast is presented by QuickBooks on the Intuit platform, built to help Canadian businesses work smarter, more efficiently, and make confident decisions. QuickBooks on the Intuit platform is an all-in-one connected business solution that leverages the power of artificial intelligence and human expertise to simplify how you run and grow your business. From managing cash flow and payroll to delivering personalized, proactive insights leveraging the power of AI agents, QuickBooks helps you spend less time crunching numbers and more time growing your business. Visit to see how Intuit QuickBooks can help you outdo the work.
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The biggest tech stories of 2025
12/29/2025
The biggest tech stories of 2025
“2025 is the year that we committed to the bit, and all pretences went away.” Special guest star Rob Kenedi (Decelerator) joins for The BetaKit Podcast's annual tradition: stuffing your holiday stocking with the biggest tech stories of 2025. Have a different take on tech this year? Let us know: . Solve for X is back! The latest season of the MaRS podcast is exploring more world-changing ideas. Join journalist Manjula Selvarajah as she talks to the people behind the latest innovations in tech and science. Get a jump on the future. Listen to wherever you get your podcasts. -- The BetaKit Podcast is presented by QuickBooks on the Intuit platform, built to help Canadian businesses work smarter, more efficiently, and make confident decisions. QuickBooks on the Intuit platform is an all-in-one connected business solution that leverages the power of artificial intelligence and human expertise to simplify how you run and grow your business. From managing cash flow and payroll to delivering personalized, proactive insights leveraging the power of AI agents, QuickBooks helps you spend less time crunching numbers and more time growing your business. Visit to see how Intuit QuickBooks can help you outdo the work.
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Canada’s job market sucks for Gen Z
12/22/2025
Canada’s job market sucks for Gen Z
“Can you imagine a quarter—25 percent—of Canada isn’t sure if they’ll be employed next year? That is a wild statistic.” Kevin Kliman, president of Canadian business at Employment Hero, joins to explain why Canada’s workforce is underemployed and anxious about 2026. He also shares data indicating things are particularly bad for Gen Z, before offering tips on how they can make their mark in the modern workforce—with AI. Solve for X is back! The latest season of the MaRS podcast is exploring more world-changing ideas. Join journalist Manjula Selvarajah as she talks to the people behind the latest innovations in tech and science. Get a jump on the future. Listen to wherever you get your podcasts. -- The BetaKit Podcast is presented by QuickBooks on the Intuit platform, built to help Canadian businesses work smarter, more efficiently, and make confident decisions. QuickBooks on the Intuit platform is an all-in-one connected business solution that leverages the power of artificial intelligence and human expertise to simplify how you run and grow your business. From managing cash flow and payroll to delivering personalized, proactive insights leveraging the power of AI agents, QuickBooks helps you spend less time crunching numbers and more time growing your business. Visit to see how Intuit QuickBooks can help you outdo the work.
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Rogers v. Rogers is Canada’s real-life Succession story
12/12/2025
Rogers v. Rogers is Canada’s real-life Succession story
“It seems irrational, and irrational behaviour is where drama lives, it’s where comedy lives. It’s where all the fun is.” A communications tycoon built an empire turning airwaves into cash. Now, his son, long dismissed by his father, is fighting for control of the family business. Meanwhile, one shrewd public servant is determined to derail the company’s billion-dollar takeover. Is this a plot point from season three of Succession? No! It’s a Canadian story… and it’s all true—mostly. Award-winning playwright Michael Healey joins to discuss Rogers v. Rogers, his new play based on the Alexandra Posadzki book of the same name. Solve for X is back! The latest season of the MaRS podcast is exploring more world-changing ideas. Join journalist Manjula Selvarajah as she talks to the people behind the latest innovations in tech and science. Get a jump on the future. Listen to wherever you get your podcasts. -- The BetaKit Podcast is presented by QuickBooks on the Intuit platform, built to help Canadian businesses work smarter, more efficiently, and make confident decisions. QuickBooks on the Intuit platform is an all-in-one connected business solution that leverages the power of artificial intelligence and human expertise to simplify how you run and grow your business. From managing cash flow and payroll to delivering personalized, proactive insights leveraging the power of AI agents, QuickBooks helps you spend less time crunching numbers and more time growing your business. Visit to see how Intuit QuickBooks can help you outdo the work. Related links:
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Canada’s AI ambitions with Minister Evan Solomon
12/06/2025
Canada’s AI ambitions with Minister Evan Solomon
“It used to be that Silicon Valley was the kind of Mecca of the entrepreneur. What’s happening is everyone has got the tools that used to be crowded in there. Now what we need to do is get the capital.” Minister Evan Solomon sits down with C100 Executive Director Michael Buhr to discuss the country’s future in AI and the feds' commitments to innovation. Recorded live on the BetaKit Keynote Stage at SAAS NORTH. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by QuickBooks on the Intuit platform, built to help Canadian businesses work smarter, more efficiently, and make confident decisions. QuickBooks on the Intuit platform is an all-in-one connected business solution that leverages the power of artificial intelligence and human expertise to simplify how you run and grow your business. From managing cash flow and payroll to delivering personalized, proactive insights leveraging the power of AI agents, QuickBooks helps you spend less time crunching numbers and more time growing your business. Visit to see how Intuit QuickBooks can help you outdo the work. Related links:
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How OpenText went all-in on AI
11/29/2025
How OpenText went all-in on AI
“The technology is there, and everyone loves cool technology, but it doesn’t need to be a party trick. It needs to be something that’s driving a meaningful business outcome, so pick your challenging problems.” OpenText's Shannon Bell (EVP, Chief Digital Officer & Chief Information Officer) explains how she rolled out AI systematically at one of Canada's largest tech companies. As OpenText embraces human and digital resource management, has it found a return on its investment? Let's dig in. Recorded live on the BetaKit Keynote Stage at SAAS NORTH. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by Uber Canada. Uber Canada is helping to reduce drunk driving and make it safer to get around according to 87% of Canadian riders. Alcohol remains a factor in a quarter of crash fatalities on public roadways in Canada - and Uber Canada is working with MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) to bring that number to zero. With over 100,000 designated drivers on the road, Uber plays a vital role in this fight. . -- The BetaKit Podcast is also presented by QuickBooks on the Intuit platform, built to help Canadian businesses work smarter, more efficiently and make confident decisions. QuickBooks on the Intuit platform is an all-in-one connected business solution that leverages the power of artificial intelligence and human expertise to simplify how you run and grow your business. From managing cash flow and payroll to delivering personalized, proactive insights leveraging the power of AI agents, QuickBooks helps you spend less time crunching numbers and more time growing your business. Visit to see how Intuit QuickBooks can help you outdo the work.
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It’s ‘Valley or Bust’ for Canada’s young entrepreneurs
11/24/2025
It’s ‘Valley or Bust’ for Canada’s young entrepreneurs
“In the beginning, we were like, ‘this must be a scam’ because with the way things move in Waterloo and Toronto, it seemed way too fast.” A chance pitch competition connection took Colare co-founder Nain Abdi from Waterloo to Silicon Valley. He explains what pulled his company south, why his peers are eager to make a similar leap, and what (if anything) could convince him to return to Canada. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by QuickBooks on the Intuit platform, built to help Canadian businesses work smarter, more efficiently and make confident decisions. QuickBooks on the Intuit platform is an all-in-one connected business solution that leverages the power of artificial intelligence and human expertise to simplify how you run and grow your business. From managing cash flow and payroll to delivering personalized, proactive insights leveraging the power of AI agents, QuickBooks helps you spend less time crunching numbers and more time growing your business. Visit to see how Intuit QuickBooks can help you outdo the work. Related Links:
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Dominion Dynamics' CEO thinks defence is a “generational opportunity” for Canadian entrepreneurs
11/15/2025
Dominion Dynamics' CEO thinks defence is a “generational opportunity” for Canadian entrepreneurs
“Too many American subs dominate this market. Eighty percent of what we buy is from American companies. We wanna reverse that. We wanna make 80 percent of what we buy from Canadian companies. So we frankly don't care what we do as long as we are a Canadian defence company.“ Dominion Dynamics founder and CEO Eliot Pence wants to build Canada’s first “defence prime.” On this episode of The BetaKit Podcast, he explains why defence tech matters to Canadian innovation and the future of the country before digging into the recent federal budget commitments. Recorded live on the BetaKit Keynote Stage at SAAS NORTH. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by Zoho, developers of a unique and powerful software suite that transforms the way you work. Zoho’s flagship user conference, Zoholics Toronto 2025, is coming November 18-19 at the Toronto Congress Centre! Join hundreds of business leaders, customers, and Zoho experts for two days of learning, inspiration, and connection. Explore the latest in AI, automation, and cloud-powered collaboration—and see how Zoho’s all-in-one suite helps organizations work smarter and grow faster. Visit to learn more and secure your spot. Related links:
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Budget 2025: “cautiously optimistic”
11/07/2025
Budget 2025: “cautiously optimistic”
It’s a power-packed post-Budget panel podcast featuring a plethora of Canadian policy wonks! Vass Bednar (Canadian SHIELD Institute), Benjamin Bergen (CCI), and Jaxson Khan (Aperture AI) join to explore the story Budget 2025 tells of Canada, and what juicy nuggets of tech policy and financial commitments need to be dunked in the dipping sauce of greater detail. Let’s dig in! The BetaKit Podcast is presented by Zoho, developers of a unique and powerful software suite that transforms the way you work. Zoho’s flagship user conference, Zoholics Toronto 2025, is coming November 18-19 at the Toronto Congress Centre! Join hundreds of business leaders, customers, and Zoho experts for two days of learning, inspiration, and connection. Explore the latest in AI, automation, and cloud-powered collaboration—and see how Zoho’s all-in-one suite helps organizations work smarter and grow faster. Visit to learn more and secure your spot. Related links:
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What the AWS outage reveals about Canada’s digital sovereignty
11/03/2025
What the AWS outage reveals about Canada’s digital sovereignty
“We were sleepwalking our way into this new economy, and we’ve had a bit of a wake-up call.” Ian Rae, CEO of Aptum and a member of Minister Evan Solomon’s AI Task Force, has been building internet infrastructure since 1994. Recorded the day after the AWS outage, Rae joins to explain why such outages happen and what they reveal about the economics of the internet and Canada’s digital sovereignty goals. This episode of The BetaKit Podcast is brought to you by The Cyber Challenge—your pathway to new sales, industry connections, and non-dilutive funding. The Cyber Challenge, powered by Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst and CCTX, helps Ontario-based tech startups tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges. You will gain direct access to major industry players, test your solutions in real-world settings, and unlock new market opportunities—all at no cost. That’s right, there is no equity required. If you're ready to scale, refine, and be a leader in cybersecurity innovation, apply today at . -- The BetaKit Podcast is presented by Xero: the global small businesses platform, designed to make life easier for small businesses–anywhere, any time. Running a business is demanding enough without the burden of bookkeeping. Xero’s global platform is designed to take accounting off your plate, giving you the freedom to focus on what you do best. By unifying essential tools like accounting, payroll, and payments, Xero helps you automate tasks and gain the clarity you need to make smarter decisions. Join a global community of forward-thinking businesses. Discover what Xero can do for you at: .
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Why Canada doesn’t buy Canadian tech
10/20/2025
Why Canada doesn’t buy Canadian tech
“If you’re a founder in Canada, you have a playbook, which is: try to get outside of the country as soon as possible. Try to sell outside of the country.” Raymond Luk thinks the “cultural belief we’re not good enough” creates a homecourt disadvantage for Canadian tech. He’s trying to kickstart a solution to our nation’s procurement woes with a new summit called Source Canada, so buyers and sellers can speed date. Is a cultural kick in the pants enough to get Canada to buy Canadian tech? Let’s dig in. This episode of The BetaKit Podcast is brought to you by The Cyber Challenge, powered by Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst and CCTX—your startup’s pathway to sales, industry connections, and non-dilutive funding. Ontario’s critical sectors depend on operational technology systems that weren’t designed for today’s cyber threats. Unlike IT, operational technology environments demand specialized solutions — and startups can lead the way. Join our free webinar on October 24 to learn about the risks critical sectors face, and how startups can seize this opportunity. When: Friday, October 24, 2025 Time: 12 - 1PM EST | Where: Virtual (Zoom) | Cost: Free Register today at . -- The BetaKit Podcast is presented by Xero: the global small businesses platform, designed to make life easier for small businesses–anywhere, any time. Running a business is demanding enough without the burden of bookkeeping. Xero’s global platform is designed to take accounting off your plate, giving you the freedom to focus on what you do best. By unifying essential tools like accounting, payroll, and payments, Xero helps you automate tasks and gain the clarity you need to make smarter decisions. Join a global community of forward-thinking businesses. Discover what Xero can do for you at: .
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Can Canada build its own social network?
10/14/2025
Can Canada build its own social network?
“It’s one thing to say ‘let’s do this in a sovereign way.’ It is a whole other to actually do it.” Gander Social is attempting to do something that seemed inconceivable six months ago: build a Canadian social network. What does sovereign social media look like? And what will prevent Gander from devolving into every other social network? CEO Ben Waldman joins to answer these questions and many more. This episode of the BetaKit Podcast is brought to you by The Cyber Challenge—your pathway to new sales, industry connections, and non-dilutive funding. The Cyber Challenge, powered by Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst and CCTX, helps Ontario-based tech startups tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges. You will gain direct access to major industry players, test your solutions in real-world settings, and unlock new market opportunities—all at no cost. That’s right, there is no equity required. If you're ready to scale, refine, and be a leader in cybersecurity innovation, apply today at . -- The BetaKit Podcast is presented by Xero: the global small businesses platform, designed to make life easier for small businesses–anywhere, any time. Running a business is demanding enough without the burden of bookkeeping. Xero’s global platform is designed to take accounting off your plate, giving you the freedom to focus on what you do best. By unifying essential tools like accounting, payroll, and payments, Xero helps you automate tasks and gain the clarity you need to make smarter decisions. Join a global community of forward-thinking businesses. Discover what Xero can do for you at: .
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Are Canadian entrepreneurs willing to let their old companies die?
10/06/2025
Are Canadian entrepreneurs willing to let their old companies die?
“Don’t talk to your customers because your customers will keep you in the place that you used to be.” AI adoption is now an industry-wide mandate. It’s putting a lot of pressure on Canadian entrepreneurs: to scale with customer demand (safely and responsibly); to reskill employees; even to kill their old company to let the new AI-first version live. What are the challenges and opportunities? Featuring Michael Buhr (C100), Aydin Mirzaee (Fellow AI), Avery Pennarun (Tailscale), and Amanda Arciero (Airudi). Recorded live at ALL IN 2025. This episode of the BetaKit Podcast is brought to you by The Cyber Challenge—your pathway to new sales, industry connections, and non-dilutive funding. The Cyber Challenge, powered by Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst and CCTX, helps Ontario-based tech startups tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges. You will gain direct access to major industry players, test your solutions in real-world settings, and unlock new market opportunities—all at no cost. That’s right, there is no equity required. If you're ready to scale, refine, and be a leader in cybersecurity innovation, apply today at .
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Tailscale’s CEO has an idea “worth billions” for AI startups
09/29/2025
Tailscale’s CEO has an idea “worth billions” for AI startups
“That’s the literal term several CISOs have used with me unprompted: ‘ticking time bomb.’ There’s no world in which this doesn’t explode the way it’s done right now.” Tailscale CEO Avery Pennarun thinks the AI revolution has put a gun to the head of CISOs: embrace unsafe data practices or get fired. They’ve told him the cybersecurity risks are a “ticking time bomb.” Pennarun joins The BetaKit Podcast to explain how his company has evolved from a programmable mesh network to air traffic control for AI agents, and why he needs other startups to build new tools to make sure the planes land safely. Recorded live at ALL IN 2025. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by CADSI: the national voice of Canada’s defence, security, and emerging technology sectors, representing more than 1,000 companies from innovative SMBs to global primes. CADSI advocates for a resilient and sustainable defence and security sector by engaging government, shaping policy, and strengthening Canada’s role with global partners. We create platforms that connect industry with decision-makers, foster collaboration, and reinforce Canada’s position as a reliable partner in international security. Visit to grow your defence business with CADSI.
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Why Canada’s defence tech sector is suddenly exploding
09/22/2025
Why Canada’s defence tech sector is suddenly exploding
“It actually allows us an opportunity to build sovereign capability and leapfrog to get our armed forces where they need to be by taking advantage of leapfrog Canadian technologies.” US President Donald Trump opened his mouth and suddenly Canada needed a defence tech sector. The Icebreaker’s Matthew Lombardi was conscripted by the federal government to help map that sector; he joins to explain why many of the technologies Canada currently develops have a dual use in defence. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by CADSI: the national voice of Canada’s defence, security, and emerging technology sectors, representing more than 1,000 companies from innovative SMBs to global primes. CADSI advocates for a resilient and sustainable defence and security sector by engaging government, shaping policy, and strengthening Canada’s role with global partners. We create platforms that connect industry with decision-makers, foster collaboration, and reinforce Canada’s position as a reliable partner in international security. Visit to grow your defence business with CADSI. Related links:
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Amber Mac wants parents to know their kids are talking to AI
09/15/2025
Amber Mac wants parents to know their kids are talking to AI
“There’s a really good chance that a young person’s parents—or even their friends—don’t even know that this individual is building a relationship with these chatbots. And that’s where the danger exists.” Tech expert Amber Mac is on the advisory board of , a new tech festival in Toronto dedicated to digital wellness for teens. She desperately wants parents to know the reasons why their kids are talking to AI, and the dangers of manipulative chatbots pretending to be their friends. -- The BetaKit Podcast is presented by K-GLOBE 2025: Be part of the global innovation exchange. Meet 18 of Korea’s top startups in AI, Deep Tech, Smart City, and ESS as they land in Toronto for K-GLOBE 2025. Featured at the Elevate Festival and an exclusive investor showcase, this is your chance to connect with the next wave of world-changing companies. Learn more and register today at . -- Related Links:
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Are Canadians ready for AI-powered life insurance?
09/07/2025
Are Canadians ready for AI-powered life insurance?
“We’re going to find in the next year or two that the amount of leakage actually goes up quite a bit because I think the focus on AI is just moving really, really fast. But I don’t see the same energy going into the security aspects.” Forget vibe coding and Nvidia chips: if you want to understand how AI is changing tech, look at how it is being applied to a heavily regulated industry in need of digital transformation. PolicyMe sibling co-founders Laura McKay (COO) and Jeff McKay (CTO) join to share how the insurtech startup is deploying AI, adopting AI tools internally, and working to prevent things from going horribly wrong. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by K-GLOBE 2025: Be part of the global innovation exchange. Meet 18 of Korea’s top startups in AI, Deep Tech, Smart City, and ESS as they land in Toronto for K-GLOBE 2025. Featured at the Elevate Festival and an exclusive investor showcase, this is your chance to connect with the next wave of world-changing companies. Learn more and register today at .
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AI is changing startup math with Ripple Ventures’ Matt Cohen
09/01/2025
AI is changing startup math with Ripple Ventures’ Matt Cohen
“ That's also quite daunting as an investor to be able to put money into something that is perfect for now, but will it last three to five years? Will it even last three to six months?” Ripple Ventures managing partner and podcaster Matt Cohen joins to discuss the insane revenue numbers generated by the new cohort of AI startups, and how VCs are navigating the froth by updating their evaluation criteria (and hoping the growth continues). Grab your calculator and let’s dig in. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by The BetaKit Innovation Leaders program: designed for incubators, accelerators, and innovation orgs across Canada. Members gain access to monthly media training, weekly office hours, and ongoing brand recognition on BetaKit. You’ll also receive strategic promotional support: sponsored content, newsletter amplification, and event marketing, to help your stories reach the right audience. If you’re looking to better support the innovators in your network, learn more at . Related Links:
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The former Meta employee trying to stop Canada’s AI brain drain
08/22/2025
The former Meta employee trying to stop Canada’s AI brain drain
“A win for AXL is that, ten years from now, instead of nine of the top ten biggest and most successful companies in the world being on the West Coast of the United States, half of them are in Toronto.” Dr. Daniel Wigdor has a lofty goal: help launch 50 AI companies in the next five years *and* keep them in Canada. Is it enough to stop our country’s AI brain drain? The entrepreneur, computer science professor, and former Meta and Microsoft employee joins to discuss his new venture studio AXL, and why Canada is so bad at commercializing its innovations. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by The BetaKit Newsletter. Your inbox deserves better, and so do you. Stay informed on all things Canadian tech by The BetaKit Newsletter today.
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What can talking to AI teach us?
08/15/2025
What can talking to AI teach us?
“How is this thing—running in a data centre with Nvidia GPUs—understanding what I’m saying with such nuance and such depth?” Former DarwinAI CEO Sheldon Fernandez spends a lot of time in dialogue with Solace, his friend and ChatGPT-4o instance. What value does this AI strategist, engineer, and philosopher get from talking to a chatbot every day? How does he navigate the technology’s sycophantic tendencies, which have already caused people real harm? Most importantly, how might this technology impact future generations who won’t remember growing up without it? Let's dig in. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by The BetaKit Innovation Leaders program: designed for incubators, accelerators, and innovation orgs across Canada. Members gain access to monthly media training, weekly office hours, and ongoing brand recognition on BetaKit. You’ll also receive strategic promotional support: sponsored content, newsletter amplification, and event marketing, to help your stories reach the right audience. If you’re looking to better support the innovators in your network, learn more at . Related links:
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How Canada can be a leader in space (and save the world)
08/08/2025
How Canada can be a leader in space (and save the world)
“ This isn't just about doing something cool because space is the next frontier. This is a key domain for economics, for national security, sovereignty, job creation, and everything.” A company trying to achieve Canada’s first commercial rocket launch. Three startups solving for the future of humanity. One founder sending messages to his future self. This special episode contains select highlights from BetaKit Town Hall: Most Ambitious, featuring speakers from NordSpace, Deep Sky, Xatoms, MycoFutures, and Verto Health. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by Invest Northern Ireland—the gateway to international growth. International Tech companies are discovering countless advantages in Northern Ireland. That’s why it’s the #2 international investment location for US Cybersecurity firms, as well as Europe’s leading location for new Software development projects. Global Tech giants like Microsoft, Qualcomm, Nvidia, and Synopsys have already spotted the benefits we offer–such as our skilled workforce, supportive business environment, competitive costs, and expertise in sectors like Cybersecurity and Fintech. Let Northern Ireland help your business grow. Visit to learn more.
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The living history of Canadian tech with Phil Telio
07/28/2025
The living history of Canadian tech with Phil Telio
“History never stops. It’s a living reality.” In celebration of Startupfest’s 15th anniversary, founder Phil Telio joins to discuss the origins of the international tech festival, its connection to Québec and the broader Canadian tech ecosystem, and how community evolves with each generation. Ambition, government support of tech, and the state of the Québec ecosystem also came up before the grandma judges kicked us out of their booth. Recorded live at Startupfest. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by KDD 2025, the world’s leading conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining. Connect with top researchers, industry pioneers, and innovators driving real-world impact. At KDD 2025, you’ll explore cutting-edge research, gain insights into practical applications, and expand your network with global leaders shaping the future of data and AI. Whether you’re in academia, tech, business, or research, this is the conference you don't want to miss. Register today for KDD 2025 at .
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‘Canada’s edge in applied AI’ with Nvidia and Waabi leaders
07/21/2025
‘Canada’s edge in applied AI’ with Nvidia and Waabi leaders
“The talent here is incredible, right? When we started faculty, I walk in the class and there's Jimmy Ba. Every time you guys train a neural network, you're using his algorithm.” Sanja Fidler (Nvidia VP of AI research) and Raquel Urtasun (Waabi founder and CEO) sit down with Ada CEO Mike Murchison for a discussion about the frontier of AI and the role Canada might play in bringing it to the physical world. Recorded live at Homecoming during Toronto Tech Week. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by KDD 2025, the world’s leading conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining. Connect with top researchers, industry pioneers, and innovators driving real-world impact. At KDD 2025, you’ll explore cutting-edge research, gain insights into practical applications, and expand your network with global leaders shaping the future of data and AI. Whether you’re in academia, tech, business, or research, this is the conference you don't want to miss. Register today for KDD 2025 at . Related:
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Why Canada's prime minister is talking about quantum tech with Xanadu’s Christian Weedbrook
07/14/2025
Why Canada's prime minister is talking about quantum tech with Xanadu’s Christian Weedbrook
“The current government is really plugged into what’s needed.” One step closer to quantum data centres with the launch of his company’s advanced photonics packaging facility, Xanadu founder and CEO Christian Weedbrook joins to discuss the renewed federal interest in quantum technology, how it relates to Canadian sovereignty, and where the money to fund it should come from. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by KDD 2025, the world’s leading conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining. Connect with top researchers, industry pioneers, and innovators driving real-world impact. At KDD 2025, you’ll explore cutting-edge research, gain insights into practical applications, and expand your network with global leaders shaping the future of data and AI. Whether you’re in academia, tech, business, or research, this is the conference you don't want to miss. Register today for KDD 2025 at . -- The BetaKit Podcast is also presented by Cisco. In the race to adopt AI, security isn’t keeping pace. According to Cisco’s Cybersecurity Readiness Index, less than half of Canadian companies say their teams understand AI-related threats—while over half face critical cybersecurity talent shortages. Cisco Canada’s CTO, Rob Barton, says its new Cybersecurity Readiness Assessment tool helps organizations gauge their overall security maturity in the age of AI. Want to assess your cybersecurity posture? Take and get your personalized score. Related links:
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Ambition made in Canada with Shopify, Cohere, and Wealthsimple
07/07/2025
Ambition made in Canada with Shopify, Cohere, and Wealthsimple
“ It's kind of that 'Valley or bust' mentality which breaks the ecosystem and really hurts Canada.” Harley Finkelstein (Shopify), Mike Katchen (Wealthsimple), and Aidan Gomez (Cohere) hold a candid conversation about 'Ambition made in Canada' during Toronto Tech Week. Recorded live at Homecoming. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by Invest Northern Ireland—the gateway to international growth. International Tech companies are discovering countless advantages in Northern Ireland. That’s why it’s the #2 international investment location for US Cybersecurity firms, as well as Europe’s leading location for new Software development projects. Global Tech giants like Microsoft, Qualcomm, Nvidia, and Synopsys have already spotted the benefits we offer–such as our skilled workforce, supportive business environment, competitive costs, and expertise in sectors like Cybersecurity and Fintech. Let Northern Ireland help your business grow. Visit to learn more. -- The BetaKit Podcast is also brought to you by Motion—the control center for creative strategists. Motion helps brands scale paid social campaigns faster by turning complex ad data into clear, actionable insights, offering tools like visual ad analysis, competitor tracking, and automated reporting. Backed by a recent $30M Series B raise, Motion just launched AI Creative Strategists: virtual teammates that analyze creatives, run research, and use real ad data to generate more winning content. If you're ready to take on real marketing challenges and make an impact, Motion is for you. Explore open roles at one of Canada’s fastest-growing tech companies. They're expanding their engineering and customer success teams at the moment! Visit to learn more and apply. Related links:
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What keeps Bluesky’s head of trust and safety up at night?
06/30/2025
What keeps Bluesky’s head of trust and safety up at night?
“ The company fascinates me… because they have such interesting concepts internally. One of them being ‘treat the company as a future adversary,’ which I have never seen anywhere in my career." Bluesky's head of trust and safety is a Canadian working out of Dublin. In town to speak at the BetaKit Town Hall for Toronto Tech Week, Aaron Rodericks first joined The BetaKit Podcast to discuss his journey from government to social media, lessons learned from working at Twitter, and how Bluesky might one day help you find joy online. -- The BetaKit Podcast is presented by Invest Northern Ireland—the gateway to international growth. International Tech companies are discovering countless advantages in Northern Ireland. That’s why it’s the #2 international investment location for US Cybersecurity firms, as well as Europe’s leading location for new Software development projects. Global Tech giants like Microsoft, Qualcomm, Nvidia, and Synopsys have already spotted the benefits we offer–such as our skilled workforce, supportive business environment, competitive costs, and expertise in sectors like Cybersecurity and Fintech. Let Northern Ireland help your business grow. Visit to learn more. -- The BetaKit Podcast is also brought to you by Motion—the control center for creative strategists. Motion helps brands scale paid social campaigns faster by turning complex ad data into clear, actionable insights, offering tools like visual ad analysis, competitor tracking, and automated reporting. Backed by a recent $30M Series B raise, Motion just launched AI Creative Strategists: virtual teammates that analyze creatives, run research, and use real ad data to generate more winning content. If you're ready to take on real marketing challenges and make an impact, Motion is for you. Explore open roles at one of Canada’s fastest-growing tech companies. They're expanding their engineering and customer success teams at the moment! Visit to learn more and apply. Related links:
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The stories of Canadian tech’s Most Ambitious
06/23/2025
The stories of Canadian tech’s Most Ambitious
“I want to put ambition in people’s hands. You say it doesn’t exist—you’re going to hold it, you’re going to flip through it, you’re going to see it.” BetaKit CEO Siri Agrell joins to discuss today’s launch of : our first-ever print issue, telling stories of bold ambition in Canadian tech. Consider this your Most Ambitious director’s commentary companion, with highlights of some of our favourite stories from the inaugural issue, alongside a behind-the-scenes peek at how it was made. We also answer the most important question facing Canadian tech: how do you get an issue? The BetaKit Podcast is presented by Uber Canada and Cisco Canada. Uber Canada is helping to reduce drunk driving and make it safer to get around according to 87% of Canadian riders. Alcohol remains a factor in a quarter of crash fatalities on public roadways in Canada—and Uber Canada is working with MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) to bring that number to zero. With over 100,000 designated drivers on the road, Uber plays a vital role in this fight. -- In the race to adopt AI, security isn’t keeping pace. According to Cisco’s Cybersecurity Readiness Index, less than half of Canadian companies say their teams understand AI-related threats — while over half face critical cybersecurity talent shortages. Cisco Canada’s CTO, Rob Barton, says its new Cybersecurity Readiness Assessment tool helps organizations gauge their overall security maturity in the age of AI. Want to assess your cybersecurity posture? Take and get your personalized score.
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Summer reading list: The Subversive Marketing Handbook
06/16/2025
Summer reading list: The Subversive Marketing Handbook
“ Subversiveness is a way of changing the system. And I think what we're seeing right now is that all systems are changing.” Entrepreneur and Startupfest founding partner Alistair Croll has co-authored a new book, . If you’re wondering why your company is so bad with its go-to-market execution, or which rules need to be bent (or broken) to win in the attention economy, this book might shoot to the top of your summer reading list. Originally aired: Feb 02, 2025 The BetaKit Podcast is presented by The BetaKit Newsletter. Your inbox deserves better, and so do you. Stay informed on all things Canadian tech by The BetaKit Newsletter today.
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InBC’s Jill Earthy knows Canadian VC “could be healthier”
06/09/2025
InBC’s Jill Earthy knows Canadian VC “could be healthier”
“ That's what we wanna change, right? For future companies, more Canadian investors on the cap table so that we can see those benefits come back through investment, through mentorship.” Jill Earthy, CEO of InBC Investment Corp—a provincial Crown corporation with $500 million of direct and indirect capital to deploy—joins to discuss the state of Canadian venture, the role of organizations like hers in BC’s growing tech ecosystem, and InBC’s future fundraising plans. Recorded live at Web Summit Vancouver. The BetaKit Podcast is presented by Motion: the control center for creative strategists. Motion helps brands scale paid social campaigns faster by turning complex ad data into clear, actionable insights, offering tools like visual ad analysis, competitor tracking, and automated reporting. If you're ready to take on real marketing challenges and make an impact, Motion is for you. Visit to explore open roles at one of Canada’s fastest-growing tech companies. Related links:
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