ThingsHappen
ThingsHappen hosts and engages Canada’s IoT providers, users, innovators, policymakers, and thinkers - to help you stay in touch with Things Happening in Canada’s Internet of Things community. The Internet of Things is here and now with great benefits to us as individuals, businesses, economy, and society, and you too. But – we won’t shy away from exposing IoT’s pitfalls and we’ll explore how to fill in the pit and soften the fall. We cover all dimensions of the IoT space including Architecture - the IoT structure and its bits and pieces, Verticals – the solutions and where the value of IoT lies, and Domains and disciplines that enable IoT. So - tune in to Inspire Your IoT Mindset. ThingsHappen – don’t miss it. Your host - Walter Knitl at Praxiem
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Episode 29: Internet of Things – what’s in it for Canada?
06/27/2023
Episode 29: Internet of Things – what’s in it for Canada?
ThingsHappen podcast’s mission is to expose Canada’s play in the Internet of Things. With that in mind, we ask all of our guests what they think IoT means for Canada, and how are we doing as a nation in leveraging IoT in addition to delving deep into our guests’ unique IoT involvement and passions. Here is a compilation of their take on those two questions – enjoy. Guests · from · from · from · from · from · from · from · from · from · from · from · from · from · from · from · from · from the · from · from What about you? What do you think about IoT and what’s in it for Canada? Share your thoughts on the IoT North LinkedIn Group, or Post it on Twitter mentioning @iotNorth or hashtag #iotnorth, or Let us know in your message as you subscribe to iotNorth on our website Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter: Visit Praxiem – our patron Website: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Episode 28: Drones are IoT
06/01/2023
Episode 28: Drones are IoT
Drones – they're flying IoT systems in their own right and smart flying IoT devices as seen by the rest of the world. But – what are they good for, and what is their place in Canada? We discuss these questions and delve into the drone innovation supported by Transport Canada, related governance, and the testing and validation of drone functionality and safety in adverse Canadian weather. And what about that drone-delivered pizza you've been waiting for such a long time – we get into that too. Guest Our guest is Mark Robbins, manager of Venture Projects at Transport Canada's Innovation Center. With Mark's extensive experience in public policy analysis and development, he supports innovative approaches to government, including the deployment and validation of emerging technologies. His previous involvement in policy research and development includes roles at the Institute on Governance, the Conference Board of Canada, the Canadian Transportation Agency, and IBM. Mark's work is founded on a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Ottawa, a Master's in Political Economy from Carleton University, and a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Toronto. Links Mark Online LinkedIn: Twitter: Transport Canada Innovation Centre Website: Resources Article/Video: Article: Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter: Visit Praxiem – our patron Website: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Episode 27: MQTT – IoT’s Messenger
05/05/2023
Episode 27: MQTT – IoT’s Messenger
Connectivity! A key pillar of IoT. But what is the actual messenger using that connectivity? We discuss the critical role of MQTT in IoT solutions as a network-agnostic protocol and messenger among IoT architecture elements, including devices, data services, analytics, and more. Starting with a 101 on what it is and how it works, we delve further into some of its essential attributes, like quality of service and security, and examine how it compares to similar protocols. We also touch on SparkPlug and its relationship with MQTT. Finally, we overview some applications and how to get started applying MQTT. Guest Our guest is Harminder Jandu, Solutions Engineer at HiveMQ in Canada with extensive experience in ICT. That includes sales and pre-sales engineering at prominent global communications vendors, and solutions engineering and consulting at large communication service providers. His technical skills were sharpened in senior software design and architect roles involving communication protocols such as CDMA, TDMA, SS7, and GSM. Harminder’s expertise is grounded in engineering training from Ryerson University, including Electrical Engineering and Data Communications and Software. Links Harminder Online LinkedIn: HiveMQ Website: Twitter: Resources HiveMQ MQTT Essential Series HiveMQ Sparkplug Essential Series HiveMQ Scalability with 200M Benchmark MQTT Buyers guide from HiveMQ Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter: Visit Praxiem – our patron Website: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Episode 26: Internet of Things Digital Governance
03/09/2023
Episode 26: Internet of Things Digital Governance
How can we amplify IoT’s benefits, guard against its pitfalls, level the playing field, and make it more inclusive? Digital Governance! We examine the role and importance of digital governance for the Internet of Things in this era of digital-physical transformation. And - how digital-physical things are the same and different as other digital entities under the digital transformation and governance umbrellas. We also touch on the IoT-related standards released by the Digital Governance Council and how they define and develop their standards. Guest Our guest is Keith Jansa, CEO at the Digital Governance Council, with deep experience and knowledge of standards development and management. That includes work at UL Canada, managing standards and occupational health and safety at the Canadian Electricity Association, and several management roles at the Standards Council of Canada. Today he leads the Digital Governance Council to neutrally convene Canada’s executive leaders to identify, prioritize, and act on digital governance opportunities and challenges. He sits on several advisory boards and councils and often contributes to digital governance-related matters at roundtables and events. Keith’s technical and governance acumen is founded on a degree in health sciences from the University of Ottawa. Links Keith Online: LinkedIn: Twitter: Digital Governance Council: Web: Additional Resources Digital Governance Standards Institute Published Standards Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter: Visit Praxiem – our patron Website: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Episode 25: IoT Security by Design
02/17/2023
Episode 25: IoT Security by Design
What is IoT security? It’s consistently the top-ranking IoT concern and hurdle on virtually every IoT survey! Oh – not to mention privacy pitfalls. We discuss why that is and what to do about it - not the least of which is to embed IoT security by design. But – what does that entail from the IoT product providers’ design, development environment, and validation perspectives, and what should adopters expect and do to ensure secure IoT solutions? Our conversation also turns to the vital role of security standards and regulations and their current state. Guest Our guest is Faud Khan, CEO and Founder at TwelveDot, with over twenty years of experience in various aspects of ICT security. That includes technical management at a prominent insurance company, and security researcher, analyst, and security product management roles at global telecommunications vendors, among other roles. Faud is active in standards development, including serving as chair for the SC27 and SC41 ISO standards at the Standards Council of Canada, dealing with information security, cybersecurity and privacy protection, and artificial intelligence. Links Faud Online: LinkedIn: Twitter: TwelveDot: Web: https://twelvedot.com/ Additional Resources Faud as Editor Faud as Co-Editor Fuad as Editor Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter: Visit Praxiem – our patron Website: LinkedIn: Twitter:
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Episode 24: The Digital-Physical Transformation Imperative
12/16/2022
Episode 24: The Digital-Physical Transformation Imperative
We live in a physical world undergoing rapid digitalization. With that resulting Digital-Physical Transformation, we can no longer afford to think, let alone accept, that the physical world is separate from the digital world. We examine the benefits and pitfalls of the physical’s digital intensification and the knock-on economic, social, human, and governance transformations they drive. Nilufer and Walter also discuss the imperative for bringing the Digital-Physical Transformation under the broader Digital-Transformation big tent and why and how we must elevate our digital literacy around it. Guest Nilufer Erdebil is the CEO at Spring2 Innovation, specializing in consulting and training in Design Thinking, helping public and private sector organizations transform their processes, policies, services, and culture. Nilufer has an extensive and diverse background ranging from hands-on technology development to innovation program management at a large telco to business line management. She is a TEDx speaker and also frequently speaks about innovation and Design Thinking. She was awarded the Ottawa Business Journal Forty Under 40 Award and the Canadian Women in Communications and Technology Leadership Award. Nilufer holds an MBA and Electrical Engineering degrees from Queens University. Links Nilufer online: LinkedIn: Twitter: Spring2 Innovation online: Web: Twitter: Instagram: Walter online: LinkedIn: Twitter: Praxiem online: Web: Twitter: Resources: Article: Training: Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 23: A glimpse at IoT North Conference
09/29/2022
Episode 23: A glimpse at IoT North Conference
With the IoT North Conference coming up in November, we’re taking the opportunity to expand Canada’s IoT Conversation by getting insights about IoT from some of the visionary voices who will be presenting at the conference. We ask what IoT means to them, what gets them excited about it, what IoT means for Canada and why they are compelled to advance the IoT conversation Guests Our guests are: - Executive Director at - CEO at - CEO at - Managing Director, Strategy and Sustainability at - Senior Manager of IoT at - Marketing Manager at Links IoT North Conference Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 22: 5G and IoT – tied at the hip
07/13/2022
Episode 22: 5G and IoT – tied at the hip
Five-Gee – is it yet-another G – just a faster Generation of mobile? We do touch on 5G’s immense speed but delve deeply into how 5G fulfills its greater destiny to connect the real physical world around us – that is, deliver Massive IoT. We discuss the role of 5G in IoT adoption and innovation and the state of 5G deployment. Our conversation encompasses the economic and societal benefits of several use cases involving 5G in IoT, some of the challenges that 5G presents, and how IoT and 5G, tied at the hip, ultimately provide peace of mind. Guest Our guest is Samer Geissah, Technology Strategy and Architecture Director at Telus. He leads a team of senior managers, principal technology architects, biz dev heads, and product and program managers spearheading Telus’s consumer and partner solutions. Samer’s background includes senior tech-sector roles, including Director of Technical Sales at Siemens, and VP Network Development and VP Innovation at DU in Dubai. His work is founded on degrees and certificates in Computer Engineering and Science, Corporate Innovation, and the Internet of Things from North Carolina University, Stanford, and MIT. Links Samer Online: LinkedIn: Twitter: TELUS: Web: Twitter: Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 21: Advancing Canadian Smart Agriculture through the Internet of Things
06/29/2022
Episode 21: Advancing Canadian Smart Agriculture through the Internet of Things
Food – we need it and relish it. And agriculture is how we get it. But how do we ensure the quantity, high quality, and environmental sustainability we value? We discuss IoT’s underpinning of Smart Agriculture that answers these needs and values, including in animal, crop, and greenhouse operations. We delve into the types of systems and autonomous equipment employed, several use cases, and the challenges of farm digitalization. Our conversation leads us to CENGN’s role in fostering Canada’s smart agriculture and addressing some of the challenges. We also discuss some of the specific smart agriculture start-ups they helped cultivate. Guest Our guest is Kirby Koster, Senior Manager of the Broadband Program at CENGN. Kirby has extensive telecommunications sector experience championing network management, data networking, optoelectronics and wireless systems, and more. He leads CENGN’s rural residential broadband program, bringing high-speed Internet to Ontario’s rural and northern communities. His past work on farms and at a farming equipment distributor makes him all the more fitting also to lead CENGN’s Smart Agriculture Infrastructure project - fostering the adoption of digital technologies in Canadian agriculture through the CENGN Smart Greenhouse Living Lab. Links Kirby Online: LinkedIn: CENGN: Web: Twitter: Case Studies: https://www.cengn.ca/projects/project-case-studies/?project-area=smart-agriculture-project Smart Greenhouse Living Lab Info: https://www.cengn.ca/services/commercialization-services/smart-agriculture-program/ Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 20: Smart Cities and the Internet of Things
06/11/2022
Episode 20: Smart Cities and the Internet of Things
Smart Cities – what are they? Of the many things that make a city “smart”, technological or social, the Internet of Things is at its core. We not only delve into IoT’s central role and related technologies like AI and 5G but also dive into the raison d'être of Smart Cities and their drivers and benefits. But – we don’t shy away from pointing out Smart Cities’ challenges and what adopters can do, and where to turn to innovate solutions, build talent, and make a real go of Smart Cities. Guest Our guest is Dr. Rick Huijbregts, Global lead for Smart Cities at Stantec. Rick is an industry veteran with extensive experience at the intersection of real-estate design and technology, including digital transformation such as we’re seeing in smart buildings and smart cities. That includes roles as Cisco’s VP of Digital Transformation and Innovation, Head of Smart Cities and Buildings in Canada at Cisco, and VP of Strategy and Innovation at George Brown College in Toronto. Rick’s career is founded on degrees in construction management, real estate development and management, and a design doctorate in real estate and technology. Links Rick Online: LinkedIn: Twitter: Stantec: Web: Twitter: Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 19: Accelerating Canadian IoT ventures
05/26/2022
Episode 19: Accelerating Canadian IoT ventures
Picking the right horse is important but choosing the best racetracks to race in is just as crucial. The same holds for individual IoT ventures and the IoT verticals or sectors they play in. With a track record of successful races, our guest shares his thoughts on the merits of IoT application in different sectors and why and how L-SPARK is accelerating IoT ventures in the automotive, medical, and cybersecurity fields. We also discuss the SaaS-IoT interplay and L-SPARK’s programs and touch on guidance for entrepreneurs growing their ventures. Guest Our guest is Leo Lax, Executive Managing Director at L-Spark in Ottawa. Leo has extensive experience in the high-tech sector in Canada, including senior management and executive roles at Mitel and Newbridge Networks (now Nokia). Leo also founded and led Skypoint, a prominent Canadian VC firm that invested in Canadian tech companies. Today, as founder and executive director at L-SPARK, he oversees their programs that help technology companies accelerate their growth through new investment and mentorship – with a significant IoT-related focus. Leo’s career is founded on his Electrical Engineering degrees from McGill University and the Royal Military College. Links Leo on Online LinkedIn: Twitter: L-SPARK Web: Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 18: Automobility, Innovation, and the Internet of Things
05/09/2022
Episode 18: Automobility, Innovation, and the Internet of Things
Where's the value of IoT? It's undoubtedly in the vertical solutions founded on it. We discuss IoT's underpinning role in the new era of mobility, advanced manufacturing, and other prominent verticals in the Windsor-Essex region. We also dive into IoT's role in regional economic development, talent creation, and the digital rejuvenation of traditional industry sectors into modern industries. Guests Our guests are Yvonne Pilon, CEO at WEtech Alliance, and Tom Schnekenburger, Project Manager at the University of Windsor. Yvonne has deep experience in the tech sector with a core focus on growing companies and building a thriving entrepreneurial community. The Peak recently recognized her as one of 2022's Emerging Leaders in Canada in Startups and Tech. She is a regional and cross-border economic development mobilizer in Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. Tom has a strong background in market development and strategic partnerships, especially in the traffic management and mobility sector. He leads Data and Mobility Science projects at the University of Windsor, bringing together researchers, local stakeholders, industrial partners, and cross-border agencies to build a robust regional Windsor-Essex mobility ecosystem. Links Yvonne Pilon LinkedIn: Twitter: Tom Schnekenburger LinkedIn: WEtech Alliance Twitter: University of Windsor Twitter: Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 17: Managing and assuring the RF spectrum for IoT with AI
04/17/2022
Episode 17: Managing and assuring the RF spectrum for IoT with AI
IoT is extensively about wireless communication by connected devices riding on the RF (Radio Frequency) spectrum. But will that be reliably and securely? We air the critical role of the RF spectrum in IoT adoption and how we monitor it and make sure it's available and secure – especially as 5G, a "Massive IoT" enabler, adds to the spectrum management complexity. We dive into the critical roles that Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence play in analyzing and correcting real-time spectrum perturbations, threats, and disruptions. Guest Our guest is Cliff Ellement, head of AI Solutions at ThingkRF, bringing ThingkRF's new suite of Spectrum Monitoring Applications to market, including AI and Machine Learning-based Analytics products. He has extensive telecommunications experience in diverse areas, including carrier data and broadband systems, optical network management, enterprise unified communication, and collaboration products. Cliff's technical foundation comes from his Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, focusing on wireless networks and electronic countermeasures. Links Cliff Ellement LinkedIn: ThinkRF Website: Twitter: Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Introduction and implications of sidewalk delivery robots
03/26/2022
Introduction and implications of sidewalk delivery robots
Watch out, don’t trip – over that sidewalk delivery robot. Or is it the other way around – watch out, get out of the way of that human. What will be the rules of engagement as autonomous robots encroach our public sidewalk space and mingle with us and with each other? We explore the benefits they bring, the traffic management challenges they create, and the risks they pose. And – we delve deep into the resulting governance implications and what standards are now being developed to get the most from autonomous sidewalk robots – and play safe and nice with each other. Guest Our guest is Bern Grush, Executive Director at Urban Robotics Foundation. Bern is a transportation innovator and entrepreneur in automated vehicles, parking reform, and road pricing with extensive experience in human factors and systems design engineering. Bern’s forte is the interplay between people and technology in urban contexts, as reflected in his 2018 textbook “The End of Driving: Transportation Systems and Public Policy Planning for Autonomous Vehicles”. Bern’s technical foundation comes from his engineering degrees from the Universities of Toronto and Waterloo. Links Bern Online LinkedIn: Urban Robotics Foundation Website: LinkedIn: Video: Do we need a standard for delivery robots? Speech: URF presentation to the UN Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 15: Microelectronics – the heart of the Internet of Things
03/08/2022
Episode 15: Microelectronics – the heart of the Internet of Things
IoT – it’s the convergence between the digital and the physical. And “the physical” means you have to have hardware that’s high performing, compact, power-frugal, and sensing-diverse. That’s where Microelectronics steps in. We discuss the critical role of microelectronics from sensors, to connectivity and communication, to computing and analytics – without which IoT just doesn’t happen. We also discuss the importance of microelectronics to Canada and what is being done to lower entry barriers for Canadian researchers, innovators, and companies. Guest Our guest is Gordon Harling, CEO at CMC Microsystems. Gordon has extensive experience in microelectronics development and business in Canada, including senior management roles in photonics, nanotechnology, and cybersecurity semiconductor organizations. He is a board member of several organizations that promote photonics and nanotechnology innovation and an active influencer in fostering the Canadian high-tech sector. Gordon’s technical foundation comes from his Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Toronto and a Masters in Engineering Physics from Polytechnique Montréal. Links Gordon Online LinkedIn: CMC Microsystems Website: IoT and Edge AI: Twitter: Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 14: Innovating Smart Connected Vehicles and Cities
02/19/2022
Episode 14: Innovating Smart Connected Vehicles and Cities
Smart Vehicles and Smart Cities, underpinned by IoT, are making tremendous impacts on our lives and societies – but it doesn’t happen on its own. These are complex systems demanding not just research and innovation in a wide range of technologies but also academic and industry collaboration - and our guest is in the thick of it. We discuss the key challenges at the forefront of research, including the role of machine learning and AI, data acquisition and real-time modeling, and the privacy and security risks. And we get insights into the research conducted at the University of Ottawa’s Smart Connected Vehicle Innovation Center within the Kanata North Technology Park. Guest Our guest is Burak Kantarci, director at the University of Ottawa’s Smart Connected Vehicles Innovation Center and the Next Generation Communications and Computing Networks Lab. Burak is an associate professor at the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, with over 200 peer-reviewed papers in established journals and proceedings like IEEE, ACM, Elsevier, and Springer. He is an associate editor of several peer-reviewed scientific journals, including IEEE Internet of Things Journal. His expertise and enthusiasm for the topic are evident in his conference presentations and webinars and acknowledged by recognition awards from IEEE, ACM, Communications Society, and recently Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities. Links Burak on Online: LinkedIn: Twitter: uOttawa Smart Connected Vehicle Innovation Center: Web: Web: University of Ottawa Engineering online: Web: Twitter: University Of Ottawa Kanata North Campus: Web: Twitter: Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 13: Compilation – what does IoT mean to you?
02/02/2022
Episode 13: Compilation – what does IoT mean to you?
The Question! The one that we ask all our guests on the ThingsHappen podcast to get the juices flowing before we dig into their IoT involvement and expertise – what does IoT mean to you? Listen to what they had to say in this compilation of insights on IoT from the first twelve podcasts. They’re all unique – but is there a common thread? One more THING – we also share their insights on a related bonus question – what is the impact of IoT? Guests Here are the guests in the order of their first appearance in this episode. After that – we throw order out the window. at at at at at at at at at at at at Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group:
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Episode 12: Cloud Wars – how data owners win
01/14/2022
Episode 12: Cloud Wars – how data owners win
You’re into IoT – and that means you’ve got data. Lots of it. You keep collecting, analyzing, and squeezing it into storage until data hits the fan one day. Your organization outgrows the cloud services you rely on, so you attempt to move to the next shining cloud service on the block. But, instead of making a clean break, you end up smearing data across clouds. Our expert shines a light on the cloud wars that got you into this mess and keep you there, and how to avoid it. We also discuss the considerable role of edge (or fog) computing in keeping your data management grounded in reality – while leveraging the benefits of cloud services. Guest Our guest is Jason Lee, CEO at Smartcone. Jason is an experienced award-winning entrepreneur, innovator, and leader. Over the past thirty years, he has worked and led projects in diverse fields, including the military, aerospace, avionics, and telecommunications. He is a certified Business Coach with experience in business intelligence and lean manufacturing. Smartcone’s modular IoT platform and solutions drove his intense cloud and edge computing encounters, making him an expert on their application and interplay. Links Jason on LinkedIn: Smartcone online: Website: YouTube: Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 11: IoT Canada - Growing Canada’s AIoT Ecosystem
12/21/2021
Episode 11: IoT Canada - Growing Canada’s AIoT Ecosystem
What are the most disruptive and impactful forces at play today? IoT and AI, of course – that’s AIoT – and AIoT Canada is poised to elevate Canada’s adoption and innovation in AIoT. We discuss Canada’s AIoT landscape and the benefits and challenges of AIoT adoption. We also delve into AIoT Canada’s role in growing Canada’s AIoT ecosystem, its formation and function, and its vision to heighten Canada’s economy and international position in the global digital economy through AIoT. Guest Our guest is Michel Langelier, CEO at AIoT Canada. In addition to overseeing programs, advisory committees, and operations, he is the driving force behind a bold new vision to grow Canada’s AIoT ecosystem. Michel has twenty-five years of experience directing national organizations and institutes, including the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering, ADRIQ, and CEFRIO, facilitating the development and use of digital technologies in industry and society. Michel holds an Executive MBA from Telfer at the University of Ottawa and a certificate in innovation leadership from MIT. Links Michel on LinkedIn: AIoT Canada online: Website: Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 10: Internet of Things and the Law
12/08/2021
Episode 10: Internet of Things and the Law
You have the technology and the business plan for your IoT product - but do you know the legal risks associated with IoT, and are you prepared for your obligation to deliver safe and secure products and the potential liabilities if you don’t? Our expert guest dives into the IoT space through a legal and regulatory lens that determines the rights and obligations of IoT stakeholders. We also discuss IoT regulations emerging from different jurisdictions and the state of IoT law in Canada. Guest Our guest is Edona Vila, a lawyer, and partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG). Edona serves clients in several industries, including Automotive and Autonomous Vehicles, Life Sciences and Health Care, Infrastructure, and Insurance. Her diverse educational background includes a science degree and a Master of Management of Innovation from the University of Toronto, as well as Juris Doctor degree from the University of Ottawa Faculty of law. Edona is an active member of the IoT community, helping to grow the AIoT ecosystem in Canada as a member of the Board of Directors at AIoT Canada Links Edona on LinkedIn: BLG online: Website: Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 9: Connected Autonomous Vehicles and IoT - oh that winter
11/25/2021
Episode 9: Connected Autonomous Vehicles and IoT - oh that winter
Oh that winter – a challenge to regular vehicles, and more so to automated vehicles. Connected Automated Vehicles (CAV) rapid emergence is poised to deliver significant benefits while confronted with real-world challenges. Our expert guest delves into the cold hard truth of one of the main CAV challenges and provides concrete insights into the CAV ecosystem, which is crucial to the sector’s growth, covering the major players and the role of IoT in it. We also discuss Canadian CAV innovations and the ecosystem roles of start-ups and small and medium enterprises. Guest Our guest is Barrie Kirk, Executive Director at CAVCOE. Barrie is a well-known speaker, broadcaster, and consultant in the Connected Automated Vehicle (CAV) space, including the use and impacts of CAVs. His extensive experience includes senior positions at Ottawa-area companies and more than thirty years of consulting across the U.K., U.S., and Canada on the impacts of emerging technologies. Barrie is a Senior Advisor to the Thompson (Manitoba) Winter Weather Testing Campus, and also serves on advisory boards of several CAV-related organizations. Barrie received his Electrical Engineering degree from Coventry University in the U.K. Links Barrie on LinkedIn: CAVCOE online: Website: Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 8: Machine Vision – what’s in it for IoT
11/12/2021
Episode 8: Machine Vision – what’s in it for IoT
Who needs machine vision anyway - when we have such diversity of other sensors? Our expert guest considers the flexibility of machine vision and how it creates virtual Things that firmly belong in the IoT space. And how machine vision with AI-based analytics provides more significant human behavioural insights than purposed physical sensors could. We also discuss how behaviour is turned into actionable data for planning and operating commercial and manufacturing enterprises while retaining individual anonymity. Guest Our guest is Riccardo Badalone, CEO at C2RO. Ricardo has vast experience in the high-tech sector, including founding and leading two companies, the first in the semiconductor space and now C2RO providing machine vision analytics. His entrepreneurial mindset is underpinned by immersive experience in hands-on hardware development and management at a global graphics card provider and a telecommunications systems provider. He also gives his time to mentor new founders to help them become successful leaders of their companies. Links Riccardo on LinkedIn: C2RO online: Website: How C2RO PERCEIVE™ is different from other retail technologies C2RO Case Study Series - PLAYBOOK for Global Rollout of Self-Checkout Technology C2RO Case Study Series - PLAYBOOK for New Product Line Rollout Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 7: Financial Services and IoT – trust is key
10/29/2021
Episode 7: Financial Services and IoT – trust is key
What challenges do financial services and IoT have in common? Data – lots of it. And trust – to hold in trust what we value – our money, our privacy, and the value of data. And increasingly, that data is not just human-generated, but also by our physical surroundings through IoT. Our guest considers how trust frameworks developed for financial services could be leveraged for IoT, and we also touch on transacting the value of IoT data. Guest Our guest is Kashmera Self, AVP, Strategy & Emerging Solutions Delivery at Interac. Kashmera’s extensive experience in the financial services sector includes researching and sensing weak signals that go beyond financial services. In combination with her product management background, that has made her an expert at developing enterprise strategies with foresight to emerging paradigms and taking concepts from ideation to incubation to create the next thing, the potential new lines of business for Interac. Links Kashmera on LinkedIn: Interac Corp. online: Website: Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 6: LoRa for IoT
10/13/2021
Episode 6: LoRa for IoT
Go far and wide. Go lean and smart. That’s the beauty of LoRa – the Long-Range connectivity for IoT that connects smart devices far afield with a lean power grab, that’s just as at-home in your local office or shop floor. Our guest outlines the LoRa technology and charts its many applications, and we ponder the effect of the expanding LoRa ecosystem on the growing LoRa adoption. Guest Our guest is Barney Barnowski, VP Business Development at TEKTELIC. Barney’s extensive experience in wireless communication includes technical and product management roles at Telus and Nortel. Today, he champions LoRa solutions, IoT devices, and services at TEKTELIC and is a key influencer in the LoRa ecosystem. Barney’s technical and business expertise is underpinned by his Electrical Engineering degree and an MBA from the University of Calgary. Links Barney on LinkedIn: TEKTELIC online: Website: On LinkedIn: Success Stories: Product Catalog: eDoctor Solution: Watch CO2 Monitoring Solution: Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 5: OT-IT Convergence and IoT
09/30/2021
Episode 5: OT-IT Convergence and IoT
OT-IT? No - it's not a typo for IoT. Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) convergence is a vital paradigm invading industries embarking on Industry 4.0 and undergoing digital transformation. And this OT-IT Convergence envelops IoT. Our guest lays out OT-IT Convergence and its framework, outlines the transformational endeavour, and provides approaches for realizing it. Oh - and we discuss the critical role that IoT plays in it. Guest Our guest is Sonia Bot, chief executive of The BOT Consulting Group Inc., playing key roles in the inception and delivery of strategic businesses and transformations worldwide. She navigated through downsizing, right-sizing, de-regulations, SEC investigations, and economic downturns/scale-ups – and worked through one of the largest and high-profile global corporate bankruptcies in the world. Sonia delivers breakthrough results and foundations to excel using entrepreneurship, business precision, Lean Six Sigma, systems and process engineering, and organizational behavior methodologies. Sonia’s experience ranges from Fortune 500 corporations to start-ups across many sectors, including high-tech, media, ICT, railroading, transportation, energy, medical and healthcare, aerospace and defense, and education. She holds engineering degrees from the University of Waterloo (BMath) and the University of Toronto (MASc) and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Links Sonia online: LinkedIn: Sonia's email: The BOT Consulting Group Inc. online: Publications and Featured Content: and Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 4: Innovating IoT through Design Thinking
09/19/2021
Episode 4: Innovating IoT through Design Thinking
You heard of the Internet of Things and are starting to get its profound impacts on business and public policy and the need to be involved in it. But how do you go about innovating IoT solutions and governance to grow and remain relevant as an organization and professionally – especially since IoT is such a broad space often demanding systemic solutions. That’s where Design Thinking steps in. We talk to a Design Thinking expert and a seasoned innovation facilitator about what’s happening at the intersection of the Internet of Things and Design Thinking. Why and how you can apply Design Thinking to human-centered IoT solutions and governance innovation. Guest Our guest is Nilufer Erdebil, CEO at Spring2 Innovation, specializing in consulting and training in Design Thinking, helping public and private sector organizations transform their processes, policies, services, and culture. Nilufer has an extensive and diverse background ranging from hands-on technology development to innovation program management at a large telco to business line management. She is a TEDx speaker and also frequently speaking about innovation and Design Thinking. She was awarded the Ottawa Business Journal Forty Under 40 Award and received the Canadian Women in Communications and Technology Leadership Award. Nilufer holds MBA and Electrical Engineering degrees from Queens University. Links Nilufer online: LinkedIn: Twitter: Spring2 Innovation online: Web: Twitter: Instagram: TEDx Ottawa talk on Design Thinking: Workshop: Digital Literacy through Internet of Things and Design Thinking Webinar: Internet of Things & Design Thinking: Elevating Digital in the Modern Public Service | Webinar Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 3: Investing in IoT
09/17/2021
Episode 3: Investing in IoT
So – you have an IoT product or thinking of starting an IoT venture – eh? You must, then, also know that you need cash or investment to grow and succeed. But where do you turn, and how do you put your best foot forward to get the investment support you need. Oh, and by the way, what verticals should you be looking at more than others to make a go of it, and why does Industrial IoT seem to be at the fore. We discuss these questions and more with a seasoned investor, including some tips on seeking investment for your venture. Guest Our guest is Udit Bhatnagar, Vice President at McRock Capital, a Venture capital firm dedicated to investing in Industrial IoT. He assesses and invests in IIoT ventures, with multiple investments in his portfolio. Udit has extensive experience helping entrepreneurs, funding innovation, and early-stage investment at IE Business School’s Center for Entrepreneurship, the Startup Academy at the Keiretsu Forum, and more. His MBA, earned through IE Business School and Rotman, is underpinned by a technology degree in industrial engineering and several years of hands-on experience in software development and analytics. Links Udit on LinkedIn: Udit contact: McRock Capital: Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Episode 2: Satellite Internet of Things
09/13/2021
Episode 2: Satellite Internet of Things
Connectivity is one of the three pillars of IoT, and there’s plenty of choices – RFID, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, mobile networks, LoRaWAN, and the list goes on. But what do you do when connectivity is non-existent in remote and rugged terrains or your devices are geographically dispersed. This pain has seen a rise in satellite connectivity for IoT in response, particularly Low Earth Orbit constellations. We discuss the application, technologies, growth, and business trade-offs of satellite applications to IoT. Guest Our guest is Frank Rayal, Founding Partner of XONA Partners, where his consulting enables companies to leverage new technologies and market trends for new revenues. Frank has extensive telecommunications industry experience, including co-founding Blinq networks and senior product management, marketing, and business development positions at Ericsson, Redline, and Metawave. He is an Electrical Engineer by training and an active senior member of IEEE. Links Frank on LinkedIn: XONA Partners: Additional info on LEO Satellites: Visit IoT North Website: LinkedIn Group: Twitter:
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Welcome to ThingsHappen Podcast Trailer
09/10/2021
Welcome to ThingsHappen Podcast Trailer
Welcome to the ThingsHappen podcast by IoT North - Canada’s Internet of Things Conversation. ThingsHappen hosts and engages Canada’s IoT providers, users, innovators, policymakers, and thinkers - to help you stay in touch with Things Happening in Canada’s Internet of Things community. The Internet of Things is here and now with great benefits to us as individuals, businesses, economy, and society, and you’ll get to know how you too can benefit from it. BUT – we won’t shy away from exposing IoT’s pitfalls and we’ll explore how to fill in the pit and soften the fall. We cover all dimensions of the IoT space including ARCHITECTURE - the IoT structure and its bits and pieces, VERTICALS – the solutions and where the value of IoT lies, and DOMAINS and disciplines that enable IoT. Tune in to the vast IoT space … there will always be something new to learn and inspire your IoT Mindset and to Thingk3D Things Happen – don’t miss it.
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