Tech Manitoba talk centred on innovation, productivity, talent acquisition

Microsoft Canada’s national technology officer carried a message for Manitoba tech leaders: “Invent what’s next.”

John Weigelt addressed Tech Manitoba members during an association event Monday evening. He highlighted an ever-changing trade and technology landscape.

“I really firmly believe in ‘The organization that writes the rules wins,’” Weigelt said.

The Microsoft executive urged Manitobans to find a niche — a reason for talent to come to the province. Latching on to environmental sustainability, and innovating within insurance and manufacturing sectors are all viable paths for Manitoba, Weigelt said.

He mentioned Sio Silica’s proposed silica sand mine in southeastern Manitoba (mired in political controversy) and the province’s agriculture sector.

“How do we attract people? Again, I think it’s this idea of planting the flag and saying, ‘You can only do this here,’” Weigelt said, speaking inside the Leaf horticultural attraction at Assiniboine Park.

Innovation Minister Mike Moroz sat in the front row. He’s led the creation of the province’s innovation and productivity report, to be released on Halloween.

Data strategies and artificial intelligence are among the technological advancements reshaping how Canadians work and compete, Moroz said in a speech.

Kelly Fournel, Tech Manitoba’s chief executive, said she’s “incredibly hopeful and curious” about the incoming document.

The province is known for its diverse economy, Fournel said, considering Weigelt’s recommendations.

She pointed to Manitoba’s mineral deposits. The province touts 30 of 34 minerals on Canada’s critical minerals list — the resources could add to technology supply chains, Fournel said. “I think if we can get mining, manufacturing, trucking and transportation in particular working together … I think Manitoba is incredibly well-positioned.”

Cobalt, for example, is found in Manitoba and is used in microchip creation.

The province released its economic development strategy last month; the critical minerals supply chain was labelled an “emerging sector.” Agriculture technologies and artificial intelligence were also deemed emerging sectors.

The economic development strategy aims to increase productivity in Manitoba. Productivity — comparing inputs like time to outputs contributing to GDP — has dropped in the province since 2015, the strategy reads.

“It makes sense to say that all industries really should be looking at productivity. AI is one tool to help with that,” Fournel said.

There’s opportunity to create applications using large language models, Weigelt told the crowd Monday. He also emphasized the importance of exporting tech materials and services beyond Canada’s borders.

It’s something Mahmoud Alzaibaq believes Canada Computing, the IT company he co-founded, could explore. However, exporting and reaching new customers requires “hand holding” from government, Alzaibaq said.

“A lot of us are just very busy with the hustle and bustle of what we do daily,” he said.

Manitoba counts more than 100 technology companies, Moroz said.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com