Looking at the human side of tech

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This article was published 28/01/2020 (2236 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

When it comes to the future, a little disruption can go a long way.

Tech Manitoba is preparing to host Disrupted Future: The Human Side of Tech — a two-day conference that will be held at RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg on Jan. 30 and 31.

According to a news release, the event will feature local, national and international speakers and panellists, which will include Dr. Ann Cavoukina, David Usher, Bruce Linton, and Darrell Reimer.

Cavoukina, for example, is a former information and privacy commissioner of Ontario, who will speak about safeguarding the public’s private data, while Usher — a four-time Juno award-winning musician and lead singer of Moist — will use interactive presentations and a live demo with the audience in his role as the founder of Reimagine AI. There will also be a panel called focusing on harnessing technology for social good, which will showcase the AquaHacking Challenge Lake Winnipeg event, organized by the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

Tech Manitoba’s chief executive officer Kathy Knight said the event is all about collaboration in a time when discussions about technology and its far-reaching impact have never been more relevant.

“We’re living in a time of exponential change when things are happening fast and are driven by technology and innovation,” said Knight, who lives in Silver Heights.  

“This event focuses on how we work, how we live and how we learn, and we want to bring people together to have these important conversations that are at the forefront of the minds of Canadians. On a daily basis now, we hear stories about data and security breaches, and as individuals, how do we better manage these situations? And how do we harness technology for social good? And in communities across Manitoba, how much can we learn and how can we apply these things to our daily lives?”

Organizers say the AquaHacking challenge is an eight-month competition that’s designed to support technology and business development addressing environmental problems related to freshwater. Between February and October, the challenge will involve students and young professionals teaming up and aiming to develop solutions to problems plaguing the Lake Winnipeg watershed, including algal blooms, pharmaceuticals, and microplastics. With guidance and support from expert mentors, the multidisciplinary teams will compete to win $50,000 in cash prizes and incubator space.

Pauline Gerrard, a department director of the experimental lakes area at IISD, said the upcoming conference is geared to a cross-section of the community.

“It’s going to be a fantastic conference — there will be something for everyone,” said Gerrard, who lives in St. Boniface. “There will be lots of opportunities for everyone to get behind.”

In terms of the AquaHacking challenge, she said it will help shine a spotlight on the problems occurring in Lake Winnipeg.

Go online at www.disruptedfuture.com for more information.