Seen & Heard at the NL Productivity + Prosperity Summit 2024

Last week, the Council of Canadian Innovators convened Atlantic Canada tech leaders in St. John’s for the NL Productivity + Prosperity Summit. With support from the region's tech sector, the summit provided a forum to talk about strategies to grow the Atlantic Canada's tech ecosystem and harness its potential to drive productivity and prosperity for Canada.

After opening remarks from Industry, Energy and Technology Minister Andrew Parsons, CCI President Benjamin Bergen set the tone for the day with a message on the province’s role in addressing Canada’s productivity challenges.   

“Canada is facing a productivity crisis, but the determination and innovation we’re seeing from Newfoundland and Labrador’s scale-ups offer a clear path forward. Today’s conversations reaffirm that Newfoundland’s business leaders have the ideas, grit, and vision needed to drive not just regional growth but national prosperity. Thank you to Tech NL, Crossbeam Education, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for making this summit possible and for supporting the vision of a stronger, more resilient Canada.”

- CCI President, Benjamin Bergen

In a fireside conversation titled "Newfoundland and Labrador's Prosperity and Productivity Advantage," CCI Vice-President of Strategy and Advocacy Dana O'Born facilitated a discussion featuring Steven Taylor, CEO of Learning Labs, and ClearRisk Co-Founder and CEO Craig Rowe. They explored Newfoundland and Labrador's unique opportunities and challenges, emphasizing how the region's strong work ethic and innovative approaches can establish new benchmarks for productivity and prosperity in Canada. 

"The tech ecosystem in Newfoundland and Labrador is brimming with untapped potential. This summit is essential in showcasing the talent, resilience, and forward-thinking strategies that can elevate Newfoundland and Labrador to a thriving hub for innovation. Seeing the energy here today is inspiring, and I'm excited about what the region can achieve together with the right support and vision.”

‍- Steven Taylor, CEO of Learning Labs

Following the fireside chat, the first panel, “The Prosperity and Potential of Smart Procurement,” delved into the role of provincial procurement in fostering economic growth. Moderated by Mandy Woodland of Nucleus Ventures, the panel featured Robert Greenwood, Deputy Minister of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador; Joe Mayer of IDENTOS; and Crystal Northcott COO of Granville Biomedical. These industry leaders discussed how strategic procurement can be a powerful tool for fostering local innovation, supporting businesses, and driving regional development. 

"Meaningful connections and discussions are at the heart of innovation, and that's exactly what this summit brings to the table. Bringing together leaders from across Newfoundland and Labrador allows us to explore new perspectives and ideas that will propel our region's tech sector forward. It's an incredible opportunity to collaborate on building a sustainable, prosperous future for Newfoundland and Labrador.”

- Crystal Northcott, COO of Granville Biomedical

The summit continued with the second panel, "Protecting our Prosperity: Defense, Oceans, Subsea, and Maritime." CCI's Karen Moores led the discussion, with insights from Neil Chaulk, CEO of Solace Power, Norm Williams, CFO of Genoa, and Carolann Harding, CEO of SmartICE Monitoring & Information Inc. Given its abundant natural resources and ideal geographic position, the conversation highlighted Newfoundland and Labrador's strategic advantages in defense and ocean industries. 

Throughout the day, networking sessions provided attendees with opportunities to deepen connections and explore potential collaborations.  shared the government's commitment to creating a collaborative ecosystem:

"Our government is proud to partner closely with the tech community to support Newfoundland and Labrador's economic success. This summit represents the collaborative spirit that drives our province forward, creating opportunities for tech companies to thrive and contributing to a resilient and prosperous economy. The tech sector’s growth is not only key to our future but a testament to the strength of the partnerships we’re building here today.”

- The Honourable Andrew Parsons, KC, Minister of Industry, Energy and Technology

CCI hosts events like the NL Productivity + Prosperity Summit with the support of our dedicated partners. We’re grateful to our Presenting Sponsor Crossbeam Education/Keyin College, our Executive Sponsor St. John’s International Airport Authority, and our Supporting Sponsors the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and techNL.

Learn more about CCI’s mission to support Canadian scale-ups and build a stronger innovation economy. If you’re interested in partnering with CCI to deliver future events that drive prosperity across Canada, contact Sara Psenicka.