MAKING FUTURE TECH LEADERS
Innovations fostered in universities will drive economy, say Jamie Cassels, Santa Ono, Andrew Petter, Daniel Weeks, Alan Shaver and Allan Cahoon.
His name may not be familiar, but Devesh Bharadwaj represents the future of B.C.
At just 24 years old, the University of Victoria engineering graduate is a thinker, an entrepreneur and a technology pioneer who is harnessing the abundance of the ocean to bring clean water to the developing world.
Bharadwaj’s company, Pani Energy, has been incorporated for a year, yet has already assembled an impressive team that is developing economically accessible technologies for fresh water and clean energy — using the physics of water, salt and a specially designed, semi-permeable-membrane process.
The meaningful solutions this technology promises wouldn’t have been possible without a robust university sector that fosters innovation. Similar stories are being played out across B.C., where ideas are born in universities and incubated in the community.
High-tech, 3D droneimaging developed at the University of B.C. is giving us a better understanding of forest-fire behaviour, while clean-tech nanotechnology is being used to rapidly remove contaminants from water. MetaOptima Technology co-founder Maryam Sadeghi of Simon Fraser University markets technologies helping doctors detect and treat skin disorders much faster, leading to better health outcomes. Another advancement from SFU promises improved sleep quality for those living with sleep apnea.
Each innovation has the ability to change lives. The post-secondary grads behind these ventures are creating good jobs, pushing boundaries and driving our economy.
It’s this kind of cuttingedge innovation that will be on display next week at the #BCTECH Summit, the largest technology conference in Western Canada. From digital animation to life sciences, the conference provides a window into B.C.’s technology-focused future.
Already, tech is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the B.C. economy, generating about $29 billion in revenue and supporting more than 100,000 good-paying jobs.
Fortunately, the B.C. government recognizes a provincial workforce with globally competitive skills is a critical resource for all sectors of the economy. That is why it’s investing in its people.
Earlier this year, government announced major investments in post-secondary engineering, math and computer-science programs, adding 2,900 new student spaces in the province.
It means more sustainableenergy engineering and biomedical-engineering students in the Lower Mainland and more computer-science and engineering- degree programs on Vancouver Island. For the first time, students at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops and the University of Northern B.C. in Prince George will have access to full-engineering degree programs in their own communities, helping to keep homegrown talent at home.
It’s a path to success with all B.C. universities working toward the equitable participation of Indigenous peoples. For example, Royal Roads University has partnered with the First Nations Technology Council to expand access to digital tools and training for Indigenous peoples across B.C.
Put together, these are important commitments that help ensure a strong, sustainable economy for B.C. They come at a crucial time, as B.C. establishes Canada’s Digital Technology Supercluster, a consortium of private-industry, high-tech startups and post-secondary institutions.
Still, more can be done. In particular, B.C. can enhance its support for grad-level university programs to ensure we attract and retain the brightest minds; B.C. grad students are key to the talent infrastructure of our burgeoning technology ecosystem. The provincial government has shown encouraging signs that it recognizes this as a priority.
Students of today, with their knowledge, skill and creativity, are the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. We know that investment in post-secondary education is at the foundation of new opportunities for our people and our province.
Jamie Cassels is president of the University of Victoria and chair of the Research Universities Council of B.C.; Santa Ono is president of the University of B.C.; Andrew Petter is president of Simon Fraser University; Daniel Weeks is president of the University of Northern B.C.; Alan Shaver is president of Thompson Rivers University; and Allan Cahoon is president of Royal Roads University.