Dan Burgar

These three little words mean so much to me: Built with SimpliCity. 🙌🎉 They symbolize: 💪 Perseverance: After a year of hard work with many ups and downs, this massive thing we created from nothing is now out in the world. 🤝 Partnership: We couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to work with at the District of North Vancouver: insightful, passionate, patient, and funny ;) We loved feeling a part of their team over this past year and we wouldn’t be where we are today without them. 🥰 Pride: In our team, our partners, my partner in life and business Ian Sim, and in ME for believing in our vision and seeing it come to life. Wow, we really did it! Head on over to https://www.DNV.org to see the public-facing side of what we built (and the "Built with SimpliCity" tag in the footer, woot-woot). The true secret sauce, though, is in the staff console for managing content, and our backend that supports everything. I can’t believe our small, bootstrapped team (supported by our services company Radical I/O Technology Inc) built our own product that competes with #Drupal #Wordpress #AdobeExperienceManager #Contentful (just to name a few), but specifically serves the unique needs of the municipal market (and eventually the larger government/public sector market). I don’t know if we’ll fully understand just what a huge accomplishment that is, and we’re just at the beginning of our journey - goodness! Now that we have the base #HeadlessCMS built, there is so much more we want to accomplish to really support personalized, digital public services of the future, and make staff workflows more automated and enjoyable. I’ll repeat it here too: 🌟 a huge thank you to Andrew Durnin, John Moreau, and the DNV Digital Services, IT, and Communications teams for this truly collaborative partnership. They have been with us every step of the way, and we’re all so excited for what’s next to come! — Now if you’ve read this far, I have a BIG FAVOUR to ask of all of you who are reading this: please help me get the word out in any (or all!) of these ways… 👉 Re-share this news with your network and teams. 👉 Get other municipalities to reach out to me and book a demo plus learn more about our early founding partners program. We can’t accomplish our full vision without more input and customer partnerships. 👉 Get other design, consulting, and software vendors who already have great municipal relationships to also reach out to me and see how we can work together to advance digital transformation in this space. 👉 Sign up for our monthly newsletter for updates as we release new features and grow: https://lnkd.in/grbQhjzQ #BCtech #StartupLife #LaunchNews #DigitalTransformation #SimpliCityCMS #OneFrontDoor #CDNmunis #GovernmentDX #GovTech

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🚀 Unlock the Power of Storytelling in Alberta’s Tech Scene! 🚀 In the latest episode of Shift by Alberta Innovates, we dive deep into the art of storytelling with Leah Sarich, Head of Story at Thin Air Labs, and Kira Kelsie, startup marketing consultant at Kasm Consulting. Discover how compelling narratives can bridge the gap between complex tech innovations and the everyday Albertan. From simplifying intricate concepts to creating authentic connections, Leah and Kira share their expertise in crafting stories that resonate with audiences and foster engagement. 🔑 Key takeaways: - Using plain language to highlight the human impact of tech. - How to simplify messages without losing meaning. - Overcoming skepticism in industries like clean tech. - The role of community in building trust and credibility. Leah and Kira also explore the AI-driven marketing strategies and discuss the ups and downs of using tools like ChatGPT for authentic brand messaging. 💡 Founders, it’s time to share YOUR story! Start small, and build your storytelling muscle. Join networking events, engage with the community, and watch how your narrative can elevate Alberta’s thriving tech ecosystem. Whether it’s a coffee meetup, open house, or LinkedIn post, your voice matters. Listen to the full episode: https://bit.ly/4hY3781 #Storytelling #TechInnovation #AlbertaTech #Startups #CleanTech #AI #FounderMindset #ShiftByAlbertaInnovates #TechEcosystem #Community #MarketingTips

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Such a great blog post which I suggest every founder read. So many golden nuggets in here. But one that stands out: What are some qualities that you see in the most successful founders? Well, I love smart people, with high IQs, and high EQs, that’s great. But, of the founders that I see, the highest correlation with success is with their grit quotient. They’re not necessarily the smartest people in the world, but their grit and determination are unbelievable. They never give up and always find a way to blast through any obstacle they face. It’s the mentality of “succeed or die” – it’s that kind of determination that wins. #gritcotient #grit #founder #highperformancemindset

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Fascinating points by Grayson Bass, Founding Lab Manager at Smart Waterloo Region at Together | Ensemble about going from the Father voice to the Grandmother voice when looking at sustainability issues: - Father Voice: Turn off the lights! 🌞 - Mother Voice: Why don't we get sensors so the lights can go off themselves - Grandfather Voice: Let's think about what we've learned from this - Grandmother Voice: Why are we doing this in the first place #esg #sustainablefinance #sdgs

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You've registered for Yotta, right? Wait you haven't you registered for Yotta? Why haven't you registered? Why aren't you registering now? https://lnkd.in/ej6vHVgw #yotta #yotta2024 #vegas #digitalinfrastructure #data #datacenter #datacentre #compute #storage #network #carbonzero #esg #sustainability #ai #artificialintelligence #quantumcomputing #quantumtechnology #chips #servers #cooling #liquidcooling #telecom #satellitecommunications #subsea #subseacable #telecom #edgecomputing

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Good news 🇨🇦 Tech friends: AI Tinkerers Toronto Meetup is now live! Show don't tell. Join us to share your killer AI demo with fellow AI builders and researchers, on May 30th at Shopify HQ. No pitches! We want to see your messy WIP! Let's build 🇨🇦 / acc. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/g-C73dwm 💡 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗜 𝗧𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗿𝘀? We are not just “AI enthusiasts”, we are AI tinkerers. AI Tinkerers is a meetup built around live demos, for tech entrepreneurs, hackers and those deeply passionate about creating LLM-enabled applications and have hands-on experience in building such systems. For those who remember... yes this is a lot like DemoCamp :) 🎤 𝗗𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘀 We are actively looking for presenters! A presentation/demo is limited to 5-6 minutes in length and demonstrates a work in progress. We’ll select 4 or 5 of the most interesting topics to present. Note, as capacity to the event is limited, we’ll be prioritizing those that can demo something interesting. 🚀 Pls RSVP and spread the word! We've needed an event built around actual Demos. This is it. Sponsored by Shopify and Shopify Ventures; brought to you by the Human Feedback Foundation AIT city organizers. Let's go 🚀

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This week's journey takes us to Canada, where I had the fantastic opportunity to meet with some of the most innovative operators in our industry. There's nothing quite like connecting with people I admire and who are truly shaking things up. And it's humbling to bring their stories and learnings to you. During my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting Deana Steele. We bonded over our shared dedication to transforming the accommodation sector. As a prominent figure in the luxury short-term rental market, Deana's insights are invaluable. Her approach to luxury could profoundly shift your perspective on elevating your own business. In this episode, we delve into what it really takes to stand out in the high-end accommodation sector. The luxury market isn’t just about high margins, it’s also coupled with high expectations and bespoke experiences. Deana Steele from Keys to Kelowna Properties joins us to discuss the layers of luxury accommodation, from acquiring prime properties to understanding the nuanced needs of a high-end clientele. Our conversation unpacks strategies that are crucial for anyone aiming to excel in this prestigious segment, shedding light on how luxury can significantly enhance your brand’s value and market appeal. Deana Steele is a pioneer in the luxury vacation rental market and the creative force behind Keys to Kelowna Properties Inc.. She has successfully brought world-class luxury real estate rentals to Kelowna, elevating the city’s profile among elite travelers. Starting Keys to Kelowna organically in 2013, her entrepreneurial flair was quickly recognized by industry leaders, including Airbnb, which led her to assist remote real estate investors. Join us as we explore the luxurious layers that can transform your accommodation strategy from standard to exceptional. Listening to Deana’s experiences and the actionable strategies she shares will equip you with the knowledge to attract discerning clients who seek unparalleled experiences. Her insights provide a practical blueprint for anyone looking to elevate their operations in the luxury market. We’ll catch you next week!

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Society Five.0 welcomes our newest partner Industry Sandbox & AI Computing (ISAIC)! Industry Sandbox & AI Computing (ISAIC) a not-for-profit cloud provider serving the industry in Western Canada. ISAIC offers a secure environment featuring Virtual Machines equipped with CPU, GPU, and Storage options—all priced affordably—to facilitate the development of Proof-of-Concept (PoC) and Minimum Viable Products (MVP) for various data and AI/ML projects. What sets them apart from other cloud providers? No egress fees: They ensure that you can access and transfer your data without incurring additional costs. Your Intellectual Property (IP) Rights: With ISAIC, the IP rights to your creations remain yours. Vendor-neutral: Their services are compatible with a wide range of technologies, giving you the freedom to choose the best tools for your project. Local Presence: They are proudly based in Edmonton, providing a local option for cloud services. Please welcome Industry Sandbox & AI Computing (ISAIC) to our community! Jim Boyes Solange Gagnebin Griselda Sukmoro Miki Reeder Michelle S. Laura Bodtker Olivia Grace Jacobs James Freeman, P.Eng. MBA FRCGS Adin Nand, P.Eng. Sandeep Parmar, MBA Luticia L. Miller Niki Kearl Shannon Pestun Brett Colvin Justin Hantos Adam Burley Lynette Tremblay

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🌱#Waterloo’s tech landscape is thriving thanks to our key hubs and accelerators. ➡️Communitech drives success as #Canada’s top innovation hub ➡️Accelerator Centre excels as Canada’s #1 private business accelerator ➡️Velocity supports early-stage entrepreneurs in building companies that scale ➡️Medical Innovation Xchange bridges the resource gap for #medtech startups Discover how these organizations and others contribute to our tech ecosystem: https://hubs.ly/Q02Kfr0_0

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Alberta’s AI Data Centre Strategy is bold in its focus on innovation and investment while ensuring energy stability. I spoke with Alberta’s Technology and Innovation Minister, Nate Glubish, about the province’s vision to leverage natural resources and a cold climate to become North America’s top AI infrastructure hub. Glubish talked to Digital Journal about the focus on innovation, energy stability, leveraging natural resources, streamlining approvals through a concierge service, fostering Indigenous partnerships, and establishing global AI leadership. Learn more about how Alberta is setting the stage for becoming a major hub for data centres ⤵️

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As someone who follows innovation in the semiconductor space closely, I’ve been increasingly impressed by ventureLAB and the impact they’re making on hardware and deep tech startups. VentureLab is much more than just an innovation hub—they’re building a community focused on helping companies tackle the unique challenges of hardware development, from raising capital and securing intellectual property to commercializing their technologies. Through programs like the Hardware Catalyst Initiative, they’re providing startups with access to critical resources that can be hard to find elsewhere, including top-tier mentorship, specialized equipment, and connections to industry leaders. One of the biggest highlights for next year is the Hard Tech Summit 2024, which VentureLab is hosting. This summit is set to be a major platform for semiconductor and AI hardware innovators, bringing together some of the brightest minds in the industry. It’s not just about showcasing cutting-edge tech—it’s about meaningful collaboration, discussing future challenges, and scaling up solutions to meet global demand. For anyone in deep tech, this event is a must-attend, and it’s amazing to see how VentureLab is supporting the future of hardware innovation. I’m excited to see how VentureLab continues to drive growth and opportunity in the semiconductor ecosystem, and I’m looking forward to the game-changing ideas that will emerge at the Hard Tech Summit 2024. #HardTechSummit2024 #VentureLab #SemiconductorInnovation #AIHardware #DeepTech #InnovationEcosystem

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Thrilled to have been featured alongside Sonia Sennik for a discussion around the future of AI policy on the Beyond the Headlines (CIUT 89.5 FM) podcast! Huge thank you to the hosts Mia Sunner and Sadie McIntosh for preparing thoughtful questions that sparked enticing conversations. We delved into the crucial need for ethical AI development and responsible regulation. Within this discussion I shared some of my thoughts when comparing the Canadian and American markets, and how governments can play a vital role in promoting innovation. One key takeaway: collaboration between policymakers, businesses, and individuals is essential to navigate this new era of AI, especially with technology evolving faster than expected. Listen to the full episode here: https://lnkd.in/guegMEG4 #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #AIPolcy #TechPolicy #Ethics

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On today’s Collisions YYC episode, we dive deep into data privacy and the critical role it plays in business today. Stephane Hamel, a leader in data analytics and privacy with Université Laval, walks us through everything from GDPR to Canada’s new Bill C-27. Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or simply a concerned consumer, this episode provides the tools you need to rethink your approach to data. Tune in now to learn how to stay ahead in the age of privacy-first business practices! 🎧 https://lnkd.in/gRrWhSpw

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I shared some thoughts on Gen AI x Health & Safety with Eduardo Lan who has curated them into this article. Have a read and let me know what you think... #SafetyInnovation #SafetyAI #SafetyTech

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New data from Panache Ventures shows Canada’s startup market may have hit rock bottom—and is now rebounding. With over 800 new startups launched in early 2024, tech talent is regrouping, and investors are poised to re-engage. Challenges remain, but the message is clear: It’s time to play offense or get left behind. #CanadaStartups #MarketRecovery #TechTalent #InvestmentOpportunities #VCEcosystem #StartupTrends #InnovationEconomy #EarlyStageFunding #TechEntrepreneurship #CapitalInvestment

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Kicking off opening night at #ElevateFest2024 with a trio of great leaders from Toronto's #AI Ecosystem. "Unleashing the Power of Innovation Ecosystems" Panel featuring Rizwan Khalfan + Jordan Jacobs + Mara Lederman = a thoughtful and insightful conversation on the #NetworkEffect we have here. Appreciate Jordan's and Mara's nods to Vector Institute 's role in #Talent development...the foundational cornerstone to build and grow a successful innovation culture. Another key takeaway = push for Canada's governments and corporations to #TakeAMeasuredRisk to support our startups to build a customer and revenue base in Canada to get those early wins. Lots of good things have been done to date. Lots more work to do. Let's Go! #artificialintelligence #machinelearning #data #venturecapital #privateequity #advancedmanufacturing #startups Radical Ventures Signal 1 TD #ResponsibleAI #HealthTech #innovation

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