Disruptors

New technology has rarely led to fewer jobs, though it often impacts the way we work — eliminating old ways of doing things to create new opportunities.

To mitigate workforce disruption from the rise of AI and automation, we must invest in our people to enhance the value of expertise and enable valuable work.

But how do we ensure that AI is constructive and not destructive?

On this episode, we’re joined by David Autor, a renowned labour force economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who has spent his career studying the consequences of technology on jobs and the economy.

The green hydrogen race is on, and billions are at stake. Countries big and small view hydrogen as an opportunity to convert wind, solar, gas and nuclear into molecules that they can sustainably ship around the world.

The hydrogen promise extends beyond reducing our carbon footprint and developing cleaner sources of energy; it’s also about reimagining a new industrial model for our economy, opening avenues for economic growth and job creation.

Canada is a country filled with vast renewable resources, but first we must navigate the complexities of the technology, economics and politics associated with a shift to clean energy adoption.

Is green hydrogen the next great Canadian energy export and will it be the tech innovation of the decade?

We’re joined by Gene Gebolys, CEO at World Energy and Marco Alvera, CEO at Tree Energy Solutions (TES) — two global energy pioneers betting on Canada’s green hydrogen potential, from the windswept Atlantic coast to the Mauricie region of Quebec. We also hear from the CEO at the Canadian Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, Ivette Vera-Perez.

The global race to apply AI to robotics in a way that can make society better is on — offering unprecedented efficiency, precision and enhancing productivity to relieve humans from mundane tasks.

Though there are concerns regarding ethical dilemmas and potential job displacement — fueling fears about the societal impact of these advancements. Striking a balance between the benefits and addressing these apprehensions will be key to unlocking a harmonious integration into our daily lives.

On this episode of Disruptors, John Stackhouse visits Sanctuary AI — a Canadian company recognized on TIME’s Best Inventions of 2023 — to explore the cutting-edge future of humanoid robotics and is joined by visionary, Suzanne Gildert, the company’s Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer.

Carbon markets are at the forefront of climate action and the mobilization of carbon credits and offsets are critical — where each carbon credit holds the promise of a greener future for the Great White North.

Join us as we unravel the intricate dance of mobilizing these markets — exploring the interplay of trust, transparency, and tradability — while navigating the delicate balance between economic growth and ecological stewardship.

On this episode, we are discussing the hype and reality of carbon markets, the innovation and clean tech that enables carbon removal and the climate action activities that markets need to finance. We’re joined by Michael Berends, the CEO of Clear Blue Markets, Phil DeLuna, the Chief Carbon Officer at Deep Sky, and leadership from Coastal First Nations, whose community is accessing carbon markets to help protect the Great Bear Rainforest — the first offset project in North America to be implemented on traditional territory with unextinguished aboriginal rights and title.

This is our 7th season of Disruptors and we’re kicking it off with a bang!

There is a tech wave surging and it was truly the summer of AI. People are both excited and worried about what it’ll mean for their communities, jobs, the economy, and the planet. And while these tech advances have immense potential, we need to think deeply about how they’ll be applied.

When it comes to AI research, we are a podium nation but when it comes to application, how can Canada step up to the plate? To help us make sense of it all, we are joined by two pioneers in Canada’s AI sector; Nick Frost, Cofounder of Cohere and Jordan Jacobs, Cofounder and Managing Partner of Radical Ventures.

This was the year artificial intelligence got its wings — especially generative AI — and the tech is soaring to new heights.

Whether you’re excited or concerned, it’s clear that AI is one of the most disruptive forces in history.

AI is transforming the world at record pace — but is Canada prepared?

On the season finale, we visit the Creative Destruction Lab’s AI Super Session to talk with leading minds on the frontlines of Canada’s AI journey. We also sit down with Cari Covent, Head of AI at Canadian Tire to hear about how the iconic Canadian company is using AI — from robots to shopping assistants — to enhance the customer experience, improve employee productivity and eliminate mundane tasks.

AI and emerging technology are critical in reducing emissions and helping us better understand the ocean’s impact on climate.

Canada is a leader in ocean research, and we continue to punch above our weight in the delivery of ocean innovation.

But can innovative tech turn the tide in the climate crisis?

On this episode, John Stackhouse visits Atlantic Canada — named one of the top oceantech ecosystems in the world — to check out the Cove Demo Day, Canada’s largest showcase of marine technology. He sits down with Anya Waite (CEO) and Eric Siegel (Chief Innovation Officer) of the Ocean Frontier Institute to discuss the opportunities for our nation — and the planet.

AI, automation, robots, and drones are all impacting the way we grow food — and it’s happening right here on Canadian soil.

With a growing population, an affordability crisis, and increasing food insecurity, greenhouse innovation has a huge role to play in the agri-food sector.

Can Canada emerge as a leader in a low-carbon global food system?

To find out, John visits the greenhouse capital of Canada; Leamington, Ontario, where he’s joined by Peter Quiring, CEO at Nature Fresh Farms and Matt Korpan from the SEF Center for Horticultural Innovation.

It’s no secret that the last few years have been rough for tech, but the sector also has a unique ability to look beyond the clouds and see opportunity through innovation.

And while there are challenges ahead, there is a renewed optimism that we may be entering a recovery stage — where a period of fiscal discipline and strategic focus can set companies up for long-term success. Silicon Valley and other tech centres are hopeful and as markets looks toward rate cuts going into 2025, a new confidence can be felt.

John Stackhouse is live from the RBC Capital Markets Technology Private Company Conference in LA and is joined by Sachin Dev Dugal, Chief Wizard at Builder AI — named one of the world's top three Most innovative Companies in AI, alongside Open AI and DeepMind.