Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Takeaways from Collision 2023
By Michael Dorr, Associate Vice-President, Marketing and Brand Strategy.
Last month, many of my colleagues and I represented the University of ݮƵ at the.Dubbed “the Olympics of tech” and a “carnival for entrepreneurs,” Collision’s goal is to redefine the tech industry and provide a venue for start-ups to exhibit their work, connect with investors and learn from industry leaders. With 36,000+ attendees from over 100 countries, it has emerged as one of the fastest growing tech conferences in North America.
ݮƵ x Collision
The University of ݮƵ and Collision share a focus on game-changing innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology. It’s no surprise that many of our alumni, partners, co-op employers, and peers attend or exhibit each year. Last month, we decided to join them with ݮƵ thought leadership and an interactive display:
- 40 ݮƵ Region start-ups exhibitingԳܻ徱Բ,,,,(and many more inspiringalumni companies) spanning the fields of Robotics, AI and Machine Learning, Sustainability, Agriculture, Cleantech and more.
- University of ݮƵ Masterclassesoffered attendees insight on topics spanning generative AI, navigating the start-up landscape, and designing responsible / ethnical technologies – all designed and delivered by esteemed researchers and practitioners in their respective fields. These masterclasses drew hundreds of leaders from tech, finance, health, government, creative services, and higher education for explorations of thewhy,what now, andhow best to leverageof today’s most exciting technology and startup opportunities.
Interactive Survey Wall: With 36,000+ tech leaders and entrepreneurs in attendance, we took the opportunity to gather some of our own intelligence on the floor of the Collision Conference. ݮƵ’s survey wall asked attendees about talent, technology and the future AI. We were assured to learn that employers are investing in people/talent and placing great value on “an entrepreneurial mindset” (above and beyond technical OR ‘hard’ skills)..
Top threetakeaways
- Opportunities abound:masterclass “How to disrupt your industry using Generative AI”, the University of ݮƵ’snoted, “AI is a once in a generation opportunity to transform your business,” with sectors like health, law, and education being particularly ripe for disruption. And while some skills/jobs may become obsolete, new ones such as “Prompt Engineers” are emerging.
- Beware the robots: the last presentation of Wednesday’s busy day was a sobering conversation withGeoffrey Hinton, “the godfather of AI.” Earlier this year, Hinton, alarmed at the escalating sophistication of AI and the broader dangers that AI presents to society. At Collision (in a standing-room only presentation), Hinton suggested that we are entering a time of “immense uncertainty.” He further warned of the risks of AI, especially if in the hands of bad actors. Hinton did, however, provide some fleeting optimism, noting that “physical skill” (e.g., manual dexterity) will take some time to replicate, implying that if you are a plumber, your job is safe (for now).
- Looking forward with ethics in mind:thankfully there are talented engineers like(adjunct professor at ݮƵ’s Faculty of Engineering) who are building ethics into the design process for new technologies as outlined in her masterclass, “Generating a new responsible tech development paradigm.” Boger has observed that developers “want to do the right thing, but often feel like ethics is someone else’s job.” Aiming to empower developers, Boger advises that we simply, and consistently, ask ourselves not “how” but rather, “whyam I doing this?”
As CollisionI look forward to returning in 2024 to see if the uncertainty surrounding AI has grown or diminished.Despite the understandable calls for concern, I personally feel quite optimistic about our technological and societal futures. After all, our survey wall indicates that organizations continue to value human talent above all else and are looking to invest in the skills and technology needed to help their organizations thrive.
Keep innovating!
United College celebrates 60th anniversary with BBQ
UnitedCollegewelcomed its first cohort of students in September1963. Nearly sixty years later, they'reinvitingyou back to thecollegeto celebrate 60 years of academic excellence and community.
The institution will celebrate with a free outdoor summer BBQ (indoor if raining) on Saturday, July 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.featuringa bouncy castle, face painting, a live alumni band, self-guided walking tours, cotton candy, and delicious summer BBQ food. Organizers emphasize thatthe event will be taking place rain or shine.
Students, alumni, staff, faculty, friends and their families and children are all welcome.
Register for the community forums and other notes
There's still time to register for theUݮƵ community forums, which will be held in the Theatre of the Arts onMonday, July 17. The employee forum will take place from9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the student forum will take place from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Register now.Registration will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, July 14.
On June 27, the Sustainability Office hosted, an annual celebration of all things cycling and active transport.Several hundred students, staff, and faculty gathered in the Arts Quad to get freebiketune-ups, Four All ice cream, and chat with campus and community partners. "Despite the rain, we had a great turnout," says a note from the Sustainability Office. "See you next year!"
This is a reminder thatflags will be lowered on campusto mark the Celebration of Life for IST staff member Cassie Bechard. The memorialwill be held thisSaturday, July 15from 1:00 p.m.to 3:00 p.m. at Notre Dame Chapel St. Jerome's University. Parking is available St. Jerome's ParkingLot B.
վǰٴDzԲ䲹ٲis on Wednesday,July 19, and theTimHortonsSLC, DC and SCH locations will be participating. "You can help open doors for young people in your community by buying acampbracelet, hot coffee or iced coffee with 100 per centof the proceeds of your coffee purchase going directly tocamp," says a note from 2025 ݮƵ.
Beyond the Bulletin Episode 157
The latest episode of the Beyond the Bulletin Podcast.The attack that took place on our campus shook our entire community. Dr. Dillon Browne, professor and clinical psychologist, tells us ways to support each other and ourselves. The president and provost will host two community forums to hear concerns and answer questions about moving forward together. ݮƵ invests from its endowment into a for-profit VC fund. And a community initiative will identify and inventory all species around our main campus.
Link of the day
When and Where
Spring and Summer camps available for Boys and Girls ages 5-18. Baseball, Basketball, Football, Volleyball, Hockey and Multi-Sport and Games..
Half Price Climbing and Fitness Membershipfor the remainder of the term..
Student Health Pharmacyin the basement of the ݮƵ Centre is now offering Covidbooster shots (Pfizer and Moderna)and flu shots. Call 519-746-4500 or extension 33784 for an appointment. Walk-ins always welcome.
UݮƵ Community Forum (employees), Monday, July 17, 9:30 a.m., Theatre of the Arts and online.
UݮƵ Community Forum (students), Monday, July 17, 2:30 p.m., Theatre of the Arts and online.
, Tuesday, July 18, 12 noon to 2:00 p.m.
CIHR PublicCommunity and Population Health (PH) Information Session, Tuesday, July 18, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., virtual..
NEW -վǰٴDzԲ䲹Day, Wednesday, July 19,TimHortonsSLC, DC and SCH
Systems Design Engineering Alumni Virtual Roundtables, Wednesday, July 19, 12 noon to 1:15 p.m., Zoom.
Velocity $5K Finals, Wednesday, July 19, 12 noon to 2:30 p.m., Theatre of the Arts.
Distinguished Lecture Series, featuring Earl Barr, "," Thursday, July 20,3:00 p.m.,DC 1302 and online.
E vocibus unum: The University Choir,Saturday, July 22,7:30p.m., First United Church, 16 William Street, ݮƵ. Tickets$10/$5 students.Tickets available at the door.
, Sunday, July 23, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
NEW -Mozart and the writhing dragon: Orchestra@UݮƵ end of term concert,Sunday, July 23,7:30 p.m.,Knox Presbyterian Church.Free admission.
Food Truck Wednesdaybrought you by UW 2025 ݮƵ,Wednesday, July 26, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Arts Quad.
You don't know what you don't know Part 2 (virtual workshop), Wednesday, July 26, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Shad ݮƵ 2023 Open Day Exhibits, Thursday, July 27, 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Conrad Grebel Great Hall.
CAUGHT: Film screening and community building reception,Thursday, July 27, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Historical Inquiries: Illuminating the Past Through Student Symposium, Thursday, July 27, 5:00 p.m., HH 117 (MacKirdy Reading Room) or via Zoom..
Systems Design Engineering Alumni Virtual Roundtables,Thursday, July 27, 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., Zoom.
Rock Your Thesis, Friday, July 28, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Office of Sustainability BioBlitz, Friday, July 28 and Saturday, July 29, main campus.
When and Where to get support
Check out the support listings for faculty, staff and students.