About this Event
Join SFU VentureLabs for an engaging afternoon featuring three fireside chats with innovative BC companies, followed by a panel discussion exploring the realities of international growth.
Hear firsthand from founders and leaders who have built partnerships, found customers, entered new markets and navigated the challenges of growing beyond Canada. From building supply chains and leveraging international partnerships to bringing emerging technologies to global markets, learn what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they had known earlier.
4:30 PM - Three Fireside Chats
Roy Trivett, CEO, Manterra Technologies | Dr. Kamyab Zandi, Co-Founder &CEO, TIMEZYX | Kenneth To, CEO, ViewsML - Moderated by Brian Simmers, President,Providence Healthcare Ventures
5:30 PM - Panel Discussion
Moderator: Thomas Green, Partner, BDC Thrive
Panel: Peter Szymczak, Co-Founder and Cheif AI & Information Officer,Spexi + All Fireside Chat Speakers
6:30 PM - Networking Reception
Continue the discussion and connect with the innovation ecosystem over
light refreshments
Meet the Speakers & Their Companies
, CEO,Manterra Technologies specializes in the mass production of injection-molded plastic parts and products requiring precision and certification. Hear about the opportunities and challenges of developing a fully domestic supply chain, with practical insights for companies scaling components or complete products.
, Co-Founder & CEO,Timezyx provides advanced risk assessment solutions for infrastructure management. Its digital twin technology enables real-time monitoring of bridges and buildings. Learn about its work with the European Space Agency, the City of Gothenburg in Sweden and the City of Vancouver, using real-time data and satellite imagery to help protect vital infrastructure.
, CEO, ViewsML develops AI-powered computer vision solutions that help organizations turn visual data into actionable insights. Hear about their experience working with customers and partners to grow their technology and pursue opportunities in international markets.
- This fireside chat is moderated by , President,
, Co-founder & Chief AI & Information Officer,VentureLabs’s alumni Spexi is transforming how high-resolution geospatial data is captured and used through its decentralized drone network and AI-powered platform. Hear how Spexi has worked to scale its technology beyond Canada.
, Partner, (Panel Moderator)
Based in Vancouver, Thomas Greene is a Partner with BDC Thrive, where he supports innovative and high-growth companies through venture capital. He brings experience across venture capital, strategy and financial services, including previous roles with Ardenton Capital, Accenture and Credit Suisse.
What to Expect
- Real-world lessons: Hear directly from founders and leaders about their experiences expanding into international markets.
- International perspectives: Discover how partnerships with customers, organizations and international stakeholders can open doors to new markets.
- Lessons learned: Get candid advice on navigating the trials, successes and unexpected challenges of international growth.
- Interactive discussion: Hear different perspectives during the panel and bring your own questions for the speakers.
Who Should Attend?
- Founders and entrepreneurs
- Technology and innovation-driven companies
- Business leaders interested in international growth
- Anyone interested in learning firsthand from innovators and companies navigating global markets
Part of SFU Innovation Week Oct 13-15: Learn more and see the full Innovation Week 2026 schedule: https://i2i-hub.my.canva.site/innovation-week-26
Event venue & nearby stays
(11th Floor Kitchen) SFU VentureLabs, 555 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, Canada
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.