Generative AI presents both promising opportunities and serious cybersecurity challenges for SMBs. Because of limited cybersecurity resources, SMBs face unique risks when adopting or interacting with generative AI tools. Therefore, it is essential to adopt proactive security measures tailored to their specific needs. Sem Ponnambalam co-founder and President of Ottawa-based cybersecurity firm, xahive, will outline some challenges and solutions that could be employed by SMBs to protect themselves and their supply chain.

As digital technologies become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, ensuring accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities, has never been more critical. Yet, many organizations perceive digital accessibility strategies as a time- and cost-intensive endeavor with minimal business benefits. However, creating accessible websites, software, and applications is not only good for all end users, it’s also good business, which is why many of the world’s global brands (Apple, Microsoft, Google, etc.) prioritize accessibility on- and off-line. Organizations don’t need to be a billion-dollar brand to maximize accessibility design nor reap the rewards. With simple design and interface changes, digital assets can be more accessible and thus reach a greater audience with better results.

Does your software team rely on ChatGPT for coding?  Or perhaps your sales and marketing departments are harnessing its power for product campaigns?  Generative artificial intelligence tools (AI tools), such as ChatGPT, continue to become integral for day-to-day business operations.  However, without an internal artificial intelligence usage policy (“AI Policy”) in place, these tools can expose the business to significant legal and financial risks.

It is no secret to this audience that Canada is a global leader in emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles and robots, artificial intelligence software, and Industry 4.0 or the digital revolution. So, you won’t be surprised to learn that Canada is now motoring towards producing an all-Canadian made electric automobile.  

The initiative called “Project Arrow” is organized and managed by Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association (“APMA”).  According to Flavio Volpe, APMA’s president, this effort is “the biggest industrial collaboration project in Canadian automotive history” … likening the program to “Canada’s moonshot”.  

2022 will bring huge momentum as adoption of blockchain and cryptocurrency become mainstream for the financial, regulatory, and fintech industries as well as B2B and B2C applications. Speed of adoption may vary among sectors, but one thing is for sure, all businesses should be planning for the possibility of modifying their digital platforms and core systems to achieve Crypto readiness.

North America remains a global center for innovation. In 2020, out of 388,861 U.S. patent applications filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), U.S. inventors filed 183,147 and Canadian inventors filed 7914.[1] In other words, roughly half of the patent applications originated in the U.S. or Canada. However, the USPTO is just one of many patent offices throughout the world. In general, a patent is only valid in the country (or, in some cases, countries) where the patent office that issued it has responsibility. With so many patent offices around the world, how does one decide in which offices to file a patent application for any given invention and select the correct timing for the patent filings?

The Southern California Innovation Ecosystem is rapidly rising. Our diverse communities are taking huge strides in making the world a better place and helping people in a multitude of ways. We want the world to know what we are building so they can join in the co-creation.

Imagine that that your company is getting ready to file a US patent application covering a key product. Before the application has been filed, you ask your US patent attorney about how soon after filing the application you can look forward to receiving the good news of getting a patent. To your surprise, you learn that, in the ordinary course, it would likely take about two to three years, and sometimes even longer. But your company does not want to wait that long. You ask if there is anything that can be done to speed up the examination process to get a patent sooner.

We are also pleased to bring you perspectives on the importance of designing digital user experiences in the realm of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) from Vancouver-based digital design studio and new member organization, POWERSHiFTER. Clearly the pandemic has brought us all closer to the need for continued digital transformation within our healthcare systems and we've seen increased adoption of telehealth and remote patient monitoring. We all experience and appreciate good design when we see and experience it and nowhere is the case for usability and utility more compelling than in the digital tools that help us take care of our health. Scott Lyon, part of POWERSHiFTER's Business Development Strategy team, discusses the process of building digital products to simplify the medical experience in times of COVID-19 and beyond and the potential for inclusive design to improve access to healthcare.

When it comes to banks, healthcare institutions, law offices, and software companies, data and trade secrets become some of the biggest assets. And even for small and medium businesses, these intangible assets have proven to be the most valuable and vulnerable. Unfortunately, you can bet that most of our MAPLE Business Council members are unknowingly exposing their treasure trove of confidential and essential information. We currently live in a “I have nothing to hide” syndrome of careless disregard to information and while this might be a decent motto to live by in your personal life, thinking this way can spell disaster for your business. Remember that we all must protect our bank account pin numbers, trade secrets, financial information, and confidential discussions with lawyers and psychologists- so why would your online data and trade secrets be any different?

Imagine that you are a founder of a revolutionary technology startup in Canada. Your company is about to release its blockbuster product that will disrupt the entire industry and catapult your company to fame and fortune. Your product is the result of years of research and development, and backbreaking work. Your product has cutting-edge technical features, a catchy name, and a sleek instruction manual. You have protected the product with Canadian patents and trademarks.