Innovation Summit '26 - Panel: Deploying Canadian Tech in the Real World

This panel discussion, titled 'Deploying Canadian Innovation in the Real World,' explores the critical transition of advanced technologies from the laboratory to commercial deployment. Moderated by Sebastian from Reaction Hub, the conversation covers the strategic, financial, and relational hurdles hard-tech startups face when bringing first-of-a-kind (FOAK) projects to market globally. Featured Speakers - Luke Tucker: CEO, Arkaean Energy. Helen Papachronis: Project Development Director, NGen Canada. Takehiro "Ken" Oda: Japan Innovation Leader, Woven by Toyota. Tyler Hamilton: Senior Director, Climate, MaRS Discovery District. Key Topics Covered - Defining Deployment: Moving past research and demonstration into scalable, commercial action that de-risks adoption for multinational corporations. Bridging the "Missing Middle": How programs like the MaRS FOAK Lab and NGen funding help companies secure project financing and prepare for $30M–$200M commercial projects. Managing Adoption Risk: The necessity of extensive risk matrices, public-private partnerships, and identifying the internal champion within a target client. Exporting Canadian Innovation: Navigating international regulatory environments, maintaining control of intellectual property (IP) in the AI era, and the need for stronger domestic procurement. The State of Canadian Venture Capital: The current funding challenges for hard-tech hardware startups in a market heavily skewed toward software and AI. Video Chapters - 00:00 - Introductions and Panelist Backgrounds 06:36 - What "Deployment" Actually Means in the Innovation Space 10:13 - Key Ingredients for Reaching Commercial Deployment 16:05 - Exporting Tech and Expanding Outside of Canada 21:40 - Managing Risks, Black Swan Events, and Election Cycles 28:44 - How Canada Can Improve Its Deployment and IP Strategy 37:57 - Ecosystem Rapid Fire: Chemistry, Success, and Banned Buzzwords 43:08 - Q&A: Advice for Young Entrepreneurs and Ecosystem Feedback 51:38 - Q&A: The Current State of Venture Capital in Canada