Agenda
Carleton Challenge Conference

7:30 – 8:30 a.m. – Registration / Breakfast

8:30 – 8:40 a.m. – Welcome and Opening Remarks

Allan Thompson Director, School of Journalism and Communication, Carleton University

Wisdom Tettey President and Vice-Chancellor, Carleton University

8:40 – 9:00 a.m. – Opening Keynote Address

Adegboyega Ojo Canada Research Chair (Governance and AI), Carleton University

Moving Beyond the Canadian AI Paradox

This talk explores an emerging paradox: Canada is a global leader in AI research, talent and convening power, especially in areas like technology diplomacy. Yet, it continues to face challenges in building a dynamic AI ecosystem with thriving startups, applying AI effectively to pressing national issues like declining productivity, and tapping into its full potential in sectors such as healthcare and agriculture. In an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment, what will it take for Canada to move beyond this paradox and turn its AI leadership into broader societal and economic gains.

9:00 – 10:10 a.m. – Panel 1: AI Value – Catching the Wave of a Digital Tsunami

Sonya Shorey President and CEO, Invest Ottawa

Danielle Manley Director, School of Nursing, Carleton University

Majid Komeili Director, Intelligent Machines Lab (iML), Carleton University

Julien Kathiresan Director of Finance, Mistral Venture Partners

AI is increasingly being leveraged as a tool for value creation across all sectors. Its applications are broad, ranging from enhancing operational efficiencies to transforming entire industries and public services, as well as enabling entirely new business models.

As AI continues to evolve, its potential for value creation will expand, creating new opportunities and challenges for business, the economy and society. Join the panel as they discuss how AI is, can and will create value, improve efficiencies at scale and help solve complex problems for all types of organizations.

10:10 – 10:35 a.m. – Networking Break

10:35 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – Panel 2: AI Impact – Ethics, Policy, Governance and Risk

Jordan Zed Assistant Secretary (AI), Artificial Intelligence Secretariat, Privy Council Office of Canada

Kate Purchase Senior Director for International AI Governance, Microsoft

Kathleen Fraser Research Officer, National Research Council of Canada

Mary Kelly Professor, Cognitive Science, Carleton University

AI has quickly evolved from a niche area of research to a powerful force transforming our world in new and unexpected ways. This rapid integration is raising important questions about ethics, risk, bias, fairness and regulation.

As AI continues to advance, it will be crucial for policymakers, businesses and society to navigate these changes thoughtfully — ensuring its benefits are developed responsibly, shared equitably and managed carefully to mitigate potential downsides. Join the panel as they explore issues such as AI ethics, policy, bias, governance and risk.

11:45 – 12:15 p.m. – Closing Keynote Address

Elena Fersman Vice President and Head of Global AI Accelerator, Ericsson

AI and Telecom: Evolving Architectures and Operational Integration

This presentation outlines the ongoing integration of artificial intelligence into telecommunications networks, focusing on the architectural and operational implications of this convergence. It addresses recent developments in generative AI, agent-based systems, and distributed intelligence, and how these are being incorporated across telecom functions, from radio access and transport to orchestration and service management. The session highlights key trends shaping AI infrastructure and traffic patterns, the role of telecom-specific models, and the application of domain-adapted LLMs.

12:20 – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch with Concluding Remarks at 1:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m. – End of Conference

Please be aware that due to unforeseen circumstances, the schedule and speakers may be subject to change.