Disruptors RBC Thought Leadership, John Stackhouse

Nuclear innovation is making a resurgence as an attractive power source for a net-zero future — from large legacy reactors to small modular reactors (SMRs).

SMRs use compact and moveable nuclear technology, and if commercialized successfully, could bring new, non-emitting sources of electricity to big cities and remote communities alike, while providing greater flexibility to key Canadian industries that currently use fossil fuels.

So how do SMRs contribute to Canada’s energy security and what are the economic benefits to becoming a global leader?

On this episode, we’re joined by three nuclear leaders working to make SMRs a reality; Nicolle Butcher, COO at Ontario Power Generation; Bill Labbe, CEO at ARC Clean Technology Canada; and Heather Chalmers, CEO at GE Vernova.

New technology has rarely led to fewer jobs, though it often impacts the way we work — eliminating old ways of doing things to create new opportunities.

To mitigate workforce disruption from the rise of AI and automation, we must invest in our people to enhance the value of expertise and enable valuable work.

But how do we ensure that AI is constructive and not destructive?

On this episode, we’re joined by David Autor, a renowned labour force economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), who has spent his career studying the consequences of technology on jobs and the economy.

Housing affordability has become a crisis in Canada, and we must prioritize innovative designs, building techniques, and technology to boost productivity and close the supply-demand gap.

Prefabricated homebuilding promises faster, more cost-effective alternatives to traditional construction methods — and if scaled correctly, a solution to address home prices and rent relief.

We’re joined by three prefab experts using technology to rethink construction; Craig Mitchell, Principle at BlackBox Offsite Solutions; Michele Tung, CEO at homeD Modular; and Mark Stephenson, CEO at Qube Building Systems.

Innovative technology continues to disrupt the service sector — where expertise is augmented by cutting-edge tools — in attempt to remove complexity and reimagine delivery.

Cloud computing has transformed the legal profession and now AI stands to push that transformation even further — paving the way for a more inclusive and efficient legal system.

On this episode, we’re joined by Jack Newton, CEO and Founder of Clio, a LegalTech unicorn based in Canada, to discuss how tech disruption is transforming the legal landscape and what that means for both lawyers and their clients.

The complexities of the climate transition require funding and access to capital that includes broader support nationwide — because without investment, there will be no transition.

But it’s a bumpy year for innovators, with higher interest rates and consumer resistance. Our research also shows that while climate intentions are admirable, consumers are going to act with their economic benefit in mind.

We must find ways to simplify sustainable solutions that lead to acceleration and scale to unlock value for society — and a lot of it will come down to technology and whether it can transform our economy fast enough.

On this episode, we’re joined by Peter Tertzakian and Jackie Forrest of the ARC Energy Research Institute to discuss the energy transition and what is sure to be a critical year in Canada’s climate journey.

Innovative green technology is critical for driving environmental resilience and economic growth — though this tech is no stranger to obstacles.

Cleantech faces challenges and persistent barriers and having a diverse ecosystem — including entrepreneurs and investors — that encourages innovation and provides access to capital is critical to scale and market acceptance. This also means women and individuals from underrepresented communities need to be part of the solution.

This episode is a roundtable cohosted with Alison Nankivell, the incoming CEO of MaRS Discovery District, North America’s largest urban innovation hub and a nonprofit that provides support for startups. We’re joined by three women on the frontlines of Canadian cleantech; Myra Arshad of ALT TEX; Natalie Ashdown of Evoco and; Jacqueline Hutchings of Friendlier.