Marking a milestone in its journey, BC Tech, the province’s largest member-led technology non-profit, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
The Innovators Hall of Fame, in partnership with the Government of British Columbia, honours this legacy of tech and its regional contributors to success.
The newly instituted BC Innovators Hall of Fame aims to recognize the pivotal role innovation plays in BC’s economy and to recognize those leaders whose legacy has substantially contributed to BC’s tech ecosystem. The inaugural year sees past winners of the Bill Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award and the BC Tech Person of the Year Award inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Without further adieu, let us introduce the 2023 inductees.
Judy Bishop, a native Ontarian who moved to Vancouver in the 1980s, co-founded the BC Technology Association and has played a crucial role in creating local start-ups like Galeforce Solutions. With her remarkable expertise, she continues to serve as a corporate director to a range of businesses.
The late Shannon Rogers Roy was the president and general counsel of Global Relay. She successfully built and scaled the tech company, earning her place in the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada list three times.
Geordie Rose, the founder of D-Wave Systems, Kindred, and Sanctuary AI, has made monumental strides in quantum computing, robotics, and AI. The former Canadian national wrestling champion holds a PhD in theoretical physics from UBC.
Kathy Butler, the managing director and head of BC Capital Markets at CIBC, has admirably worked with numerous clients in the tech sector despite her background in finance and business. As a partner with Social Venture Partners, Butler actively participates in socially driven venture philanthropy.
Andrew Harries, co-founder of Sierra Wireless, expanded the multinational wireless communications equipment designer to over $200 million (USD) in annual revenues. He currently educates students at Simon Fraser University Beedie School of Business, sharing his expertise in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Don Mattrick, together with Jeff Sember, co-founded Distinctive Software, a pioneer in developing racing and sports titles for various platforms. Mattrick later served as the president of EA Worldwide Studios and CEO of Zynga, influencing the gaming industry.
Firoz Rasul served as the president of Aga Khan University, extending its footprint to six countries on three continents. Previously, Rasul led Ballard Power Systems, a global leader in clean energy hydrogen fuel cell solutions, as CEO and Chairman.
And last but not least, William H. Thompson made significant early contributions to BC’s tech industry through his electronics parts distribution company and personal holding company, Eldevco. Thompson’s legacy continues to be celebrated through the eponymous lifetime achievement award.
BC Tech believes “every company is a tech company” in our new digital-first economy. The BC Innovators Hall of Fame highlights the brilliance and tenacity of outsize individuals making their mark on the province’s ecosystem.
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