Dev Fest 2024 - Sudbury

Join us at DevFest Sudbury 2024 for an exciting day focused on Responsible AI in Mining! Don’t miss this free event—there’s no cost to attend. Learn, collaborate, and engage with industry experts and tech enthusiasts.

Event Details:

📅 Date: November 23rd, 2024

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

📍 Location: Fraser Auditorium - Laurentian University/Université Laurentienne

DevFest Sudbury 2024, themed Responsible AI in Mining, is bringing together a great set of speakers, Google Developer Experts (GDEs), and executives. Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and engage with industry professionals and tech enthusiasts. Join us for an exciting day of insights and innovation!

Agenda:

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Opening Keynote: Supercharge Your AI Applications - Building RAG Solutions with Gemini

Speaker: Faisal Abid, Bitstrapped VP of Engineering, Google Developer Expert

Learn about cutting-edge techniques for creating Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) solutions.

10:50 AM - 11:20 AM

Machine Learning Applications in Mining Plants

Speaker: Phil Nelson, Principal Engineer, Process Control, XPS, a Glencore Company

Explore real-world implementations of machine learning in mining operations.

11:25 AM - 12:10 PM

Panel Discussion: AI's Impact in Robotics for Mining

Moderator: Prof. Dr. Meng-Cheng Lau -  Laurentian University

Panelists: Cheick Cambrian R&D,  Dr. Sinisa Vukovic - Epiroc, Andre Dumais -  Epiroc

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Lunch Break - Entrepreneurship and Startup Booths

Networking and refreshments.

1:30 PM - 2:05 PM

5 Stage Approach to Implementing AI into Mining

Speaker: Cheryl Hart, CEO of ONTASK Strategies Inc.

Explore the structured five-stage process for AI adoption in mining.

2:05 PM - 2:50 PM

Panel Discussion: AI's Impact in UI/UX

Moderator: Mélissa Deschênes, Innovation Quarters

Panelists: Gates Godin - Marbleu, Bernie Aho - Citriq, Chrisanne Daniel - Applied Systems

2:50 PM - 3:50 PM

Côté Gold Challenge Introduction and Definition

Introduction and definition of the Côté Gold Challenge.

3:50 PM - 4:00 PM

Closing Remarks & Announcements

Recap of the day’s highlights and announcements.

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Networking

End the day with an hour of networking.

About GDG Sudbury:

GDG Sudbury is a volunteer-led chapter of Google’s worldwide developer community, Google Developer Groups (GDG), dedicated to fostering knowledge sharing and innovation in the tech community.

This is a hybrid event. Join the event virtually at https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-sudbury-presents-dev-fest-2024-sudbury/
or in person at

Laurentian University - 935 Ramsey Lake Road Greater Sudbury, P3E 2C6

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Agenda

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Companies

GalaGateway (https://galagateway.ca/)
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Speakers

Faisal Abid (GDE) - Bitstrapped (VP of Engineering)

Faisal is a Google Developer Expert, Entrepreneur, and Engineer. He is a programming language enthusiast and loves solving software engineering challenges across the stack
At any point during the day, you can find Faisal writing mobile apps in Flutter, building backends in Dart, Node.js or Rust, creating models with Tensorflow or deploying services with Kubernetes.Faisal Abid is t…

Phil Nelson - XPS, a Glencore Company (Principal Engineer, Process Control)

I am a Principal Process Control engineer at XPS, a Glencore Company. I have worked over 20 years in the mining and metals industry improving industrial plant operation using conventional and advanced process control and machine learning. Early work exclusively used proprietary software and systems but recently XPS has been blending proprietary and open technologies to provide robust advanced…

Cheryl Hart, CPA, CMA - ONTASK Strategies (CEO)

Cheryl Hart is a growth catalyst and the CEO of ONTASK Strategies Inc., located in Toronto, Canada. She focuses on driving sustainable growth for businesses within the mining, energy, and cleantech sectors through strategic planning and technological innovation.
With more than 20 years of experience across government and private sectors, Cheryl has established a global network and has …

Dr. Meng-Cheng Lau - Laurentian University (Assistant Professor)

Dr. Lau’s research specialization is in the field of intelligent mobile robotics, with a primary focus on machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), computer vision, visual feedback control, and embedded systems.
He has a particular interest in humanoid robots, where he explores their multifaceted applications ranging from athletic enhancements to their roles in entertainment.…

Cheick Maiga, P.Eng. - Cambrian R&D (Research Engineer)

Cheick Ismael Maiga joined Cambrian R&D in February 2022 as a Research Engineer. He is a senior software engineer who has a MSc.A in software engineering and electrical engineering from Université de Sherbrooke. He is also a professional engineer. Throughout his career thus far, Cheick has worked largely on guidance systems and data collection for 3-D mapping software for autonomous vehicl…

Dr. Sinisa Vukovic - Epiroc (Analytics Executive)

Sinisa Vukovic is a renowned expert in AI and network optimization with over 15 years of experience in mining, energy, and healthcare sectors. He has led teams of over 40 professionals, offering strategic advisory services to C-suite executives. Specializing in applying graph theory for network optimization, his work spans complex areas like power grids, cyber de-risking, and financial fraud d…

Andre Dumais - Epiroc (Business Line Manager)

Andre has been working in and around the mining sector for about two decades. During this time, he has developed a customer-centric focus and applies customer needs to his work in mine automation. He has worked in various capacities to support the mining sector. Recently, he has tackled the role as Business Line Manager for Epiroc’s Digital Division. He supports a suite of products that lever…

Mélissa Deschênes - Innovation Quarters (Incubator Program Coordinator)

As a former business owner of over 14 years and a creative leader with a passion for design inclusivity, Melissa has transitioned her efforts into supporting new startups. As the Incubator Program Coordinator at the Innovation Quarters, Melissa provides leadership and support to early-stage innovative businesses through mentorship and training. She has had the opportunity to judge several worl…

Bernie Aho - Critiq (CEO)

Bernie Aho is a seasoned technology entrepreneur and investor with over 25 years of experience in product management, specializing in UI/UX and product design. As the CTO of Kinmetrix and CEO of Critiq, Bernie has led the development of user-centered technologies that seamlessly integrate advanced AI capabilities. His career includes co-founding ConceptShare, later acquired by Deltek, and deve…

Gaëtan (Gates) Godin - Marbleu (Founder)

Gaëtan (Gates) is a UI/UX designer and founder of Marbleu, a freelance design studio focused on creating impactful, purpose-driven digital experiences for agencies, ventures and small businesses. Blending research-driven strategy with environmental awareness, Gaëtan brings a unique perspective to how AI is transforming UI/UX by enhancing user engagement and innovation.

Chrisanne Daniel - Applied Systems (User Experience Designer)

Chrisanne Daniel is a designer, third-culture kid and self-proclaimed do-gooder with a passion for bringing creativity and compassion to every aspect of life. As a child she grew up moving countries and communities many times; living in Jamaica, England and St Lucia before returning to Canada as an adult to study Graphic Design at Cambrian College. Chrisanne has worked across the design indust…

Hosted By

Josey Frescura, Lead GDG Organizer

Heather Dufour, GDG Organizer

Heather manages the services offered by Jim Fielding Innovation and Commercialization Space. She is responsible for attracting, supporting, and fostering entrepreneurial and innovative students and faculty. Heather also serves as the main point of contact for The Foundry, Laurentian University's entrepreneurial support program, which provides education and support for students and faculty looking to start a business.

Athif Shaffy, GDG Organizer

Software developer with over 6 years of experience developing enterprise web and mobile applications.

Hannan Max (HannanAhmad Shaikh), Lead GDGoC-Cambrian | GDG Organizer

Mobile application developer, I use programming languages and source code to create software internally or on behalf of clients. Experienced mobile app developer who has a track record of success creating apps that are both well-received and commercially viable. Skilled with working as a team and incorporating input into projects. Ability to always look for ways to improve upon an already existing app to keep people downloading it and enjoying it. Strong eye for detail and tenacity to never quit on something until it is absolutely perfect.

Divya Khemani, GDG Organizer

Experienced Software Developer with a passion for data and digital solutions. Adept at building real-time data pipelines, enhancing portals and APIs, and integrating data with cloud-based platforms. Strong foundation in data engineering, API development, and SQL/database management. Committed to delivering high-quality solutions in an agile team environment.

Shubham Dhamane, Organizer

A 6+ experienced software engineer & business analyst who would love to meet and discuss with software and business enthusiasts.

Karan Tutlani, GDG Organizer

I am a student in Business Analytics and done a bachelors degree in Computer Science. I am working with complex data and client requirements and proficient in R statistics, SQL database, Tableau and PowerBI dashboards and visualisations, C and Python programming, and Excel spreadsheets, I am also developing skills in data science and AI.
I have also worked on SDN using Openstack with cloud computing Infrastructure.
I work with clients to understand their needs, find the right data analytics tools to solve real world problems, and delivers solutions that offer data-based insights to decision makers.

Manisha Ranga, GDG Organizer

Hello! I’m a dedicated professional with a robust background in software technologies, driven by a passion for continuous learning and development. My career is marked by a commitment to innovative problem-solving and creative strategies that keep me at the cutting edge of technology. As a fast learner with an insatiable curiosity, I thrive in environments that challenge the status quo and require agile adaptation. Teaching others is not only a passion but an effective method I use to deepen my own understanding and mastery of complex subjects. I'm actively involved with the Google Developers Group and various other tech communities, which inspire and motivate me to continuously evolve and expand my skill set. These platforms offer me invaluable insights and networking opportunities that fuel my personal and professional growth. I'm adept at navigating the rapidly changing tech landscape, always ready to assimilate and implement new technologies swiftly.

Raj Patel, Software Engineer

Innovative Software Engineer having core knowledge of Machine Learning and Deep Learning algorithms and experience in building real-time, high-performance and scalable applications. Designed an end-to-end Machine Learning and Deep Learning pipeline to optimize the energy usage in a smart home application in combination with a real-time face identification system.

Ertugrul Sahin, Organizer & Mobile Application Developer

I am a highly skilled and results-driven mobile application developer with a strong background in problem-solving, cloud computing, and collaborative DevOps teamwork. Specializing in Android and iOS platforms, I bring expertise in Flutter, Dart, Kotlin, PHP, Python, and Java. With a proven track record of delivering exceptional solutions, I excel in integrating third-party APIs, resolving complex issues, and optimizing performance. I am adept at identifying the most suitable software tools, leveraging frameworks such as Django and Angular, and creating engaging and interactive applications. Committed to staying at the forefront of industry trends and emerging technologies, I am passionate about driving innovation in mobile development.

Karan Patel, Organizer

Tsunami Karki, Team Member

Muqaddas Rahim, Team Member

I'm a data enthusiast with a passion for wrangling data, crafting insights, and telling compelling stories through visualization. Python, Tableau, SQL, you name it, I speak its language. When I'm not elbow-deep in data, I'm flexing my coding muscles building web apps and diving into web development. Let's connect and geek out about all things data and code!

Pragati Das, Organizer

Report Developer with over 6 years experience in data visualisation tools and developing reports using python and HTML.

Nabin Chhetri, Team Member

Shashank Erukulla, Organizer

With 8 years of experience as a software engineer, I have specialized in enhancing the quality and performance of both mobile and web applications. Throughout my career, I have leveraged my expertise to implement effective testing frameworks, streamline processes, and ensure high-quality product releases. My work has consistently added value by reducing release cycles, improving product stability, and elevating the end-user experience—contributing significantly to the success of the companies I’ve worked with.

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Partners

Côté Gold - An IAMGOLD mine (https://www.iamgold.com)

Google (https://google.com/)

The Foundry / La Fonderie (https://foundry.laurentian.ca/)

Laurentian University (https://laurentian.ca/)

NORCAT (https://www.norcat.org/)

JetBrains (https://www.jetbrains.com/)

O'Reilly (https://www.oreilly.com/)
O'Reilly Media is a learning company established by Tim O'Reilly that publishes books, articles, and an online learning platform with on-demand access to live training courses, in-depth learning paths, interactive coding environments, certification prep materials, and a vast collection of text and video.

The Alpha Nova (https://thealphanova.com/)

GalaGateway (https://galagateway.ca/)

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Complete your event RSVP here: https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-sudbury-presents-dev-fest-2024-sudbury/.