SFU at Web Summit Vancouver 2026 – experts available

From May 11-14, Simon Fraser University (SFU) is participating in Web Summit Vancouver, one of the world’s largest and most influential technology conferences, bringing together global leaders in technology, business, media, policy, and research. SFU’s faculty experts are contributing research-driven perspectives on technology, society, and innovation and available to provide comment on topics like AI, computing science, business, public policy, ethics and sustainability. SFU will showcase examples of its innovative programs and initiatives at booth E153 during the three-day summit.

Available SFU Experts

DUGAN O’NEIL, vice-president, Research and Innovation (VPRI)
Contact: Will Henderson, 604.368.2532, will_henderson@sfu.ca
Moderating panel discussion, Clean Power, Smart Sovereignty: AI and quantum our way, in the Climate Innovation Zone at 3-4 p.m. on May 13.
EXPERTISE: Innovation, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, building Canada’s sovereign compute infrastructure, particle physics.

ELICIA MAINE, associate vice-president, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation
Contact: Will Henderson, 604.368.2532 | will_henderson@sfu.ca
Moderating panel discussions, Hydrogen: From Material Science to Scale Up Challenges, at 12-1 p.m. on May 14, and Agritech Investing: Risk, Returns, and Repeatable Growth, at the BC Pavilion 10:40-11:40 a.m. on May 14.
EXPERTISE: Innovation, entrepreneurship, knowledge mobilization, the impact that university inventions can make in solving large societal challenges, such as climate change and treating or preventing disease.

SAMIRA SIAHROSTAMI, associate professor and Canada Research Chair, Department of Chemistry
ssiahros@sfu.ca
Participating in panel discussion, Hydrogen: From Material Science to Scale Up Challenges, at 12-1 p.m. on May 14.
EXPERTISE: Atomic-scale design of catalysts to advance clean energy technologies, including fuel cells, electrolyzers, and batteries — key components of a sustainable energy economy.

RAHUL SINGH, director, BC Center for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI)
rahul_singh@sfu.ca
Moderating a panel discussion, Scaling Agritech: From Pilot to Profitable Growth, at the BC Pavilion at 9:30-10:30 a.m. on May 14.
EXPERTISE: Biological engineering, entrepreneurship and commercialization, helping the agriculture and agrifood sectors become more sustainable and resilient by adopting innovative technologies that address the pressing challenges of climate change and the economy.

SFU experts attending Web Summit Vancouver:

VIENNA LAM, forensic researcher (SFU Centre for Forensic Research), co-director (CRIPT)
vienna_lam@sfu.ca
EXPERTISE: Aquatic human decomposition, detection and recovery; translational scientist; founder of a forensics supply company. 

ZEZHONG WANG, postdoctoral fellow, Faculty of Applied Science
zezhongw@sfu.ca
EXPERTISE: AI and data visualization, AI-generated visual communication, data storytelling for public understanding, and how design can make emerging technologies more transparent, accessible, and accountable.

CONTACT

WILL HENDERSON, SFU Communications & Marketing 

604.368.2532 | will_henderson@sfu.ca