The McMaster Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) hosted its annual Open House and Manufacturing Forum on May 2. The day began at the McMaster Innovation Park (MIP) Atrium for the Manufacturing Forum, later transitioning to the MMRI for graduate student-led presentations and networking. With more than 200 industry professionals, students and government representatives in attendance, the event provided a dynamic platform for networking, learning and engaging in interactive demos.
John Dyck, CEO of the Clean Energy and Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute (CESMII), delivered a captivating keynote, outlining a vision for smart manufacturing and emphasizing collaborative efforts to drive innovation.
“There is an urgent need in the US and in Canada to focus on the adoption of Smart Manufacturing and the opportunities that we have collectively to become more competitive manufacturing nations.”
Two insightful panel discussions that featured esteemed speakers from diverse sectors.
Panel 1: Identifying Opportunities
Brendan Sweeney, Managing Director Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing (Moderator)
Panelists:
- Bill Walker, President & CEO Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI)
- Verlyn Smith, Downsview Aerospace Innovation & Research (DAIR), Supplier Development Initiative Manager
- Mark Brown, COO at Pasqua First Nations (PFN) Group of Companies/ President at Pro Metal Industries Ltd.
- Jennifer Bauman, Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Panel 2: Realizing Opportunities
Jean-Pierre Giroux, President, Excellence in Manufacturing (EMC) (Moderator)
Panelists:
- Philippe Dupuis, Smart Manufacturing Architect, REMAP Network
- Stephanie Holko, Director, Project Development NGen
- Daniel Vucinic, Chief Executive Officer, TERAGO Network
- Jeff van Heumen, Assistant Vice-President, Business Development, Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI)
The MMRI staff expresses gratitude to everyone who attended the forum and open house events and to the esteemed speakers and exhibitors. As a thank you to this year’s speakers, the MMRI made a donation to McMaster’s Community Outreach-led Venture Camps, which aim to inspire the next generation of STEM innovators.