What is it like to live in a connected world? It could look something like 3D Oreo printers, Bluetooth-controlled locks and build-your-own robots. The connected world has arrived through beacons, smart homes, automated devices and robots. Underneath these innovative and disruptive technologies is also an emphasis on customer research, data and analysis, and engagement. For inventors, marketers and entrepreneurs alike, this is always an important focus and was a topic of discussion at the 2014 Grow Conference.
“We can do things that are cool or different or fun, but if our customers don’t see the value, then it doesn’t matter,” said the CEO of 4moms, Robert Daley. Daley was one of the many influential individuals present at the conference. His company is the pioneer for robotic baby products, and at the event he revealed the upcoming launch of an automated self-adjusting car seat for kids, a life changing product for families.
For young professionals like myself, it is especially important today to observe how start-ups are affecting the corporate arena, as well as how big companies are responding. Bonin Bough is VP of Global Media and Consumer Engagement at Mondelez International and spoke on why big brands need to innovate. He introduced the idea of “hackonomy”, creating value by breaking things. He shared how he and his team hacked Oreo. The #EattheTweet campaign, which gained an immediate following, allowed customers to make or “print” their own Oreo. The lesson to be learned is that innovation can come from anywhere and that an inspired culture can bring a big movement.
In-between the conference was the Startup Smackdown where companies get one minute to pitch their business to judges made up of the press and potential investors. Their performance was inspiring to the audience, who knew they were witnessing rising new businesses and entrepreneurs. The Lunch n Learn session was hosted by BDC Capital and featured Moj.io, a Vancouver company that created a device to connect any car to the internet. Surrounded by these fresh ideas reminded me that Vancouver is a major scene for technology start-up’s growth and success.
We know that more innovation lies ahead and so we asked, “What’s next?” Present at the conference was Scott Jensen from Google and Brian Wong from Kiip who predicted the rise of beacons, a type of ambient technology that allows businesses to transmit messages to smartphones nearby. This technology could change the world as we know it and eliminate apps altogether. Matt Grob from Qualcomm Technologies talked about growth in other sectors. A 5G network would build a reliable infrastructure to guide the medical services sector, and air-borne automated machines can be used in agriculture to produce high quality imaging and surveying. One thing for certain is that the future holds exciting promises for both producers and consumers.
Becky is in her final year studying Accounting and will be pursuing her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation after graduation. Early on, Becky developed a keen interest in community building. At Beedie, she was able to find opportunities to grow her passion for social enterprises and community programs through student organizations like Enactus, previously known as SIFE. She was the founder of Count on Me (COM), a financial literary program for at-risk youth in Lower Mainland. She also helped coordinate Beedie Protégé, a skill development program for undergraduates. As well, she is a case competitor for JDC West. Becky values making relationships in her community and she is excited to start a career that connects her to people, businesses and the world.