First ‘Research Encounters’ Series a Success

The inaugural set of ‘Research Encounters’ series co-presented by the UFV offices of Advancement and Research, Engagement and Graduate Studies featured one UFV faculty member and one guest lecturer from India.

Dr. Jon Thomas, who holds the BC Regional Chair in Canada-India Partnership Development at UFV and is a faculty member in the School of Business, spoke on Tues, Nov 20. Dr. Thomas discussed Building an Innovation Ecosystem.

“Innovation and entrepreneurship are increasingly important in a rapidly changing world,” he notes “The Fourth Industrial Revolution will transform existing industries and create new ones. How can universities, firms, governments, and individuals be better prepared to benefit from this transformation?”

Dr. Arjun Kalyanpur, a visiting lecturer from India, spoke on Thurs, Nov 29 on the topic of Teleradiology: options for Canada and the story of a start-up.

Dr. Kalyanpur is CEO and founder of Teleradiology Solutions, a global health-care company headquartered in Bangalore that reports radiology scans for over 150 hospitals worldwide. The organization was showcased to former U.S. President Barack Obama on his visit to India in 2010.

Dr. Kalyanpur discussed teleradiology and its relevance to Canada (and its need within particularly in remote locations and for First Nations). The talk also covered the business aspects of scaling this tech start-up in India.

Both talks were well received and created invigorating conversations around innovation and opportunities between Canada and India.