November 7, 2024
Meet our 2024 Tech Finalists!
Talent Champion Award: sponsored by HumanKind Global Recruitment:
Celebrates a company or organization that has gone above and beyond when it comes to tech talent, encouraging best hiring practices, creating positive workplaces, and showcasing Nova Scotia as a desirable location for career growth. This organization leads the charge when it comes to not only hiring talent but retaining them.
Venor
Venor specializes in strategic recruitment, executive search, interim talent solutions, and career transition services. The company successfully completes up to 100 searches each year for clients ranging from international software companies to small tech firms across Atlantic Canada. Venor prides itself on a casual approach, fostering employee engagement, growth, respect, and teamwork in its culture.
Immediac
Immediac stands out for its commitment to developing and retaining tech talent in Nova Scotia. The company’s forward-thinking hiring strategies, combined with a focus on positive workplace culture, have positioned them as leaders in fostering local talent and showcasing Nova Scotia as a top destination for career growth in tech.
SuperNova at Dalhousie University
SuperNOVA, a not-for-profit initiative at Dalhousie University, inspires Nova Scotia’s future tech talent through accessible, hands-on STEM programs for over 27,000 youth each year. By fostering an inclusive work environment with flexible options, professional growth opportunities, onboarding and regular coaching sessions. SuperNOVA not only attracts talent but retains it, building a strong, diverse pipeline for Nova Scotia’s STEM sector.
Tech for Good Award, sponsored by CGI:
Celebrates a company or organization in tech that is driving significant, positive change in Nova Scotia, addressing social, political, environmental and economic challenges.
GEO Nova Scotia
GEO Nova Scotia is using technology to create lasting, positive impacts by addressing critical social and environmental challenges. Their commitment to sustainability and community well-being is helping to build a brighter future for Nova Scotia, one tech solution at a time.
NPower
NPower Canada is a charitable organization that launches underserved youth and adults, including people with disabilities, BIPOC, and LGBTQ2S+ individuals, into meaningful and sustainable careers in technology, through free skills and development programs.
211 Nova Scotia
211 Nova Scotia is a centralized hub that connects individuals and service providers to essential resources addressing various social, political, environmental, and economic needs. As an accredited non-profit, they provide free, confidential services available 24/7 in over 240 languages, supported by trained Community Resource Navigators. Their initiatives include establishing helplines for all genders, offering access to intervention counseling, and acting as a key resource for citizens during disasters.
Thinking Forward Award:
Celebrates an individual who dedicates considerable time to mentorship and supporting the future talent pipeline. This individual demonstrates exemplary, sustained commitment to mentoring or community involvement, and inspires our future workforce, of all ages to explore a career in technology.
Charlotte Murray
Charlotte Murray is the Chief Coaching Officer at Propel, Atlantic Canada’s leading virtual startup accelerator, is dedicated to empowering founders by focusing on real problem-solving for specific customers. Drawing on her experience as co-founder and CEO of the smart contract startup PACTA, where she raised VC capital, pitched to global investors, and grew her team, she brings valuable insight into Propel’s recruitment, programming, and founder coaching. With over 500 entrepreneurs coached, she tailors her approach to each founder’s unique challenges, helping them operationalize, secure financing, and scale effectively. Charlotte is also an active mentor at Volta, StartupFest, and Techstars, and serves on Ignite Atlantic’s board.
Dr. Srini Sampalli
Dr. Srini Sampalli’s impact on Nova Scotia’s tech talent is immeasurable. As a professor at Dalhousie University, his MYTech Research Lab has mentored students across all academic levels, from high school to post-graduate studies, in fields ranging from healthcare to cybersecurity. His “Wall of Champions” whiteboard proudly displays the names of students he’s guided since 1993, including Erik Demaine, now a renowned professor at MIT. Dr. Sampalli’s commitment extends beyond his lab; he was awarded an NSERC CREATE grant to train 200 students in emerging cybersecurity technologies, creating direct pathways into the workforce through internships.
Soumya Markandeya
Soumya Markandeya is a dedicated leader with 20 years in ICT, focusing on business transformation and leadership across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. As a first-generation immigrant and woman of color, her journey is marked by resilience and advocacy. She actively mentors through programs like CGI’s Key Achiever Program, MentorCliq, and Skills for Hire, and participates in communities such as Certified Management Consultants (CMC), the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) and Women in Tech. She also serves on the boards of Live Art Dance and the Halifax Jazz Festival, applying her consulting expertise to support arts initiatives that promote a vibrant, inclusive community.
Provincial Spotlight Award:
Celebrates a company or organization located outside of the Halifax Regional Municipality that has seen positive growth in areas such as; export, recruitment, and community engagement, and has helped put a spotlight on Nova Scotia’s tech community.
BRAEVR Media
Based in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, BRAEVR Media Inc. is a pioneer in 360° Virtual Reality content creation, dedicated to producing immersive, high-quality experiences that connect audiences deeply with stories. From regional recruitment to tourism and economic development, BRAEVR’s VR technology showcases the beauty of Nova Scotia and the vibrant lifestyle it offers. In 2023, they collaborated with local partners like Healthy Pictou County and Pictou County Partnership to create accessible VR hubs and training modules, furthering community growth and workforce development. As a 51% women-owned company, BRAEVR champions inclusivity, creativity, and innovation, pushing boundaries in the tech industry and beyond.
Arctic Wolf
Arctic Wolf is a global leader in security operations, providing a cloud-native platform that helps businesses manage cyber risks amid sophisticated attacks. Their Security Operations Cloud processes over 5.5 trillion security events weekly, delivering automated threat protection, response, and remediation at scale. Expanding into Nova Scotia as part of its growth strategy, Arctic Wolf taps into the region’s talent and support from institutions like Dalhousie, Saint Mary’s, and NSCC. With nearly 40 local team members and plans for further growth, Arctic Wolf enhances Nova Scotia’s tech ecosystem and regional development.
IGNITE Atlantic
IGNITE Atlantic is making waves beyond HRM, helping to grow Nova Scotia’s tech sector through export, recruitment, and community engagement. Their efforts have put a spotlight on the dynamic tech innovation happening across the province, proving that tech talent is thriving in all corners of Nova Scotia.
Best of Tech Award 2024, sponsored by Compugen:
Recognizes a company or organization who has done something incredible this year, such as; had significant growth, secured an impressive deal or partnership, developed a new, unique or innovative product/service, implemented creative recruitment strategies, or launched a successful brand campaign.
HealthEMe
HealthEMe, is a groundbreaking Healthcare Innovation in Mental Health that is revolutionizing healthcare delivery without disrupting clinical workflow. HealthEMe has had an outstanding year, marked by impressive growth and innovation in the health tech space. Their groundbreaking products and successful partnerships are helping to improve health outcomes across Nova Scotia and beyond, earning them this year’s coveted Best of Tech Award.
iFormit Solutions
iFormit Solutions Inc. is passionately simplifying smart metering infrastructure using the sub-metering approach to help promote clean utility consumption for a greater future in apartment and commercial buildings. From 2019 with a working prototype, they have successfully completed the development of our hardware innovative clean tech product (iMID) to MVP stage ready for pilot scheme project in the fall 2023.This product when installed in every unit of an apartment it helps to reduce electricity consumption by 50%.
Virtual Hallway
Virtual Hallway is a Nova Scotia-based digital health company that is deeply committed to transforming how healthcare is delivered. Our team of 16 dedicated professionals, all based in Nova Scotia, is focused on eliminating waitlists, enhancing patient care, and connecting clinicians across geographical and institutional boundaries. This year, Virtual Hallway achieved a groundbreaking milestone by brokering a software licensing deal between the Nova Scotia and PEI governments, marking the first time in Canada that family doctors in one province could consult with specialists in another.
One to Watch Award, sponsored by Dash Hudson:
Recognizes a company or organization who has done something incredible this year, such as; had significant growth, secured an impressive deal or partnership, developed a new, unique or innovative product/service, implemented creative recruitment strategies, or launched a successful brand campaign.
Shaq Smith
Shaq Smith is a digital marketing consultant with a passion for technology and marketing that led him to pursue a business degree at Acadia University. He has made a significant impact in the community by leading various social causes and initiatives, including a community infrastructure project for a basketball court. Additionally, Shaq has served on several Board of Directors committees, often as the youngest member. He understands the importance of building relationships and takes a human-centric approach in his work. Shaq’s ability to connect with people, combined with his technical skills, has earned him a reputation as a trusted consultant in his community and beyond.
Seif Elbayomi
Seif Elbayomi’s journey from Egypt to Canada, where he pursued a degree in computer science, has been marked by resilience and determination. As one of the organizers behind DevOpsDays Halifax 2024, Seif played a key role in bringing this major tech event to the region. His passion for fostering community is evident in his volunteer work with Canada Learning Code, where he helps make tech accessible to all. Through these initiatives and his involvement as a Student Ambassador at Dalhousie University, Seif continues to connect, mentor, and inspire others in the tech industry.
Chidimma Nwachukwu
Chidimma Nwachukwu is a Certified Business Analyst with 15+ years of experience in data-driven strategy and policy development for deposit products, ensuring clarity and regulatory compliance. After immigrating to Canada in 2022, she quickly transitioned into tech, advancing to a senior role within a year through continuous learning and collaboration. Formerly a Business Manager at Diamond Bank Plc (now Access Bank Plc), she exceeded budget targets by 185%, transforming branches into profitable centers. She’s also passionate about mentoring new immigrants in tech and has served as a panelist for Digital Nova Scotia’s Digital Skills for Women program.
Role Model Award
Celebrates an individual who identifies as a member of an underrepresented community in tech* who showcases a clear passion for Diversity & Inclusion, inspiring others to push for inclusion and striving to make a difference. This individual is excelling in their field and is paving the way for others to overcome challenges and barriers that exist within the Digital Technologies and ICT sector.
Nancy Eke-Agu
Nancy Eke-Agu is a Certified AI Transformation Leader (CAITL), a Risk Management Professional (PMI-RMP), and a Project Management Professional (PMP) with a strong track record in leading transformative technology projects, having worked in various tech spaces for over 15 years across different continents. She is committed to democratizing AI education, bridging the skills gap, and fostering innovation by simplifying complex tech concepts, offering courses, workshops, and mentorships to professionals and enthusiasts alike through the Artificial Intelligence Academy, her Edtech platform.
Linda Bolton
Linda Bolton is an associate partner at Barrington Consulting, where she leads the privacy practice. Linda volunteers as a mentor with Black Girls Gather and actively supports the hiring of candidates from equity groups. Additionally, she has completed training on Indigenous Privacy Principles to incorporate diverse perspectives into her consulting work.
Isaac Cook
Isaac Cook’s dedication to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) is at the core of everything they do. As a trans, disabled, and queer individual, Isaac has made it a personal mission to create space and opportunities for underrepresented communities. As Dal Innovates’ Project Manager of Inclusive Innovation, Isaac has led initiatives like bringing QueerTech to Atlantic Canada, showcasing the need for more inclusive spaces in tech. Their work extends beyond this role, from developing accessible websites for small businesses to leading discussions with the Diversity Institute to improve mentorship for equity-deserving founders.
Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award
Recognizes a company or organization that actively promotes the importance of diversity and inclusion in Nova Scotia’s tech sector by implementing strategies for welcoming workplaces, diverse hiring practices, and inclusion initiatives.
Capstone Project Solutions
Capstone Project Solutions is a woman owned and led business delivering lasting projects with core project services including Project Managers, Business Analysts, Change Managers, IT and Architects. As an organization, we welcome the complexity that results because of the many differences that exist among groups in one workplace.
CloudKettle
CloudKettle is a technology consulting firm dedicated to empowering enterprises through strategic business intelligence and hands-on execution across platforms like Salesforce’s Sales Cloud, Marketing Cloud, and Data Cloud. They focus on creating highly personalized cross-channel experiences that drive revenue growth. Central to their mission is a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion; over 40% of their employees identify as visible minorities, and nearly 50% are women. They believe that diverse backgrounds and perspectives enrich their culture and enhance their work, making CloudKettle a more innovative and dynamic place to thrive.
MOC Biotechnologies
MOC Biotech is an innovative biotechnology company dedicated to transforming biomedical research and healthcare. MOC BioTechnologies has made significant strides in fostering diversity and inclusion in Nova Scotia’s tech sector. Their inclusive hiring practices and workplace initiatives have created a welcoming environment where all employees can thrive. By leading with empathy and purpose, MOC BioTechnologies is a true champion of diversity in tech.
Congratulations to all our finalists tonight, we’re proud to have you in our community!