Smart Seas & Stronger Teams – Tackling Challenges with AI & Leadership

Join us for a dynamic one-day event designed for professionals in small and medium-sized enterprises across the blue economy, or anyone interested in learning practical skills in AI implementation. This event goes beyond the tech to spotlight how addressing systemic barriers to leadership—particularly for underrepresented groups—can unlock new solutions to workforce challenges.

Through interactive and engaging workshops, participants will gain practical insights into:

• How AI is being applied today to improve efficiency, sustainability, and safety in ocean-based industries

• The role of inclusive leadership in driving innovation and workforce resilience

• Strategies to remove barriers and build more equitable pathways to leadership in the blue economy

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the role of AI in supporting operational efficiency for blue economy companies
• Identify AI tools relevant to business functions like communications, scheduling, and forecasting
• Use a no-code or low-code AI tool for a specific marine-related task
• Map potential areas in your organization where AI could reduce time, cost, or inefficiency
• Recognize key considerations for ethical and responsible AI use
• Explore how systemic barriers to leadership impact workforce development and innovation in the blue economy
• Recognize the value of inclusive leadership in fostering resilient, adaptive, and future-ready teams in ocean-related sectors
• Collaborate with peers across sectors to share knowledge, build networks, and co-create strategies for inclusive innovation in the blue economy

Speakers:

Eric Li is a recent graduate from UBC with a combined major in computer science and statistics. With over two years of experience at M2M Tech as a data analyst, Eric has developed a strong foundation in applied technology and innovation. After taking a computer vision course at UBC (CPSC 425), he became deeply interested in the field and now focuses on exploring real-world applications of computer vision. With M2M Tech, he hopes to be able to explore more use cases AI and foster discussions to inform others of its potential. Eric is passionate about finding practical ways to integrate emerging technologies into everyday challenges, helping drive progress where it matters most.