The latest in opportunities for Windsor-Essex's tech industry are on display this week.
The annual Tech Week YQG is ongoing at the University of Windsor. The gathering of young entrepreneurs and nerd power showcases the latest in cutting-edge technology, and allows young business people a chance to rub elbows with influential people from bigger companies.
Tech Week YQG is sponsored by We-Tech Alliance and a partner is the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce.
President Matt Marchand says the week has been a tremendous one so far, with three of the world's biggest companies taking part in Tuesday's tech show.
"We had IBM, Amazon and GM, three of the largest technological companies on the planet," says Marchand. "We had over 400 people."
The week began Monday with a panel discussion on the state of technology in Windsor-Essex. Marchand says it's important for people to understand that the region is ideal for young business owners to set up shop.
"We are tech-friendly, we have a great liveable community and the fact that instead of driving to Waterloo or going to Seattle or going to wherever, that Windsor-Essex is a place where you can do tech and we've got all the reasons to do it, right here and right now," says Marchand.
The week continued Wednesday with discussions of human resources and tolls for tech companies, along with a resume and job-interview workshop and a digital innovation challenge. Thursday's schedule includes the Georgie Odette Leadership Symposium, which features scheduled speakers that include GM Canada President Steve Carlisle.
Tech Week YQG concludes Friday with the closing ceremony of the Nerd Olympics and the first annual Tech Awards.
Despite the successful gathering of people curious to see what Windsor-Essex can offer start-up businesses, Marchand says it's a long-term process to make the area a technological hub.
"We have a lot of work to do, there's no question about that," says Marchand. "We don't live in a fantasyland. But we're a very strong tech community. We've identified some areas where we need to get better, and that's what we're trying to do, make the entire Windsor-Essex community as best as we can be."
For complete information on Tech Week YQG, click here.