Algoma University, in partnership with the VR/AR Association, will present Future Canada: Building Economic Resilience at the Intersection of XR and AI on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton.
In a Canadian conference first, Future Canada will introduce ‘Jessica’, an AI-powered Extended Reality (XR) digital companion developed by event technology leader ibentos, in partnership with the VR/AR Association and Algoma University’s National Centre of Excellence for Immersive Technology. More than a virtual host, Jessica is an intelligent event companion equipped to answer questions, simplify complex technologies, and demonstrate real-world XR and AI applications. The AI digital twin will offer attendees personalized insights and help spotlight opportunities for innovation, investment, and economic impact.
“Jessica represents a new frontier in how we engage with knowledge,” said Vinay Paramanand, Director, National Centre of Excellence for Immersive Technology. “The AI-driven assistant reflects the core mission of Future Canada: to show how XR and AI can power real resilience in Canadian industries. At Algoma University, we are committed to advancing immersive technologies in ways that benefit our communities, our workforce, and the future economy.”
As global markets navigate unprecedented disruption, this national conference and roadshow will bring together government leaders, industry executives, investors, and innovators to explore how XR and AI are reshaping productivity, competitiveness, and growth across Canada’s most critical sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and advanced industry.
The conference will address one of Canada’s most urgent challenges, closing the productivity gap and strengthening global competitiveness. Through industry thought leaders, expert panels, product demonstrations, and a live tech showcase, attendees will explore how XR and AI are already enabling cost savings, workforce training, safer environments, and new economic pathways nationwide.
Algoma University continues to play a leading role in community-focused innovation and applied research in immersive technologies. By convening partners from across sectors, the University is advancing solutions that respond to industry needs, create economic opportunity, and equip learners for the future.
