futurenew Speakers
Meet the industry leaders and innovators presenting at futurenew 2025
Felix Laroche
Founder and President, Jakarto
Felix began his career in geomatics in 2001, developing early map servers ahead of platforms like Google Maps and georeferencing over 2.8 million properties across Quebec. He went on to design advanced geospatial solutions, including an AI-powered real estate value estimator for the banking and finance sector. This trajectory led him to found Jakarto in 2016, driven by a vision to build engineering-grade 3D digital twins — transforming how cities and organizations manage infrastructure and assets through data-driven intelligence.
9:30 - 10:30 AM
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Abstract:
As cities face mounting challenges — from population growth and climate resilience to infrastructure strain and the demand for more responsive services — digital twins are emerging not as futuristic concepts, but as practical tools for innovation across departments. This session explores how cities are deploying digital twins to unlock ground-truth intelligence and drive cross-functional innovation.
Shawn Croisier
Vice-President, Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre
Shawn Croisier is the Vice President of Sales and Operations at the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre, where he leads Acorn Information Solutions in delivering data-driven strategies and digital solutions to public sector clients across Canada. With more than 20 years of experience in enterprise GIS, digital transformation, and community-based consulting, Shawn specializes in translating complex data into practical tools that support policy development, planning, and frontline service delivery.
10:30 - 11:30 AM
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Innovation isn't just orbiting in satellites or embedded in sensors. It lives in the everyday decisions that shape people's lives. This talk explores how scalable, policy-aligned data models and geospatial technologies are bridging the gap between long-term strategy and frontline service delivery.
Casey Price
Senior Leader, Environics Analytics
Casey Price is a Senior Leader at Environics Analytics, driving innovation at the intersection of geospatial data, AI, and cloud technology. He helps organizations transform complex data into actionable insights, powering next-generation tools like ENVISION2.0.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
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Environics Analytics is redefining what's possible with GeoAI by combining the Snowflake Data Cloud with decades of geospatial expertise. From daily AI scans that detect anomalies across Gigabyte sized datasets to automated image updates that bring PRIZM neighbourhoods to life, EA is transforming how organizations access, visualize, and act on location intelligence. This session will showcase how Snowflake and Cortex AI enable petabyte-scale queries in seconds, build AI-driven target groups, and power the next generation of tools like ENVISION2.0—delivering unprecedented clarity, speed, and impact across industries.
Raj Ubhi
GIS Analyst, Arup
Raj Ubhi is a dedicated GIS Analyst with a passion for transforming spatial data into actionable insights. With a strong background in geospatial technologies and data visualization, Raj supports strategic decision-making through innovative mapping solutions and spatial analysis.
1:30 - 2:30 PM
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This presentation introduces an approach using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to streamline access to project information. By integrating natural language processing and intelligent search capabilities, users can ask complex questions and receive accurate, project-specific answers without needing to manually sift through layers of data or documentation.
Justin Proctor
Senior Associate, Ecopia AI
Justin Proctor is a Senior Associate in the Public Sector team at Ecopia AI - an international supplier of high definition mapping products that enable high-fidelity global-scale insights. Ecopia AI uses intelligent systems that leverage ground-breaking advancements in artificial intelligence to convert high-resolution imagery of our earth into HD maps. Justin studied political science and government at Western University and has been with Ecopia since March 2022.
2:50 - 3:50 PM
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As Canadian municipalities face increasing pressure to address climate risks, aging infrastructure, and rapid urban growth, access to accurate, high-resolution geospatial data has become essential. This presentation introduces the Canadian HD Mapping Data Project, a national initiative to deliver a comprehensive, AI-derived digital representation of Canada's 100 largest cities.
Subany Arudchelvam
Technical Solutions Specialist, Esri Canada
Subany Arudchelvam is a Technical Solutions Specialist at Esri Canada, providing comprehensive support to GIS users throughout Ontario and across multiple industries. She is committed to delivering tailored solutions that facilitate client success, emphasizing the development of strong professional relationships and the application of innovative strategies to resolve complex challenges. Subany possesses expertise in ArcGIS core technologies, artificial intelligence capabilities, and Field Application Workflows, enabling her to guide users toward optimal results in the evolving GIS sector. She earned her degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Waterloo and has been employed at Esri Canada for over four years.
3:50 - 4:50 PM
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Join us for the closing keynote presentation exploring the future of geospatial innovation and technology.