Vanguard Magazine

See the full interview online Q How did you start out in this industry and how has it brought you to where you are today? I started out in the industry with an in- ternship at Raytheon Canada in 2008. I worked in Project Engineering with the FAA Long Range Radar program and got to take two courses in radar technology from the best minds at Raytheon. A few months after, at the University of Water- loo, we designed a VTOL UAV capable of lifting vertically, but also flying forward in an efficient fixed wing configuration. Our target application was fast delivery of medical aid for troops on the frontline. Today, some eight years later, Labforge is one of the premiere providers of high-end UAV avionics as well as smart optical situ- ational awareness systems for ground ap- plications. Q What was your aha moment or epiphany that you think will resonate most with our reader? It has been a stream of aha moments! There is a real need for the high-tech world of start-ups to enter the physical security market. Our lives are filled with tangible pain points that can be addressed with innovative and lean security solu- tions. Realizing that was one of the best ones. Q Step back and analyze your jour- ney, what is the takeaway you want to give to our audience? When you introduce disruptive ideas and technology, it is sometimes very easy to listen to advice that will point you in the wrong direction. We were certain about our vision, and we knew that the general way of doing controls and computer vi- sion could be changed. We stuck to our guns, and now Labforge holds a signifi- cant advantage in real-time controls and super low-power computer vision. Q What is the one thing that has you most fired up today? Machine learning and situational aware- ness. This combination is poised to dis- rupt not only the security market, but also other markets like advertising, retail, real- estate, finance, and insurance. Q What is a habit that contributes to your success? Persistence. I always try to battle it out be- fore giving in. There is a fine line between persistence and stubbornness though, and it's always good to listen to good advice. I try my best to achieve a good balance. Q What are some of the biggest impediments to innovation in your company or industry sector? Shortage of highly qualified people. We think the Government of Canada and or- ganizations like CMC Microsystems are doing a tremendous job in getting Cana- dians trained on the best technology. We need to accelerate this and do even more. Q What are the biggest impediments to innovation in today's enterprise? Not lean enough. We need to be more ac- cepting of new technologies and adapt fast. Q How has innovation become ingrained in your company's culture and how is it being optimized? Everyone at Labforge is working towards technology that hasn't seen mainstream yet. We are constantly innovating. Q What technologies, business models, and trends will drive the biggest changes in our industry over the next two years? Innovations in computer vision, machine learning, embedded systems, and long- range networking. Research in these fields has ramped up significantly over the past few years. We will see tremendous growth, as every industry from retail to defence is being affected. Q What is your parting piece of advice? Some advice is meant to be taken and some meant to be ignored. Don't listen to every- one, but also know whose advice to accept! yAssir rizwAn CeO Labforge Inc. www.vanguardcanada.com DeCeMBer 2016/JANUArY 2017 37

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