Medicine Hat’s Landing Zones named finalist for ASTech Awards, with CFO speaking at showcase

“It is really the elite of Alberta, and the people that have won in the past have been nominated in the past,” Richards said.

“These are incredibly bright people that are doing incredible things through different markets in Alberta when it comes to the tech space.”

For Landing Zones, the recognition also puts a spotlight on the technology sector developing in Medicine Hat.

Richards said the company is able to develop the technology in Medicine Hat while selling its products and services beyond the community.

“What we’re doing here is the work that we’re doing, basically around the world,” Richards said.

“We’re creating jobs here in Medicine Hat, and then we’re selling outside of Medicine Hat and bringing that money into the community.”

Landing Zones is among the organizations taking part in the ASTech event, which will bring together representatives from industry, government, academia, entrepreneurship and investment.

Richards will have a separate role at the event, speaking to attendees about Landing Zones’ experience with the ASTech Awards and what the recognition has meant for the company.

He said he has been involved with the Alberta technology ecosystem since Landing Zones won an ASTech award last year, taking part in panels and other events organized by Technology Alberta.

His presentation will focus on the impact of winning the award and the role Technology Alberta plays in connecting companies with the wider innovation community.

Richards said the opportunity to speak to people working across Alberta’s technology sector is an honour in itself.

“You’ve got scientists. You’ve got professors. You’ve got municipalities. You’ve got Alberta Innovates,” he said.

“It’s quite a collaboration of really great people doing incredible [things] in Alberta.”

The event will also feature discussions focused on areas including aerospace and defence, life sciences, construction, cleantech and energy, artificial intelligence and digital technology, youth engagement and ag-tech.

Richards said the ASTech recognition and speaking opportunity are also a chance to draw attention to the number of technology companies operating in Medicine Hat.

Landing Zones is part of a local aerospace, defence and drone ecosystem that includes other companies with connections to the region.

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READ: Medicine Hat College research highlights path to stronger defence innovation hub in Southeast Alberta

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Richards said the companies may not necessarily work together on individual projects, but they benefit from sharing information and helping build a stronger local technology sector.

“The better vibes we have as a group, the better it is for everyone,” Richards said.

Richards said the ecosystem could help Medicine Hat attract skilled workers while also showing local students that technology careers are available in their own community.

He also said the city is becoming increasingly recognized outside southeastern Alberta for its technology companies.

For Richards, the ASTech finalist recognition and the opportunity to speak at the showcase offer two ways to highlight the same message that technology companies in Medicine Hat are doing work with global applications.

“As Canadians and Albertans and Hatters, we don’t always necessarily celebrate or brag about what we do, but this is actually worth bragging about.” Richards said.

The ASTech Awards Opening Ceremonies and Innovation Showcase run from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 18 at Mount Royal University in Calgary.

by Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat’s Landing Zones named finalist for ASTech Awards, with CFO speaking at showcase

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