TiE Ottawa Event – From Policy Shifts to Procurement Wins, Strategic Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in a Fast Changing Ecosystem
Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- In-person event
- 1993 Robertson Rd , Ottawa , ON , K2H 5B7
Why attend?
From Policy Shifts to Procurement Wins, Strategic Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in a Fast-Changing Ecosystem
Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in a Fast-Changing Ecosystem
Global tech tensions are reshaping software ecosystems. Governments are increasingly prioritizing domestic companies for technology procurement. Major accelerators are adjusting their investment strategies. Tech giants are adopting new approaches to maintain relevance. These shifts raise important questions:
· Where do Canadian federal procurement processes stand for SMEs?
· What opportunities exist for Canadian entrepreneurs within Canada’s Latest Defence Industry Strategy?
· What must be done to strengthen commercialization, domestic ownership, freedom to operate, and the protection of Canadian IP?
· What impact do rapidly changing policies and regulations have on entrepreneurs and innovation ecosystems in Canada?
· Why did Y Combinator reverse its position on investing in Canadian startups?
TiE Ottawa invites you to an important and timely conversation with Laurent Carbonneau, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the Council of Canadian Innovators. Laurent brings deep experience in federal policy, political strategy, and innovation advocacy. In this session, he will address the questions above, along with your questions. It is a practical briefing for Ottawa entrepreneurs who want to understand how shifting policies are responding to a changing geopolitical landscape.
Speaker Bio:
Laurent Carbonneau is the Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at the Council of Canadian Innovators. He previously worked in federal politics in legislative, policy and issues management roles for a senior MP and in the NDP leader’s office as well as on a national central campaign before working in government relations in the post-secondary education sector. He has master’s degrees from Carleton University (political management) and the University of St Andrews (history) and a BA from Mount Allison University. He lives in Ottawa.
Program
6:00 – 7:00 Registration and Networking
7:00 – 7:10 Introduction
7:10 – 7:45 Speaker Presentation by Laurent Carbonneau
7:45 – 8:00 Open Discussion (Q&A)
8:00 – 9:00 Buffet Dinner and Networking
Venue: East India Conference and Event Centre (Bells Corners)
1993 Robertson Road, Nepean, Ottawa, Ontario – K2H 5B7
Price:
Members CDN$ 40.00
Students CDN$ 40.00
Non-Members CDN$ 50.00
Event + Membership CDN$ 140.00