The can’t-miss online tech events for winter 2021

The can’t-miss online tech events for winter 2021

Discover the latest trends in fintech and explore solutions to the world’s most pressing issues — from the comfort of your own home.


With many 2021 events already announcing the move to online, it looks like we won’t be meeting in person for a bit longer. But this means we have the chance to attend any major event happening anywhere around the world — if you’ve ever wanted to attend SXSW in Austin, for instance, this is the time to explore what it’s like from home.

Here at MaRS, we’re planning another year of events after the successful launch of MaRS Impact Week. More than 1,000 members of the tech community gathered online, heard from high-profile tech, cleantech and social finance speakers, made connections through our virtual networking platform, and learned how we can build a better future together. Read the event recap here and sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about new events.

Here are our top picks for online tech events this winter:
 

A bold new climate impact challenge

The world emits 36 gigatons of greenhouse gas (GHG) every year. Canada is warming at double the rate of other countries, and we have one of the highest GHG emissions in the world per capita. It’s time to change that.

MaRS is pleased to announce Mission from MaRS: Climate Impact Challenge. Designed for Canadian innovators with carbon-reducing solutions that help mitigate the climate crisis, the program offers finalists curated support from MaRS and industry partners to remove barriers to commercialization. Learn more at the virtual launch event and hear from diverse industry experts on the opportunities for scaling carbon-reducing solutions. February 10, online

 

A session for startups interested in expanding to the U.S.

The U.S. represents one-fifth of the global economy and it remains Canadian entrepreneurs’ top choice when going global. With a new American administration and the pandemic still raging, business owners need to consider and mitigate new risks when expanding south of the border. In this webinar you’ll learn how to plan for and assess the impact of a U.S. expansion. February 3, online

 

A conference for the fintech sector

How can the fintech ecosystem take advantage of the changes in consumer and business behaviour due to the pandemic? At the Canadian Fintech Summit, attendees will hear from speakers at such companies as Wealthsimple, KOHO, RBC and Salesforce. Plus, the best startups tackling solutions in capital markets, lending, accounting, payments, retail and insurance will compete in a pitch battle. Attendees can also participate in hands-on workshops covering challenges and strategies for the sector. March 23–25, online

 

A challenge for health innovators

Of the four most common cancers, lung cancer has the lowest survival rate, regardless of stage at diagnosis. To help lung cancer patients and save lives, MaRS and Merck Canada are launching the Lung Cancer Innovation Challenge. The competition asks Ontario-based innovators to identify, implement and scale solutions that can reduce the length of time between diagnosis and treatment, and enable improved treatment outcomes. An upcoming webinar will provide more details for those interested in applying. February 17, online

 

Online meetups for the Toronto tech community

The event calendar for TechTO is packed this month with events showcasing the best Toronto tech has to offer. Join the community to hear from local founders, discover the latest Toronto tech has to offer, and network with your peers in the industry. Various dates, online

 

A festival for tech and the arts

SXSW is moving its experience online this year, so this could be your chance to experience the renowned festival from your own home. The conference’s themes for 2021 cover such urgent issues as racial injustice, poverty, nationalism, the climate crisis and the tech industry’s path forward. March 16–20, online

 

Plus, here are some more online events you might want to check out:

Want to list your event on our calendar? Submit your tech event here.

 

Get the latest tech events delivered to your inbox.

Sign up for MaRS News