Companies Growing Companies – Learn with Best Buy Health & AGE-WELL Thursday, April 28 at 12pm Follow us on social media to see an encore presentation on Wednesday, May 4 at 10am. About the Session: The Companies Growing Companies series will feature interactive conversations and lessons with experts in fields needed in various stages of company growth: product design, system integration, marketing, and capacity-building. Throughout the series, companies at every stage—from startup to multinational—will learn what it takes to succeed and grow in the health innovation sector, and why this region is the best place to build a business. In Session 4, Lynette Tremblay will host a discussion with Best Buy Canada’s health division and AGE-WELL, to examine non-traditional partnerships and new players in health, with an emphasis on the long-term care, aging, and senior health sectors. About the Presenters: Best Buy Health is driven by the belief that technology can make life better at any age for any need. We provide services and technology that help caregivers, enhance digital skills, and expand the reach of businesses that specialize in care. Best Buy Health is supported by a nationwide team of Geek Squad Agents, certified to deliver services to vulnerable individuals. AGE-WELL is pan-Canadian network of industry, non-profit organizations, government, care providers, caregivers, end-users, and academic partners working together using high-quality research to drive innovation and create technologies and services that benefit older adults. Our vision is to harness and build upon the potential of emerging and advanced technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), e-health, information communication technologies (ICTs), and mobile technologies to stimulate technological, social, and policy innovation. We aim to help older Canadians maintain their independence, health and quality of life through accessible technologies that increase their safety and security, support their independent living, and enhance their social participation. About the Panelists: Sara Aghvami, Director, Best Buy Health As Director of Best Buy Health, Sara leads a team committed to enrich Canadian lives through technology. In her role in, Sara develops strategies and business models through partnerships with health care providers, senior living/living care organizations, clinicians, and researchers to drive positive benefits for consumers, businesses, and communities. With more than 20 years’ experience in retail and leadership, Sara is an expert in technology commercialization, omnichannel logistics, service offerings, customer experience, and humanizing processes to gain customers for life. Sara believes staying human and relevant in any industry drives business success and community trust – she is motivated by creating meaningful changes. Michael Chrostowski, PhD, Business Development & Industry Relations Manager, AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence (NCE) Michael Chrostowski, PhD is the Business Development and Industry Relations Manager at AGE-WELL, Canada’s technology and aging network, where he works with researchers, startups and partners to help AGE-WELL bring innovations into the lives of older Canadians and caregivers. Michael has spent the last 12 years working in the area of health and technology and has a passion for supporting technologies and services that benefit older adults. Henry Truong, Business Operations and Technical Lead, Best Buy Health Henry Truong is the Business Operations and Technical Lead for Best Buy Health. For the past 14 years he has been supporting service programs to enrich lives through technology. He is an expert in smart home technology, assistive technology, business process management, and process automation, Henry is responsible for qualifying new technology vendors, developing new service solutions, and developing training for Geek Squad Agents to provide client excellence. His recent focus also includes implementation of technology to support older adults and caregivers in Canada. About the Moderator: Lynette Tremblay, Vice President, Corporate Affairs at Invest Alberta Lynette is the Vice President, Corporate Affairs with Invest Alberta Corporation, a newly created organization focused on attracting high impact, high value investment to Alberta. Prior to Invest Alberta, Lynette served as VP Strategy & Innovation with Edmonton Global helping to attract foreign direct investment to the Edmonton Metropolitan Region. Lynette has also held senior roles in economic development, municipal and provincial government and the private sector in B.C., Ontario and Alberta over the past 13 years. Lynette has helped build and transform organizations, led marketing, communications, policy and stakeholder relations. Lynette has a breadth of experience across public, private and non-profit sectors which helps strengthen operations, engage as an effective partner and promote Alberta to global investors. Lynette also serves on the board of the Edmonton Screen Industries Office and volunteers supporting women’s leadership initiatives. Session Materials: Technology and Aging at Home – The Future of Aging in Place – White Paper Health Innovation Commercialization Checklist – courtesy of Alberta Innovates Session Video Follow us on social media to see an encore presentation on Wednesday, May 4 at 10am. Back to Companies Growing Companies homepage