In this exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Alicia Pereira, Vice President of Marketing & Communications at the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), shares her vision for Ontario’s thriving innovation ecosystem and the integral role played by the annual DiscoveryX conference. Alicia reflects on the significant strides Ontario has made in the tech industry, her journey of leading impactful communications strategies, and how her team brings together visionary thought leaders and global innovators each year. With a deep commitment to driving innovation and fostering strategic partnerships, Alicia discusses how businesses—especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)—can harness the power of technology and collaboration to create meaningful growth and success.
Interview by SK Uddin
Her insights offer invaluable guidance for entrepreneurs and innovators looking to make their mark in Ontario’s rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Alicia Pereira is a distinguished professional with a wealth of experience in communications, strategy, and advocacy. She currently serves as the Vice President of Marketing & Communications at the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), a role she assumed in November 2021.
At OCI, Alicia plays a pivotal role in championing companies at the forefront of Ontario’s technology landscape. Her passion for driving innovation and showcasing the province’s technological achievements on a global stage is evident in her work. She’s dedicated to ensuring that Ontario remains a leader in the innovation sector.
Alicia’s career journey is marked by remarkable achievements and contributions. Prior to her tenure at OCI, she held leadership positions in marketing and strategic communications at the Toronto Children’s Aid Society and the Ontario Human Rights Commission (OHRC). In these roles, she skillfully led teams and applied her strategic insights to effect positive change.
Alicia’s career began in news media, where she worked with renowned broadcasters like CTV and CityTV. Her work as a Chase Producer and Assignment Editor at CityNews helped shape her media expertise. Notably, her undercover investigative piece on Doda Powder, an illicit drug with South Asian origins, received a Gemini award nomination.
DiscoveryX has become Ontario’s premier innovation conference, drawing thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and global attention. What is the core purpose behind bringing this event back each year, and how does it reflect OCI’s mission to drive innovation in the province?
DiscoveryX is more than just a conference—it’s a catalyst for connection, collaboration, and commercialization. Each year, we bring the province’s most visionary minds together to showcase Ontario’s innovation ecosystem in action. From startups to global industry leaders, policymakers to investors, DiscoveryX is where bold ideas meet the support they need to scale.
As the signature event of the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), DiscoveryX reflects our mission to drive innovation through partnerships, programming, and real-world impact. It’s where we celebrate the technologies solving tomorrow’s challenges—from clean tech and AI to quantum and life sciences—while reinforcing Ontario’s role as a global leader in innovation. For us, DiscoveryX isn’t just about highlighting what’s next—it’s about helping build it.
Planning a large-scale conference like DiscoveryX is a significant undertaking. Could you walk us through the planning process—how long it takes, the key milestones, and the unique challenges your predominantly all-female team faces and overcomes?
Planning DiscoveryX is a year-round effort that begins the moment the last event ends. From developing the conference theme to securing high-profile speakers, sponsors, pitch competitions, and curating immersive experiences like the Explore NeXt zone showcasing the future of technology, it’s a complex operation involving logistics, outreach, creative, and content development.
The success of it all starts and ends with the team, we have an incredible DiscoveryX team! Our predominantly all-female planning team brings remarkable strength, empathy, and agility to the table. We manage everything from government protocol and stakeholder engagement to branding, booth design, and media/speaker briefings. One of our greatest challenges is aligning so many moving parts—from sponsors and tech setups to last-minute speaker changes—but our collaboration, problem-solving mindset, and trust in one another always shine through.
Milestones include: speaker confirmations in fall, registration launches (get your 2026 tickets here: https://www.discoveryxconference.ca/home , and a minute-by-minute showbook locked down just weeks before doors open. It’s a sprint—but one powered by purpose.
This year’s DiscoveryX featured standout moments, including a robot panelist and a keynote by Dr. Geoffrey Hinton, INVIDIA and Amy Webb. What was the most memorable highlight for you, and why do you think it resonated so strongly with attendees?
One standout moment that truly captured the imagination of attendees was the live podcast panel featuring Realbotix’s “Aria,” an AI-powered humanoid robot. Seeing Aria not just present but actively engage in conversation with the Unlikely Innovators podcast hosts was a defining reminder of how fast the future is arriving—and Ontario’s role in shaping it.
Of course, Dr. Geoffrey Hinton’s keynote fireside chat with Radical Venture’s Jordan Jacobs was equally unforgettable. Hearing from the “Godfather of AI” in such an intimate, conversational format gave attendees a front-row seat to the ethical, social, and technological questions defining our era.
Both moments symbolized what DiscoveryX is all about: bridging the gap between the fantastical and the feasible, and ensuring Ontario remains at the forefront of tech that matters.
Looking ahead, what can Ontario’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) and innovators expect from next year’s conference? Are there new themes, technologies, or opportunities on the horizon that you’re particularly excited about?
DiscoveryX 2026 will be even more future-focused—spotlighting technologies and sectors that will define Ontario’s competitive advantage in the next decade. Expect deeper dives into quantum, space tech, digital health, circular economy, and AI-driven productivity.
We’re also continuing to build new programming tailored to Ontario’s SMEs—like investor matchmaking – this year we had over 530 one-on-ones, so you can expect that number to be higher in 2026! We hope to design our programming to support scale-up, talent, and IP strategies.
There’s also growing excitement around international delegations, connecting Ontario innovators with markets in Europe, Asia, and beyond. DiscoveryX 2026 will continue to serve as both a launchpad and a lighthouse for homegrown innovation with global ambition.
As someone who has championed innovation, social impact, and advocacy throughout your career, what final advice or words of encouragement would you offer to Ontario’s SMB community striving to make their mark in today’s innovation-driven economy?
Innovation isn’t just about having the next big idea—it’s about having the courage to act on it. Our advice to Ontario’s SMEs is this: stay bold, stay local, and stay connected.
Ontario’s innovation ecosystem is rich with resources—from funding and talent to testing sites and mentorship. But it only works when you lean in. Build your network. Don’t be afraid to ask for support. And know that your work—especially when grounded in social impact and purpose—matters more than ever.
The future isn’t just something we adapt to. It’s something we build. And every entrepreneur in this province has a role to play. You’re not alone—OCI and DiscoveryX are here to walk that journey with you. FOr more information on OCI visit: https://www.oc-innovation.ca/ and for tickets and information on DiscoveryX,
Visit: https://www.discoveryxconference.ca/home
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. This content is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice.
