AI is moving beyond passive outputs toward autonomous action. In this episode, John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik explore Agentic AI, a new class of AI systems that can reason, plan, and take initiative with limited human oversight. These systems represent a major evolution beyond traditional and generative AI, capable of real-time adaptation and complex decision-making.They’re joined by Adel El Hallak, Senior Director of Product Management at NVIDIA AI Enterprise, and Jacomo Corbo, CEO and Co-Founder of PhysicsX. Adel shares insights from his work delivering secure, scalable AI platforms for enterprise, while Jacomo draws on deep experience deploying AI in high-performance engineering contexts, including Formula 1 and advanced manufacturing.Together, they unpack how agentic AI is already being deployed, the economic opportunities at stake, and the roadmaps and ethical considerations businesses need to navigate as AI agents become a force in real-world operations.
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29:55
Beyond Offsets: How to Build a Carbon Removal Industry
Carbon offsets aren’t enough. To truly tackle climate change, we need a global industry dedicated to pulling carbon out of the air and at massive scale. Join hosts John and Sonia inside the innovation race to scale carbon removal technologies, featuring insights from leading voices in the field.They speak with Dr. David Keith, a pioneering climate scientist and founder of Carbon Engineering, who unpacks the technological, policy, and economic hurdles to direct air capture and other approaches. You’ll also hear from two recent XPRIZE Carbon Removal winners, Mike Kelland of Planetary Technologies and Jim Mann of UNDO about how their startups are using ocean alkalinity and enhanced rock weathering to permanently sequester CO₂, while also delivering benefits to farmers and marine ecosystems.Together, they explore whether the world can build a scalable, measurable, and credible carbon removal industry – one capable of drawing down billions of tons of CO₂ annually.
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31:39
Detect Early, Treat Early: Innovations Shaping the Fight Against Cancer
Early detection remains the single most effective strategy for treating cancer, significantly enhancing survival rates and outcomes. Join hosts John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik as they explore how groundbreaking innovation and technology are reshaping cancer detection, treatment, and prevention.Physician and entrepreneur Jesse Salk discusses his pioneering Duplex Sequencing Technology, dramatically improving diagnostic accuracy. Peter Liu, CEO of Oxford Cancer Analytics, explains how advanced machine learning and proteomics are enabling more precise and accessible cancer screening. Andrea Seale, CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society, shares exciting advances like lung cancer breathalyzers and convenient at-home blood tests. Listen in to discover how these innovations, combined with inspiring personal stories, are bringing renewed hope to one of humanity's most pressing health challenges.
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30:00
How Tech Entrepreneurs Can Capitalize on the Buy Canadian Movement
The “Buy Canadian” movement has surged during talks of tariffs, often highlighting consumer goods. How can Canadian tech companies take advantage of this sentiment? Join John Stackhouse and Sonia Sennik in a conversation about Canada's emerging era of supporting local businesses and products. This episode explores how recent geopolitical shifts and consumer trends are prompting Canadians to prioritize local products, businesses, and technology solutions.Featuring insights from Dax Dasilva, CEO of Lightspeed, who discusses how technology can empower retailers and hospitality businesses through unpredictable times, and Derek Jouppi, creator of Buy Canada Tech, a platform designed to help Canadians discover homegrown digital alternatives. The discussion touches on the topics of community investment, economic nationalism, and the long-term benefits of fostering a robust Canadian entrepreneurial ecosystem. Discover why supporting local is not just a trend but a crucial step toward economic resilience and national unity.
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22:14
The Cleantech Edge: Tackling Methane Emissions with Canadian Innovation
With global energy demands surging and climate concerns intensifying, Canada finds itself in a rare position: rich in natural resources, top technical talent, and the innovation needed to become a clean energy superpower. But how do we harness that potential without compromising on sustainability? John and Sonia take listeners inside Houston’s CERAWeek energy conference to unpack the growing momentum behind methane abatement, and Canada’s opportunity to lead the charge.The episode dives deep into methane: why it is 30x more potent than CO₂, where it leaks from — oil fields, landfills, farms etc. – and Canada’s commitment to methane capping.Hear from four groundbreaking Canadian cleantech entrepreneurs working on space-based emissions detection, sensor-agnostic software, nitrogen-powered pneumatics, and emissions data modeling to tackle the methane challenge for the country and beyond.Guest Information Jacqueline Peterson, PhD, Chief Climate Officer at Kathairos Solutions Inc.Stephane Germaine , President of GHGSatLiz O’Connell, CEO and Co-founder of ArolyticsJessica Shumlich, Co-founder and CEO of Highwood Emissions Management
Understand the forces that are shaping the future of business and technology to navigate the
rapid changes in Canada’s tech landscape.
Innovation is driving business productivity and sustainability across industries in Canada and beyond. How can Canadian entrepreneurs make the most of these new technology opportunities? How can they embrace disruption and scale their businesses?
Powered by cutting-edge research from RBC, Season 8 of Disruptors kicks off with a special
series, Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, co-hosted by Sonia Sennik, Chief Executive Officer of Creative Destruction Lab (CDL),
and RBC’s John Stackhouse. Together, they dive into the latest advancements in AI,
automation, and data analytics, highlighting their transformative impact on business and the
economy.
You’ll hear from pioneers in AI, clean energy, and life sciences—people leading the way in
turning technology innovation into practical business solutions. From AI’s role in improving
business productivity to the future of work, Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era delivers the insights you need to stay competitive in a world driven by technology and digital transformation.
The show highlights strategies and ideas that can help your business navigate rapid changes in
the tech landscape. Whether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or policymaker, Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era equips you with the tools to thrive in this new technology-driven economy.
Follow Disruptors x CDL: The Innovation Era, an original podcast from RBC, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
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