AI and business innovation take centre stage at GCC event

Tashi Farmilo

Business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals gathered at the Château Cartier Hôtel Resort on February 5, for an engaging conference on artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in business innovation. Hosted by the Gatineau Chamber of Commerce, the event was part of the VISÉES program, a broader initiative spearheaded by the Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ) to support businesses in adapting to emerging technologies and workforce challenges.

The morning began with discussions on pressing economic concerns, including trade tariffs, government contracts, and the importance of fostering local innovation. Speakers emphasized the need for Quebec businesses to remain competitive in an increasingly interconnected world. A key topic was the role of AI in shaping the future of industries, not just as a tool for automation but as a driver of growth and efficiency.

One of the major themes explored was how AI-powered tools are revolutionizing industries by analysing large datasets, predicting market trends, and optimising workflow automation. Attendees were introduced to AI-driven applications such as ChatGPT, which can assist with customer service and content creation, as well as data analytics platforms that help businesses make more informed decisions.

"AI is not just about replacing jobs; it is about enhancing human decision-making, streamlining operations, and driving business success," said Antoine Bourassa, founder of Boorask Innovation. "Companies that embrace AI will see dramatic improvements in efficiency and competitiveness."

Another key takeaway was the importance of upskilling employees to work alongside AI rather than fear it. Discussions highlighted statistics showing that many businesses struggle to find skilled workers, particularly in fields requiring specialised knowledge. Bourassa stressed that AI should be seen as a tool to augment human expertise rather than replace it. "The key to integrating AI successfully is ensuring that people understand how to work with it, not against it," he noted. "AI should be viewed as an assistant that helps teams focus on higher-value tasks."

The event also featured interactive discussions and live demonstrations of AI technologies in action. Participants engaged in exercises designed to showcase how AI can be integrated into their daily operations, from automating repetitive administrative tasks to enhancing strategic decision-making.

The conversation touched on global competition in AI development, with mentions of recent advancements by major tech players such as OpenAI, Meta, and Chinese firms investing billions in the race to dominate the AI landscape. "AI is advancing rapidly, but ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks must also be developed to ensure responsible adoption," Bourassa pointed out. "We need to ensure that AI is used for the right purposes and that its benefits are accessible to businesses of all sizes."