Q&A
Alberta IOT member Transfer to AIOT Canada
Background
As a result of Alberta IoT’s focus on immigration and incubation services, all current Alberta IoT members have been invited to join AIoT Canada. To ensure strong representation from the West, at least one Alberta IoT board member will be invited to join AIoT Canada’s Board of Directors, bringing valuable regional insight and leadership to the national stage.
“After discussions with AIoT Canada, it became clear that our members would benefit significantly from being part of a national organization that is not only focused on IoT but on AIoT,” said the Chair of Alberta IoT, who will be soon serving on the AIoT Canada’s Board of Directors. “Our efforts were increasingly split between member services and our immigration-focused startup initiatives. This allows both organizations to grow and succeed independently.”
“This is a pivotal moment for AIoT innovation in Canada,” added the President of AIoT Canada, Walter Knitl. “With the addition of Alberta IoT members to AIoT Canada’s growing membership, we’re expanding our national network and unlocking new opportunities for representation, collaboration, innovation, and growth. We are thrilled to welcome Alberta IoT members into the AIoT Canada community.”
Being a volunteer-based member association, AIoT Canada will need some time to finalize some of the operational details, benefits, programs, and logistics. As the operationalization process progresses, we will update the entire membership of this exciting news.
General
1.
Who initiated the conversation, and when? Prior to growing its presence in Western Canada, AIoT Canada initiated, in late 2023, dialogue with Alberta IoT to determine how to work together and build a national member association. The fruits of our ongoing discussions in 2024 and 2025 culminated in the press release of today.
2.
Did Alberta IoT consider remaining a member association for only Alberta? Yes, it was discussed at the Alberta IoT board level and it was decided to solely focus on its Startup Visa program.
3.
What does AIoT stand for? AIoT is usually referred to in one of two acronyms. The first consists of the combination of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and IoT (Internet of Things), and the second stands for the Artificial Intelligence of Things. Both expressions have been used interchangeably for the past couple of years.
Operational and Membership benefits
1.
When can an Alberta IoT member become an AIoT Canada member? Immediately following this announcement, Alberta IoT members can become a member of AIoT Canada by clicking on this registration link, and completing the AIoT Canada membership process.
This is done at no cost for the remainder of your current paid Alberta IoT membership, until your scheduled renewal date. When due, membership renewal fees will be made payable to AIoT Canada pursuant to its membership fee structure, at its standard features and benefits of AIoT Canada membership levels.
Organizational Structure
1.
Will Alberta IOT be represented on the AIoT Canada Board? Yes - we are currently discussing the level of representation, but at least Mr. Laine Hotte will become an AIoT Canada board member at the next board meeting
2.
Does AIoT Canada have any paid board members or administrative managers? AIoT Canada is a not-for-profit member association with no paid board members or association-paid management. AIoT Canada’s long-term goal is to obtain funding to allow the organization to hire some administrative support, likely on a part time basis.
3.
What will happen to the Alberta IoT website? The Alberta IoT website will remain visible. However, it will clearly mention that Alberta IoT is now focused on the Start-up program, and the membership activities have wound down, and Alberta IoT members are invited to join AIoT Canada, effective immediately.
Next Summit
1.
When is the next big AIoT Canada event, and how can we participate? The next AIoT Canada event is its successful Annual Summit, which will be held on October 2nd, 2025 in Ottawa, Canada. All AIoT Canada members, including Alberta IoT members, can purchase tickets at the AIoT Canada member prices (click link here).
