The Fraser Valley is getting its own community dedicated to artificial intelligence.
Langley technology entrepreneur Darren Coleman has launched FV+AI, a new regional chapter within the BC + AI Ecosystem Association, with its first gathering set for Sept. 9 in Langley.
Darren Coleman (image supplied)
The group is intended to bring together business owners, professionals, students, educators and residents interested in understanding how artificial intelligence is already changing workplaces and industries across the region.
“AI is no longer a future conversation for the Fraser Valley. It is a today conversation,” Coleman said.
Coleman, founder and CEO of Langley-based Coleman Technologies, said part of the motivation is that much of the activity surrounding AI is still happening outside the Fraser Valley, even as the technology begins affecting businesses and workers locally.
“AI is moving incredibly quickly, but a lot of the conversation and activity is centred outside the Fraser Valley,” Coleman told the Fraser Valley Current.
“Meanwhile, businesses and people here are trying to answer some pretty significant questions: How will AI change the way we work? What jobs will it affect? How can local businesses actually use it? What are the risks?”
Coleman said he doesn't want the region to simply watch the transformation happen from the sidelines.
“I believe the Fraser Valley needs a seat at that table,” he said.
FV+AI will operate as part of the broader BC + AI Ecosystem Association, a grassroots organization that is building communities focused on practical and responsible AI adoption across British Columbia.
The Fraser Valley chapter also grew out of connections with the Surrey AI meetup community.
Early gatherings are expected to explore topics including AI governance, cybersecurity risks, practical uses of AI and how organizations can adopt new tools without creating unnecessary security or operational risks.
For Coleman, though, the broader goal is to create a local place for people with varying levels of experience with the technology.
“I want to create a place locally where business owners, professionals, students, educators and people who are simply curious about AI can meet, learn and have these conversations together,” he said.
The first FV+AI gathering on Sept. 9 is already full, but residents can still join the waitlist to be notified of future events.
