Events for March 6, 2026

Abstract:As industry is starting to deploy systems based on 224Gbps/lane and growing pains are becoming more apparent, AI companies are clamoring already for more bandwidth. A first look at 448Gbps is already highlighting the enormous challenges of running even very short links on copper. However, industry doesn’t seem yet ready to throw the towel on pluggable modules as gateways to optical interconnect given the risks and limitations of <a href="http://CPO.Some" target="_blank" title="CPO.Some">CPO.Some of the questions that will be covered:- Can we clearly articulate what are the priorities in developing the next generation of interconnect for AI?- What are the main obstacles to the adoption of short reach optics to replace the last inches of electrical connectivity?- What can we learn from advances in C2C and in particular by the success of UCIe?- Does it make sense to still have pluggable modules and what is the best way to do that?- Was LPO a success or a bust and can we move forward with it?- What are the promises and possible pitfalls of CPO?Topics touched upon:- System level (Computing, AI) requirements & considerations (architectural trends, efficiency, bw, latency, cost <a href="http://etc.)-" target="_blank" title="etc.)-">etc.)- Optical and electrical energy efficiency considerations- HW technology developments and limitations (interposer, packaging, connectors, cables)- System trade offs analysis (retiming vs. linear, vs. CPO)- Chiplets and co-packaging technology- Analysis of latest OIF development on next generation interconnectAgenda: Room: GB202, Bldg: Galbraith Building, University of Toronto, 35 St George Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

This lecture will examine the complex and largely asymmetrical relationship between Guglielmo Marconi and Alexander Graham Bell, shedding new light on the historical and scientific contextrelevance of their interactions. Drawing on extensive archival research presented in his landmark 872-page biography, Marconi: The Man Who Networked the World, Professor Marc Raboy (McGill University) will explore how Marconi built his global wireless empire while selectively engaging with leading scientists and inventors of his time, including <a href="http://Bell.The" target="_blank" title="Bell.The">Bell.The talk will analyze how Bell’s scientific influence, reputation, and communication networks indirectly shaped Marconi’s trajectory, even though the relationship was not reciprocal. It will also situate this dynamic within the broader context of early wireless innovation, intellectual property, industrial competition, and the emergence of global communication infrastructures. By revisiting this “one-sided” connection, the conference offers a deeper understanding of the technological, political, and entrepreneurial forces that shaped the birth of modern wireless <a href="http://communication.Raboy’s" target="_blank" title="communication.Raboy’s">communication.Raboy’s work draws on original archives and multilingual sources across several countries, presenting Marconi not only as a pioneer of radio, but also as a strategist and global actor whose vision helped define today’s connected <a href="http://world.Co-sponsored" target="_blank" title="world.Co-sponsored">world.Co-sponsored by: INRS/StaracomAgenda: 10 h-12 hExposition et visites guidées (Exposition : Communiquer grâce à l’électricité! 150 ans de transmission de la voix )Laboratoires et salle 1811 h 30-12 hConférence : «The one-sided relationship of Guglielmo Marconi and Alexander Graham Bell » Conférencier : professeur émérite Marc Raboy (McGill) auteur d’une des meilleures biographies de G. Marconi (872 pages) (<a href="https://www.marcraboy.org/marconi/)Salle" target="_blank" title="https://www.marcraboy.org/marconi/)Salle">https://www.marcraboy.org/marconi/)Salle Marconi12 h-13 h: PizzaRoom: 6900, Bldg: 6900, 800 Rue De la Gauchetière Ouest, Montréal, Quebec, Canada, H5A 1K8

Join us for an evening of connection, insight, and interdisciplinary learning with leaders across the technology <a href="http://ecosystem.This" target="_blank" title="ecosystem.This">ecosystem.This flagship event brings together students, professionals, and members of the community to explore how interdisciplinary thinking drives innovation in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. From artificial intelligence and data to engineering, leadership, and entrepreneurship, our speakers will share how collaboration across fields is shaping the future of technology and creating new career <a href="http://pathways.Through" target="_blank" title="pathways.Through">pathways.Through a keynote, expert panel, and interactive networking experience, attendees will gain valuable perspectives, build meaningful connections, and learn how diverse skill sets and disciplines come together to solve complex real-world <a href="http://challenges.The" target="_blank" title="challenges.The">challenges.The evening will include:- Keynote Address- Industry Panel Discussion- Rotating Networking Session- Dinner & Community BuildingThis event is open to all community members at no cost. RSVP is <a href="http://mandatory.The" target="_blank" title="mandatory.The">mandatory.The event is co-sponsored by IEEE Southern Alberta and Faculty of Science and Technology at Mount Royal University, and is co-organized by the Department of Mathematics and Computing, Southern Alberta Computer Chapter and Women in Engineering, and CybHER <a href="http://club.Co-sponsored" target="_blank" title="club.Co-sponsored">club.Co-sponsored by: Faculty of Science and Technology of Mount Royal UniversityAgenda: Keynote Speaker- Maureen Higgins — Ernst & Young (EY)Panel Speakers- Colleen Pound — CEO, Proxure- Philippe Burns — CEO, Tech Thursday- Alex Tyrell & Dennis Pineda — Data & AI Team, Deloitte- Diwakar Krishnamurthy — Professor, University of Calgary- Fahad Zaidi — Director of Engineering, Neo FinancialBldg: Ross Glen Hall, 4825 Mount Royal Gate Southwest, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T3E 6X4

UMake 2026 is a two-day hardware makeathon. Taking place on March 6–7, participants will form teams of four to design, build, and test a hands-on engineering solution to a themed robotics challenge. See UMake.umieee.ca for registrationTeams will have access to the new Engineering Makerspace, tools, components, and workspace throughout the event. Projects will be evaluated based on technical execution, creativity, functionality, and overall <a href="http://design.The" target="_blank" title="design.The">design.The event is open to students interested in hardware, robotics, and applied engineering design. No prior competition experience is <a href="http://required.•" target="_blank" title="required.•">required.• Free entry• Prizes awarded to top teams• One meal provided each daySpots are limited and advance registration is <a href="http://required.75" target="_blank" title="required.75">required.75 Chancellors Circle, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R2N 3W8