HardtechFest 2025 was nothing short of inspiring. As the global space economy approaches $1.4 trillion by 2040, the event explored how breakthroughs in space tech and innovation can help regenerate Earth’s ecosystems while expanding humanity’s reach beyond our planet.
Innovobot was proud to contribute to several standout moments, with our team participating both on stage and in conversations shaping the future of Canada’s deep tech ecosystem:
- Neha Khera, managing partner at IRV Fund, joined a panel to share insights on what it really takes to fund deep tech startups.
- Pedro Gregorio, operating partner and head of the Robotics Lab, moderated a lively Oxford-style debate on whether space exploration helps or hinders climate action.
Fueling ambition with action
As part of the panel “Funding the Impossible: How to Fund Deep tech and Space Startups,” Neha joined investors Adam Gryfe (CSMC), Albert Chen (Two Small Fish Ventures), and Mike Lee (Fundica) to unpack what it takes to support moonshot innovation.
Neha said, “Now is the time to launch a deep tech startup. Investor excitement in this space is reaching new heights.” The session reminded us that supporting deep tech founders goes beyond capital. It requires conviction, long-term commitment, and a willingness to embrace uncertainty. These principles guide our investment strategy at IRV Fund. Learn more about the fund.
Neha Khera and her deep tech leadership
Neha combines a strong technical background, with a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from Richard Ivey, with over a decade of venture capital experience. Before joining IRV, she co-founded 500 Canada, leading 16 investments, including two unicorns, with a personal track record of 20 times returns.
Her expertise spans early-stage investing, fund management, and scaling disruptive deep tech startups. Neha’s focus is on supporting visionary founders with more than capital, offering long-term commitment and operational guidance. She brings a wide network across North America and a passion for fostering diversity and innovation in the tech ecosystem. Learn more about Neha Khera.
To space or not to space? A debate that left the room thinking
To close the HardTechFest, Pedro Gregorio led a provocative and engaging Oxford-style debate titled “Exploring Space to Save Earth.”
The central question: Is space exploration a distraction from the climate crisis or part of the solution?
Pedro moderated an exchange between: Scott Wharton (Tandem PV), Emilie Hamel (GHGSAT), Qinhong Cai (Gaia Refinery) and Jacqueline Good (Magnestar).
With sharp arguments and an energized audience, the debate concluded with a surprise: a shift in audience opinion after the discussion, a small but telling sign of genuine perspective change, and the established threshold to determine the winner of the debate.
Pedro Gregorio and his connection to space
Pedro Gregorio’s journey into space technology began at McGill University, where he flew aboard NASA’s KC-135 zero-gravity astronaut trainer, affectionately nicknamed the “Vomit Comet.” The name comes from the aircraft’s parabolic flight pattern, which creates brief periods of weightlessness, an exhilarating (and often queasy) experience for those on board. Working alongside Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk, Pedro and his team studied how dust clouds ignite and behave in microgravity. It was a truly remarkable beginning for a young engineer.
After graduating, Pedro joined the Canadian Space Agency, where he worked on haptic systems, handheld robotics, and experimental payloads for various missions. Just before one Space Shuttle launch, he flew to Florida to make final adjustments to flight hardware and placed his iron ring, the iconic symbol of the engineering profession in Québec and across Canada, into a Shuttle stowage locker. The ring spent nine days orbiting Earth, a fitting tribute to his dedication and craft. Today, Pedro wears a ring with a story that reached the stars.
Pedro then spent a decade at MDA, Canada’s leading space systems company, where he and his team developed robotics and advanced manufacturing solutions for missions such as ExoMars 2016, RADARSAT Constellation, and OneWeb. His work contributed meaningfully to Canada’s global reputation for space innovation.
Today, Pedro leads the Robotics Lab at Innovobot, where he continues to push the frontiers of robotics, automation, advanced manufacturing, and space technologies. His career reflects not just deep technical expertise, but a lifelong passion for exploration and impact. Learn more about Pedro.
Why events like HardtechFest matter
HardtechFest is more than a tech conference: it’s where innovation is shaped. With over 500 entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and policymakers, the event featured keynotes on climate and space, panels on innovation and funding, and opportunities to connect with founders. It highlighted how space and sustainability are intertwined frontiers requiring bold ideas and collaboration.
Looking ahead
At Innovobot, we are committed to building what others believe is impossible, whether it’s developing breakthrough technologies, supporting visionary founders, or powering the next wave of innovation.
We were also proud to contribute to the preparation of HardtechFest 2025 by sharing insights on Space Tech and the Canadian space industry in a global context, and by suggesting panelists and speakers. It’s always a pleasure to collaborate with the passionate team at Garage & Co (Annie-Claude Devriese, Laurence Audette-Lagueux, and Christian Beaubien), who, like us, are dedicated to propelling local Deep Tech startups forward.
HardtechFest 2025 proved that the community is growing, the urgency is real, and ambition knows no bounds.
The world is not enough. Let’s build what comes next.