Francis Syms: Technology and Energy Expert
AI, Cybersecurity, Energy & Data Centres
Who is Francis?
Where AI, Energy and Cybersecurity Meet
Francis Syms is a professional engineer, academic leader, and national media commentator at the intersection of artificial intelligence, energy infrastructure, and cybersecurity. He provides expert advice to enterprises, utilities, and public-sector organizations on AI integration strategy, data centre planning, clean energy workforce readiness, and cybersecurity risk management.
As the Head of the School of Clean Energy and Associate Dean of Information and Communication Technology at Humber Polytechnic, Francis leads program development focused on AI integration, cyber operations, data centres, and clean energy initiatives. He collaborates closely with Ontario's utilities, nuclear operators, and the Canadian Clean Energy Workforce Consortium. His expertise has taken him to present on clean energy and nuclear development in countries like Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and Singapore, representing Team Canada internationally and visiting Fukushima for an on-site view of reactor recovery.
With over 20 years in senior technology roles at BlackBerry, Rogers, Kobo, and SOMA Networks, Francis also managed an engineering consultancy for over a decade. He holds a patent in secure communications and is a lead author of Cybersecurity in Canada, the national post-secondary textbook published by Emond.
With more than 1,000 appearances in broadcast and print media, he delivers a biweekly segment to 28 CBC stations nationwide, regularly appears on Global News, Bell Media, Corus Radio, and CHCH, and serves as a source for Canada's National Observer on issues of nuclear expansion and energy sovereignty.
Francis is available for consulting engagements, keynotes, panels, and executive workshops, focusing on the critical areas of AI integration, clean energy, and cybersecurity.
Francis is the author of a leading Canadian-focused textbook on cybersecurity that delves into the role of AI integration in enhancing security measures, a resource widely adopted in post-secondary institutions across Canada. The textbook also highlights the importance of clean energy in the realm of cybersecurity.