Mr. Kulbir Colin Singh Dhillon

Kulbir [Colin] Singh Dhillon is a Canadian innovation strategist and technology leader with over 30 years of experience driving transformation across advanced manufacturing, mobility, and artificial intelligence. As President of ImagineQ Inc., an innovation consultancy, he leads strategic research, design, and advisory initiatives across mobility, smart cities, and digital manufacturing, helping organizations anticipate trends, build innovation capacity, and navigate the AI-driven future.

A recognized architect of large-scale innovation ecosystems, Colin serves on several advisory bodies, including the Canadian Semiconductor Council, Humber Polytechnic’s Industrial Design Advisory Committee, and NGen; Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing, where he contributes on its 5G Advisory Group. His work at the intersection of policy, design, and manufacturing is shaping strategic capacity in clean mobility, semiconductors, and digital transformation.

As Co-founder of the Centre for Designing Change (CDC), a not-for-profit “full-spectrum innovation agency,” Colin leads national-scale programs supporting governments, industry, and academia, globally. CDC’s initiatives span digital transformation, AI implementation, cybersecurity readiness, and ecosystem development, delivering tangible outcomes that strengthen Canada’s industrial and technological resilience.

Previously, as Chief Technical Officer of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA), Colin led Project Arrow, Canada’s first zero-emission vehicle prototype, described by industry experts as the most innovative Canadian prototype since the legendary Avro Arrow. This groundbreaking initiative showcased Canada’s full supply chain capabilities in clean technology and advanced manufacturing, helping catalyze more than $40 billion in investment into the country’s electric vehicle sector.

Today, Colin’s teams at CDC are advancing supply-chain strategies and manufacturing capabilities for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the nuclear energy sector and leading Canada’s first open-source humanoid robotics initiative, blending robotics, AI, and open collaboration to reimagine the future of caregiving, mobility, and public service.

He also serves as Business Development and Strategy Lead at NuPort Robotics, advancing autonomous logistics and AI-driven mobility to support Canada’s transition toward safer, cleaner, and more intelligent transportation systems.

A global keynote speaker and AI thought leader, Colin’s international bestseller, Soulful AI, explores how emotional, spiritual, and adversity intelligence must be embedded into artificial intelligence to ensure a more compassionate technological future. His earlier book, The Three Houses: Journey to a Better Life, became an Amazon #1 bestseller and continues to inform leadership and organizational design frameworks worldwide.

Colin’s commitment to culture and community is reflected in his role as co-founder and past President of the Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada. His contributions have earned national and royal recognition, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and recognition among the Global 500 Sikh Role Models.

Colin’s appointment to Optimax Aces Global Partners brings deep expertise in AI strategy, advanced manufacturing, and foresight-driven industrial transformation, bridging ecosystems across Canada, India, and the global stage. His work strengthens Optimax Aces’ mission to integrate technology foresight with policy, defence, and regulatory excellence, empowering governments, enterprises, and institutions to build resilient, innovation-led economies.