Written by: Jennifer King
At Boundless Accelerator, we are honoured to work with visionary entrepreneurs who not only drive innovation but also embody rich cultural heritages that shape their missions and values. One such entrepreneur is Dean Bittner, the CTO and Founder of RUNWITHIT Synthetics Inc. (RWI). Dean’s journey with RWI is a testament to the power of Indigenous entrepreneurship and the profound impact it can have on addressing global challenges.
The Vision Behind RWI Synthetics
RUNWITHIT Synthetics Inc. invites experts, strategists, and forward-thinking problem solvers to engage with its cutting-edge platform for synthetic data, modeling, and visualization. This platform enables the convergence of effort and intellect to tackle some of today’s and tomorrow’s most pressing challenges in urban, regional, and community settings. Through scientific and AI-based computer modeling, data, and virtual reality visualization, RWI has become a pivotal player in solving complex issues such as energy transition, decarbonization, mobility, workforce development, disaster management, urban planning, and community development.
Impressive Achievements
To date, RWI has synthesized over 250 cities and more than 50 million synthetic people, running diverse scenarios that inform strategic decisions on various critical fronts. Their work has garnered numerous accolades, including the prestigious UN UNIDO Global Call Award for Decarbonizing Emerging Urban Environments. This award recognized RWI’s collaboration with the Toyota Mobility Foundation in decarbonizing transportation in Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, RWI received Taiwan’s Gold Medal Mobility Award, underscoring its impact on a global scale.
Rooted in Indigenous Values
Dean Bittner’s work at RWI is deeply influenced by his Indigenous heritage. The company’s corporate values draw from the Cree way of life, emphasizing respect, collaboration, and a forward-looking approach that honours both ancestors and future generations. RWI’s unique technology-enabled storytelling serves not only today’s youth but also supports the preservation of the natural world, striving to create a better tomorrow for all.
RWI calls Edmonton home, known traditionally as Beaver Hills House (amisk-wa-see wask-a-hee-gan) / Amiskwaciy Waskahikan. For centuries, First Nations people have gathered here, much like how RWI now gathers innovative minds to exchange ideas and create mutual understanding. This historical context of trade, culture, and mutual respect profoundly influences RWI’s mission and approach.
A Legacy of Resilience and Innovation
Dean Bittner is a sixth-generation descendant of Mistawasis, a lead negotiator and signatory of Treaty 6. His heritage includes a blend of European and Indigenous ancestry, comprising Cree, Nakota, Métis, and settler roots. Dean describes himself as “otipemisiwak,” a Cree term meaning “those who decide for themselves,” reflecting his Métis identity and connection to his ancestors who fought alongside Louis Riel.
The legacy of Mistawasis, known for his remarkable feat of bringing down a bison with just a knife, symbolizes resilience and innovation—a spirit that Dean carries forward in his work with RWI. This connection to his heritage guides Dean in honouring, respecting, preserving, and celebrating his bond with the natural world and his commitment to future generations.
Welcoming You to the Journey
At RWI, the team welcomes you to understand more about who they are and what they do. They invite you to join in their mission of sharing, discussing, exchanging, and celebrating the possibilities of technology and innovation. In the tradition of their ancestors, RWI continues the time-honoured practice of gathering to create a better world for all those yet to come.
Tawaw—there is room. Join us in celebrating Indigenous entrepreneurship and the remarkable work of Dean Bittner and RUNWITHIT Synthetics. Together, we can forge a path toward a sustainable and inclusive future.
We take immense pride in our clients and their achievements, and today, we celebrate the incredible contributions of Indigenous entrepreneurs like Dean Bittner.
