After years of dominating Calgary’s tech event landscape, Tech Thursday—the grassroots event series that has become a cornerstone of Canada’s innovation community—is growing once again.
The weekly meetup, already a staple in Calgary and Winnipeg, is launching new chapters in Ottawa on May 1st and Edmonton on May 8th, expanding its footprint to four Canadian cities.
What began in 2022 as a Neo Financial-led initiative to foster community among senior tech professionals has since evolved into a nationwide platform for collaboration and insight-sharing. In July 2024, Tech Thursday officially became an independent company under the leadership of Philippe Burns, with a mission to unite Canada’s historically siloed tech ecosystems through consistent, community-driven programming.
“Tech Thursday has played a crucial role in fostering a vibrant tech community in both Calgary and Winnipeg,” said Amanda Broos, Chief People Officer at Neo Financial. “We’re proud to support Tech Thursday and we’re thrilled to see their impact expand into new markets.”
Each week, Tech Thursday hosts events built around four core themes: Technical Deep Dives, Local Trends, Business Growth & Strategy, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI). Designed to feel like live podcasts, each session is intimate, high-energy, and packed with actionable insights from founders, operators, and investors.
With local champions in place, the latest expansion is being tailored to the unique strengths of each new city. In Ottawa, the chapter will be led by Darryl Bandoro, Principal at VU Venture Partners and a longtime supporter of Canada’s early-stage startup ecosystem.
“Our goal is to spark the collisions that drive innovation by creating a weekly forum where serendipity thrives,” said Bandoro. “It’s an honour to help bring Tech Thursday to Ottawa alongside an incredible group of local leaders.”
In Edmonton, leadership comes from Ken Bautista and Seanna Baxter of Edmonton Unlimited, with strategic support from Tessa Vriend of API.
“We’re creating a space that enriches important conversations and showcases Edmonton as a key hub in Canada’s tech network,” said Bautista, VP of Venture & Community at Edmonton Unlimited.
The momentum behind Tech Thursday continues to grow. A one-time event is also slated for Toronto during Toronto Tech Week on June 26th, underscoring the series’ national ambitions.
“People are choosing to grow or start companies in Winnipeg because of the community that’s forming around these events,” said Paul Card, CEO of Manitoba Innovates and Winnipeg Tech Thursday Lead.
Open to product leaders, marketers, founders, investors, and tech enthusiasts alike, Tech Thursday aims to be the connective tissue that strengthens Canada’s innovation economy—one week at a time.
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