Calgary has officially cemented its role as a national innovation leader with the launch of Canada’s first XPRIZE Hub, hosted by the University of Calgary.
Backed by a $1.5 million investment from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), the new hub positions the city alongside global innovation centres such as Glasgow and Geneva.
For over 30 years, XPRIZE has driven technological breakthroughs through high-profile global competitions, spurring advances in everything from space travel to carbon removal.
The XPRIZE Canada Hub in Calgary is the first international hub to launch as part of XPRIZE’s mission to establish a physical global presence and deepen collaboration with innovators worldwide to drive exponential change.
The Calgary hub will now serve as a national focal point for XPRIZE’s mission, bringing together academia, industry, and government to tackle global challenges.
“As we aim to expand XPRIZE’s global impact, our Hubs will play a pivotal role in fostering connections with innovators worldwide to address the most urgent challenges facing humanity,” said Anousheh Ansari, CEO XPRIZE.
“The University of Calgary is the ideal premier partner for the XPRIZE Canada Hub with its strong commitment to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Together we will build a strong startup ecosystem to build scalable solutions toward a better future for all.”
The Canadian XPRIZE Hub is part of a four-year agreement with OCIF and will focus on fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-sector collaboration. Funding will be tied to key milestones, including the creation of five permanent jobs, support for 14 local companies, training for 35 individuals, and the hosting of three global events in Calgary.
“Calgary is where bright minds and big ideas come together to solve global challenges,” said Brad Parry, CEO of OCIF and Calgary Economic Development. “This partnership will bring world-class talent to Calgary to develop groundbreaking ideas that build economic resilience while putting our city on the map as a global innovation hub.”
Calgary was selected for its strong track record in entrepreneurship, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and its growing appeal to investors. The XPRIZE Canada Hub will accelerate commercialization efforts, support local startups, and amplify the city’s influence on the global stage.
The initiative is seen as a strategic investment in Calgary’s long-term economic resilience and growth, further solidifying its status as Canada’s innovation capital.
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