Calgary’s technology sector has a strong presence in Avenue’s 2026 Top 40 Under 40, with seven honourees whose work spans artificial intelligence, robotics, digital health, clean technology, and advanced research.
Announced this month, the annual list recognizes Calgarians making an impact in business, research, and community life. This year’s technology-related recipients include entrepreneurs building companies with international reach and university researchers developing solutions to some of today’s biggest challenges.
Some are already familiar to Calgary.tech readers, including leaders behind a billion-card robotics milestone and one of the city’s most significant recent digital-health transactions.
Entrepreneurs Making Their Mark
Graeme Gordon, President and CEO of TCG Machines, has turned a card-sorting challenge into a global robotics business. The Calgary manufacturer’s machines have sorted more than one billion trading cards across more than 20 countries, a milestone Calgary.tech reported in August.
Kelsey Hahn, CEO and Co-Founder of Monark, is using AI to make leadership development and executive coaching more accessible. Founded in 2020, the company has raised more than $5 million and now serves over 60 clients.
Caley Shukalek, Chief Medical Officer of PurposeMed, helped build a digital-health platform that has delivered care to more than 50,000 patients. Calgary.tech recently covered a planned US$250-million deal involving its Freddie business and Grindr.
Alexandra Petre, CEO of Deep Sky, is advancing carbon-removal technology. The company’s direct-air-capture facility in Innisfail began delivering verified carbon-removal credits this year, placing Alberta at the forefront of a developing climate technology industry.
Research Shaping the Future
Mostafa Farrokhabadi, an Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering, uses AI and machine learning to help utilities forecast electricity demand, manage increasingly complex grids, and improve reliability.
Wilten Nicola, a University of Calgary Computational Neuroscientist and Co-Founder of Synaptrain Technologies, is developing brain-inspired computing technology. His research could help produce more energy-efficient chips and AI systems.
Mariana Pinheiro Bento, an Associate Professor at the University of Calgary, is developing more trustworthy AI tools for medical imaging. Her work aims to reduce bias in diagnostic systems and improve accuracy for underserved patients.
Together, these honourees demonstrate the breadth of Calgary’s innovation ecosystem, from fast-growing technology businesses to university research with commercialization potential.
Avenue’s 2026 Top 40 Under 40 class will be celebrated on November 19 at Mount Royal University’s Bella Concert Hall.
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