Even with digital transformation sweeping across the Western world, trades remain as topical as ever. With unprecedented levels of immigration stacked on top of unaffordable housing, the need for industrial-level innovation in Canada is tremendous. That is part of why we’re seeing Alberta companies such as Mercator AI, Arthrotó, and PolarBlock blend tech and industry to advance […]
News
AgTech Startup HEMPALTA Introducing Industrial Hemp Carbon Credits to Canada
HEMPALTA, a local company focused on hemp processing and product creation, is partnering with UK-based Hemp Carbon Standard, a leading carbon platform for industrial hemp farming, to enter the growing carbon credits market space. It represents a milestone for HEMPALTA’s focus on sustainable business practices and provides the company with a valuable new revenue stream […]
Alberta Professionals Both Optimistic and Skeptical When It Comes to AI at Work
We learned recently from a Canadian analysis that businesses in Alberta may be lagging in terms of adopting generative artificial intelligence tools. But how do employees feel? Recent data released by Salesforce shed insight in to how Canadian professionals in marketing, sales, commerce, and customer service roles feel about AI in 2023. Many think AI […]
Ontopical Raises $3.3 Million to Expand AI-Driven Government Contract Platform
Calgary’s Ontopical has secured a $3.3 million seed extension round co-led by Rhino Ventures and Graphite Ventures and supported by Accelerate Fund III. The round also incorporates a grant from Alberta Innovates. To date, Ontopical has raised over $6 million in funding. Ontopical’s AI-driven data and intelligence platform makes it possible for the private sector to detect early […]
FORM Innovates Construction Industry with PolarBlock Tech
Only about 1% of construction businesses in Alberta used AI last year. Regardless, construction innovation is booming in Alberta—through hustling startups orienting their tech around the space. Cofounded by Chloe Smith and Hogan Lee, real-time construction intelligence platform Mercator AI this year secured US$3.75 million in an oversubscribed seed round co-led by Freestyle Ventures and Builders VC. By mining […]
Seven Tech Companies Named Finalists for Small Biz Awards
Calgary’s Small Business Week kicks off this year on October 16 with the marquee Calgary Small Business Awards taking place on October 20. In preparation for the Awards gala, the Calgary Chamber of Commerce has announced the finalists for the 40th annual awards and a handful of tech-related companies have been shortlisted. Last year’s big winner was Goodlawyer as they […]
The Open Learning Lab at Bow Valley Square Revolutionizes Education in Calgary
In a groundbreaking transformation, what was once vacant office space in Bow Valley Square has emerged as the innovative Open Learning Lab. The 15,000-square-foot facility, generously provided by Oxford Properties, is a hub for a groundbreaking experiment involving numerous public, private, and non-profit organizations. Open learning differs from traditional learning by recognizing that learning can […]
Alberta Businesses Lag on AI Adoption in Canada, Analysis Finds
Canada launched the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy in 2017, the first of its kind in the country, building on the nation’s existing history of AI investments. The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research was assigned to lead the strategy, and three new AI research institutions were created to support the advancement of the tech—including the Alberta Machine […]
Beakerhead Celebrates 10 Years of Weird
Beakerhead‘s explosive blend of research and innovation returns this week as the annual festival celebrates its 10th anniversary. Featuring brand-new installations, interactive experiences and “mind-bending” performances, the event is ready to welcome the community into a world where science and art collide. Running from September 14 to 17 across three iconic Calgary locations, this year’s […]
Can ‘Agri-Solar’ Tech Solve Alberta Energy Tensions?
Last year, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation posited that the province of Alberta was on the verge of a “solar power gold rush.” Not long after, the federal government unveiled $160 million in investment for an array of solar projects across Alberta. But recently, Premier Danielle Smith temporarily halted “renewable energy” development in the province in […]