Calgary-based Lightstrike, a startup specializing in application dependency management, has raised its first external funding round, a $1.1 million seed round. Led by Sprout Fund II, the investment was supported by a US-based angel syndicate, including a founding member of Robinhood, Alberta family offices, and Weave VC. Lightstrike, which operates at the intersection of artificial […]
Alberta Innovates
Alberta Innovates ‘Invigorating’ Agricultural Sector Through Investment into Technology
Alberta boasts more than 50 million acres of farmland, while Canada has agriculture-related trade agreements with over 50 other nations—giving the province’s producers market access to 1.5 billion people. To further capitalize on this opportunity, new research funding from Alberta Innovates is targeting technologies that could benefit local food producers as well as open new […]
Upcoming Alberta Conference to Showcase Latest Advancements in Ag-Tech
The upcoming AgSmart 2024 conference is designed with the modern farmer in mind as the event aims to provide producers with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s increasingly competitive agricultural landscape. Taking place on July 30 and July 31 at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, this year’s 5th anniversary edition of […]
Alberta Seeks to Accelerate Adoption of Autonomous Agriculture Solutions in Canada
Alberta Innovates is utilizing smart farm networks to foster collaboration between farmers and technologists. Unlike the confines of a laboratory or office, where practical application of emerging tech is minimal, smart farms allow for authentic battle-testing of products and services. This real-world environment provides fertile ground to grow agriculture innovation, according to the provincial organization—offering […]
Alberta Innovates Garners $10M to Help Commercialize Carbon Fibre Innovation
Alberta Innovates recently received funding to establish a specialized production and testing facility that will aim to commercialize technologies which convert Alberta-sourced bitumen into carbon fibre. The provincial organization garnered $10 million from Prairies Economic Development Canada’s Regional Innovation Ecosystems program, it was announced this week. “This funding will accelerate the development and commercialization of […]
Alberta Innovates Shuffles Leadership Team with Eye on ‘Bold New Strategic Direction’
Alberta Innovates, which has contributed to 1,300 projects in a portfolio valued at $1.3 billion, is “embarking on a significant leadership transition,” the provincial innovation engine announced this week. Effective immediately, chief executive officer Laura Kilcrease is no longer with Alberta Innovates, as the organization looks toward a “bold new strategic direction,” according to chairman […]
Leveling Up Alberta: Scaffold’s Power Play to Transform the Gaming Industry
A brand new initiative wants to revolutionize Alberta’s gaming industry landscape with startups at the forefront. In partnership with Alberta Innovates and PrairiesCan, Scaffold aims to double the number of small and medium-sized businesses in the province’s gaming sector by fostering innovation and attracting investment for promising startups. Led by Matt Toner, Managing Partner of Shred Capital, […]
Alberta Innovates Launches $4.25 Million IDEATE Program to Accelerate Digital Health Innovations
Today at the Inventures conference in Calgary Alberta Innovates announced funding for a new program called IDEATE – the Innovative Digital Engagement and Tech Evaluation in Alberta. Developed in partnership with Prairies Economic Development Canada, IDEATE promises to help innovators find technology testers and validators that will help advance their ideas into the marketplace quickly […]
Alberta Health Care Advances with $9.5M Boost for AI Innovations from Alberta Innovates
Alberta health care is a step closer to getting a boost from artificial intelligence technology that can create better care, support doctors and improve diagnoses and treatment thanks to new funding from Alberta Innovates. Ten university research teams and two private companies are being granted $9.5 million through a new program to address barriers that […]
Alberta Innovates Commits Further Investment into Life Sciences Sector
Life sciences innovation in Alberta is set for a boost as the province continues to invest in the sector. Alberta Innovates announced this week that it is once again investing in the growth of Alberta’s clinical trial workforce through an annual competition offering graduate and postdoctoral trainee salary awards. The growth of Alberta’s clinical trial […]