Positive perceptions of Calgary as an economy and a place to do business has “risen dramatically despite ongoing economic uncertainty,” according to an annual report. Research conducted by Stone-Olafson involved asking business leaders from key North American markets such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Silicon Valley about their impressions of Alberta’s tech and entrepreneurship hub. Those […]
Calgary Economic Development
Amid ‘Complex Economic Landscape,’ Blue Sky City Makes Moves to Support Innovation
Experts this month descended on Calgary for the annual 2026 Economic Outlook event. The annual affair, hosted by Calgary Economic Development and supported by ATB Financial, included keynotes and a fireside chat that explored the economic landscape of Alberta and Canada. Currently, Calgary’s unemployment rate is nearly 8%, a full percentage point higher than the […]
Calgary Economic Development Backs Local Founders at Birmingham Tech Week
Calgary’s tech scene is stepping onto the international stage this week as local companies showcase Alberta innovation at Birmingham Tech Week, the UK’s largest regional tech festival and conference. Supported by Calgary Economic Development (CED), the trade mission connects Alberta entrepreneurs with global investors, partners, and policymakers while promoting Calgary’s fast-growing technology ecosystem. The delegation […]
OCIF Invests $367K in The Knowledge Society to Power Calgary’s Youth Innovation
The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) is deepening its commitment to youth innovation with up to $367,000 in new funding for The Knowledge Society (TKS), a global accelerator program preparing high school students to tackle real-world challenges in AI, quantum, and other emerging fields. The investment comes as Alberta grapples with a youth unemployment rate […]
Calgary Region Unites to Attract Global Investment
Eight municipalities have launched Invest Greater Calgary (IGC), a three-year pilot initiative to attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen the region’s position as a leading North American business hub. Hosted by Calgary Economic Development (CED), the partnership brings together the City of Airdrie, City of Calgary, City of Chestermere, Town of Cochrane, Foothills County, Town […]
Adnaan Wasey Appointed Calgary Film Commissioner to Lead City’s Screen Sector Growth
Calgary Economic Development has named Adnaan Wasey as the city’s new Film Commissioner, a high-profile appointment that underscores Calgary’s ambition to scale its screen sector and cement its status as a world-class production destination. Born in Toronto and currently based in New York City, Wasey brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across media […]
Calgary Recognized as Emerging Tech Hub in Startup Genome’s 2025 Global Report
Calgary has been named an “Emerging Ecosystem to Watch” in Startup Genome’s 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER), as the city’s tech sector continues to diversify and grow rapidly. According to the report, Calgary’s startup ecosystem is now valued at $6.7 billion, marking a 13% increase since 2023. The city ranks among the Top 30 […]
Calgary Emerges as Canada’s Fastest-Growing Startup Ecosystem in 2025
Calgary is making waves on the global innovation stage, securing its place as Canada’s fastest-growing startup ecosystem in 2025. According to the latest Global Startup Ecosystem Index by StartupBlink, the city climbed 15 spots to rank 92nd worldwide—marking the largest jump among Canada’s top 10 ecosystems. Calgary also overtook Kitchener to become the fifth-ranked startup […]
Calgary Launches Bold Innovation Strategy to Drive $28 Billion in Economic Growth
In an ambitious push to future-proof its economy amid growing global trade disruptions and geopolitical volatility, Calgary Economic Development has unveiled a sweeping innovation strategy aimed at positioning the city as the innovation capital of Canada. Announced at the 2025 Report to the Community event, the new strategy lays out a roadmap for Calgary to […]
Boost Your Aerospace Innovation: Apply Now for Innovate Calgary’s Aerospace Accelerator Program
Do you have innovation that addresses challenges faced by the aerospace sector? If you need a boost to launch your solution on the market, this accelerator program may be for you. Funded by Calgary Economic Development’s Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund and Prairies Economic Development Canada, and supported by inaugural industry partners including WestJet, the Calgary Airport Authority, and Chapter AI Ventures, […]