The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF), with support from the Government of Alberta, has launched a new funding stream—OCIF Express—to rapidly deploy up to $3.5 million into 23 Calgary-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), fuelling job creation, skills training, and innovation across key sectors. With a focus on projects under 24 months in duration, OCIF […]
Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF)
Calgary Named Home to Canada’s First XPRIZE Hub
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 […]
Calgary Approves $60M Boost for OCIF to Fuel Innovation and Economic Growth
The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) will receive an additional $60 million over the next four years to continue driving economic diversification and innovation in the city. Calgary City Council approved the new funding this week in $15 million annual tranches, drawn from the city’s Fiscal Stability Reserve. OCIF CEO Brad Parry said the investment […]
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 […]
Calgary Invests in Quantum Future with $675K Boost to QAI Ventures
The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) is committing up to $675,000 over the next three years to QAI Ventures to bolster Calgary’s emerging quantum technology sector and accelerate the development of homegrown talent and startups. The strategic investment will support a two-phase program — a pre-accelerator and an accelerator — to train 54 individuals and […]
Lufthansa Technik Establishes Western Canada HQ in Calgary
Calgary has landed a significant aerospace industry win as Lufthansa Technik (LHT) establishes its Western Canada headquarters at the city’s airport. The move marks a major step in positioning Calgary as a leading hub for aviation innovation, talent, and industry collaboration. The decision by LHT, a global leader in aircraft maintenance and repair, is expected […]
OCIF Invests $709,000 in SAIT Aerospace Lab to Boost Calgary’s Economy
The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) has announced a three-year investment of up to $709,000 in the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology’s (SAIT) Aerospace Composite Materials Lab (ACML). This initiative aims to strengthen Calgary’s aerospace sector, diversify the local economy, and address critical workforce skill gaps. The funding will enable the ACML to enhance Calgary’s […]
Calgary Invests in Tech Talent Development Through TECHNATION Partnership
The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) is committing $862,500 to TECHNATION to support 250 work-integrated learning (WIL) placements in Calgary’s tech sector over the next seven months. This investment aims to strengthen the city’s tech talent pipeline while promoting economic diversification. “Calgary is continuing to demonstrate its leadership as a tech hub,” said Mayor Jyoti […]
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, […]
OCIF Invests $996,000 in SAIT’s ACT Hub to Boost Construction Innovation
Today the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) announced an investment of almost $1 million over three years into the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology’s (SAIT) Alternative Construction Technologies (ACT) Hub to accelerate new construction and manufacturing materials and processes development. Part of the Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials (CIRAMM) within […]