Innovation Week well underway in Calgary

Welcome to this week's Sunday Briefing. In this issue, read about the launch of Innovation Week, plus six other stories you've probably missed. Have a great day. We'll see you again on Wednesday.

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Innovation Week well underway in Calgary

Innovation Week is in full swing and runs until November 23, celebrating the people and ideas that are having an impact on the Calgary technology sector and around the world.

The week includes over 100 themed panels, workshops, pitch competitions, showcases, and peer-to-peer meetups, bringing together thousands of people from the startup-curious to savvy innovation investors and seasoned entrepreneurs.

Platform Calgary kicked things off on Tuesday evening with a fireside chat featuring the Honourable Nate Glubish, Alberta’s minister of technology and innovation. Glubish was joined by Breanne Everett, founder and CEO of Orpyx, and Nina Bernasconi, one of the first 20 employees at SkipTheDishes and director of financial partners at Neo Financial.

"Tech is not just an industry, it is the future of all industries,” said Glubish. “With exciting new developments in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and more, Calgary's tech sector is driving diversification and economic growth like never before."

“When you bring so many brilliant minds together into one place, the results are palpable,” commented Terry Rock, president and CEO of Platform Calgary. ”We are excited to be able to offer so much expertise in one place, from entrepreneurs of all levels and their teams, corporate and community partners, to technology professionals, all the way to the investors who help to finance big ideas.”

Innovation Week wraps up on Wednesday, November 23 with Launch Party, a celebration of Calgary’s technology sector and what has become a catalyst for the brightest up-and-coming startups across southern Alberta.

🗳️ Question of the Week

🤝 Funding, Deals, and Partnerships

• Neo and JA Canada partnered to provide the next generation of financial tools for students. The JA Money card marks a turning point for young Canadians, centered around financial education, digital convenience, and rewards for students. Neo Financial

• UCeed Investment Funds celebrated three years. Canada’s first and largest philanthropic, university-based investment fund has so far invested $6.19 million into 44 companies. Innovate Calgary

• Inventures brought millions in business investment to Calgary. Alberta Innovates’ signature conference generated millions of dollars in economic impact and deal-making for Calgary and Alberta companies this year, according to a new study measuring the event’s impact. Innovate Alberta

📰 Need To Know

• Opinion: Growing tech sector 'disrupts' industry to gain equal footing. Canada's tech community is applauding a proposal by the Alberta government that would allow more workers to use the "software engineer" title. Calgary Herald 

• Ambyint is repatriating its headquarters to Calgary after three years in Houston. Ambyint CEO says Alberta’s “strong tech ecosystem” fuelled the move back to Canada. BetaKit

• Uber bringing Tasks pilot to Edmonton. Coming to your door soon — if you order it on your phone, that is — someone to shovel your driveway, mow your lawn, assemble furniture, wash your clothes and more, through Uber. CTV News

• Varcoe: Alberta chasing more unicorns as tech investment bucks trend. It’s been a remarkable run for the industry, says Varcoe, with a diversified economy, new jobs created, and attraction of investment. Calgary Herald