The robots are coming to Calgary. Are you prepared?

Calgary startups are stacking up awards, and Avatar Ventures introduce five new companies

Author

Emily Edwards
January 21, 2024

Welcome to this week's Sunday Briefing. In this issue, discover the year of tech awards, plus eight other stories you may have missed. Have a great day. We'll see you again on Wednesday.

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🗳️ Question of the Week

What percentage of new tech investment landed in Alberta in 2023?

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Calgary is stacking up startup awards

It’s no secret that the Alberta tech and startup community is thriving. With local favourites like Eavor Technologies and Zayzoon raising millions in financing in 2023, it’s clear to see that investors are taking note — and they’re not the only ones.

Calgary, and its tech companies, are being recognized as continental leaders in technology. In 2023, StartupBlink and Startup Genome named Calgary as a frontrunner in clean and energy tech. Pitchbook followed by ranking the city as the 12th fastest-growing technology ecosystem in the world in November.

Deloitte also ranked several Calgary-based companies in their Top 50 fastest-growing list, including Neo Financial as the number one company to watch, among others such as Eavor, PurposeMed, and ZayZoon.

“Alberta’s tech sector is booming,” said Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation. “Technology is not just an industry, it is the future of all industries and as a rising tide lifts all boats. A strong tech sector means a strong economy,”

🤝 Funding, Deals, and Partnerships

🚀 Avatar launches five new Venture companies for 2023 Program

Avatar works with industry to create and implement energy innovations, placing them at the forefront of energy transition. The organization announced it will be welcoming five new companies to the cleantech space in Alberta, and the world.
 
Waste2H2 — Converts organic waste into hydrogen for enhanced RNG production and creating efficient, eco-friendly fuel.

Splice N Connect — Provides continuous monitoring of underground power cables to enable proactive maintenance and improve system reliability.
 
H2Oasis — Builds a novel water bottle filtration system solving for water insecurity.
 
ScopeXmarkets — Offfers a platform for carbon-neutral flights from anywhere.
 
LOxStep — Provides natural gas precombustion to formic acid with zero emissions.

Purposemed, a health technology company focused on equity in healthcare, was featured in the Calgary Economic Development’s Life Tech, Love Life series.

  • Calgary named GOAT in global tech start-ups in 2023. Alberta captured about 12.3% of all new tech investments in Canada last year. Western Standard

  • Tech industry expecting more layoffs, but say hiring coming too this year. Two weeks into January, major tech firms such as Google, Amazon, Discord, Instagram, and Duolingo have already made job cuts, and several other firms are rumoured to soon be following suit. CityNews

  • UCalgary researchers use AI to help municipal officials sift through social media noise. Determining emotion through text could help make better decisions on urban planning. University of Calgary

  • Calgary’s biggest hackathon coming up again in February 2024. The hackathon has moved over to Bow Valley College and will take place during Calgary's Chinook Blast Festival. Livewire Calgary

  • Artificial intelligence meets the artificial body. INVENTURE$ 2024 brought Ameca, the advanced humanoid robot, to Calgary. Alberta Innovates

  • Calgary YMCA eSports pilot looks at league system with in-person tournaments. The Calgary YMCA’s goal of providing healthy competitive eSports options for youth has taken a big step towards a higher level of competition, with the launch of in-person tournaments starting this month. Livewire Calgary

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