INNOVATE™ Alberta by Sven Boermeester

VOLUME 1

ALBERTA

InnovationsoftheWorld.com

The “INNOVATETM ALBERTA” Team would like to give a special thanks to all the participants and the following companies for their support and assistance in making this project a reality.

Meet the people that are building a better ALBERTA for tomorrow

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INNOVATETM ALBERTA: A MULTIMEDIA EXPERIENCE AND MORE.”

SVEN BOERMEESTER - FOUNDER/CEO, INTERNATIONAL GROUP PUBLISHER Sven Boermeester - Founder/CEO, International Group Publisher with Callie Van Graan - President, Global Village Publishing Inc.

INNOVATETM Alberta showcases the best of Alberta’s innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Embedded on some pages you will find augmented reality videos, when used with the free GLOBAL VILLAGE APP, the world of the future will open up before you.

This inaugural edition of INNOVATETM Alberta is part of a global series. We are currently launching volumes in cities throughout the Globalvillagepublishinginc.com publishing partnership network. By experiencing INNOVATETM Alberta, you are part of our Global Village network, and we are happy to have you join us. I trust you will enjoy the journey of the innovate series.

But “INNOVATE™ Alberta” is not just a tech-enhanced publication. It’s a multi-faceted experience that transcends the deluxe hardcover coffee-table book in your hands. Enriched with AR videos, a comprehensive online platform, and expansive social media networking, it is a seamless blend of the tangible and the digital. On the web, the complete e-book will potentially reach millions through the InnovationsoftheWorld.com online library.

Sven Boermeester Founder/CEO International Group Publisher

This publication aims to celebrate those involved in the Alberta ecosystem, but it is also meant for all business leaders and decision-makers who can effect change in their industries throughout Alberta, Canada and the world. We publish INNOVATETM Alberta for the open-minded folk who want to know more about the exciting changes that have recently transpired in the Alberta ecosystem, and who play or want to play an active role in its growth and development.

Brahm Glickman Associate Publisher

Tamlyn Bischofberger Global Village COO

Ravi Handve Designer

Gia Bischofberger Production Director

Evan Rothman Editor & Writer

Anita Govender Web Development

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I HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE TO LIVE IN DIFFERENT JURISDICTIONS AROUND THE WORLD IN MY ACADEMIC CAREER, AND I CAN CONFIDENTLY SAY THAT ALBERTA’S INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM HAS SPECTACULAR ELEMENTS. DR. EDWARD MCCAULEY, PHD, FRSC PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

Entrepreneurial thinking and innovation are embedded in our DNA. Although if you ask most Albertans, they’re usually quite humble about how we’re attracting interest from around the world for our blue-sky thinking. Just like our home province, the University of Calgary is comprised of a diverse mosaic of free thinkers who dare to aim higher. We are not afraid of taking risks, or being unique disruptors, or pursuing new paths. Nimbly sidestepping the curveballs of constant change and obsolescence, UCalgary is firmly focused on the future. The passion, curiosity and ambition of our scholars don’t just keep pace with the evolution of art, science, medicine, design and technology; we surpass it. UCalgary’s reputation as an innovation hub is already delivering results: the No. 1 startup creator among all research universities in Canada; nearly $3 billion in equity value creation by Creative Destruction Lab - Rockies alumni companies; transdisciplinary research that integrates knowledge and methods across several disciplines; global recognition from the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial & Engaged Universities as a top performer in North America, and much more. In fact, UCalgary is a leading destination for those who are taking action to move their ideas toward implementation and community impact.

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The UCalgary research ecosystem supports these efforts through a culture of entrepreneurial thinking and a determination to trailblaze and innovate. We enable ambition and excellence, and we see challenges as opportunities in our singular mission – to dare to imagine ahead of tomorrow.

University of Calgary UCalgaryresearch ucalgary

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INNOVATION DISTRICTS ARE DYNAMIC, DIVERSE ECOSYSTEMS THAT THRIVE ON THE COLLECTIVE STRENGTH OF INDIVIDUALS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE. TRAVIS OBERG, DIRECTOR OF DESIGN, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY PROPERTIES GROUP

In a rapidly changing world, where the boundaries of what is possible continue to expand, the essence of innovation lies at the heart of progress. It is not confined to sterile laboratories or academic institutions; rather, it thrives in vibrant communities where collaboration, creativity, and a sense of place converge. These communities of innovation, often referred to as innovation districts, are the nexus of research, economic development, and placemaking. In Alberta, where the spirit of innovation has long been intertwined with the province’s pioneering history, these districts are carving out spaces that inspire transformative thinking, redefine urban landscapes, propelling society forward.

But this evolution is not limited to technology alone; it encompasses urban sustainability, resilience, and thoughtful planning for a future that balances economic growth, social equity, and environmental well-being. In this context, urban planning becomes a canvas for innovation. Innovation districts are dynamic, diverse ecosystems that thrive on the collective strength of individuals from all walks of life. A tapestry of age ranges, experiences, talents, and perspectives converges to form a rich backdrop where innovation flourishes. They are designed to adapt to the changing tides of creativity and progress, offering spaces where people can be inspired, live, work, play, learn, and ultimately innovate.

Calgary and Edmonton – Alberta’s largest cities, each have a unique role to play in this narrative. As they forge their own paths, their collaborative spirit is what will raise the province onto the global stage. While innovation may manifest differently in the future, the spaces we create must remain adaptable and inspirational. The essence of change should permeate every facet of communities of innovation, becoming an integral part of their DNA.

The power of innovation cannot be underestimated. It reshapes the very fabric of our society, economy, and culture, laying the groundwork for a future that transcends our current capabilities. As we reflect on our past achievements and look to the future, it becomes clear that innovation is not solely about breakthroughs in science or technology. It is about deepening 6

our understanding of where we have been and charting a course for where we are going. This journey is a collaborative one, requiring not only the ingenuity of brilliant minds, entrepreneurs, researchers and startups, but also the places that foster creative thinking and meaningful relationships. As Alberta embraces its role as a beacon of innovation, it needs to envision a future where creativity and innovation unite. Innovation districts are not mere clusters of research institutions; they are vibrant, multi-faceted spaces that seamlessly integrate various uses, from research centers to hotels, residences, and retail establishments. From reimagining transportation and energy systems to nurturing green spaces innovation infuses these complex systems with new possibilities. Through strong collaboration and a commitment to cultivating vibrant spaces, Alberta is poised to become a global leader in harnessing the power of innovation to shape a better tomorrow.

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THE TIME IS RIGHT… PUBLISHERS FOREWORD

Brahm Glickman Vice President Canada Publications and Associate Publisher Global Village Publishing Inc.

Alberta is currently going through an exciting transformation driven by innovation and technology, and the time is right to tell the story of the innovators, visionaries, and their respective startups, companies, organizations, and institutions that are coming together in Alberta to create the most significant changes that the province has seen in years. What you are now holding (or viewing online) is a wonderful, and important, celebration of one of Canada’s most vibrant innovation ecosystems.

From profiles of some of Alberta’s many exciting Startups and Ventures, to intriguing Thought Leader essays from the province’s respected thinkers in business, health sciences, and academics, this inaugural edition of INNOVATE Alberta will take you on a voyage of discovery through its stunning visual presentation, and via the magic of Augmented Reality Videos found within its pages.

A publication of this scope could not be accomplished without the help and guidance of the many talented and enthusiastic people 8

who contributed incredible support and helped produce this extraordinary showcase of Alberta innovation. Special thanks must go out to our wonderful publishing partner and sponsor, University Innovation Quarter (UIQ), The University of Calgary, and to Maureen Henderson, Jacqueline Tran, Alicia Cafferata, Theresa Tayler, and Ian Macdonald. I also want to thank all the amazing participants that you will be reading about in this incredible initiative. We should all be proud of how these innovators are changing the world by the work

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being done, and discoveries being made in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and all the other areas of the province that are contributing in making Alberta an international hub of innovation. By telling the individual stories of the best and brightest who collectively, are the catalysts for this change, INNOVATE Alberta will help traverse the new roadmap of the Alberta innovation ecosystem. TM

Enjoy the ride... 9

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20 60 82 128 CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

THOUGHT LEADERS

INNOVATION ENABLERS

AT THE FOREFRONT OF ALBERTA INNOVATION

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

284 296 310 FINANCE & INVESTMENT

AI, DATA & TECHNOLOGY

CHAPTER FOUR

GROWING ALBERTA’S ENTREPRENEURIAL CULTURE

PUBLISHING IN

CREATIVE INNOVATION

PUBLISHING INC.

GLOBAL VILLAGE

Global Village CEO

Vice President Canada Publications & Associate Publisher

Art Direction & Design

info@globalvillage.world

Sven Boermeester Global Village President

Brahm Glickman

Editor & Writer

Globalvillagepublishinginc.com

Callie Van Graan Global Village COO

Production Director Gia Bischofberger

Tamlyn Bischofberger

Ravi Handve InnovationsoftheWorld.com GLOBAL VILLAGE Evan Rothman Web Development Anita Govender

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148 176 210 230 264 CHAPTER FIVE

INNOVATION IN ACADEMIA

CHAPTER SIX

LIFE SCIENCES, HEALTHCARE & MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

SOCIAL INNOVATION

ENERGY, GREEN TECH & SUSTAINABILITY

CHAPTER NINE

PUBLIC RELATIONS, CONSULTING & MARKETING

IT’S A KIND OF MAGIC...

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Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in The “INNOVATETM ALBERTA” Vol 1. Neither “INNOVATETM ALBERTA” nor Global Village assumes any responsibility for errors, omissions, nor submissions by participators. All rights reserved: No part of this publication shall be reproduced, copied, transmitted, adapted, or modified in any form or by any means.

MAKING AMBITIONS A REALITY

MAKING AMBITIONS A REALITY – ALBERTA’S INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO INVESTMENT ATTRACTION .

Photo by Ken Yam

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ALBERTA’S LEADING ROLE POWERING THE ENERGY TRANSITION

Sean Thonson - Jasper Natio nal Park

As one of the world’s largest oil and gas producers, Alberta has embraced its role in the energy transition.

ALBERTA IS THE HEADQUARTERS FOR BOLD THINKERS AND CREATIVE INNOVATORS

The province is taking concrete steps toward a low carbon future by reducing the carbon intensity of its electricity grid and oil and gas sector. It has transitioned away from coal, developed world-scale renewable energy projects, and invested in carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) technology. This commitment to sustainability has attracted interest and investment from industry leaders.

As one of North America’s premier investment attraction organizations, Invest Alberta expedites business operations, fosters collaboration, and goes the extra mile to ensure long-term success for businesses. With a robust entrepreneurial culture and team members strategically positioned worldwide, Invest Alberta breaks down barriers and offers tailored assistance to enable global investors to start up, scale up, and achieve unlimited success. Since its establishment in 2020, Invest Alberta has worked with economic development agencies, educational institutions, and various industries, to successfully attract nearly $20 billion in investments and create more than 25,000 jobs.

With more than $2 billion invested in renewable energy since July 2019, Alberta is an ideal location for companies pursuing renewable investment. One of its major cities, Calgary, is ranked as one of the world’s top cleantech ecosystems, and Alberta’s major oil and gas companies are investing heavily in cleantech, with most committing to net zero by 2050.

Known as one of Canada’s fastest-growing provinces and a prime business destination, Alberta has established itself as a place where bright talent across a wide range of industries thinks boldly and moves quickly to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges.

Companies including Dow Chemicals, ITOCHU, Mitsubishi, Shell, and Air Products are leveraging Alberta’s energy infrastructure, talent, competitive business environment, and world-class environmental standards to pursue some of the lowest cost, clean hydrogen in the world.

Alberta has a propensity for problem solving that has gained notability in the energy and agriculture sector. The province is actively diversifying its economy by capitalizing on growth in sectors including cleantech, technology, aviation, and more.

“I advocate for investment in Alberta by pointing to the province’s unique strengths. Specific to investments in hydrogen, the province has resources, infrastructure, viable geology for carbon capture and permanent storage, and a young, highly skilled population.”

With a strong economy, alongside a collaborative and business-friendly environment, young and educated talent pool, and easy access to global markets, Alberta is the ideal location for business expansion plans with many prominent companies having already discovered Alberta’s benefits.

— Rachel Smith, Vice President and General Manager at Air Products Canada 15

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Air Products Announcement - Edmonton, Alberta

ochu’s MOU Alberta and It

- Tokyo, Japa

It doesn’t stop there. Alberta is home to some of Canada’s best renewable resources, from wind and solar to bioenergy and geothermal. In 2020, Rystad Energy forecasted that by 2025, more than 80 per cent of wind and solar capacity built in Canada will be in Alberta. Tech giant Amazon, which is investing $4.3 billion in the region, chose Alberta for its largest renewable energy project in Canada – an 80-megawatt solar project in Newell County that will contribute enough energy to the grid to power more than 18,000 homes for a year. Also contributing to the rapid growth in this sector is PACE Canada, a global clean energy developer, which has relocated its Canadian head office to Alberta as the company scales up operations with a solar power plant in central Alberta.

“Alberta is one of the top business growth areas for cleantech making it an ideal location for PACE Canada’s future as we scale up our involvement in the clean energy sector through solar and increasingly moving into energy storage and green hydrogen. Being in Alberta gives us the opportunity to further expand our ability to service current and future market needs.” — Rob Denman, Managing Director of PACE Group and President of PACE Canada LP

MAGNETS FOR INNOVATION - ALBERTA’S AVIATION AND TECH SECTORS Alberta’s aviation sector is experiencing significant growth, fueled by a combination of strategic investments, innovative technologies, and a favourable business environment. Alberta’s prime location in Western Canada and strong infrastructure with two of the country’s largest airports position the province as a growing gateway for doing business throughout North America and worldwide.

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Mphasis offic

e opening - Ca

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The province boasts abundant land and excellent flying conditions, making it an attractive location for aviation leaders and innovators. De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited recognized these promising factors when the company selected Wheatland County as the site for a state-of-the-art aircraft assembly facility, parts manufacturing and distribution centres, and a maintenance centre. Its 1500-acre site will also be home to an educational space for training the workforce of the future as well as general office buildings and a De Havilland aircraft museum. The province’s commitment to developing and expanding the aviation industry is evident in the rising prominence of remotely piloted aircraft systems. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are being used in agriculture, oil and gas, and environmental monitoring. Alberta’s vast landscape and diverse industries provide an ideal testing ground for UAVs, attracting companies and researchers eager to explore the potential of this technology. The province’s supportive regulatory framework and collaboration between industry and academia position Alberta as a frontrunner in both development and deployment. Future-forward thinking is part of Alberta’s DNA – from new technologies like remotely piloted aircraft systems to artificial intelligence (AI). Alberta’s tech sector is experiencing remarkable growth and spearheading the development of transformative technologies to address global challenges. Edmonton stands out as one of the three core hubs of the Government of Canada’s Pan-Canadian AI strategy that aims to harness and enhance the country’s capabilities in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The University of Alberta is ranked among the top in the world for AI and machine learning research, and the province is home to a growing community of companies and developers. Alberta’s AI community aims to revolutionize many industries, including aspects of aviation from air traffic management to pilot training, and passenger experience. The integration of AI in aviation opens new opportunities for Alberta as a key player at the intersection of aviation and technology. Agriculture & Farmland, Photo by Dan Meyers

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Applexus’ plan to create more than one hundred jobs will contribute to Alberta’s thriving tech community, which already has nearly 100,000 skilled tech workers. Investors consistently prioritize talent when considering their investment decisions, and Alberta’s ability to deliver sets it apart.

With more than 3000 tech companies calling Alberta home, Alberta’s tech landscape is also attracting global firms seeking to expand their North American presence and tap into the opportunities offered by Alberta’s vibrant network and access to key global markets.

EMPOWERING ALBERTA COMMUNITIES AND COMPANIES

Calgary, in particular, captured the attention of major technology leader Applexus, which selected the city for its new Canadian headquarters.

Alberta has quickly established itself as a place where bright and diverse talent from around the globe come to live, work and study.

“The post-secondary funnel here in Calgary is worldclass. The cost of living and the sense of community we found here was a major contributor to our decision. The access to all our markets from the Calgary airport was a significant factor for us as well.”

EY Canada’s establishment of a finance centre of excellence, RBC’s innovation centre, and Mphasis’ delivery centre and Quantum City Centre of Excellence are additional examples of the large-scale projects that are reinforcing Alberta’s status a thriving hub for talent and innovation. That includes pioneering transformations in the agriculture industry, a sector that is foundational to the province’s economy. The food produced in Alberta has a global reputation for safety and the very best quality. GoodLeaf Farms is using modern technologies to expand its indoor vertical farming systems to produce more

— Daniel Ratchford, VP- Head of Delivery, Canada at Applexus

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Kananaskis Co

untry, Photo

than one million pounds of local leafy greens annually for consumers throughout Western Canada. The location in Calgary will be twice the size of the company’s flagship farm in Ontario, bringing new jobs, retail partnerships, and opportunities to partner with post-secondary institutions on agri-food innovation. While Calgary ranks as the world’s most livable city and the third most diverse city in Canada, and Edmonton as the most affordable city in Canada, opportunities for major projects exist across the entire province. Invest Alberta partners with rural regions to identify project-ready communities and share those gems with investors pursuing major projects.

“This partnership was a wonderful way for the Town of Wainwright to work together to gather information and data that we feel is important for investors when they’re looking at our community. The information that Invest Alberta was able to provide for us was invaluable.” — Carley Herbert, Economic Development Officer, Town of Wainwright

by Andrew Pe

nner

INCA Renewable Technologies is building a state-of-the art 200,000-square-foot fibre processing and composites manufacturing facility in Vegreville. This significant endeavour has established a strong connection between the community of Vegreville and the company. In addition to generating jobs and bolstering Alberta’s hemp supercluster, it satisfies INCA’s need for materials from local farmers, transportation links to key markets, and insights from local researchers.

EMBRACING INNOVATION FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE Embracing innovation unlocks the potential to drive growth, revolutionize industries, and shape the future landscape of companies, industries, and the entire province. Alberta is a shining example of this ethos, as an investment destination for bold, forwardthinking individuals and organizations. The province’s diverse and dynamic economy anchored by sectors like energy, technology, and agriculture offers fertile ground for growth and expansion for companies across all sectors. Alberta stands out as the premier location for businesses to flourish, and Invest Alberta is ready to make ambitious dreams a reality. InvestAlberta Invest_Alberta

investalberta.ca

CHAPTER ONE

THOUGHT LEADERS

INNOVATION IS A MINDSET.

JEFF HARRIS, VICE PRESIDENT, COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY PROPERTIES GROUP (UCPG) DISRUPTING THE STATUS QUO Creating a dynamic destination starts with a strong vision. Having a clear goal of where you want to go, while ensuring the people on your team are excited and passionate about the path forward stimulates creativity, which in turn leads to innovation. It’s important to build an emphasis around a highly collaborative and effective team for innovation to thrive. I am thrilled to be a part of University of Calgary Properties Group (UCPG), the award-winning developer spearheading the revitalization of University Innovation Quarter (UIQ) located in northwest Calgary, Alberta. UIQ is in a vital position to support the ambitious pursuit of becoming a world-class innovation district. Successful innovation districts thrive around place, connections, and collaboration to create a synergistic environment. With the Brentwood Light Rail Train Station (LRT) right at its doorstep, UIQ is uniquely positioned to bolster connections. Furthermore, the foundation for collaboration is rooted in the University of Calgary (UCalgary), a top 10 research institution driving the academic programming within UIQ. The revitalization of UIQ is about reenergizing a former research park by integrating mixed-uses and designing a place that people want to be in. It’s about creating an inviting space for ideas to collide and shifting the way people currently innovate in isolation. It’s about job growth, economic diversification, and scaling UCalgary research. It’s about introducing more lab spaces to accelerate innovation and specialized hubs like advanced manufacturing and quantum research. We are making an investment in the economic prosperity of our city by nurturing the growth of world-class facilities, UCalgary programming, jobs, and research through better equipment and spaces that cultivate innovation from an idea to reality. Pushing boundaries and disrupting the status quo to create something Calgary has never seen before is an exciting prospect for UIQ. Innovation requires disruption and it acts as a catalyst to propel industries and technologies forward by challenging process and different ways of thinking. It ushers a future defined by creative exploration for new ideas and the solutions of tomorrow.

BUILDING A LEGACY – THE FUTURE OF INNOVATION IN CALGARY

To me, innovation is more than process and action – it’s a mindset. Innovation exists to break limits and barriers and turn new ideas and concepts into everyday activities. It’s the engine that will address the needs and gaps in our city to drive economic diversification and growth. Innovation is never constant – it’s always adapting and striving to answer the question, “how do I do it better by doing it differently?” I appreciate this sentiment as a leader driven by process and continuous improvement. It’s a mindset that can be applied to everyday life with the intention of constantly striving to be better and do better.

Some of Calgary’s biggest challenges right now is labour shortage, an aging workforce and a gap in skills. Providing innovative places to train and support entrepreneurs, startups and workers of all ages is a big opportunity for the area. UIQ will push conventional ways of research and thinking to inspire a district where people can innovate, work, live, and play. There is profound opportunity for UIQ to drive economic vitality on a local and national level. 22

Diversifying the economy, harnessing talent and capitalizing on research are important. What makes UIQ unique is taking bold and concrete steps towards those objectives by creating not just a place, but a community for all of that to come to life. UIQ is differentiated by strong collaboration, relentless perseverance, and a clear vision to prosper. As someone who is always challenging the status quo, I am confident the revitalization of UIQ will strengthen connection in all aspects – modes of transportation, collaboration between businesses, enhanced greenspace and amenities, and rich hubs of intellectual activities, making it easier for ideas to generate, research to take place, innovation to flourish, and world-solutions to emerge.

UIQCalgary UIQYYC University Innovation Quarter university-of-calgary-properties-group

The challenge with UIQ will be anticipating the future. Our job is to build a landmark destination that not only works today but also in 30 years from now. We are taking the bold step towards building a legacy Calgarians will be proud of, and this is just the beginning.

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IN 2023 THERE IS NO BETTER PLACE IN THE WORLD TO BE AN INNOVATOR THAN CALGARY. DR. TERRY ROCK, PRESIDENT AND CEO - PLATFORM CALGARY

In 1988 Calgary hosted the Olympic Winter Games. For sixteen days in February, the rest of the world was introduced to a small prairie city that would continue punching above its weight for years to come. We still hold the remnants of those Olympic Games, but today we have new reasons to capture the eyes of the world. Calgary is a highly connected global city that has enjoyed outsized influence thanks to the success of our homegrown energy industry. Our path has led to a city that boasts a concentration of really smart people, deep pools of local capital, complemented by an entrepreneurial and risk-seeking spirit. This city is also on the forefront of some of the world’s most interesting and lucrative challenges including energy transition, food security, and supply chain certainty. Solving these problems is a multi-trillion dollar opportunity. As the global economy evolves, Calgary is evolving with it. Our journey starts with celebrating where we have come from and being aspirational about where we want to be. Deliberate actions have already been taken to accelerate an economic transformation that will establish Calgary as a global economic driver for decades to come. Calgary has natural advantages that appeal to every innovator. For decades, Calgary has boasted one of the most business friendly environments in all of North America. As an innovation ecosystem, no one is more collaborative. Platform Calgary itself works with more than 110 partners to support founders through the various stages of their entrepreneurial journey. Calgary-based innovators benefit from strong political leadership as well. In 2018, Calgary City Council unanimously approved an economic strategy for Calgary titled “Calgary in the New Economy”. This strategy, updated in 2022, sets an ambitious vision for the city that creates long-term prosperity and opportunities for all. Also in 2018, Calgary City Council voted to establish the $100 million Opportunities Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF). This catalytic fund was designed to attract investment, drive innovation, and spur transformative economic development. And in 2022 Calgary saw the opening of the Platform Innovation Centre — a 50,000 square foot purpose built facility that encapsulates the place, the programs, and the 24

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partners needed to dramatically grow Calgary’s innovation footprint. And here’s the best part — it’s working. According to Startup Genome’s 2023 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, Calgary is rapidly climbing the ranks as an innovation leader. After being completely off the radar five years ago, today Calgary ranks in the top 60 of emerging markets globally. This puts us in a peer group with major international cities like Mexico City, Vienna, and Buenos Aires. At a time when many other markets saw contractions in tech investment, Calgary had another year of incredible growth with more than $647 million of venture capital investment. Calgary’s success has not been by accident, rather it is the result of the deliberate collaboration of a whole community that is focused on accelerating Calgary’s economic transformation.

Bet on Calgary. Dr. Terry Rock, President and CEO - Platform Calgary. Terry is a passionate promoter of Calgary’s potential as one of the world’s most dynamic cities, and has been a part of numerous community building initiatives. He is inspired every day by the innovators that are putting Calgary tech on the global map.

PlatformCalgary

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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IS FUNDAMENTAL TO THE GROWTH OF OUR NATION. JOHN WILSON, PRESIDENT & CEO, INNOVATE CALGARY

Innovate Calgary team, August 2023

Welcome to Alberta. I am writing this note today from Calgary, or Mohkinstsis, a place where peoples have gathered for centuries to share and to learn, and I am honored to continue this tradition.

Innovate Calgary also commercializes the IP for the University of Calgary and is one of the five national ElevateIP partners, supporting Alberta SMEs with IP knowledge, strategy, and implementation.

Since 1986, Innovate Calgary has been the commercialization arm of the University of Calgary. In 2024, we operate five themed accelerators and six themed investment funds. Our programs bridge the business, government, and academic communities, we have offices in the University of Calgary, the University Innovation Quarter, and throughout the city.

Intellectual property is fundamental to the growth of our nation. IP-backed solutions drive viable businesses that contribute to thriving communities and economic resiliency. Advanced industrial economies increasingly rely on intangible assets for their development: In 1975 intangible assets contributed 26

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17 per cent to value of the S&P 500. In 2020 this has risen to 90 per cent (Ocean Tomo). As a country we haven’t kept pace, but we are confident that we can change this. Internationally, Canadian universities punch above their weight in research impact and many have sophisticated IP teams, supporting the translation of university research. In Canada, our research universities present a twofold opportunity. First, we have a significant opportunity to generate valuable IP from research and move this into new and existing companies. Canada’s relatively high HERD and low BERD means no other country needs its universities more. We have invested well in our universities, and now we should build on this talent and research base to develop critical technologies and build scalable companies. Second, universities already have the tools to support SMEs with their IP strategy and implementation. Universities are a vehicle through which IP best practice can be learned, developed, and shared across the country. Universities have always provided bridges for talent and research. Going forward as a country, our universities need to build bridges for IP. It’s this combination of expertise, opportunity and ambition that will allow us to build on our existing capabilities and provide a solid foundation for the future growth of the Canadian economy.

Head Office & Life Sciences Innovation Hub 3655 36 St NW Calgary, AB T2L 1Y8 Tel: 403-270-7027 innovate-calgary

innovatecalgary.com

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TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE REQUIRES A TRANSFORMED APPROACH. AMINAH ROBINSON FAYEK, PHD, PENG VICE-PRESIDENT (RESEARCH AND INNOVATION), UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA

AI and machine learning draw on the expertise of diverse disciplines to advance solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Right now at the U of A, researchers are harnessing the power of machine learning to: more effectively manage herds of cattle; reduce energy use and operating costs in buildings; and help patients get a diagnosis in seconds, regardless of where they are. At the U of A we are not only innovating in the work we do but also in how we do it. A bold new academic structure brings together academic faculties under three umbrella colleges. This structure offers greater potential for identifying, nurturing and seizing opportunities for enhanced collaborations across traditional knowledge and disciplinary boundaries — and for exploring new creative methodologies. This strengthens the U of A’s ability to target large-scale, multidisciplinary research initiatives, while retaining a focus on fundamental research. The need for universities to collaborate and build relationships spans all of our work, from incorporating cutting-edge technology in the classrooms and labs to partnering with industry, academia and government as together we tackle the major challenges facing the globe. The importance of always integrating the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization and reconciliation has never been greater, because the challenges facing society can only be addressed by harnessing the broadest range of perspectives. The University’s strategic plans for EDI and Indigenous activities provide a framework for research and innovation to be truly transformative.

Universities are distinct environments, ideally suited to fostering innovation and creativity. At a research-intensive university like the University of Alberta, individuals are provided with the tools to identify problems, understand them deeply and work with others to explore new answers and new directions. But breakthroughs don’t happen in a silo. They emerge through past efforts, leveraging the latest technology and harnessing the power of multiple perspectives in new ways of collaborating. This is the philosophy behind the U of A’s approach to innovation.

Innovators must be nimble and forward-thinking to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. By creating an innovative and creative ecosystem, as the University of Alberta is focused on doing, we can maximize our impact and contribute to a better world for all. Building on our past strengths while utilizing new academic and administrative structures to accelerate collaboration, the University of Alberta is focused on an exciting future.

The work we are doing today at the U of A builds on discoveries of the past, especially in our well-established areas of global impact — artificial intelligence, health and well-being, and energy and environment — as well as growing areas like agriculture and food, Indigenous research, and social transformations. One exciting advantage the university has is its global status in artificial intelligence. The U of A ranks within the top two in Canada and among the top globally for AI.

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IN A FIERCELY COMPETITIVE GLOBAL INVESTMENT LANDSCAPE, ALBERTA IS FUTURE-FOCUSED AND POISED FOR SUCCESS. RICK CHRISTIAANSE, CEO, INVEST ALBERTA

Known for a relentless ‘make it happen’ attitude, Alberta is gaining remarkable momentum with investors across the world by proving ourselves right here at home. Tech and finance are flourishing, energy and cleantech are diversifying, agriculture is innovating, and aviation and logistics are reaching new heights. With a track record of nearly $20 billion in investments and the creation of more than 25,000 jobs, Alberta offers a lengthy list of advantages, from a highly educated workforce, to vibrant, affordable cities, to favourable tax structures, a stable banking system, and global connectivity. What truly makes Alberta stand out though is our collaborative ecosystem and strong partnerships between economic development agencies, governments, industry players, educational institutions and research centres. We are quick to rally around an exciting vision and break down barriers to ensure success. Whether we are standing shoulder-to-shoulder announcing a net-zero hemp manufacturing facility, turning sod at a new windfarm, or cutting the ribbon at a new quantum centre of excellence, we work together to turn dreams into tangible results. Major companies like Amazon Web Services, IBM, Mphasis, Dow, RBC, Rogers and more have recently planted or expanded roots in Alberta, creating new networks and growing our collaborative community.

investors and citizens. Alberta’s unique ability to lead sustainable practices and align strategies with sustainable development goals makes the province a destination of choice for those looking for a better future for both economies and communities.

As we continue to see growth across diverse sectors, environmental, social, and governance leadership will continue to be a key focus. This is increasingly important to both

The future holds tremendous potential for Alberta, a region that has demonstrated an ability to leverage its resources and talents alongside its unparalleled spirit and determination.

InvestAlberta Invest_Alberta

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WE’RE FORGING AHEAD WITH TECHNOLOGY-ENABLED HEALTHCARE — POWERED BY DONORS WHO HAVE A PASSION FOR ADVANCING PATIENT OUTCOMES AND MAKING SPECIALIZED REHABILITATIVE CARE EVEN MORE EQUITABLE AND ACCESSIBLE TO THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST. MARK KORTHUIS, PRESIDENT AND CEO, GLENROSE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

The Glenrose Hospital Foundation plays a pivotal role in supporting Canada’s largest comprehensive tertiary rehabilitation hospital, supporting patients of all ages who require complex rehabilitative care. The need for innovation in rehabilitation healthcare has never been greater, given the significant percentage of Canadians with disabilities, the surge in demand for virtual healthcare, the desire to discharge patients back to their communities earlier, and the growing need among older adults to age in place. In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, innovation isn’t just a choice; it’s an imperative. As the President & CEO of the Glenrose Hospital Foundation, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of innovation. Our commitment to pushing boundaries is central to our mission. Recent years have witnessed a seismic shift in healthcare, catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine, wearable health technology, and virtual care have become lifelines for both patients and providers, highlighting the urgency for healthcare organizations to embrace innovation. At the Glenrose Hospital Foundation, we understand that innovation is an ongoing

journey, not a fixed point. It’s not solely about achieving technological milestones; it’s about continually seeking better ways to enhance patient outcomes and experiences. Our commitment to innovation isn’t limited to adopting the latest gadgets; it’s about fostering a culture that promotes fresh thinking, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Rehabilitation, often overlooked, is a critical aspect of healthcare where innovation can be profoundly impactful. Whether assisting stroke survivors in regaining mobility, aiding children with developmental disorders, or empowering those with spinal cord injuries, rehabilitation restores hope and enables individuals to reclaim their lives. Innovation at the Glenrose isn’t just about adopting technology for its sake but understanding our patients’ unique needs. We leverage technology, research, and creativity to provide personalized, effective, and sustainable solutions, ranging from advanced robotic exoskeletons to virtual reality-assisted therapies. We seldom work in isolation. We thrive when diverse minds come together, from clinicians and researchers to

patients and entrepreneurs. Collaboration with our community partners, other healthcare organizations, and academia is at the heart of our innovation strategy. By uniting our knowledge, resources, and enthusiasm, we can bring about meaningful change. As we look to the future, the Glenrose Hospital Foundation remains steadfast in our commitment to innovation. That’s why we created the Twenty64 Fund, a flexible fund that allows us to be proactive and provide immediate investment into emerging healthcare technology and research. The Twenty64 Fund puts us in the best position to bring the future forward for patients at the Glenrose Hospital. When the hospital opened its doors in 1964, no one could have imagined how far rehabilitation healthcare would come. The Twenty64 fund is a nod to the hospital’s remarkable past and a look to the potential in the future. Through the Twenty64 Fund, we are driving a new era of possibilities for patients and living one step ahead of what’s possible for patient achievements. I invite you to join us on this remarkable journey of innovation in healthcare. Together, we can usher in a future where every individual can reach their fullest potential.

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Mark Korthuis is an accomplished leader in the social impact sector with a unique approach to driving innovation. As President and CEO of the Glenrose Hospital Foundation in Edmonton, he has led the organization through a process of strategic renewal, refocusing efforts towards supporting translational research and forward-looking healthcare approaches.

Email: mark.korthuis@ahs.ca

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SAVING ENTREPRENEURS TIME. GAIL POWLEY, PRESIDENT, TECHNOLOGY ALBERTA

That is what Technology Alberta does, and by saving their valuable time, we help Tech Entrepreneurs do more - faster, better and have more fun than when they go it alone. We know that tech entrepreneurs are on a race against time: as an innovator they need their product to be the first on the market – which means they need to find the right customers, the right talent and the right resources. And at the same time, there is comfort and support in community – the value in knowing that you are not alone, you can learn from others, and they want to share your journey. How does Technology Alberta save entrepreneurs time? We are a tech-industry-business-association – focussed on supporting the growth of Alberta’s emerging technology companies. Our combined strength starts by drawing from our cross-Alberta Board of experienced tech entrepreneurs, innovation ecosystem champions, and community builders. Our committed staff are led and advised by experienced Alberta entrepreneurs, and a connected, collaborative community of innovation champions across industry, government, and academia – all focused on one thing, to make Alberta tech entrepreneurs successful. Technology Alberta provides forums where tech entrepreneurs gather - “companies help companies” by informal peer mentoring, providing advice on what has worked for them, in a manner which is timely and locally-relevant. These welcoming forums are often held at innovation facilities and attract government funders and ecosystem providers that are interested in supporting tech entrepreneurs – and understand that any support must be delivered in a timely basis, and valued by entrepreneurs. Through Technology Alberta’s collaborative entrepreneur support teams – our networks and programs are part of advisories to Alberta postsecondaries, creating a connected community – one that understands the needs of tech employers, and the agile manner of service required. The result is the key to this all – our total-systems-and entrepreneurcentric approach, where it is understood that it takes a community to support tech entrepreneurs – and this community is a provincial village, a connected and supportive innovation ecosystem. Industry, government, academia - we all have a role to play to un-lock the scale-up potential of our tech entrepreneurs. Alberta has outstanding tech ecosystem leaders, partners and support systems - and Technology Alberta is pleased to be a collaborative partner and industry association that helps entrepreneurs realize the opportunities for growth, communicating through the perspective of the entrepreneur. With good communications and advice - entrepreneurs do not waste their time, do not miss these opportunities, and don’t lose their market window. Successful tech entrepreneurs are key to growing and diversifying Alberta’s economy – and benefit our students with good jobs, our postsecondaries with valuable collaborations, and builds a better future for all. This is why “We Love Alberta Tech” – and yes, we do have the T-Shirt.

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WHEN I MOVED MORE THAN 3,000 KILOMETERS TO CALGARY FROM CENTRAL CANADA WITH MY FAMILY IN 2018, I DIDN’T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT. I CERTAINLY DIDN’T REALIZE AT THE TIME HOW MUCH THE CITY OR THE PROVINCE HAD TO OFFER. DEREK ARMSTRONG, MANAGER OF INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS, PRAIRIES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CANADA (PRAIRIESCAN)

I’ve also learned that innovation ecosystems need to be inclusive and elevate underrepresented groups. A flourishing ecosystem needs interconnectedness between its many different players. There also needs to be the right mix of structure and disorder.

I obviously knew of the proximity to the Rocky Mountains, but I didn’t know about all the wonders such as the Drumheller Valley, Writing-onStone Provincial Park and Jasper National Park. I also didn’t know that Calgary is the third most diverse major city in Canada. Or that in 2022 it would be ranked the third most livable city in the world – an ideal place to raise a young family.

This is why at PrairiesCan we’re trying to take a systems level view to support conditions where innovators can thrive. We’re catalyzing innovation by investing strategically in non-profits that support innovators. We identify ecosystem-wide gaps and challenges through strategic analysis and by listening to entrepreneurs. We are active participants in giving advice and making connections between players. We are proactive, take calculated risks and work in concert with project proponents and our funding partners.

When I pivoted my career from federal strategic policy to supporting innovation ecosystems with Prairies Economic Development Canada, I also didn’t fully know what to expect. Alberta hasn’t been widely known for innovation outside of its strong traditional industries like energy, agriculture and manufacturing. I soon learned that innovation is thriving in this province, sometimes in unexpected fields. Alberta is a well-known energy superpower, and is now well positioned to lead the clean energy transition. It’s also only a matter of time before Alberta realizes its potential for agricultural innovation. Another best-kept secret is Alberta’s elite digital technology sector, boasting some of the brightest artificial intelligence, machine learning, and quantum and fintech innovators in the world.

From my time in this exciting and surprising province, I’ve learned that every high performing innovation ecosystem has an identity, a shared sense of belonging. This is what makes Alberta special. It is fundamentally entrepreneurial, authentic, adventurous, gritty, resolute, supportive and charitable. There is this strong will to grow and diversify the economy, and to do it in an inclusive way. It may be true that this province is still developing its reputation for innovation; however, with growing momentum, decades in the making, Alberta will soon be known as the place to be to start and to grow a business and help solve some of the world’s biggest problems.

I’ve learned that entrepreneurs and innovators need a lot of different things to succeed. They need access to capital, access to customers, mentorship, talent, applied research, technology de-risking for adopters, collaboration, connections and more. They need these ingredients in the right amounts, at the right times, in the right places and to be provided by the right people.

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I WAS DRAWN TO ALBERTA IN 1982 TO COMPLETE MY ENGINEERING DEGREE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY AND I IMMEDIATELY FELT AT HOME. DR. ELIZABETH CANNON, OC, AOE, FRSC, FCAE, PRESIDENT EMERITA, UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY

The energy of our community and the focus not on who you are, but what you can do – and how you can contribute – provided a platform where I knew that hard work would be rewarded. I was not disappointed. I was fortunate to be exposed to the Global Positioning System (GPS) early in my career since it was adopted in its infancy in Calgary to support the energy sector. This ignited a life-long passion for technology and innovation that ultimately led me to a career in engineering research, academia and leadership. During my 40 years in Alberta, I have seen innovation be nurtured and deployed across sectors ranging from energy to agriculture to health. Mixed with the entrepreneurial-spirit, solution-orientation and optimism that is in Alberta’s DNA, this has led to new companies being created here, expanding here or moving here because this is where dreams turn to reality. In the cleantech space alone, 51% of ventures are led by firsttime founders, emphasizing the ability to successfully put ideas to work through talent attraction, capital investment and a supportive community. What is particularly exciting is that Alberta’s growth in innovation is being fueled by our increasingly diverse tech entrepreneurs and leaders. About 50% of Alberta startups have at least one founder who identifies as a visible minority and 4% who identify as Indigenous. And 30% of tech startups in Alberta are women – well above the national average of 20%. Harnessing our diversity has differentiated Alberta from other tech ecosystems and has led to numerous accelerators, incubators and venture capital firms taking notice and setting up shop here.

talent - nurtured by world-class educational institutions - and can-do spirit, are supporting our innovation ecosystem which is resulting in more massively scalable companies in our own back yard. Alberta’s impact on the world is only growing and I am excited to see what will happen over my next 40 years! Dr. Elizabeth Cannon PhD, PEng, OC, AOE, FRSC, FCAE President Emerita, University of Calgary Corporate Director Email: mecannon@shaw.ca

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MACRO PROBLEM SOLVING IN THE 21ST CENTURY. STUART CULLUM, PRESIDENT, RED DEER POLYTECHNIC

Innovation Ecosystems and the Power of the Post-Secondary Sector I’ve had a front-row seat to watch Alberta’s post-secondary institutions evolve to become engines of innovation. The innovation ecosystems operating within Olds College of Agriculture and Technology and Red Deer Polytechnic are environments that allow for industry-driven, community-oriented problem solving – all in collaboration with faculty and students. I’m passionate about the potential these ecosystems possess. Students will be exposed to next-generation, fully integrated learning, and research spaces, where opportunities for creativity and critical thinking abound. Companies will progress their knowledge and understanding for how to maximize their opportunities in fast moving industries. And more broadly, our regions will lead the province in key economic and social areas. We will attract industry (large and small), education and research partners, donors and government funders, as we lead the way in technological advancement, economic growth, job creation, and social impact.

Unlocking Central Alberta’s Innovation Superpowers In a world that is rapidly changing, we have three choices: we can be passive to it, reactive to it, or try to get ahead of it. I see it as our role to try to stay ahead of it; to create the conditions and build the teams to allow our organizations – and by extension our region – to be pro-active and agile. In Central Alberta, I think we’ve been somewhat passive towards change and as a result, we’ve struggled to articulate our identity. We have superpowers just waiting to be unlocked – an abundance of resources, talent, and potential. But if we lack a clear understanding of how to deploy these foundational strengths in this new economy, we put ourselves at a disadvantage. Whether it is students, businesses, or governments, we must be willing to engage, collaborate and embrace uncertainty if we are to achieve our full innovation potential. My role is to enable the learning and applied research environments to support this direction and it is fundamental to Red Deer Polytechnic’s future. Over the course of my career, I have been a teacher, a farmer, a business analyst, an investor, and an applied research and academic leader. I’ve come to understand that the problems and opportunities in our world are highly complex; they are multi-faceted and require multi-disciplinary responses. No single expert, company, organization, or region can tackle the large-scale economic and societal challenges we face, such as food security and climate security. Furthermore, in my view no single technology can revolutionize an industry or address persistent social problems. Rather, it takes many complementary technologies, practices and systems working together and a community of participants to produce the extraordinary leaps towards solving significant, global challenges.

Stuart Cullum is an executive leader with experience across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. He has led in academic and research leadership roles at Lethbridge College, NAIT, and at Olds College, where he was President for five years. Stuart has also served on numerous boards and committees in the agriculture, post-secondary and technology sectors. He became President of Red Deer Polytechnic in August 2022. Stuart Cullum

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BUILDING A CULTURE OF INNOVATION: EMPOWERING ALBERTA’S ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT.

DOUGLAS HOLT, MBA, ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, INVESTMENTS, ALBERTA INNOVATES Innovation. It’s the relentless pursuit of new ideas, challenging the status quo, and shaping a better future. At Alberta Innovates, we believe innovation is key to growing the economy, expanding markets and creating new and better opportunities for Albertans. We are the province’s most comprehensive research and innovation agency, providing programs, networks and connections to entrepreneurs and start-ups to commercialize their innovations and scale their businesses. Our work spans the full spectrum of sectors and industries from health-care providers to the health industry to patients; from forestry to food production; from artificial intelligence to academic research; and from clean energy to carbon capture. Our technical expertise, funding, networks, applied research and engineering capability and facilities help de-risk technologies, stimulate start-ups, and draw funding and investment to Alberta. One of Alberta Innovates’ roles is to anchor the innovation ecosystem for the province as a whole. Through the Alberta Innovation Network, the Regional Innovation Networks (RINs) and our technology development advisors, we are promoting entrepreneurship and driving innovation and economic development in all corners of the province. In 2021 alone Alberta Innovates invested more than $6.6 million in the Regional Innovation Networks, who provided programs and services to nearly 1,020 clients across the province. Our goal is to build a high performing innovation ecosystem where creativity flourishes, wealth is generated, risktaking is celebrated, and collaboration knows no bounds.

Weaving innovation through our communities, the RINs are providing support to small and startup technology firms, nurturing the seeds of innovation. The RINs have empowered thousands of local innovators, entrepreneurs, and companies, leading to hundreds of new, made-in-Alberta innovations. By capitalizing on regional strengths and bridging local gaps, we are not just strengthening but advancing a culture of innovation from Grande Prairie to Red Deer to Medicine Hat. In connecting, mentoring and collaborating, the RINs are creating a network of relationships that will allow ups to propel our province towards a brighter bolder future.

By providing the right supports for research and innovation, we can diversify the economy and create jobs in both emerging and traditional sectors. Entrepreneurs and visionaries can be successful and do business in their own communities and reach markets across the globe.

Email: Doug.Holt@albertainnovates.ca

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LEADING WITH PURPOSE: A JOURNEY OF TRANSFORMATION AND EMPOWERMENT IN THE MINING AND TECH INDUSTRY. SINMI ADEOYE-ESENE, FOUNDER, CEO, DANIOLA & CO-FOUNDER, BIPOC FOUNDATION As an entrepreneur and innovator, I have embarked on a transformative journey to reshape the mining and tech industry with a bold vision and unwavering determination. It is my firm belief that we have the power to create a future that goes beyond profit margins and embraces the principles of empowerment, sustainability, and innovation in Canada. Throughout my journey, I have witnessed the immense potential that lies within the global mining and tech sectors. However, I have also seen the challenges and inefficiencies that persist. It is this realization that has fueled my passion to lead with purpose and prove that a woman-led company like ours continues to break barriers in profit and sustainability, leading to breakthrough innovations. With that, here are some thoughts that I want to share with up-andcoming leaders to aid with their own exciting journeys. Let’s start with innovation. This is the catalyst that fuels progress and enables us to push the boundaries of what is possible—to rethink traditional practices and explore alternative approaches. By embracing innovation, we were able to unlock the untapped potential within the battery metal material trading industry and drive meaningful change. Meanwhile, entrepreneurship is the engine that propels these innovative ideas into action. It is about taking calculated risks, pursuing opportunities, and building ventures that have the potential to disrupt and revolutionize the industry. Speaking of disruption, I, myself, am a disruptive thinker as I believe it is essential for driving innovation and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. I love challenging assumptions, embracing unconventional ideas, and continuously seeking ways to improve and disrupt the norm. It is not about causing chaos but dismantling outdated paradigms and paving the way for new possibilities.

As for Daniola, I believe in a future where the mining and tech industry can drive positive change, empower communities, and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come. At Daniola, we are on a mission to turn this vision into a reality. By embracing a spirit of curiosity and continuous investing, we can drive innovation, transform industries, and create a brighter future for all.

We also foster a culture of innovation within Daniola. I love an environment that encourages experimentation, values diverse perspectives, and rewards creativity. As a leader, I value the qualities of resilience, adaptability, and empathy. If my team flourishes, we can withstand anything.

DANIOLA daniola.io daniola.io DaniolaExchange daniola daniola

My obsession is empowering others and building a legacy. That’s why I co-founded BIPOC Foundation, creating immense opportunities for 800+ and counting entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs, starting with the black community. We support initiatives for investments, mentorship, and workshops to nurture the next generation of innovators and foster an inclusive industry in Western Canada.

BIPOC FOUNDATION bipocfoundation bipocfoundation BIPOCFOUNDATION bipocfoundation

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EMBRACING INNOVATION: A TALE OF TWO INDUSTRIES.

MICHAEL MCKERRACHER, REGIONAL MANAGING PARTNER, KPMG IN CANADA’S CALGARY OFFICE Having served as KPMG in Canada’s National Energy leader for 12 years and working in the Calgary marketplace for the past 30 years. I see Alberta uniquely positioned to foster and lead innovation at the intersection of sustainability, energy, and technology. Businesses are presented with opportunities for growth as the region experiences a technology transformation. Drawing parallels between the energy and technology industries, both rely on a similar foundation - a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and risk tolerance. The tech environment in Alberta today reflects what I would have seen years ago in the junior oil and gas space. You start with a small team and an idea. At that time, ideas focused on where companies should drill. Today, those ideas span a variety of solutions to complex problems, which is where we see tech in Alberta growing. Just as energy companies have invested in research and development in exploration, and now decarbonization methods to ensure long term success, tech companies must consider how creativity and innovation will impact their overall goals.

EMBEDDING INNOVATION Building innovation into foundational processes can have a greater impact in the long term. For the energy industry, reaching net zero requires multiple pathways. Billions have been spent by the industry to decarbonize production and progress is being made with a focus on burning less fuel to produce less CO2 while capturing and storing emissions from the production of energy.

OPPORTUNITY THROUGH COLLABORATION Collaboration presents significant opportunity for both industries. That could include collaborative contracting, which is on the rise as an increasing number of firms build and cultivate longer-term relationships, strategic alliances, or it can be through participation and contribution to networks and associations.

Also, as the industry adapts to the digital era, energy firms are leveraging new technologies and processes to remain globally competitive. Investments in i4.0 technologies such as robotics, artificial intelligence and advanced data analytics can help boost productivity and drive efficiencies. The choices, plans, and actions we make today impact our collective tomorrow. KPMG in Canada is committed to helping organizations plan sustainable pathways to growth. We look to inspire businesses to embrace innovation and lead with vision – shaping a resilient future for everyone.

Examples include the Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN), a panCanadian network focused on ensuring Canada’s oil and gas resources can be sustainably developed and enables technology solutions that can be applied across Canadian industries, and the Pathways Alliance, made up of six of Canada’s largest oil sands producers covering about 95% of Canada’s oil sands production, which was established to help achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions from their operations by 2050, while supplying the energy the world needs. While working in collaboration with industry, government, Indigenous communities and stakeholders, the alliance has stated that the most effective way forward will come from new technologies.

KPMG Canada kpmgcanada KPMG_Canada KPMGCanada

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IT TAKES DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES TO BE ABLE TO TACKLE BIG CHALLENGES. JILL DE GROOD, DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS, W21C Health and health care is something that impacts every single one of us, whether we want it to or not. In Alberta, we have seen tremendous developments in how health care is delivered and in the availability of innovative solutions to better manage care. At the same time, it feels like not a day goes by where we do not see a story in the media about areas where our health system is being challenged. The COVID-19 pandemic made that even clearer. Things like inequities in access to care and outcomes, wait times, challenges accessing emergency services, physician shortages, and health care provider burnout are sadly becoming all too common stories in the news. There are huge opportunities for change ahead of us. Big challenges often require complex and multifaceted solutions. I feel lucky to have worked with W21C Research and Innovation Centre at the University of Calgary for the past 13 years as we are actively trying to tackle these complex health challenges. What has been essential for us? First, I would say the thought leaders and international experts we get the privilege to interact with. As a university-based program, we work with health leaders that are constantly identifying opportunities for innovation and change in the health system given their work on the front lines of care. They spend their research careers focused on solutions and it is a privilege to have a team that can support them in realizing these visions. We also work with amazing entrepreneurs and innovators. The ideas they generate continue to surprise me every day. Their tenacity and passion for the work they do is incredible. The key factor in our success has been how we empower our interdisciplinary team to think big and have the flexibility to shift across projects and collaboratively approach our work. When we see a new solution for the health system, our interdisciplinary team works with leading experts to design projects that not only address questions like does it work, but also why does it work, how does it impact team dynamics, does it impact the culture on the unit, how do we reflect on human behavior to increase the chance of success? It takes diverse perspectives to be able to tackle big challenges. By working with our team and with our partners we have been able to create real impact on our health system. I cannot wait to see how we can continue to collaborate across the province of Alberta and beyond to make care better. GD01, CWPH Building 3280 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6 Canada Email: w21c@ucalgary.ca

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THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IS AN IMPERATIVE FOR CANADA.

PERSPECTIVES FROM CDL-ROCKIES’ MENTORS Providing a growing global population with abundant, safe, affordable and sustainable food and energy are among the defining challenges of this decade. The Global population is expected to grow from just under 8 billion in 2022 to over 8.5 billion in 2030 and 9.7 billion in 2050. Given the scale and the urgency of the transformation required to ensure a sustainable future, incremental change isn’t going to be enough. To meet these challenges, Canada must mobilize innovative research and technology development. It is through the commercialization of science and technology that advancements materialize. Training and retaining highly qualified people to bring ideas out of the lab and into practice, along with effective pathways to support the development of those new ideas is crucial. Energy and agriculture are often labelled as traditional industries with limited innovation or technology adoption. Nothing could be further from the truth. The reality is that both of these industries are experiencing extraordinary change and with Canada’s immense natural resources, capacity to provide energy and food to markets worldwide we have a generational opportunity to be game changers globally. Advances in science and new technologies have seen the agriculture sector feed a global population that has doubled to 8 billion people in the last 50 years, with Canada’s agriculture sector playing a significant role in that. Canada is one of the world’s largest food exporters, having exported nearly $82.2 billion in agriculture and food products in 2021. In addition to contributing to a global societal need, agriculture is one of the sectors with the highest economic growth potential in Canada. For Canada to remain at the cutting edge of this new agriculture revolution, play a leadership role in solving impending global food shortages and realize the full economic potential of the sector, we will need new skills and technology. As the fifth largest energy producer in the world, Canada is a net exporter of oil and natural gas. In its 2021 report, the International Energy Agency Stated Policies Scenario projects total global energy demand to increase 21% by 2040. Canada has set a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40-45% by 2030 (from 2005 levels) and has joined over 120 countries in committing to achieving net40

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zero emissions by 2050. Improving the rate of energy technology innovation will be critical to ensuring a stable, affordable and secure supply of energy for the growing population as well as supporting a long-term global transition to a low-carbon environment. Today, the intersection of agriculture, energy, the environment and human health is increasingly apparent. Research disciplines in these areas have begun to take a less siloed, more collaborative approach to our overlapping challenges in achieving a sustainable future for the planet. Canada has an enviable opportunity to be a global leader in addressing some of our most pressing challenges. To realize this opportunity, we need to embrace the disruptive capacity of our post-secondary institutions working with the private sector to commercialize the advances in science and technology to catalyze the disruptive level of change we require. The Creative Destruction Lab is part of a growing innovation ecosystem in Canada committed to increasing the rate of commercialization, embracing innovation and better ways of doing and creating both economic and social value. CDL and the community it has built is an example of what can happen when diverse groups of curious individuals come together with a vision for the future. The preceding article was informed by responses from CDL-Rockies’ Mentors, experienced individuals from industry and academia who are the backbone of the CDLRockies program.

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THE AGING OF TOMORROW REQUIRES DISRUPTION AND INNOVATION TODAY. TONY WEEKS, PRESIDENT AND CEO, THE BRENDA STRAFFORD FOUNDATION

sleep patterns, and even detect changes in behaviour. This information can be helpful to quickly alert caregivers or family members if there is a problem, providing peace of mind to both the older adult and their loved ones. AI can also help older adults maintain their independence by providing assistance with daily tasks. For example, AI-powered virtual assistants can remind older adults to take their medication, help them order groceries, and even assist with household chores. In addition to these benefits, AI can help older adults stay connected to their communities. Social isolation is a significant problem for many older adults, but AI can help by providing virtual social interactions. With careful planning and implementation, AI and other technology enablers are a powerful tool to support living at home longer, with greater independence. That’s why at The Brenda Strafford Foundation we’re continually exploring new partnerships in innovation and experimenting with the role of technology in support of healthy aging. From investments in our very own smart home, which includes a fully tech-enabled environment and live-in tenant, to the launch of our virtual recreation program that enables older adults to participate in activities that they might not be able to do otherwise from their home.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a wide-ranging tool that is rapidly changing how we live our lives and evolving at a very fast pace. Beyond the convenience benefits, AI offers significant potential in support of healthy aging, including predicting health risks and adverse events. By 2040, projections suggest that 10.8 million Canadians will be over 65 years of age, almost one-quarter of the population. In the same period, the 75+ age group will double.

Because we know that the seniors of tomorrow will have different expectations of how and where they receive care and support to better age-in-place.

Most older adults will age at home. And innovative solutions, such as AI, have become important enablers that can support living longer, healthier, and with as much independence as possible.

Tony Weeks is the President and Chief Executive Officer of The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF) in Calgary, Alberta. BSF is a leading health, continuing care, and social impact organization with operations in Canada, Jamaica, Dominica, and Haiti.

Personalized care management is a great example of how AI can support healthy aging. AI can perform tasks like processing health data or identifying patterns much quicker and often with more precision than humans. Medical professionals and patients benefit as more informed decisions about care plans and more accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans become tailored to the individual.

TonyWeeksCEO tonyweeksceo

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LET’S TALK ABOUT YOU, LET’S TALK ABOUT WHAT KEEPS YOU UP AT NIGHT, LET’S TALK ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING SOMEONE TO HELP ALONG YOUR JOURNEY. JADE ALBERTS, FOUNDER, PEER GUIDANCE

Why I support the Tech ecosystem is a question I get asked all the time. Many founders and entrepreneurs need a little guidance and don’t know where to go for help. Peer Guidance is a Purpose Before Profit group of Entrepreneurs helping Entrepreneurs. We focus on helping companies grow, scale, spend their money wisely, and prepare for investment. We are very hands-on and have honest and challenging conversations. We talk about their successes and failures. These conversations spur on a new plan of attack. Our focus is growth and sales because you may lose your company without this. Our group has vast knowledge and experience in many sectors that you can learn from. Being an entrepreneur can be lonely, and you may not know where to go for advice. We are proud to be that trusted company that people reach out to for this advice. Why am I passionate about the blockchain ecosystem? I stumbled on it by luck over ten years ago and saw its potential to make a difference in the world. At that time, it was focused only on Bitcoin, but I saw more. There weren’t many people focusing on it or even talking about it, and then I ran into Koleya. I got involved in the Alberta Blockchain Consortium and saw Koleya’s vision to turn this into a community that unites the Country. We grew the Canadian Blockchain Consortium into this voice that guides businesses, startups, entrepreneurs, and people when they need the right advice. I am also an Angel Investor and Ambassador for Startup TNT. We have invested over 12 million dollars in 90+ companies in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Startup TNT has raised Alberta companies’ profiles and is one of the main reasons investments are rising in Alberta I host Telling It Like It Is Live Show every Wednesday at 9.30am MST. This 30-minute show focuses on startup entrepreneurs and gives them a platform to shout their stories from the mountain tops. We just reached 3 MILLION views. I also started Founders Coffee almost 5 years ago. This happens every Tuesday at 7.30am at Red’s Diner in Kensington. This is a place where founders network and connect to other like-minded founders. You can talk openly with other entrepreneurs about your business. You don’t need to walk this journey alone. It is also called “The Place To Be. I have had many conversations about Mental Wellness, and my family and I have been affected. I talk to anyone about their business. If you ever need to talk, PLEASE do not hesitate to reach out. I you take anything away from this article, please make it: ASKING FOR HELP IS NOT A SIGN OF WEAKNESS.

Tel: 403 771 1301 Email: Guidance@PeerGuidance.ca jadealberts

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BUILDING AN INNOVATIVE TEAM MEANS BRINGING TOGETHER UNIQUE PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS. MIKE ALLAN, CEO AND CO-FOUNDER, ROUTEIQUE ®

Now, the public and industry players alike are asking: what’s the best way to create resilient, transparent, connected supply chains? I predict that we’ll see the best results from creating systems that combine people, processes, and machines or automation. Using AI, ML, robotics, and drones to enhance work frees up more time for people to do the high-value and skilled tasks that they do best. This combined approach benefits both workers and end users. Keeping the goal of innovation tied to creating effective, positive results helps bring all stakeholders on board, whether they are early adopters or more hesitant. It ensures visionaries pushing for new solutions have a “north star” and aim for more than just change for change’s sake. At the same time, it helps change-resistant individuals become confident in the technology. Innovation in Calgary Calgary is the perfect balance of a tight-knit, small community and a larger, more international city. It’s easy to find like-minded people and connect to work towards new solutions. At the same time, it’s large enough that there’s the critical mass for the community to do big things and has the amenities to attract new talent. Fostering a Culture of Innovation at Routeique Routeique has benefited from the fact that Calgary and Canada are both incredibly supportive of businesses and innovative startup tech. There are many private and public sector programmes to enable tech companies to flourish and become even more interconnected than before. There has been a massive push for superclusters of innovators and groups coming together to solve problems.

The core of our approach to innovation at Routeique® is that we see ourselves as problem-solvers rather than service or technology providers. Whether it’s warehouse layouts or inefficiencies in last-mile delivery, our philosophy is that it’s essential to look at issues from new perspectives, listen to different voices, and be willing to fail forward. We’ve brought together a team with a wide range of skill sets, backgrounds, and experiences. As a result, we take an open-minded approach to solving challenges and provide our team members with the freedom to approach them in various ways. In other words, while the company has an end destination in mind, team members can use their expertise to determine the best way to get there.

For many years, the city was pigeonholed as only energy-focused. Recently, the transferability of our skills and entrepreneurial spirit has become more recognized. Calgarians have applied their expertise in business, science, engineering, and technology in many contexts. Leading companies have proved that Calgary-based tech companies can compete on the international stage. Some have even succeeded as unicorns, which is incredibly inspiring to the rest of us in the tech community. At the same time, we’ve had newer companies starting up in the space tell us that Routeique helped show them the path to success as a company in Calgary.

While Routeique focuses on solving problems in the supply chain space, we think that this approach could benefit any organization that is looking to stay competitive and develop novel solutions. Innovation in the Supply Chain Space

We’re proud to be part of Calgary’s innovative entrepreneurial community and excited to see the tech sector in Calgary continue to grow. Tel: 1-855-976-8839 Email: info@routeique.com

The COVID-19 pandemic brought the importance of the supply chain to the forefront. Disruptions in manufacturing, pivots to home delivery, and distribution of essential products like vaccines became widely-discussed topics of interest.

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SYSTEMATIC INNOVATION. LING Y. HUANG, PRESIDENT & CEO, TECHNOLOGY NORTH CORPORATION

Innovation is taking two things that already exist and putting them together in a new way.” — Tom Freston

This glaring discrepancy propelled me to delve deeper into the problem and instigate change. Over the last eight years, I collaborated with national funding bodies, provincial governments, career colleges, and Canadian NGOs, striving to create employment opportunities for autistic youth.

The term ‘innovation’ often evokes visions of rockets bound for Mars, self-driving cars, or the alluring promise of fusion energy. Yet to me, innovation is as crucial in our daily lives as it is in these high-tech arenas.

Navigating these changes offered invaluable insights. I realized a critical fault: many existing employment and support programs were hampered by misguided policies and allocation of resources. I didn’t want to send my kid into that, and I was certain that no other parent would want that either.

When I established Technology North over twenty-five years ago, our driving vision was to create lasting solutions wherever we worked. The original founders weren’t satisfied with sitting down and simply selling a service; our aim was to create enabling technology and systematic changes to help companies and organizations focus on the goals and tasks important to them.

A thought came to me. If the current approach is ineffective, shouldn’t we pioneer a new one? To generate meaningful employment for autistic and other neurodivergent youth, businesses need more than just altered logistics, motivation, and commitment. They also require innovative strategies in business modeling, assistive technology, and processes.

As a consultant agency, TN worked across Canada to implement efficient and lasting changes. In the 2000s, we automated and modernized a piece of Canada’s national medi cal system, saving an annual cost deduction of nearly 1 million dollars at the national blood services institution. We completed a comprehensive manufacturing enterprise resource management application that increased an oil and gas equipment factory’s revenue three times and increased their margins by 10%. We helped pioneer the development of identity and access management (IAM) systems. Wherever we went, we never lost sight of our mission.

In 2019, Technology North embarked on a new endeavor – we developed a purpose-built assistive technology aimed at eliminating barriers and establishing a comprehensive framework for employing autistic individuals. From a small team of four, we have grown into a robust contingent of 16 employees, bolstered by job coaches and dedicated tech enthusiasts. Our team has generated revenue of $500K and offers digitization and data management services to local public and private clients, earning a reputation for top-tier work at competitive market prices.

In 2014, I found myself at a unique crossroad. Though I made progress as an innovator and entrepreneur, I was also a father of an aging son with autism. As my life progressed, I was gripped by an unsettling question: How would my son’s life unfold after high school? Turning my expertise to my personal life, I found a distressing reality. While Canada was witnessing record-low unemployment rates and record-high job vacancies, nearly 3% of the population over 18 years old were on the autism spectrum, with a staggering 90% being unemployed or underemployed.

The triumph of Technology North underscores a critical point. Innovation isn’t solely about the nifty gadgets the future can bring, it’s also about making a difference in the lives of the people we hold dear.

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IT COULD BECOME MUCH TOO EASY TO TAKE PEOPLE’S LAST DOLLAR IN EXCHANGE FOR “LIKES.” TRUE CHANGE-MAKERS AREN’T ALWAYS LIKED — THEY ARE RESPECTED BASED ON THE VALUE AND IMPACT THEY HAVE ON THE WORLD. THERESA TAYLER, OWNER AND FOUNDER, START ME UP PR A renowned tech magnate once said, “If I were down to my last dollar, I would spend it on public relations.” Not to talk myself out of a job, but one rarely needs to spend their LAST dollar on PR if they just “keep it real” from day one.

WHY I’M STILL HERE I founded Start Me Up PR for innovative entrepreneurs, artists and shit disrupters. As a former journalist, I believe in the power of authentic storytelling, no spin doctoring included. My team collaborates with those who prioritize substance over image. We dig the change-makers, and tech-forward organizations committed to making a positive impact. My father founded his own company in Calgary in the late ‘70s, providing the rebar to the largest buildings in our skyline and integral public and private works. Like many Albertans, I am proud to be part of that entrepreneurial history and want to continue on with it.

Growing up in Alberta (born and bred, insert a tip of the ol’ hat here), I got used to reading the headlines. Then as a journalist, I often helped write them: “Alberta’s economy to diversify!” and/or “… leadership candidate XYZ set to make diversification of economy top priority if elected to XYZ.”

Putting my money into myself and others where I can. As of 2023, I am an investor in a venture capital micro fund that supports early-stage, regional founders, many sans bootstraps. Founders who have few lines of sight to scale. I take part in female-focused investor incubators and work with NFPs that are addressing the leaky funnel of women in tech while also shedding light on the inequity of balance of private investment dollars going into startups.

As a teenager into music and art and a young adult with a basis in liberal arts (one of few not destined for engineering), I watched and waited in anticipation for our economy to expand and grow beyond the (albeit integral to our success story) world of energy (Oil and Gas). Every five to ten years, Albertans like to wax poetic about diversification.

I bet on the right cards.

I’d go as far as saying that anticipation of diversification became a sort of bedrock of personality anchor for many in this region; an inferiority complex ingrained in our psyche. Now that it’s finally knocking on the door, letting itself inside and taking a seat at the dinner table; I wonder if we will truly feel confident enough to fully embrace it as family, and not just let it billet.

I have found that is the diverse and marginalized founders who have helped me establish my own business, predominantly the LGBTQ2S+, Indigenous and equity-seeking entrepreneurs who have supported me. This support has helped me to explore and understand my own Metis history and begin the decolonization of my brain, heart, and being.

Up until a few years ago, our tech sector was relatively small. Ignored by the majority of the population. The old guard likely finds this whole ticker-tape parade and bandwagon tech following rather amusing (as of 2023). I hope, however, they are excited to see the fruits of their labour finally hit pay dirt.

You can’t have innovation in an echo chamber. You need all voices, minds, experiences and people to drive change. The era of white men in golf shirts at the head of boardrooms might finally be dwindling. This tech sector boom? I’m ready to seize the opportunities and help others do the same. I’m all in. Enthusiastic and ready to fill my boots with the collective Kool-Aid! Yahoo and Yeehaw (it’s Yahoo btw) into the next iteration of Alberta.

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Failure and aligning with bad deals create shame. Shame stops the flow of communication and allows predators to take advantage of new ecosystems and people. Through being cautious in protecting our intellectual property and other resources, yet also mindful of not becoming exclusionary; our success and the growth of our technology and innovation impact will be felt. Perhaps being mindful but not afraid is a balance, not a perfect equation.

SOCIAL INNOVATION AND ENTERPRISE COMES NATURALLY We got this! I feel Alberta changing for the first time in a way that isn’t… anticipatory. My clients and fellow founders reflect a new kind of entrepreneurship and a different kind of business sector. It’s one I haven’t felt before here. I see fellow founders strategically focusing on social innovation and fostering diversity of thought, people, and technology in their strategy. Many of us measure our success and bottom line not just through revenue and return, but on the quality of a balanced life and the pride of solving life-changing problems for people. We have the opportunity to look at the diversification of the economy with a similar lens to that of diversity of people, it takes all kinds to achieve success. Not one industry or type-cast leader.

RESISTING SCHADENFREUDE Our success (and the hype that comes along with it) is attracting attention (and investment) beyond our region (good PR). Many are interested in joining us or offering us something. It could become a little too easy to get swept away in future-faking promises and give away our power to those who have not proven they deserve it. As our tech sector is relatively new in comparison globally, I think (many will NOT agree) that we are often so afraid in Alberta to admit that we don’t know what we don’t know, that this stubborn mentality puts us at risk - keeping us small - and allowing predators to come in and graze.

MINDFUL, BUT NOT AFRAID For anyone else who’s been through the trial and error of aligning, investing in or partnering with the wrong people or organizations, building sandcastles in the wrong boxes; It’s okay, I’ve managed to do my fair share of it over the first two years of business. But can we talk about it? Openingly? This is still a relatively new tech ecosystem, and it doesn’t matter if you are 25 or 65-years-old. No one has it all figured out. When someone walks into a boardroom, coffee shop, bar or wherever and presents a solution that seems too good to be true… It is. Any innovative founder and product manager knows this because they know just how challenging and how much work goes into problem-solving.

And for those of us in the millennial generation (okay, I might be the tail end of GenX), looking back at what the boomers produced and did before us here, and feeling constantly underwhelmed by our own scale and revenue… evaluation and value is about more than dollars. We live in a different timeline.

CHASE SOLUTIONS In the age of social media, we know that appearances often overshadow substance, and it’s easy to become entangled in the pursuit of views that lead nowhere. It makes my job tricky because sometimes the ROI is measured in metrics based on that very engagement. Frankly, it could become much too easy to take people’s last dollar in exchange for “likes.” But, true change-makers aren’t always liked; they are respected based on the value and impact they have on the world. Our tech sector’s story will be reflected in our knowledge, skills, products and the collective ability to solve problems for people across the universe with authenticity and humanity while diversifying our practices and de-colonizing our hearts and minds. Not for metrics or followers but so we can flourish as humans and be … HAPPY. If we stick to solving problems, not chasing likes or moola around, then none of us will have to spend our last dollar on PR, there will always be cash-flow to go around, and most importantly, our region’s story will be easy to tell with pride. No spin, no anticipation, just facts and proof of delivery. Who exactly said that quippy quote about PR? Some guy named Bill Gates. So, there you go. He might be a good client for someone, if you’re looking… startmeuppr start-me-up-pr-inc

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THIS IS AN INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THE SUCCESS OF A REGION, AS THESE LEADERS BRING VALUABLE INSIGHT, EXPERIENCE, AND RESOURCES TO THE TABLE. JAMES KEIRSTEAD, CO-CHAIR,

EDMONTON REGIONAL INNOVATION NETWORK (ERIN) INNOVATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AND CREATIVITY Experience has taught me that innovation is not just about creating something new, it also includes making improvements to existing products or systems. It is about taking a creative approach to problemsolving and producing solutions that are unique, interesting, and useful. Innovation and entrepreneurship go hand-in-hand as they both encourage creativity and risk-taking. It is therefore important that concerted effort is made to breed a culture of innovation by encouraging diversity, risk taking and recognizing that failure is part of the innovation process, not something to be punished. Innovate to disrupt I have learned that few technologies are themselves disruptive, rather, it is the business model the technology enables that creates disruption and it is often existing off-the-shelf components applied cleverly to a small, fledgling value chain which delivers previously unnoticed benefits. Building a Resilient Ecosystem The biggest challenge facing Alberta is the lack of size and concentration of innovative leaders who have built, scaled, failed, and again built new companies. This is an incredibly important factor in the success of a region, as these leaders bring valuable insight, experience, and resources to the table. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome this challenge. One of the most effective methods is increasing the volume of Startup and Scaleup businesses in the region. This can be done by making resources available to entrepreneurs, such as access to capital, mentorship, and networking opportunities.

James Keirstead is the Co-Chair of the Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (ERIN), President and Chief Executive Officer of Levven, a smart home technology company, and leader of the Rainforest Edmonton initiative. He is an entrepreneur, father,

Finally, it is important to recognise that this challenge cannot be solved overnight. It will require sustained effort from both the public and private sectors to create the environment necessary for innovative leaders to thrive.

husband, and avid mountain biker.

Passion for Volunteerism My sincere interest in seeing Alberta grow is the major driver behind my decision to become involved in the ERIN and leading the Rainforest initiative in Edmonton over the last six years. The work being done through the Rainforest initiative has positively affected the ecosystem by engendering trust, giving voice to diverse perspectives, and opening the doors for previously excluded groups to play a more active role.

Dani Moffatt Specialist, ERIN Operations Email: info@edmontonrin.ca

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MY GREATEST HOPE IS THAT THIS COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO GROW AND DIVERSIFY. ARLEIGH VASCONCELLOS, CEO/FOUNDER, THE AGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INC.

When I started The Agency in 2009 as a boutique firm servicing the tech sector in Calgary, I heard the same thing over and over: What tech sector?

A lot of people don’t realize the sheer amount of energy, talent and time that it took to build up the image and reputation of Calgary as one of the world’s great oil and gas cities. It took 60 years of incentives, government support and seed money.

And they had a point - the tech sector here was small. But the city has changed a lot since then. There are now more than 3,000 startups in our ecosystem--and we at The Agency have been working alongside a well-established and recognized community of innovators and visionaries for the past 13 years. We’ve been helping B2B and tech companies at all stages of their development, from the earliest glimmer of an idea to successful launch and even acquisition. It’s incredibly gratifying. My family and friends no longer think I’m foolish for choosing this speciality, and we’re even starting to see a bit of competition in the sector, which is a nice recognition of what we’ve been doing right all along.

It’s a lot like Silicon Valley, which didn’t just materialize, either. That idea started in the 1930s and 40s, coming from Stanford and the U.S. naval community in the Bay Area. It took a combination of investment in academia, government R&D and military technology to create the global epicenter of innovation that we think of today. We tend to forget that places don’t become known for a skill or a sector overnight because we only take notice once all the hard behind-the-scenes work has been successful. And it takes as much time to change a well-crafted perception as it does to build it in the first place. In Calgary, we’re on the right path. We’re doing the right things. It will just take some time to reach a critical mass of people, investment, and infrastructure to bring it all together.

My greatest hope is that this community continues to grow and diversify. Right now it’s our job as a city and a sector, to not only keep nurturing our unicorns and big companies, but also to provide support for the growing number of startups in the city. These are the companies that have the potential to become one of our next unicorns. Recent announcements about AWS and the various international accelerators coming to the city are a big validation. It’s important that we show that people can not only get that first job, but can then move on to three or more fantastic opportunities before they start something on their own. We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us, but we’re putting the right building blocks in place.

It’s also comforting that we’re finally getting better at talking about our innovation wins. In the beginning, a big focus of my work was on educating people in the Calgary tech sector about what PR could do for them. Coming from London, UK, where I was running global PR programs, I had a lot to share about strategic communications, which is so much more than media relations and quirky videos. The clients we work with get it - they want more than just newspaper headlines or a Twitter account. They want a tailored communications plan that only a strategic partner can offer - one who really understands their business and their most important audiences, who can imagine the next steps and prepare them for the phases that lead to their success. I hope that, as our innovation sector grows, we can keep working with people who are building things that will change the world.

I think of the situation I outlined above, naturally enough, in terms of PR. We have a little PR problem in Calgary, in that we did such a good job at becoming known for doing one specific thing really, really well - energy - and it’s going to take some time to undo that and to change perceptions. We’ve also, by default, become entrenched in that singular industry. And we sometimes fall into the trap of not celebrating the wins in other industries because they’re on a different financial scale than those in energy. That fact alone shouldn’t make them less impressive.

I want to help tell those stories. PRTheAgency The Agency Communications Inc.

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YOU DON’T NEED TO BE IN SILICON VALLEY TO BE SUCCESSFUL. DR. RYAN COMEAU, CEO & CO-FOUNDER, KINETISENSE ALBERTA – A PLACE OF OPPORTUNITY APEX Alberta has had the opportunity to meet with stakeholders from across the province and ask them about their perspectives on the RPAS industry and the potential for the technology to change how we think and work. Here’s a cross-section of their thoughts on the technology and the opportunities for Alberta and beyond. OPPORTUNITIES IN A FAST-GROWING SECTOR Roger Haessel, Advisor RPAS Strategy – Community Futures Entre-Corp Business Development The industry is at a critical point in its evolution. Not only is the RPAS industry growing quickly in manufacturing and flight operations, but Alberta has significant industries that can benefit from the application of RPAS. We have a large commercial footprint in agriculture, forestry, mining, oil and gas — there are many areas where Alberta’s industry can benefit from this technology. CANADA’S ECONOMIC ENGINE Cole Rosentreter, CEO – Pegasus Imaging Alberta is home to the economic engine of Canada. We have oil and gas, mining, forestry, and the post-secondary institutions here are ranked third and fourth in the world when it comes to artificial intelligence. We have the people and the economic base to scale into aerospace. All the raw ingredients are here and are pretty well-refined already. It’s the perfect place to launch an industry. AN INDUSTRY TAKING FLIGHT Barrie Shibley, President – CoyWolf Technologies Inc When there are significant projects in traditional territory, we want to ensure that First Nations have the opportunity to be part of these projects. We’re meeting a need for Indigenous communities along significant project areas to make sure that the environment is being looked after, being able to provide jobs and training and bring a number of First Nations into an industry they hadn’t been involved in before. Drones are an exciting industry that only seems to be growing.

What is much more challenging is to gain knowledge and experience with LIDAR, FLIR, multispectral sensors and the associated software.

SOLVING PROBLEMS WITH DISRUPTIVE TECH Jordan Cicoria, President – Aerium Analytics Drones are a disruptive technology that can be applied to every single industry. We’re all solving different problems, so all these problems need to integrate and get together for what will be the solutions of the future.

ALBERTA IS A PLACE TO FIND TALENT John Molburg, Vice President – Canadian UAVs Albertans care about innovation. We celebrate success, and there’s a culture of collaboration and cooperation here. We also have world-class educational institutions. It’s a place to find talent.

OPPORTUNITIES IN DRONE RESEARCH AND CERTIFICATION Jeremy Patton, RPAS Project Officer – Medicine Hat College What drones are capable of is huge, and working with Medicine Hat College and Post-Secondary Institutions and researchers to collect data about the types of research projects underway in the province is exciting work. It would be great to see more PSIs providing certification in remote sensing. Potential RPAS pilots can gain their pilot certification relatively quickly.

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WE CAN STIMULATE A CULTURE OF INNOVATION BY FIRST STARTING AT THE INDIVIDUAL BEFORE MOVING TO THE COMMUNITY LEVEL. OLLE LAGERQUIST, CO-CHAIR, ERIN

Embracing Change Most people find it challenging to let go of old ways and step out of their comfort zone. Progress is accelerated when we realize that standing still presents a greater risk than moving forward, even when we risk failing at something new. Those that have experienced this tend to recognize the pattern and learn to act sooner rather than wait. As a community, we need to reinforce and support individuals, companies and organizations that embrace and accelerate change and innovation. Successes of Post-Secondary Institutions Edmonton’s post-secondary institutions are vital in our innovation and entrepreneurial community. My work at NAIT and as a member of the ERIN gives me the opportunity to contribute to building teams that impact Alberta. Witnessing the impact of our work on others and seeing their excitement and passion energizes me and inspires me to continue supporting new and creative solutions to serve our community. Innovation Increases Relevance Innovation changes its meaning from person to person; however, I see it as a new or improved method, process, approach, product, strategy, or service that increases impact and value. Innovation helps organizations, products, services, and entire regions stay relevant. As such, communities and regions that promote and grow a strong innovative and entrepreneurial culture, that supports technological development and adoption, ultimately increase their productivity, competitiveness, and relevance. Creating a Culture of Innovation We can stimulate a culture of innovation by first starting at the individual before moving to the community level. Be willing to embrace failures and reinforce an iterative “prototype and test, fall down, get up, learn, and repeat” mentality. At a mature organizational level, it is important to dedicate resources and funds specific to innovation and be willing to not tie this to an immediate return on investment and to reward collaboration and non-zero-sum interactions across teams. 51

Olle Lagerquist has been involved in Alberta’s research and innovation community since 2004. He’s had the pleasure of supporting hundreds of industry-sponsored applied research and innovation projects and is currently the Associate Vice President-Industry Solutions at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). Olle has a passion for building strong and innovative teams and serves as the Co-Chair of the Edmonton RIN.

Dani Moffatt Specialist, ERIN Operations Email: info@edmontonrin.ca

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ALBERTA EMERGES AS A CANADIAN FOODTECH HUB. HUBBA KHATOON, REGIONAL INNOVATION DIRECTOR (PRAIRIES), CANADIAN FOOD INNOVATION NETWORK (CFIN)

True innovation isn’t just about expertise and knowledge -- it’s about having an unwavering passion to make a difference. Over the past decade, I’ve been fortunate to witness remarkable enthusiasm and drive that Alberta’s entrepreneurs bring to the table. As the Regional Innovation Director for Prairies Canada at the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN), I have had the privilege to dive headfirst into a world where technology, innovation, and food collide. Alberta’s vibrant innovation ecosystem makes it a fertile ground for ground-breaking advancements, and it is quickly emerging as a Canadian foodtech hub.

their goals, and nurturing strategic partnerships with key stakeholders. At CFIN, we firmly believe in establishing a robust local presence nationwide, enabling us to offer comprehensive support to our members through in-person engagements and active involvement in regional industry events. Our aim is to drive expansion and enhance competitiveness within the Canadian food sector, elevating its position on the global stage.

Alberta has established itself as a leader in sustainable innovation, backed by a support system that facilitates collaboration between startups, corporate partners, and venture capitalists to drive growth strategies. Particularly, the agri-food, food and beverage, and foodtech sectors in the province have witnessed remarkable achievements in recent years. The dynamic food landscape in Alberta has attracted not only emerging startups but also well-established multinational companies, all recognizing the immense opportunities and making significant investments in the region.

The tangible impact of our efforts in Alberta serves as a powerful motivator, propelling me to continually push boundaries to advance foodtech. The food industry holds incredible potential to integrate cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, and I’m determined to be at the forefront of this exciting revolution. Together, we are creating a network of innovation champions who are actively shaping the future of food. By blending creativity, expertise, and an insatiable drive for innovation, we are crafting a future that promises to be exceptionally delightful and delicious.

My unwavering passion for the Alberta’s innovation ecosystem stems from recognizing its boundless potential. Working with organizations such as Calgary Economic Development, Prairies Economic Development Canada and now CFIN, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of bringing together diverse perspectives. As an active participant in the ecosystem, I serve as an advocate, connector, funder, and catalyst, consistently pushing the boundaries and spearheading positive change.

Email: hubba@cfin-rcia.ca

At CFIN, my core objective is to foster innovation within the food industry by identifying emerging opportunities, empowering companies to achieve

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YOU CAN’T PUT A PRICE ON A HAPPY EARLY ADOPTER WHO IS WILLING TO ACT AS A CHAMPION FOR YOU IN THE MARKET. PIERRE LEMIRE, CEO, KENT IMAGING Struggle and Emerge For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for building hightech imaging products. This passion has been the driving force of my professional life, and while I’ve managed to parlay it into a long, varied and rewarding career, it hasn’t always been easy. My successes have been hard-fought—as they should be. It takes time, experience and a whole lot of creative thinking to build new products and take them to market. But it also takes grit. Whenever I feel daunted or discouraged by a challenge ahead, I remember my high school’s motto: luctor et emergo, or “struggle and emerge.” When it comes to innovation, struggle is part of the journey. Embrace it. And along the way, here are some other key things to remember: It’s always difficult to tread a new path when you’re building a product— after all, you don’t know what you don’t know. That’s why it’s crucial to talk to others, to find people who have been down a similar road and who can provide you with a blueprint for navigating a way forward. One thing that I’ve learned time and again in my 30-plus years of building high-tech products is that there are always people out there who are willing to show you, and to help you—especially here in Calgary, where we’ve developed a culture of sharing our learnings and applauding our mutual successes.

not to overspend. You may think you need a development team of 20 people, but you might only be able to afford a team of two. And if that’s what it’s going to take for you to get across the line until you can create enough value in the business to get a bigger investment, so be it.

Put your customers’ needs first Often, businesses that are developing something new go to market too fast. They sell a product that’s not quite ready, which inevitably leads to a customer who isn’t happy. For many start-ups, this rush stems from a pressure to drive revenue, usually from a board of directors that isn’t experienced in the process of bringing new technology to the market.

Bolster your community As CEO of Kent Imaging, I am working with my team, and my peers, to heighten Calgary’s profile as a place where healthcare innovation can thrive. Historically, this city has not been known as a medical tech hub. But things are changing. Just 15 years ago, there was one small health tech company in Calgary. Now there are over 150, including Kent, that are really starting to make a name for themselves. I see us all as pioneers in this space. Many of us have come together to recognize and create an environment in Alberta where we can foster innovation, and more importantly, foster access to capital that’s critical for innovation. Building a supportive community within your industry is key to creating an ecosystem where innovation can flourish.

In my experience, that’s a huge mistake. The first metric you want is happy customers. If you ask a customer to pay too early, they tend to pull away. You have to get them all the way hooked—to listen to their feedback and let them help you create that minimal viable product. You can’t put a price on a happy early adopter who is willing to act as a champion for you in the market. In the early days, those champions are so much more valuable than the few hundred or few thousand dollars you might be able to get them to pay for your product.

Pierre Lemire is CEO of Kent Imaging. A technology commercialization expert with over 30 years of experience in the high-tech world of imaging, his past roles as a CTO at Autodesk Inc, and co-founder of Calgary Scientific provide key experiences that he uses to guide Kent Imaging’s corporate strategy and vision.

Think investment, not revenue While revenue shouldn’t be a primary driver in those early days of product development, investment should absolutely be top of mind. When you’re a startup, you need to be thinking constantly about how you’re going to get that next investment, because that’s what’s going to fuel your business. And while you’re looking for that investment, be very careful

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IMAGINATION IS A PREREQUISITE FOR INNOVATION. BRADLEY COWARD, CORPORATE ADVISOR & CO FOUNDER TRADEACE INC.

IT’S HUMAN NATURE TO RESIST CHANGE Accelerated change is the clarion cry of entrepreneurs and the Achilles heel of large organizations and industries. Many entrepreneurs today use the mantra: “Go big or go home,” and so it is with innovation. Innovation by its very nature needs to sit, enabled by technology, at the very heart of the organization without being buried under the strictures of R&D. For the past 34 years, my career as the CIO within large global organizations has seen me travel the world to enable the vision of some of the foremost global brands. The challenge is that business vision generally sits way behind the technology curve and therefore an innovation diffusion-gap exists as ideas or the vision of the company has become diffused through the lack of implementing technology effectively. In a way, CIOs are required to wear many of De Bono’s “Thinking Hats”. Added to this role is the dynamic of a tumultuous and relentless customer, market, geopolitical and technological change environment in which we exist. An exciting example of the above is demonstrated in our latest project involving the design, development and launch of a unique Fintech company. In TradeAce, we asked the question: “What would an innovative bank of the future look like given a clean slate to start with?” Using Millennials and GenZ’s to answer that question we came up with a novel do-it-yourself (DIY) financial platform and service. It utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) employed backend technology to automate customer workloads and assist in developing long-end financial returns. The platform stabilizes risk, minimizes the user workload, and reduces the time and knowledge necessary for a successful experience in banking, trading and investing markets.

All that said it is wise to take heed of the innovator’s dilemma embedded in the Machiavellian saying:

The mission: To place Banking, Investment, Insurance and Transaction products and services online or on one mobile DIY platform which uses cutting-edge technology to act as a viable alternative to the outdated, complicated and expensive banking systems that currently exist.

“It must be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to plan, more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to manage than a new system. For the initiator has the enmity of all who would profit by the preservation of the old institution and merely lukewarm defenders in those who gain by the new ones.”

Market impact: The net result is that because traditional banks have been so excruciatingly slow to pivot their archaic processes, it has opened them up to rapid cannibalisation of their markets by Fintech companies and Challenger Banks such as ourselves. Putting young imaginative and innovative minds to work to pursue a cause, in this case, to disrupt the banking world has been a wonderfully inspirational experience. Through superior system design, intuitive interfaces and real-time processes on mobile platforms there has been a rapid shift in customer loyalty especially among those who view banking as a “grudge pursuit”. They want DIY banking and wealth management capability that is user-centric and simple – a five-minutes-a-day process. And change is happening at light speed as evidenced by the hype around Generative AI. Add a touch of the business maverick to the mix and one can see actionable-innovation in its prime.

In conclusion, new imaginative minds are certainly required to advance innovation in any area of endeavour, add to this the sage advice of Boomers who have “seen it all” and you have a winning combination. Bradley Coward Corporate Advisor & Co Founder Email: bradley.coward@tradeace.net TradeAce Inc Calgary AB 54

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COMPANIES BUILT FOR STRONG, STEADY, RELIABLE AND MANAGEABLE GROWTH, ON SOLVING PROBLEMS THAT PEOPLE ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT, ARE SURVIVORS. JEFF LAFRENZ, CEO, VIZWORX

Innovation is a way of looking at the world around us. It has no geographic limits. It has no age, gender, race, sexual orientation or culture limits. It applies to every industry, every profession. It is about being curious and not accepting the status quo. It is about asking why things are the way they are, and, more importantly, how they could be better. From a young age, I had an inquisitive mind, always trying to figure out how things worked, always pushing myself to learn new things, always challenging myself to be better and better. My interests were always diverse; my focus intense, but varied. In a career spanning over 30 years, I have had the great good fortune to dive into and explore a number of different industries, learning from each and applying the lessons learned to the next. VizworX is a manifestation of both the intense focus and diversity of my background. Digital information is both an immense boon and a massive challenge. Our ability to measure anything and everything continues to advance at an accelerated pace, while our human ability to process information remains more or less constant. Biology is definitely not advancing at the same pace as digital technology. However, digital technology can also enable new ways of presenting information that drive deeper insights and understandings, ensuring that the human-in-theloop is able to make the right decisions, at the right time. Putting this into practice is the focus of VizworX.

However, one thing the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted clearly is that there is a tremendous value in resilience. Too often the focus in the digital tech industry has been on rapid growth at all costs. There is a fragility in such an approach that doesn’t always weather the storm of change particularly well. In contrast, companies built for strong, steady, reliable and manageable growth, on solving problems that people actually care about, are survivors. Their growth may be incremental, rather than exponential, but they are structured for the long run and they create the foundation upon which a new economy can be built, as we are seeing in Calgary today.

Leveraging the latest in advanced human engagement technologies, such as augmented and virtual reality, artificial intelligence, complex data visualization, web and mobile, VizworX brings enterprise-class digital experiences to industries that include energy, construction, agriculture, healthcare, government, defence and aerospace. This industrial diversity is also a reflection of the city and province in which we live. While energy continues to provide a dominant presence, it is increasingly becoming just one of a multitude of industrial and commercial opportunities that are changing the economic landscape here. The breadth of the digital tech industry here is a reflection of this diversity and it is making massive strides forward on the global stage as a result.

VizworX 101 - 119 6 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0P8 Canada +1 (833) 849-9679

info@vizworx.com VizworX Inc. vizworx

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THE OPPORTUNITY IS VAST HERE IN ALBERTA. THE PROVINCE’S GROWING AND INVESTABLE HEALTH TECHNOLOGY SECTOR IS AMONG OUR MANY UNIQUE PROVINCIAL ASSETS.

I have spent most of my career in health sciences and innovation in both Canada and the United States. As we grapple with the challenges in our health systems across Canada, it is clear to me that while there are several areas that need attention (including policy and new funding models), there is an untapped opportunity for innovation in health. This is an opportunity for us to leverage Canadian world-class models, technologies, and solutions that can not only transform healthcare in Canada but also be an economic growth sector. This will fuel technology jobs and investment regionally with products and services that can be exported globally. This is crucial as the needs of countries around the world increase as they adapt to the evolving demands of the health of their residents. Alberta is an incubator of novel technologies, yet Albertans rarely experience their benefits due to slow adoption. This juncture between the abundant availability of novel technologies and their uptake into health care is where innovation is most needed. We simply cannot maintain the status quo; with concerted action to empower our health systems to embrace innovation, we can win big. The opportunity is vast here in Alberta. The province’s growing and investable health technology sector is among our many unique provincial assets. We are rich with resources to support the creation of pathways to help multiple companies commercialize, catalyze health innovation, and affect health transformation. One asset is the technologies themselves. Our strengths in key technology areas (such as artificial intelligence and machine learning) means we have the right tools here for health transformation. Leveraging our technology strengths in tandem with our post-secondary and entrepreneurial company talent will contribute to health transformation, resulting in economic growth and better health outcomes for all Albertans.

REG JOSEPH, CEO, HEALTH CITIES

Other resources, like data, also enable opportunities for health systems to embrace innovation. When safe data sharing techniques are combined with our provincial data assets, homegrown Albertan solutions can solve healthcare challenges not just locally, but nationally and globally, allowing participating companies to scale to other markets. To fully harness the opportunity of innovation in health (and its benefits), I believe a change in how we approach our health systems is necessary. This means bold leadership throughout many groups, including government, healthcare organizations and the business sector. It also means addressing the barriers that exist for innovators, and creating a model to drive innovation into health so multiple companies can commercialize. I believe it is only then can we position our companies competitively for Canadian and global markets. This will result in the most important impact of all: providing health benefits back to Albertans.

Reg Joseph was appointed as the CEO of Health Cities in February 2018. He has 25 years’ experience spanning the health, technology and investment sectors. At Health Cities, Reg is focused on developing new pathways to adopt innovation in our health systems to drive better health outcomes and economic growth for our region.

Email: reg@healthcities.ca Reg Joseph Reg_Joseph

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TAKING A QUANTUM LEAP IN ACTIVE EARLY ADOPTION. WAYNE KARPOFF, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND PRESIDENT, WILLOWGLEN SYSTEMS

In 1986, I left my position at the University of Alberta to enter the world of high-technology startups. Back then, there were no business support platforms that we enjoy today, such as Startup Edmonton or Platform Calgary. Canadians were cynical of the high-tech sector and assumed it was all in California. The media encouraged the perception that tech firms were unsuccessful in Canada. When local companies failed, they made the front page. The success stories were never in the press because everyone knows that negative news attracts more readers and sells more papers. Fortunately, our province has come a long way since the 1990s. Alberta has changed and now we are in a prime position to capitalize on and influence the technical fields of health, biotech, agriculture, transportation and petroleum. I see the province’s potential to both become a global leader in the creation of next-gen tech companies and, at the same time, help provide government agencies and the cornerstone companies that have driven Alberta’s economy for decades the technology they need to be competitive within the reality of the new global markets. I’ve experienced firsthand the benefit of active early adoption to both established companies needing innovation and startups. What do I mean by “active early adopter?” Active early adoption occurs when established businesses look to fulfill the core needs of creating innovative solutions through working with startups rather than time and material consulting contracts. There’s an element of mentorship involved in these partnerships, with the more established company guiding the startup through adoption barriers and toward a globally competitive product. While simultaneously both altruistic and self-serving, it also fosters a relationship that builds far-reaching commercial success for both partners. In turn, startups get an early reference customer and help with marketing and domain expertise. The early adopter gets the technology they need before their competitors. The economy benefits from continuous adoption. The province has a diversified economy and more competitive legacy companies. Everyone wins. Active early adoption has transformed innovation within US agencies. Many large tech companies are incorporating active early adoption into their innovation strategies. Incubators, such as TechStars, are founded by an early adopter model. We need to create a culture that implements early adoption at a provincial scale. Our province has the vision and expertise to understand the technology available and the potential for building a new technical era. Continuous innovation will lead to greater diversity in Alberta’s economy and improve this world. Taking calculated risks and taking that entrepreneurial leap as active early adopters would radically improve our world and our province.

Media contact: christine.louie@willowglensystems.com wayne-karpoff

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THERE IS CLIMATE HOPE IN THE HEART OF OIL AND GAS COUNTRY. REENA SAHNEY, OWNER & FOUNDER, JIVA CONSULTING

There is no doubt we have some hard work to do. We need to find a path between today’s fossil fuel based economy to one that is largely decarbonised – and we need to do this in a responsible way. We certainly cannot ‘turn off the taps’ to oil and gas tomorrow, and we certainly cannot continue on the current path. I think the answer lies in innovative Albertans and the economic opportunity that is in front of us. Too much of the current focus is on the negative side of the equation – for sure, there are downsides to changing our approach to oil and gas usage – but there are also opportunities. I look around and see change all around me. It isn’t easy but I see one of Canada’s youngest and most entrepreneurial populations motivated to make change in their daily lives and in their daily work. I see a thriving and growing services sector in the province. I see oil and gas revenue being reinvested in clean technologies that will reduce the carbon footprint – technologies that will be needed to support our transition. I see an increase in entrepreneurship and innovation from small retail to the development of an entire net-zero hydrogen energy complex in Alberta’s industrial heartland. I see innovation in lithium mining, and I see innovation and incubation for the technology sector. These efforts are supported by world leading researchers in our universities. These are just a few examples. There is no denying that we have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but there is reason to look forward with optimism – even lead the way. Our contribution to decarbonisation lies in the innovators in the province. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work! Reena has over 25 years of experience in the energy sector and is the founder and owner of Jiva, an independent training and consulting organization focused on the energy and infrastructure industries. In addition to her engineering background and experience in the training sector, she brings strong project management skills and experience to delivering complex consulting engagements both locally and internationally. Reena is a member of APEGA as well as the INGAA Foundation Board and has been active with a number of industry organizations including the Pipeline Systems Division of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and NACE International. She co-authored the book “Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Pipeline Integrity’ which was published in 2012. Reena was the 2020 recipient of the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) Foundation’s Outstanding Contribution & Achievement Award and was recently nominated for an award through AWE (Alberta Women Entrepreneurs). In the pursuit of life long learning, she is currently working towards a Masters in Global Development (Sustainability) through Harvard Extension.

Alberta has a rich history of entrepreneurialism originating in the oil and gas industry. From the first discovery of oil around 1900 to the rapid growth starting in the middle of the 20th century, fossil fuels have been the economic engine of the province. With one of the largest reserves of conventional oil and bitumen in the world, Alberta remains a key geopolitically stable supplier of energy. Oil and gas is a large part of Alberta’s identity. In parallel, there is a growing focus on carbon emissions, and the need to reduce them, to mitigate climate change. There are very real and tangible impacts being felt globally resulting from measurable shifts in weather patterns. Closer to home, forest fires and flooding in Alberta and our neighbouring province have impacted the lives of many people in a tangible and permanent way. Homes and livelihoods have been lost. To add to it all, our ability to stay connected and exchange goods and energy with our neighbours is at risk as large parts of our infrastructure, from roads to pipelines, have been affected.

Email: info@jivaconsulting.com Tel: 403-245-1140

There is much in our situation that seems at odds and irreconcilable with our economy and way of life. So how do you remain an optimist in the midst of all of this?

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OUR GREATEST FEAR SHOULD NOT BE OF FAILURE, BUT OF SUCCEEDING AT THINGS THAT DON’T REALLY MATTER. – UNKNOWN ANKUR D. MAHAJAN, CO-FOUNDER, PULP SHRED My wife inscribed this quote on a plaque for me as a gift. The profundity, yet the simplicity, of the message hits home for me. It also puts into perspective my priorities in life. We all have our fears and blinders. Sometimes we may get swayed by things that are short-sighted, but don’t really matter in the grand scheme of things. It is with this intent that we founded our business, and it is this perspective that we strive to achieve every single day. Fear – Together with my business partner, Ken Waddell, we founded PULP SHRED in 2018, during one of the worst the economic downturns in recent times in Calgary. A year into our operations, we witnessed a global pandemic that lasted for over two years. Covid-19 has had, and the post-Covid period continues to have, a drastic impact on businesses and individuals. If anything, these past years and uncertainties have taught us to be even more resilient and creative with our limited resources. What Matters – As a for-profit business, obviously, profitability matters. However, there’s more to life and business than just profits. Our business model is based on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) philosophy – value services (profits), greener processes (planet), and social contributions (people). All three are an intrinsic part of our company DNA and value proposition. I’m blessed to work with some amazing people who are hardworking, understand the value of great customer service, and are dedicated to our greener vision. Success - Pulp Shred is a multi-award-winning small business with the environment and the community at heart, raising thousands of dollars for local charities through Community Shred Events. To date, in partnership with our customers, we have successfully processed and recycled over 1000 Tonnes of shredded paper, cardboard, electronics, and organics saving over 17,000 mature trees from getting cut, freeing over 3,800 cubic yards of landfill space, and 4,300 CO2e. It gives me immense satisfaction that in our own little way, we are contributing towards the sustainability of our beautiful city.

management, tracking, and reporting system, we ensure tight chain of custody providing tracking, date & time stamping at every touchpoint. Being innovative is not always about the next big shiny idea or tech. It is about the mindset – of continuous improvement and growth. Not all will go as planned and one must be prepared for setbacks. These are the learning moments and it’s the process that matters. Our continuous drive to improve and better ourselves and our services & products is what keeps us going.

PULP SHRED is an innovative company providing security, destruction, and recycling of our customers most confidential data, documents, products and assets. People’s privacy, secure processes, and tight chain of custody are foundational aspects of our business. We bring a new way of meeting customers’ privacy requirements without compromising the environment.

As the greener alternative for confidential data destruction, we challenge the environmentally destructive mobile shredding truck business model. Bring it on!

6, 1815-27 Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB, Canada T2E 7E1 Tel: 403-453-9009 Email: info@pulpshred.com

To achieve our greener vision, we’ve developed a proprietary video verification software. This unique, made in Calgary, technology provides customers the ability to remotely view their shredding process without harming the environment. Combined with our inhouse barcode asset

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CHAPTER TWO

INNOVATION ENABLERS

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THE BOLD STEP TOWARDS INNOVATION University Innovation Quarter (UIQ) is a 76-acres destination that is currently being revitalized to become a world-class innovation district. Imagine UIQ as a driving force for the future of innovation in Calgary. The outcome is unmatched. A dense destination where research and discoveries are made and talent clusters. A place where people gather to discuss and propel big ideas. A place where progressive advancements flourish in vital areas such as health and life sciences, quantum research, advanced manufacturing, and industries alike in alignment with the University of Calgary’s trans-disciplinary research areas of focus.

The vibrant corridors and gateways make it easy to connect and commute to the University of Calgary (UCalgary), established surrounding neighbourhoods, and essential medical facilities. Projects and ideas are put on display in the heart of UIQ – a versatile demonstration site where people come to congregate, connect, and relax. The activities in the heart ebb and flow with events, public art, and creative nooks inviting people to take a break or ponder on big ideas in an active, lush and colourful space.

A fully transit oriented development with an active light rail transit station just a five-minute walk away connecting activity and movement to the downtown core and all corners of the city. The streets are enlivened with future-forward public autonomous vehicles weaving through the quarter. Transportation is easily accessible and convenient, yielding a reduced environmental footprint and sustainable outcome. With residential and hotel options located within walking distance, UIQ provides premium opportunities to house the brightest minds.

The diversity of lab spaces, offices, specialized equipment, and advanced manufacturing make it a prime destination to work and do research. It’s an inviting place that encourages visiting international researchers to do business, where they can stay in a well-established hotel next door, visit the lab across the street and have lunch downstairs. The activity throughout the quarter advances Calgary as a leading city grasping international attention as a hot spot for research and innovation. This is the inspired future of UIQ – the bold step towards innovation.

1966 The province of Alberta announced that the 80 acres north of the University of Calgary main campus would be home to University Research Park. Its purpose was to become a nationally recognized research facility that would cooperate with the University to advance knowledge through experimentation, testing, and investigation.

BRIEF HISTORY OF UIQ

2020 The Government of Alberta transferred ownership of the park to the University outlining the University’s intention to reinvent the research park into Calgary’s innovation hub for research and entrepreneurial thinking.

2020 University of Calgary Properties Group (UCPG) was announced to lead the development framework for the management and development of the park.

Image of an aerial view of the University of Calgary Research Park, 1996-10-04, (CU15108857) by David Brown. Photographer. Courtesy of Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.

2021 University Research Park is rebranded to University Innovation Quarter.

THE VISION University Innovation Quarter will be a place for research, collaboration, ideation, incubation and entrepreneurship – a dense, mixed-use environment where University of Calgary research creates scalable solutions for improving our world. By developing and revitalizing UIQ, University of Calgary Properties Group will create a visible and programmatic connection not only to the University campus, but to Calgary’s innovation ecosystem. UIQ is dedicated to cultivating purpose-built facilities that promote interdisciplinary research, entrepreneurship, and collaborative industry partners. UIQ’s unique location in the city promotes a prime opportunity to revitalize the area into a fully immersive and connected experience with a distinct sense of place. Beyond the acceleration of innovation, UIQ will be a place with character – a complete district with distinct hubs, retail, residential, and greenspaces optimized to attract visionaries from across the globe in the pursuit for collaboration, new ideas and advancements in various sectors. Through commercial and residential opportunities, the congregation of bright minds and the revitalization of a bourgeoning area, UIQ will actively complement Calgary’s innovation ecosystem as an engine for economic prosperity and job diversification.

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UIQ AT A GLANCE 76-acre site with 4.5 M ft2 of potential development Located north of University of Calgary, a top 10 research university in Canada 5-minute walk to the Brentwood Light Rail Transit Station (LRT) with access to regional pathways and on-street cycle lanes 15-minute drive to downtown Calgary 30-minute transit ride to downtown Calgary

WITHIN A 3 KM RADIUS, UIQ IS IN PROXIMITY TO: University District: an award-winning mixed-use community by University of Calgary Properties Group Leading medical facilities: Alberta Children’s Hospital, Foothills Medical Centre, and the second largest cancer centre in North America University of Calgary: 15-minute walk to the heart of the main campus

UIQ TODAY UIQ is comprised of an existing innovation ecosystem on the cutting edge of science and research with 1.24 million sq. ft. of office and lab space ranging in size, age, and quality of construction. Transitioning away from traditional research parks, UIQ will enhance the 76-acres into choreographed innovation hubs with the addition of new infrastructure and buildings, thoughtful streets that lead to corridors of connections, and spaces that generate more opportunities to collaborate. Revitalizing the current ecosystem will regenerate a place that is active and energetic attracting more businesses, talent, and academic pursuits which leads to economic diversification. Remarkable things are already happening in UIQ and there’s more coming.

JOB DIVERSIFICATION Innovation districts are supercharged by the diversity of disciplines. UIQ will be a thoughtfully developed innovation district with five main innovation hubs: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

health & life sciences social innovation quantum digital worlds aerospace/advanced manufacturing energy transformation

These interdisciplinary hubs will enrich the area and attract world-wide talent pushing UIQ to the forefront of innovation.

DYNAMIC COLLABORATION Pursuing the goal of transforming UIQ into a rich innovation ecosystem requires dynamic collaboration and partnerships. University of Calgary Properties Group maintains collaborative relationships with the University of Calgary and Innovate Calgary in this pursuit. University of Calgary Properties Group is the development arm, University of Calgary is the academic arm, and Innovate Calgary is the business arm. University of Calgary Properties Group was created by the University of Calgary in 2011 to oversee the development and management of university land projects with proven results as the trusted developer for the award-winning community of University District. University of Calgary Properties Group will steward the revitalization of UIQ as the developer for the area leading the design and execution of the UIQ Development Framework. University of Calgary is leading the academic programming and supporting UIQ’s vision of becoming a world-class destination. As a top 10 research university, University of Calgary connects innovation businesses to a community of experts and unique opportunities including CDL Rockies and the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking. Innovate Calgary is University of Calgary’s business incubator and exists to provide services that enable emerging entrepreneurs to commercialize their research including resources, programs and funding, and online courses for innovators. All three key players work in concert with one another to advance an important and impactful innovation agenda. Together, this powerful partnership will lead the revitalization and forge UIQ as a destination for excellence where innovation is brought to life.

uiqyyc UIQYYC University Innovation Quarter university-of-calgary-properties-group

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MOVING RESEARCH-TO-IMPACT It has been more than a decade since the University of Calgary declared itself a research-intensive institution. This declaration came together with several initiatives that have changed the trajectory of the university and created an injection point for innovation. As a professor, physician, and Vice-President (Research), it really has been fascinating to witness and participate in this journey that began in 2012 with our Eyes High strategic plan and the creation of cross-cutting research themes. These themes de-siloed our university expertise and connected people, creating interdisciplinary teams across disciplines and faculties. This transformation led to the 2023 launch of the university’s bold new strategic plan, Ahead of Tomorrow, where we continue to maximize research impact by harnessing the power of research and innovation to tackle society’s biggest challenges. Supporting bright young minds and talent at a dynamic phase of their careers is an essential part of a research university. We have made investments into our postdoctoral training programs along with associated growth in our graduate studies enrollment with the offering of future-focused training programs, incorporating elements such as entrepreneurship, pluralism, cybersecurity, precision medicine and quantum technologies. Dr. William Ghali, MD, Vice-President (Research), University of Calgary These steps have been made to support a knowledge economy, where economic activity is linked to talent creation from our training programs, scientific discovery and applied research, and the downstream products that arise from it. A research university like ours, that is fueled by a combination of people and research, is centrally important to advancing Canada’s knowledge economy.

It all matters. And we are on the move. Our innovation ecosystem at UCalgary is one that is dedicated to supporting and producing impact. Our pathways towards intellectual property, commercialization and company creation for therapeutics, diagnostics, and clean energy sector innovations have been well defined and supported. Alongside private sector and technology-based innovations, our emphasis is also on social innovation achieved through partnerships and initiatives in communities, health organizations, social agencies, NGOs, and social enterprises.

But what is the role that innovation plays in knowledge economies? Commercialization is one goal, and while it is often the most visible, it is not the ultimate goal. Rather, the end goal is to create value for society. Whether it is to bring environmental sustainability, to make health and life better and more comfortable, or to create novel energy systems that are cleaner – the value should be for our planet and for our communities.

Our commitment to impact is rooted in a commitment to engage communities – locally, nationally, and globally. Through partnerships at each of these levels, the University of Calgary is advancing innovation in multiple domains, and through these we produce far-reaching impact – in health and social dimensions, environmental sustainability, clean energy futures, dynamic and pluralistic societies, and so much more.

UCalgary is committed to research impact. The diversity of how we measure, understand, and describe research impact enables its growth and its ability to scale from the university into the community. With an institutional commitment through the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), we consider a diversity of research and scholarship outputs and explore the many pathways through which these produce impact.

The following pages shares more about the University of Calgary’s commitment to impact, achieved through innovation. 70

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GREAT CITIES ARE ANCHORED BY GREAT RESEARCH UNIVERSITIES UCalgary is a young, ambitious research-intensive university on a mission to improve the lives of our communities. Innovation at UCalgary is fueled by research, with a comprehensive ecosystem designed to build pathways that enable great ideas to shine.

Opportunities for one-on-one mentorship and guidance Access to early-stage seed funding for new startup companies Facilitated engagement with community, industry, and government partners Connections to global research, innovation, and commercialization opportunities

To drive innovation and impact, UCalgary enables researchers to pursue ideas focused on key societal issues, creating the conditions for transdisciplinary collaboration and partnership with community and industry organizations. Moving from research to impact requires connecting research discovery and invention with entrepreneurial action – and through our community of innovators, we move knowledge forward for positive change, and contribute to the diversification of Alberta’s economy.

With new infrastructure, programming, and funding models activated regularly, UCalgary continues to keep our eyes on the future while supporting our researchers today.

Innovation takes many forms and many paths, where the UCalgary innovation ecosystem is designed to meet people wherever they are, providing resources and guidance to take the next steps toward impact. Our research and innovation ecosystem is foundational to our purpose as a university and supports UCalgary researchers to tackle society’s biggest challenges, elevated by the University Innovation Quarter. Researchers, students, staff, and community members have access to a wide range of supports including:

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CARBON CAPTURE TECHNOLOGY MOVES OUT OF THE LAB AND INTO LARGE SCALE INDUSTRIAL USE

Dr. George Shimizu, PhD, and his research in metal organic frameworks are looking forward to combat climate change and address carbon neutrality. After years of research, the Calgary Framework 20 (CALF-20) technology was developed in his lab within the University of Calgary’s Department of Chemistry. Shimizu, who is a professor in the Faculty of Science, worked with students and postdoctoral scholars in his lab as well as collaborators including Dr. Arvind Rajendran, PhD at the University of Alberta to develop this technology.

The research was supported by various government funding and training programs, as well as receiving support from the Global Research Initiative in Sustainable Low-Carbon Unconventional Resources and the Parex Resources Innovation Fellowship at the university. Utilizing the licensing and commercialization services of Innovate Calgary, the university’s technology transfer office and key player of the Innovation@UCalgary ecosystem, Shimizu was able, with academic and industrial partners, to demonstrate the validity of their carbon capture technology.

CALF-20 is a flour-like powder that acts as a molecular sized sponge. The compound can clean up carbon dioxide from a CO2 As part of the first large-scale industrial stream by capturing the gas and condensing demonstration of a metal organic framework it within its pores. CALF-20 is novel within globally, with industrial carbon capture the class of metal organic frameworks, as the solution provider, Svante Inc., they were able compound is stable, as well as cost effective to show, on a slip stream from a cement plant, Dr. George Shimizu, PhD and easy to make. This plays a huge factor a removal of up to 95% of CO2 emitted. Now being demonstrated at a steam generator, per when thousands of tonnes of the compound day, the CALF-20 compound can capture up to 25 tonnes of carbon dioxide are required to capture carbon dioxide on an industrial scale. A unique aspect and is a commercially viable and proven technology that can reduce the CO2 is that CO2 condenses in CALF-20 before water as reported in the journal, Science, in 2021. footprint of Alberta’s energy industry. 72

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SUPPORTING THE RESEARCH-TO-IMPACT JOURNEY POSTDOCTORAL SCHOLARS INSPIRED TO CREATE DIAGNOSTIC STARTUP TO INCREASE ACCESS TO DATA Dr. Mehdi Mohammadi, PhD, and Dr. Stephanie Bishop, PhD, are postdoctoral researchers with expertise in clinical metabolomics in the Department of Biological Sciences. They work in the Faculty of Science’s Alberta Centre for Advanced Diagnostics, led by Dr. Ian Lewis, PhD.

They evaluated their prototype in the lab by diagnosing bloodstream infections in more than 500 patient samples, demonstrating it could reduce the time of diagnosis from three days to five hours. The prototype kit can be used by researchers with minimal metabolomics expertise and can handle up to 2000 samples per day to rapidly diagnose infections. Future applications may include biomarker discovery for cancer, cardiovascular health, neurological issues and more.

Clinical metabolomics provides detailed information in real time of many chemicals present in a sample of a patient’s organs, tissues, blood, urine, saliva, or cells. It is a complex specimen analysis method that allows researchers to measure and understand the interactions between the different chemicals present. Metabolomics is a powerful analytical tool but requires state-of-the-art facilities and considerable team expertise to run the workflows, experiments, instruments, and provide an analysis of the data.

After publishing their findings, Fluidome tapped into the resources and offerings available through the Innovation@UCalgary ecosystem. Their first point of contact within the ecosystem was competing in a business pitch competition for life sciences innovations run by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the 2022 Inventure$ conference. Fluidome was awarded the Alberta Innovates: Data enabled health transformation prize at the competition.

With his background in biomedical engineering, Mohammadi had previously developed a point-of-care device with the Lewis Research Group to rapidly diagnose blood stream infections. He recognized that there was a market gap, and this type of device could tackle challenges in metabolic analysis by making it simpler and less expensive.

Mohammadi, Bishop and Rafiei then participated in other Innovation@ UCalgary ecosystem offerings, e2i: Evolve 2 Innovate, an eight-month experiential innovation curriculum, and received mentorship from the Academic Entrepreneurs in Residence program.

Mohammadi founded the startup company, Fluidome in 2020. He was introduced to Dr. Atefeh Rafiei, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering. Rafiei, a bio-analytical chemist with a background in mass spectrometry–based proteomics and metabolomics, along with Bishop’s background in analytical chemistry and mass spectrometry, developed a new metabolomics and proteomics technology and analytical process.

Fluidome’s products have the potential to be expanded into different markets outside of medicine such as agriculture, pharmacology and the oil and gas industry. As part of the Creative Destruction Lab – Rockies cohort in the Haskayne School of Business, Fluidome is looking to accelerate the commercial and real-world impact of this diagnostic technology.

Dr. Atefeh Rafiei, PhD

Dr. Mehdi Mohammadi, PhD

Dr. Stephanie Bishop, PhD

Explore the Innovation Ecosystem 1.

University Innovation Quarter (see page 60)

Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking (see page 170)

W21C Research and Innovation Centre (see page 188)

IMPACT: Integrated Management Platform to Accelerate Clinical Trials

Haskayne Centres of Excellence

6b.

5a. Creative Destruction Lab - Rockies (see page 166) 5b. Trico Foundation Social Entrepreneurship Centre 5c. Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation 6.

Innovate Calgary (see page 78) 6a. Life Sciences Innovation Hub 6b. Social Innovation Hub 6c. Energy Transition Centre

Innovation@UCalgary Ecosystem

6c.

6a.

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ACADEMIC ENTREPRENEURS IN RESIDENCE The Academic Entrepreneurs in Residence program supports a critical step in the innovation workflow by providing mentorship and practical support to help move emergent research ideas toward impactful solutions in our community. A network of embedded academic mentors connects the languages of research and academia with those of business and community to help new entrepreneurs focus on the potential societal significance of an idea or discovery.

KEY STATISTICS

SOCIAL INNOVATION INITIATIVE

#1 startup creator among research institutions in Canada1.

The Social Innovation Initiative serves faculty researchers and community agencies to mobilize academic experience, transdisciplinary expertise, and knowledge into solutions for complex social problems. The initiative is a conduit to the university’s broad innovation ecosystem and provides funding to support the costs of social innovation-based research.

A Top 10 Research University in Canada2 and member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities. Over $545.3 million in sponsored-research revenue with an indirect economic impact of $8.2 billion.

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH AND INNOVATION PARTNERSHIP SUPPORT

Since 2013, university research has led to over 1097 IP disclosures, 197 new patent applications filed, and 183 technology licenses/ options executed.

The team supports international research, innovation, and commercialization activities at the University of Calgary by connecting researchers, global granting agencies, industry, and academic organizations, and the International and Research Services Offices to develop strategic international research collaborations and partnerships to expand opportunities for knowledge transfer for global impact.

1. 2020, 2021 & 2022 Association of University Technology Manager’s Canadian Licensing Activity Surveys. 2. Re$earch Info. Source Inc. Top 50 Research Universities in Canada list. 76

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CONNECTING EVIDENCE WITH COMMUNITY FOR SOCIAL INNOVATIONS WITH IMPACT At the University of Calgary, not all research-based innovations lead to a commercialization pathway. There is a myriad of support available within the Innovation@UCalgary ecosystem to connect academic expertise with community members to address social change or launch a social enterprise. The first touchpoint point is the Social Innovation Initiative, connecting researchers with community agencies to support social good through collaboration, research, and evaluation. The initiative builds capacity for both these groups to support transdisciplinary research collaborations. Innovate Calgary’s Social Innovation Hub provides a community space with programming, resources, and infrastructure to support impact-first innovations. Backed by federal investment to support the development of viable social enterprises and build a more inclusive innovation ecosystem, the hub is a second touchpoint for social innovators.

fund invests in early-stage social enterprises that are working to solve pressing social and human problems with innovative and tested solutions. Powered by the generosity of the United Way of Calgary and Area and the Government of Alberta’s Creative Partnerships, the fund supports social entrepreneurs who are using innovative approaches to solving pressing social issues and have a desire to measure and manage their intended social impact.

UCeed’s Social Impact Fund is an additional opportunity for those innovators who have taken the steps to develop a social enterprise. The Social Impact

EXPLORE AND CONNECT WITH UCALGARY AND THE ALBERTA INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM Now Innovating is a research-to-impact series that shares the stories of UCalgary researchers who have moved their discoveries forward and their innovation journeys to implementation and creating impact. This series aims to inspire researchers and community partners to take new steps toward transforming discoveries into solutions, products, and services. Explore the series at: research.ucalgary.ca/now-innovating. The university’s Innovation Ecosystem Directory allows students, researchers, startup companies and community members to search available innovation support resources. Depending on the stage of the innovation journey, available funding opportunities, programs, accelerators, and service providers from Alberta and beyond are listed at: ucalgaryinnovationdirectory.ca. Email: innovation@ucalgary.ca University of Calgary UCalgaryresearch ucalgary

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Bridging the gap between discovery and creating economic and societal impact

Innovate Calgary is situated within University Innovation Quarter (UIQ), an existing innovation ecosystem spanning across 76 acres that is currently being revitalized to support economic growth, innovation advancements, and UCalgary research.

We are the innovation engine for UCalgary, one of the top research universities in Canada. We support existing business models while nurturing innovative and disruptive thinking through a plethora of services such as providing IP/patent support for University of Calgary (UCalgary) faculty, managing an investment fund, managing unique facilities for research-intensive ventures and being a professional development training ground for students, entrepreneurs and startups.

Supporting the University of Calgary to create more startup companies than any other Canadian research institution, Innovate Calgary provides 78

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a launchpad for researchers and startups to disrupt the status quo and build new solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. However, we go beyond traditional technology transfer services to include focused startup support programs and services for research-intensive companies.

by liaising with key players in the life sciences ecosystem. Alberta has identified digital health as a strategic priority area, and we are excited to be a part of that journey by providing world-class labs, equipment and facilities, collaboration space and professional development opportunities. Further, health-tech and biomedical startups have easy access to clinical trials and regulatory services through the Integrated Management Platform to Accelerate Clinical Trials (IMPACT) at the Life Sciences Innovation Hub. Our IMPACT program helps early- or mid-stage ventures conduct clinical trials and secure regulatory and market approvals for new health-related inventions with less capital.

Innovate Calgary manages UCeed, UCalgary’s group of early-stage investment funds. Backed by philanthropic support, UCeed accelerates UCalgary and community-based startup companies to advance innovation, create jobs and fuel the economy. In the first three years of operation, we have invested $3.7M into 30 companies in a range of industries including health tech and socially purposed organizations. We also operationalize Western Canada’s first university-based private equity fund, managed by and for students, where we provide guidance and training for the next generation of venture capital and private equity professionals.

We don’t just focus on life science ventures. Our newly launched Energy Transition Center in partnership with Avatar Innovations, plays a pivotal role in upskilling and training Highly Qualified Professionals (HQPs) and seeding local start-ups for Calgary’s energy transition economy. We have also launched a Social Innovation Hub that connects changemakers with community-led programming, cross-sectoral networks, coaching, mentorship, and access to capital and space to help launch or scale their innovation.

But as the adage goes, “alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The Life Sciences Innovation Hub has helped establish Calgary as a destination for health startups through several partnerships and 79

The road of a startup can be rocky with many failing within the first two years. At Innovate Calgary, we are passionate about commercialization, innovation, and contributing to the startup community so that more startups can thrive. We want to support the success of as many researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs as possible, which motivates us to find new and creative ways to support the ecosystem. Through our tech transfer services, funding opportunities, community partnerships and programs, Innovate Calgary is uniquely positioned to help with intellectual property, patents, licensing, startup development and connection with industry. We look forward to working with you to help develop your idea into impact! Connect with us on LinkedIN, Twitter and Facebook.

Head Office & Life Sciences Innovation Hub 3655 36 St NW Calgary, AB T2L 1Y8 Tel: 403-270-7027 innovate-calgary

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AT THE FOREFRONT OF ALBERTA INNOVATION 82

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BEHIND EVERY INNOVATOR IS A GREAT COMMUNITY

PLATFORM CALGARY BRINGS TOGETHER THE RESOURCES OF CALGARY’S TECH ECOSYSTEM TO HELP STARTUPS LAUNCH AND GROW AT EVERY STEP OF THEIR JOURNEY – FROM IDEATION THROUGH TO SCALE. Calgary has what it takes to be a global innovation hub: affordability, liveability, high levels of investable wealth, and a population that is educated, technical, and diverse. The proof is in the numbers. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, Calgary is routinely ranked as one of the top five most livable cities in the world. Platform Calgary has seen how thriving tech ecosystems accelerate startup growth in other cities around the world, and are applying that to Calgary. Platform brings together founders, investors, tech talent, and local industry under one roof. This community works together to build diversity, accessibility, and equity into Calgary’s innovation economy. With the opening of the Platform Innovation Centre in June 2022, Calgary now has a purpose-built downtown hub for tech and innovation that centralizes the resources of the tech sector. Platform contributes to the community by reducing barriers and increasing speed to success for early stage entrepreneurs who are launching and growing their startup — making it easy for all Calgarians to connect into technology and innovation, while empowering youth, underserved communities, and workers who are highly skilled but underemployed. With a community of 110+ ecosystem partners and growing, Platform Calgary is focused on helping startups launch and grow at every step of their journey, from ideation through to scale.

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JONAH CHININGA, CEO AND CO-FOUNDER OF WOVEO

There’s a great opportunity to be able to solve some of the most pressing problems within the fintech ecosystem.”

Woveo is a community wallet that enables newcomers to Canada to access credit and build credit history. Jonah, an immigrant himself, drew on personal experience in developing Woveo. “Me and my co-founders, we are all immigrants to Canada, and our biggest challenge settling in Canada was our access to credit.” Woveo recently earned second place and a $60K cash prize in the Digital Commerce Calgary Fintech Award. The award and program is a partnership between Platform Calgary and Digital Commerce Group of Companies, to nurture local talent and facilitate company growth in Calgary’s fintech sector. “Winning the award helped us with the resources to do our rebranding, SOC2 compliance, and securing partnership with a bank,” says Jonah. Jonah relocated from Prince Edward Island to Calgary, attracted by Calgary’s reputation and resources. In 2022, Calgary was named one of the top 30 fintech hubs in North America. “Moving to Calgary has been really great for the company,” he says. “Starting a business is hard; starting a tech business is harder, but starting a fintech business is way harder because you have to deal with so many things. You benefit from the education and mentorship.” Currently, it’s in beta testing with 1,000 users and has a waitlist of 16 communities with more than 14,000 users. “There’s a great opportunity to be able to solve some of the most pressing problems within the fintech ecosystem. In Canada, there is a lot of immigration. Adjusting our services to be able to cater to new Canadians coming into the system and into a high-inflation environment where the cost of living is really high, financial services are going to be key.”

In 2022, 25 startups received valuable mentorship and connections through the inaugural Digital Commerce Calgary Fintech Award and two startups — Fillip Fleet and Woveo — won a total of $310,000 in non-dilutive cash.

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HONG PHUC “HP” NGUYEN, FOUNDER OF KIBBI Kibbi is a local job community that makes it easier for businesses to connect with local job seekers, and lowers barriers for eligible, ready-to-work newcomers.

Getting the right people to support you is so important. Having someone open the door first makes it easier.”

That focus was inspired by HP’s own experiences navigating a job search in a new country, when she arrived in Canada in 2020. She had a Bachelor of Commerce, an MBA, and more than 8 years of marketing and business development experience at a Fortune 500 company. Still, she found it difficult. HP’s first role in Calgary would be at a non-profit. Serving as chair of the Calgary Vietnamese Women Association exposed her to more of the challenges newcomers face when trying to find work. She started Kibbi as a community project to address common challenges like finding a job near home, lack of transportation, not speaking the language, and not understanding job listings. “What we’re trying to build is really the LinkedIn for hourly job seekers,” HP says. A prototype was built with the help of feedback from job seekers and employers who shared their experiences. HP chatted with other immigrants, to understand their pain points. Today, Kibbi’s goal is to help newcomers land their first job and feel more settled in their new country. The app allows inclusive employers to proactively connect with potential hires, instead of waiting for applicants. Following its MVP launch last June, the number of app downloads and key partnerships have been trending upwards. Kibbi has raised $895K, thanks to The51’s Fund II, Viewpoint Partners, and angel investors. As a participant in the Platform Incubator program, HP says that talking to people who have been where she is now has been incredibly valuable. “Getting the right people to support you is so important. Having someone open the door first makes it easier.”

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CALGARY’S HOME FOR INNOVATORS The Platform Innovation Centre is the front door to the innovation community — a single point of access to resources, support, programming and events to help founders launch and grow their startups. Located in the heart of Calgary’s East Village neighbourhood — beside City Hall, Central Library, and Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre — the Platform Innovation Centre helps create connections, driving new economic growth and job creation in Calgary. When someone walks through the doors of the Platform Innovation Centre, they’ll be greeted by the Platform Café — tucked under the KPMG Pitch Stage — which acts as a concierge for the community, connecting them to the person or resource they need to help launch or grow their business. Part of a first of its kind, future-proof project, the Innovation Centre was built in partnership with Calgary Parking Authority and Calgary Municipal Land Corporation to meet the needs of Calgary now, and into the future. The Innovation Centre occupies the first two floors of the building, with parking on the levels above, and a panoramic view of Calgary’s downtown from the rooftop.

Platform Innovation Centre in 2022: Opened to the public June 6 20,000+ visitors 1,740 space bookings 14,000+ hours of space bookings donated to non-profit partners

$5.3M private donations to help bring the Platform Innovation Centre to life.

Platform Calgary is supported by the City of Calgary, the Government of Alberta, Alberta Innovates and the Government of Canada.

AT THE PLATFORM INNOVATION CENTRE YOU’LL FIND: 110+ tech and innovation partners under one roof. Access to classes, seminars, workshops, and programs for entrepreneurs and industry professionals. Access to businesses, top talent and expertise from across Canada and beyond for industry meetups, pitch nights, keynotes and collisions between entrepreneurs, investors, and founders. KPMG Pitch Stage and event-based community space equipped with display screens, built-in sound system, lights, and streaming cameras.

ALONGSIDE PLATFORM CALGARY, THIS IS THE COMMUNITY THAT MAKES UP THE PLATFORM INNOVATION CENTRE: Platform Calgary is bringing together founders and their teams, corporate and community partners, investors and tech talent all under one roof. All these people are committed to a city-wide culture of collaboration anchored in diversity, accessibility and equity. Meet the Members, Partners and Pillar Team community:

PlatformCalgary

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WE ARE EDMONTON UNLIMITED – INNOVATION FROM HERE FOR THE WORLD.

Edmonton Unlimited’s Open House, May 12th, 2023 - Photo by Ampersand Grey

Through our professional development pillar, we support local innovators to build and scale companies and solutions to meet global demands, advance homegrown ingenuity, and contribute to the local economy. We leverage a deep understanding of early and mid-stage companies’ conditions to offer free programming for sustainable growth. Through our three program streams, Startup, Scaleup, and Accelerate, we deliver business content focused on the entrepreneurial journey, including the commercialization of innovation, revenue growth, raising capital, and international expansion. We help Edmonton’s entrepreneurs translate their ideas into tangible, growing companies by providing local innovators with the right assistance at the right time. Many of our programs are flexible and online, but you can also take advantage of the collisions and resources at our new space in Edmonton’s downtown core.

As the City of Edmonton’s innovation agency, we position Edmonton as an inclusive global innovation capital, supporting innovators as they create companies and solutions to solve the planet’s toughest challenges, including the climate emergency, public health, food security, digital inclusion, and Reconciliation. We are committed to cultivating Edmonton’s rich, diverse innovation ecosystem for the betterment of all and contributing to the city’s enduring economic vitality, resiliency, and identity while fueling jobs, economic opportunities, and civic pride for all Edmontonians. Edmontonians have ambitious goals, and we strengthen the ecosystem through our five programming pillars: Professional Development, Pathfinding, Positioning, Placemaking and Partnerships. Across these five verticals, we create, curate, and promote programs, networks, forums, communication channels, funding, investment, and spaces to mobilize our innovation communities for maximum international impact and support a triple bottom line of people, planet, and prosperity.

By providing innovators and entrepreneurs with support as they transform their ideas into tangible, growing companies, we harness the power of possibility and help bring the best of Edmonton to the world. These made-in92

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Hot-desking: Program participants and alumni can access flexible hot-desking facilities. Whether sparking new ideas, networking, or diving into projects, these dynamic workstations are your canvas for innovation. Program Delivery Space: A dedicated area that fosters creativity and amplifies teamwork, empowering you to turn your concepts into achievements for program-related activities and collaboration. Ideation Labs: These spaces are purpose-built to inspire creativity and ignite brainstorming sessions.

Amiskwaciwâskahikan /(Edmonton) solutions are uniquely designed to meet international market demands, attract enlightened investment, and bolster our reputation as a destination-of-choice for entrepreneurs, accelerators, and bold multinationals. Together, we are positioning Edmonton as an inclusive global innovation capital. We are a city of innovators tackling great global challenges and a global centre that secures an economic future for Edmonton’s residents, communities, and companies.

Edmonton Unlimited’s New Innovation Space: Welcoming Diverse Entrepreneurs, Events, Programs, Industries, and International Collaborations 10107 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta Welcome to our newly renovated, street-level, loft-style space at 10107 Jasper Avenue—a vibrant and accessible home for Edmonton’s dynamic innovation communities. Spanning over 18,000 square feet, this space serves as the epicentre of our operations, hosting founders, innovative programs, world-class accelerators, subject matter experts, community events, and like-minded partners who share our mission. At this cutting-edge facility, we unite to empower local entrepreneurs to start, grow, and scale their ideas and companies to meet global demands. Our space offers:

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Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, City of Edmonton and Catherine Warren, CEO, Edmonton Unlimited - Photo by Ampersand Grey 93

Edmonton Unlimited Team and Launch Party 13 companies at Launch Party 13, October 2022 - Photo by Ampersand Grey

Pitch Deck: The Pitch Deck isn’t just a space; it’s a stage where your vision takes center stage. With seating for 100, it’s the ideal setting for impactful presentations and community events. Here, your ideas find their voice, captivate audiences, and propel your ventures to new heights. Community Café: A warm and inviting space where networking and collaboration flow as freely as coffee. The café and kitchen spaces are where connections are forged over conversations, partnerships are born, and the spirit of community drives innovation forward. Innovation Gallery: With federal government financial support, we collaborated with architects, popups, and festival organizations to create an embedded space that showcases innovation in action and ties to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Strength in Innovation: Edmonton’s ecosystem boasts significant strengths in cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), big data and analytics, and life sciences, cementing its status as a hotbed of technological advancement. (Source: 2023 Global Startup Ecosystem Report)

INNOVATOR SPOTLIGHT: ELEV Tackling the student housing crisis Elev is a team of students and new graduates on a mission to build a virtual ecosystem to support students in their off-campus housing journey. Their user-friendly app matches students with trustworthy hosts and facilitates secure rent payment. This team is challenging the status quo, stereotypes and building bridges to more equitable, affordable housing opportunities for diverse students. Their work is aligned with UN SDG #11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. In 2022,

EDMONTON IS ON A ROLL. Edmonton is making waves on the global stage, and together, we’re shaping the city into an inclusive capital for innovation that’s catching the world’s attention. Here are some incredible highlights that showcase the remarkable contributions of local innovators and the city’s transformative journey in the world of startups and innovation: Startup Ecosystem Soars: Edmonton’s startup ecosystem has witnessed a staggering 96% increase in value since 2022, reaching an impressive $1.3 billion, up from $641 million in the previous year. (Source: 2023 Global Startup Ecosystem Report) A Talent-Rich Oasis: Edmonton ranks as the #4 North American ecosystem for affordable tech talent, making it a prime destination for businesses seeking skilled professionals. (Source: 2023 Global Startup Ecosystem Report) Climbing the Ranks: In just three years, Edmonton has catapulted an impressive 29 spots in the emerging ecosystem rankings, a testament to its rapid growth and innovation prowess. (Source: 2023 Global Startup Ecosystem Report)

From left to right: Kevin Mpunga, co-founder & CEO, Jean Bruce Koua, co-founder & COO, Kwasi Boateng, co-founder & CTO) - Photo by Ampersand Grey 94

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Elev solidified partnerships with the largest post-secondary institutions in Edmonton, improved their app’s user experience, and secured close to $100,000 in funding. Elev has been connected closely with Edmonton Unlimited programming since they were part of the inaugural cohort of Student Founders in 2020. In 2021, they built on their learning and refined their business plan as part of the Propel 4 cohort. In 2022, they participated in the Post-Secondary Institution Business Development Support Program and tapped into Edmonton Unlimited’s network of business leaders and experts for 1:1 targeted support.

2022, Sarcomere Dynamics Inc. celebrated many major milestones including completing R&D, bringing their first product to market, growing their team, raising pre-seed funds, securing grants, and building their local, regional, national, and international networks. In 2022, Edmonton Unlimited connected Sarcomere Dynamics Inc. with business leaders and experts through the Experts on Demand (EOD) program. These connections provided the team at Sarcomere Dynamics with invaluable support in real time as the team prepared to bring their unique product to market. Harpal Mandaher (cofounder and CEO) described the EOD program as follows:

Elev embraced Edmonton Unlimited’s programming and grew their idea in a fully supportive environment. Kevin Mpunga (CEO, Elev, Former Student Founder, 2022 PSI-BDS Program Participant) shared that participating in Edmonton Unlimited programming “...set us up on a brand-new course, which evolved into what Elev is today.”

“A flexible resource catered to where the company is in its development. Initially, we needed to polish our message for funding — the expert from Edmonton was excellent! Then we were ready to go to market and needed guidance on ‘how best do we do this?’…. That’s where another experienced expert helped identify priorities and methods to get our name out there, so we’re not chasing everything.”

“[Edmonton Unlimited] were able to provide the support that we needed and... They still are providing the support that we need...we’re able to... reach out to the people within EU to ask for help. And if they aren’t able to provide the help...they definitely know someone who knows someone...who they can connect us with that can provide that help.”

— Harpal Mandaher Co-Founder and CEO, 2022 EOD Program Participant.

2023 will be an exciting year for Sarcomere Dynamics as they prepare to launch their active sales campaign, bringing their innovation to global markets in North America, Europe, and Asia while establishing their manufacturing at home in Edmonton. To learn more about Sarcomere Dynamics, please visit www.sarcomeredynamics.com.

— Jean Bruce Koua COO, Elev, Former Student Founder, 2022 PSI-BDS Program Participant

The team at Elev is focused on scaling and building partnerships across Alberta and Canada. They plan to keep evolving their user experience while launching some pilots, including a program designed to provide enhanced support to low-income students and developing a Host Guarantee to create a risk-free pathway for landlords to join the Elev community. To learn more about Elev, please visit www.elevhomes.ca

INNOVATOR SPOTLIGHT: SARCOMERE DYNAMICS Sarcomere Dynamics Inc. is on a mission to make the most advanced robotic hand in the world. Their innovation will change labour and productivity by replicating human functionality and automating tasks in dynamic environments. The opportunities for this technology are limitless and can be leveraged to address challenges such as sustainability, food security, and/ or health. Sarcomere Dynamics Inc. was the recipient of the 2022 ASTech Award for Significant Achievement in Innovation: Start-up Company. In

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Empowering Alberta’s Future Through Technology, Innovation and Collaboration.

Representatives from a startup practicing their pitch on the KPMG Pitch Stage at Platform Calgary. KPMG in Canada is proud to have been serving clients in Alberta for over 100 years. Today, they have one of the largest professional services firms in the province, providing Audit, Tax, and Advisory services to public and private businesses. Their depth and diversity of experience and local presence are complemented by their access to national and global professionals, helping organizations effectively and efficiently manage performance and risks in the dynamic environments in which they operate.

Building a thriving tech industry is key to Alberta’s economic diversification. KPMG stands at the forefront of the technology and innovation ecosystem, propelling the region towards a future defined by cutting-edge advancements. As a leading professional services firm, the KPMG in Canada’s Calgary office has been a catalyst for transformative change, working closely with the Platform Innovation Centre and nurturing KPMG Ignition Calgary. With a relentless drive to foster innovation, KPMG is writing a remarkable story of progress, collaboration, and technological breakthroughs. 96

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Successful startups are at the base of this and are growing the economy and creating employment. KPMG in Canada remained a strong supporter of the tech industry in Alberta, working with numerous companies from start-up to success, and their support of this quickly growing industry is helping drive opportunity, sustainability, and prosperity for Albertans. THE PLATFORM INNOVATION CENTRE: A NEXUS FOR COLLABORATION The KPMG in Canada Calgary office’s commitment to innovation is demonstrated by its relationship with the Platform Innovation Centre. This collaborative hub serves as a point of connection for startups,

KPMG SR&ED team presenting to startups at Platform Calgary.

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KPMG Tax & Audit team presenting to startups at Platform Calgary. entrepreneurs, industry experts, and academia, and fosters an environment where diverse minds converge to develop, refine, and deploy disruptive technological solutions. As a Pillar Team Member of the Centre, the KPMG in Canada Calgary office plays an instrumental role in mentoring, advising, and supporting emerging companies through their growth journey. The firm actively participates in workshops, thought leadership panels, and innovation-focused events, fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and collaboration. This interconnectedness ensures that ideas are nurtured, connections are forged, and innovations are given the platform they need to thrive. Drawing upon KPMG’s vast experience and knowledge in various industries, the firm provides invaluable insights to startups and scaleups, helping them navigate through the intricacies of market challenges, regulatory landscapes, and financial strategies. By offering tailored advisory services, KPMG empowers these startups to build robust business models and scale their innovations rapidly. KPMG IGNITION CENTRE: SPARKING CORPORATE INNOVATION In addition to supporting the broader tech ecosystem in Alberta, KPMG in Canada’s Calgary office established its own innovation centre, KPMG Ignition Calgary. This space serves as a dynamic and collaborative hub designed to spark innovation, fuel transformation, and unlock an organization’s future potential. The KPMG Ignition Centre employs design-thinking methods to deliver customized sessions to help businesses reframe complex problems into future opportunities and unlock new forms of value through breakthrough thinking and actionable strategies.

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BUILDING A RESILIENT FUTURE TOGETHER

They recognize that every business challenge can be different, from mindset to maturity to trajectory. The Ignition team can meet a company wherever it is in their journey, embracing their drive for change and envisioned destination. When it comes to problem-solving for a client, KPMG thinks differently and works differently, because unconventional perspectives lead to unconventional insight.

As KPMG in Canada continues to focus on technology and innovation, it remains committed to building a resilient future for the province and beyond. By collaborating with the Platform Innovation Centre, empowering emerging and high growth ventures, and driving corporate innovation through KPMG Ignition Calgary, the firm is helping shape a landscape that thrives on cutting-edge advancements.

KPMG has domain knowledge and experience in many market-leading industries, sectors, technologies, alliances, and solutions. We can leverage the capabilities within our diverse team to create new value for your organization.

KPMG Tax & Audit team presenting to startups at KPMG Ignition Calgary. KPMG fosters an innovation-driven culture within the organization. Employees are encouraged to think beyond conventional boundaries and embrace a mindset of continuous improvement. This dedication to innovation permeates through KPMG’s service offerings, leading to solutions that are effective, considered, and keep the future in mind. In the spirit of unity and cross-industry collaboration, KPMG in Canada recognizes that shared knowledge and diverse perspectives are the cornerstone of progress. As the province continues to evolve as a prominent technology and innovation ecosystem, KPMG in Canada stands resolute in its commitment to unleash the power of innovation and help create a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow for everybody in Alberta and beyond.

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PRAIRIES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CANADA (PRAIRIESCAN)

BUILDING ON SUCCESS

OUR MANDATE

In 2021, the Government of Canada embarked on a new approach to economic development in the West. To better recognize the unique economic drivers of the Prairies and British Columbia, the department known as Western Economic Diversification (WD) evolved into two departments. On August 6, 2021, Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), and Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), were officially created, and we haven’t looked back since.

PrairiesCan is the federal department that supports economic growth in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Our programs and services help businesses, not-for-profits and communities grow stronger. Our mandate is to support economic growth and diversification in the Prairie provinces and to advance the interests of the region in national economic policy, programs, and projects. We have four primary roles: first, as an investor, we make strategic investments that support the ability of businesses and sectors to expand and create jobs. Second, we are a convenor, which means we connect economic actors to support collaboration and growth. 100

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Third, we are an advisor, which is to say we inform economic decisionmaking and advocate for Prairie interests. Finally, we are a pathfinder, helping people navigate federal economic programs and services.

SERVING COMMUNITIES Headquartered in Edmonton, we have been expanding our footprint across the Prairies. Since 2021, we have opened new points of service throughout Alberta in Lethbridge, Fort McMurray and Grande Prairie, complementing our well-established offices in Edmonton and Calgary. Our knowledgeable regional officers are on the ground connecting Albertans with our programs and services. These locations allow us to assist more people where they live, work and play—with the local and regional knowledge that businesses and organizations need when navigating our changing economy.

OUR PRIORITIES PrairiesCan administers a number of grants and contributions programs that enable us to strengthen productivity and competitiveness across the Prairies. Our core programs reflect our three priority areas. The first is new value and competitiveness, which translates into accelerating economic growth through new sources of value and innovation in traditional sectors. The second is the green economy, which means enabling success in a net-zero future. And, the third is inclusivity, which involves supporting a more equitable and inclusive economy through the economic participation of underrepresented populations. 101

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OUR CORE PROGRAMS PrairiesCan is proud to offer a suite of programs that invest in the longterm success of businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and communities. PrairiesCan’s core programs are: Regional Innovation Ecosystems Business Scale-up and Productivity Economic Development Initiative Community Economic Development and Diversification Western Canada Business Service Network Regional Innovation Ecosystems (RIE) Through the Regional Innovation Ecosystems program, we make targeted investments in not-for-profit organizations that support businesses in priority sectors to innovate, grow and compete globally. Further, we foster inclusive growth by helping underrepresented groups more fully participate in the innovation economy. Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) This program supports high-growth businesses that are seeking to improve productivity, scale-up and commercialize technology. Through BSP, PrairiesCan offers interest-free, repayable funding to incorporated businesses. Economic Development Initiative (EDI) The Economic Development Initiative provides financial support to projects that encourage economic diversification, business development, innovation, partnerships, and increased support for small and medium-sized businesses in official language minority communities (OLMCs). All projects supported by this program are for the economic development of businesses and communities with the goal of sustainable growth of Western Canada’s Francophone Communities. Community Economic Development and Diversification (CEDD) This program seeks to enable not-for-profit organizations and communities to leverage their strength and capacity to achieve key goals. These goals include responding to economic development opportunities; adjusting to changing and challenging economic circumstances; sustaining and growing their local economies; mobilizing their local community capacity through the development of a community-based development strategy; and, establishing inclusive economies that support Indigenous peoples, women, youth, entrepreneurs with disabilities, official language minority communities and other underrepresented groups. Western Canada Business Service Network (WCBSN) The WCBSN helps entrepreneurs start or expand small businesses and supports community economic development. The network features more than 100 points of service including: Community Futures organizations, Women’s Enterprise Initiative offices, Francophone Economic Development Organizations, Indigenous Business Development Services and the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities Program.

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DRIVING DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION THROUGH A GLOBAL INNOVATION PLATFORM.

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WE’RE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON FOUR DIFFERENT VERTICALS: Sustainability: Bringing together game-changing ideas from different industries and countries onto one platform to solve some of the greatest environmental challenges that our society faces today.

At Plug and Play we believe that innovation should be open to anyone, anywhere. Plug and Play is building the leading innovation platform in the world focused on bringing Fortune 1000 corporations, innovative technology startups, and institutional investors together to develop and implement the technologies of tomorrow.

Sector Agnostic: Attracting the best and brightest startups from around the world and bringing together players from all relevant industries to accelerate Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning technology based startups across multiple sectors.

Our innovation platform is drawing in cutting-edge technology and investment to Alberta while providing vital assistance to foster the growth and expansion of Albertan entrepreneurs. We’re actively facilitating the recruitment of talented individuals in the tech industry and driving forward the province’s digital transformation efforts.

Digital Health: Leveraging artificial intelligence, sensors, data and new clinical techniques to build a digital health economy for the benefit of the digital health of all Canadians. Food & Beverage: Focusing on the technology behind farm-to-table processes and innovations, we’re connecting the best and brightest startups with some of the world’s largest food and agricultural institutions to reach new heights in the industry.

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Plug and Play Alberta is building a world-class innovation platform to attract top technology and investment to the region and support Albertan entrepreneurs to scale and grow, hire tech talent, and propel digital transformation across the province. Plug and Play is part of the Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program that is run by a consortium led by Alberta Innovates. The consortium, which also includes the Government of Alberta, Edmonton Unlimited, the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, and Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), allocated $35 million over three years to retain business accelerators. It’s part of the Alberta government’s goal to help create 20,000 jobs and increase technology firm revenue to $5 billion by 2030.

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OUR FOUNDING PARTNERS

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BUILDING COMMUNITY, SUPPORTING TECH SECTOR GROWTH.

2023 ASTech Awards: Awards of Distinction (Winners); Alberta Innovates executive (Presenters)

Technology Alberta is an industry-business association that supports the growth of Alberta’s tech sector, by building community. With an entrepreneur-led approach, we coordinate efforts and collaborate with key stakeholders – so that together, we deliver greater value for all of Alberta’s advanced technology growth companies.

of the province. Working together with experienced entrepreneurs, provincial stakeholders, frameworks, post-secondary institutions, strong communication channels and a community-minded spirit - with insights from leading thought-leaders, we strive to connect the support available in the major cities to the rural communities through our entrepreneurled, networked programs and collaborations. From Grande Prairie to Medicine Hat, Red Deer to Lloydminster – working with Alberta innovation ecosystem partners, Technology Alberta is committed to support Alberta’s innovative companies, teams, and regions grow and reach their potential.

As a province-wide organization, our members are tech entrepreneurs and business leaders – and our board has strong representation from both Edmonton and Calgary. Technology Alberta is dedicated to our mission of building community to deliver value that generates growth for all of Alberta’s innovative companies - in every corner 108

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Inventures 2023: Rainforest Colleagues in Calgary

FIRST Jobs Program – First Industry Research Technology company Jobs Program Technology Alberta actively supports the growth of Alberta’s technology SMEs (Small-to-Medium-sized Enterprises) through our FIRST Jobs talent program – which bridges the gap between academia and small companies and makes the hiring process accessible. This initiative began as a result of the challenges created by the COVID pandemic where there was a need to support un-employed Albertan students and young professionals, and an opportunity to uplift the tech SMEs who were looking to hire. Technology Alberta was provided pilot support funding from PrairiesCan and then the Government of Alberta, so that over Christmas of 2021 - 50 tech SMEs were able to hire 50 aspiring students from across the province through the FIRST Jobs Program. With the success of that ‘first’ cohort, additional government funding was secured – and the program was one of several supported by Advanced Education to offer a WIL (Work-Integrated-Learning) pilot program over 3 years. Technology Alberta has been able to support and connect 100’s of companies and students a year – thanks to combined provincial and federal funding, and province-wide community and post-secondary support.

Technology Alberta Monthly ICE (Innovation Community Entrepreneur-led Event) - Featuring RunwithIT, CEO Myrna Bittner

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Technology Alberta Monthly ICE Event at the Edmonton Research Park, Featuring Ken Bautista (Makespace), Gail Powley (Technology Alberta), Andrew MacIsaac (API), Mike Pereira (Waterloo Research Park), Raj Jaiswal (NABI), and Ahmad Jawad (Intellimedia, ERPBC)

Edmonton Research Park, Advanced Technology Centre. (erpbc.ca - a community of over 50 companies with a focus on innovation, many collaborating with Alberta post-secondaries)

34th Annual ASTech Awards – Alberta Science Technology and Leadership Awards The Alberta Science and Technology (ASTech) Awards has had a proud 3-decade tradition of bringing Government, Industry, Academia and Entrepreneurs together to honour the outstanding achievements of Alberta’s top researchers and innovative companies – through recognition provided at a gala Academy Awards-style annual event. Over 600 innovators had been honoured over the years - and in 2022 there was need for a new champion to take on these awards. Technology Alberta agreed to be the lead organizer - and together with an Advisory board of industry leaders which included Alberta Innovates, Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), and more – community across the province was rallied to recognize the outstanding and innovative work that was being done by local companies, communities, and post-secondaries. The result was a sold-out 33rd Annual ASTech Awards event held in Edmonton – with the number of province-wide nominations breaking all previous records. The new award categories in 2022 that added to the excitement, included Alberta areas of strength such as: AI/ ML Advancement, indigenous contributions to knowledge, community-building inclusivity programs, and regional innovation – in addition to traditional categories such as outstanding achievement in digital innovation, healthcare, energy, and environment. As the ASTech Awards Gala traditionally alternates host-cities, Calgary looks forward to hosting the 2023 event – and adding 2 new categories to this year’s celebration: Aerospace, and Hydrogen and Alternative Energies.

Technology Alberta Monthly ICE Event at NAIT-CAMS (Centre for Advanced Medical Simulation)

Technology Alberta Monthly ICE Event at Robotics Panel, Edmonton K-Days Exhibition

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ASTech Supporters at AgSmart (Olds): Technology Alberta and Alberta Innovates Representatives

Monthly Entrepreneur-led ICE – Innovation Community Events Committed to building community and increasing the visibility of Alberta’s entrepreneurs - Technology Alberta launched monthly hybrid Innovation Community Events (ICE) throughout 2023. These events give entrepreneurs the stage, and allows them to connect with each other as well as potential customers, partners, funders, service providers - and future hires. The monthly ICE sessions have helped encourage in-person community building, filling facilities and was welcomed by so many - after the long-remote COVID-related work period experienced by all. The monthly ICE Sessions have ranged from: ASTech-Award-winning companies like RunwithIT - who build digital twins of cities (including Edmonton) to visualize future scenarios for planning purposes Pan-provincial drone conference watch-parties (led by Medicine Hat) Edmonton Research Park-Waterloo innovation best practice panels Tours of Advanced Medical Simulation Centres at NAIT amii (Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute) sister-events for their incredible Upper Bound Conference To the most recent Olds College of Agriculture and Technology’s AgSmart Conference Innovation Panel focused on “Growing Innovators” Alberta’s tech companies are the driving force behind all our work at Technology Alberta. We uplift entrepreneurs, who in turn inspire and mentor the next generation of Alberta talent. From big-city mixers to smalltown fairs – Technology Alberta recognizes that innovation is important to every corner of this province, and we are part of the province-wide network of supporters that are committed to making an impact, and helping all reach their potential. 111

Posters of the Hundreds of Alberta Entrepreneurial Tech Companies which have provided Work-Integrated-Learning Opportunities to Alberta Students through the Technology Alberta FIRST Jobs Program - Supported by PrairiesCan and Government of Alberta

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Supporting an ever-growing ecosystem at Alberta IoT COMMUNITY Alberta IoT is a non-profit member-based association supporting organizations with a vested interest in internet of things (IoT) and emerging technologies. Members, ranging in size from solo entrepreneurs to large enterprise, collaborate to provide a common voice to advance the knowledge, adoption, and growth of emerging tech in Alberta and beyond. Alberta IoT currently supports over 220 members and growing everyday.

Alberta IoT knows the importance of bringing together knowledge and resources to support organization growth. There are many opportunities created throughout the year to support collaboration and sharing of knowledge amongst the community. Monthly member meetings amplify the innovation stories within the province while additional events include industry led panel discussions, the annual Alberta IoT Golf Tournament and a Demo Day showcase focused on the engagement between students and industry.

As IoT continues to grow as an industry, permeating daily lives and industrial applications, Alberta IoT seeks to enable operations integration, business opportunities, and expansion with an ultimate mission to position Alberta as the world leader in IoT and emerging technologies. To accomplish this goal, the Association focuses on 5 core areas; 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

“We started out as an event focused organization, and while we still put a lot of time creating opportunity for community collisions, we have expanded our reach to include value-add programming with the ultimate goal of increased revenue and job creation within our province and beyond.” – Brenda Beckedorf, Executive Director.

Amplifying Alberta innovations Facilitating connection to capital Supporting & building tech talent Acting as one strong voice in government Recruiting and growing businesses in Alberta

FAST TRACK BUSINESS ACCELERATOR Fast Track is a business accelerator designed to provide entrepreneurial training and coaching to Alberta businesses, helping them to achieve next level growth through expansion of their current solutions and market. By supporting these businesses, Alberta IoT ultimately strives to create new jobs, support expanding operations, and increase revenue in Alberta and Canada.

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Who Does the Program Serve? Fast Track targets second stage, scaleup businesses with 5+ employees and pre-existing revenue. It is not, however, a program solely designed for deep tech companies or those directly involved in IoT. Alberta IoT recognizes the digital transformation shift impacting all industry sectors; Fast Track accounts for this digital shift and technology adoption, supporting organizations who are exploring expansion through integration of IoT or emerging technologies. “Thank you to the amazing team at Alberta IoT. It was an honour for us to be part of the last cohort. The valuable content and the connections made through the program made a huge impact on my company and myself.” - Elsa Kelly, Vixure Co-Founder, Cohort 6 Structured as a Cohort based program, Alberta IoT has three intake periods with organizations taking part in 8 weeks of formal training followed by a year of one-onone coaching with expert facilitators. To date, Alberta IoT has supported 70 scaling organizations through this program since its inception in 2021.

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START UP VISA (SUV) In 2022, Alberta IoT became an official designated organization for the Government of Canada Start Up Visa Program (SUV). The Alberta IoT SUV Program is designed for scaleup companies looking to establish themselves in the Canadian market. These organizations must be innovative, tech-based scale-up companies with a pre-existing revenue across a 2-year period and seeking to create jobs in the Canadian market.

Why Alberta? Alberta is well on its way to being an internationally recognized technology and innovation hub that attracts talent, business, and job-creating investment from across Canada and around the world. Paired with the high standard of living, diverse and welcoming communities, and beautiful landscapes, Alberta is the perfect place to call home.

SCIENCE PARK Science Park, powered by Alberta IoT, is designed to support the growth of all things digital by creating a space for connection, collaboration, and innovation to ultimately promote economic development and growth through new technologies and knowledge flows among companies, institutions, research,

and development entities. The vision of Science Park is to bring Alberta to the forefront of innovation by connecting companies and institutions to solve challenges of global significance.

How does it work? The Science Park platform is a “Solution Seeker” being matched through artificial intelligence to a “Solution Provider.” The Science Park membership will include enterprise businesses, SME businesses, private labs, and post-secondary institutions. All may play the role of solution seeker and/or solution provider. Science Park will ultimately: 1. Bridge the gap that exists between industry and access to students, researchers, equipment, hands-on testing, and industry insight. 2. Help scale-up organizations in Alberta grow through access to talent, space, and expertise. 3. Provide industry with the ability to collaborate with Post Secondaries in a structured environment that brings together faculty, students, and researchers to work on projects that push technology and innovation forward. 4. Allow Post Secondaries to understand where the training and pain points exist across the multitude of industries with specific insights into IoT; opening up opportunities for new program creation.

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LOOKING AHEAD The IoT sector is growing fast and it is not stopping anytime soon. The number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices worldwide is forecast to almost triple from 9.7 billion in 2020 to more than 29 billion IoT devices in 2030 (Vailshery, 2022). As the 2022 winner of Start Alberta’s Ecosystem Supporter of the Year award, Alberta IoT is committed to continuing to equip companies to be prepared for the ever-connected world. From the Fast Track Business Accelerator, Startup Visa, and Science Park programs, the Association will continue to focus on attracting new business to Alberta while helping established companies grow within the ecosystem. “We look forward to continuing to work with our members and sponsors to position Alberta as a world leader in IoT and emerging technologies.” - Executive Director, Brenda Beckedorf Brenda Beckedorf, Executive Director Vailshery, L. S. (2022, November 22) IOT connected devices worldwide 2019-2030 Statista. Retrieved January 26, 2023 from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1183457/ iot-connected-devices-worldwide/ 115

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BRINGING INNOVATION INTO REACH FOR ALBERTANS. to social innovation, and creates opportunities for college and undergraduate students, as well as postdocs and recent graduates. “Mitacs is a strategic bridge between businesses and the post-secondary sector,” says Dr. John Hepburn, Mitacs’s CEO. “By pairing skilled talent with partners looking to solve business challenges, we create an opportunity for both to grow and thrive. Mitacs helps bring innovation into reach.” With a robust leadership team of more than 100 Mitacs Advisors located across the country — including in Calgary, Edmonton, and Lethbridge — and regional hubs in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montréal, Mitacs is an integral part of Canada’s innovation ecosystem. It drives economic growth and productivity, creating meaningful change to improve quality of life for all Canadians.

A national not-for-profit organization, Mitacs empowers Canadian innovation through effective partnerships that deliver solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. It assists organizations in reaching their goals, funds cutting-edge innovation, and creates job opportunities for students and postdocs. These achievements are supported by the Government of Alberta, the Government of Canada, and other provincial and territorial governments. Mitacs’s programs connect the private and post-secondary sectors, allowing companies to access up-and-coming talent that can help them innovate, boost productivity, and grow. Using a unique and proven internship model, Mitacs matches organizations in need of specific knowledge and skills with highly qualified post-secondary students — and provides funding to cover half the salary costs. The Mitacs team is passionate about developing the next generation of innovators who will work to fuel Canada’s knowledge-based economy. The organization supports a wide range of disciplines, from science

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Dr. John Hepburn, CEO, Mitacs

Closing the carbon loop: on-site conversion of greenhouse gases Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are soaring to record-breaking levels, but Calgary-based SeeO2 Energy is working to reverse the trend. With a technology based on principles like those applied to recycling glasses, plastics, and metals, the company converts CO2 into carbon monoxide, hydrogen, syngas, and pure oxygen, all of which can be used downstream or sold for profit. While there are many solutions to capture and utilize CO2 in Canada and across the world, SeeO2 Energy innovates by converting emissions on site. This process helps close the carbon loop and provides solutions to problems such as safety, logistics, and costs of gas transportation. “Our goal is to transform CO2 from a liability to a profitable asset while reducing the world’s reliance on fossil fuels and lowering our collective carbon footprint at the same time,” says Dr. Paul Addo, Co-Founder and CEO of SeeO2. He and Dr. Beatriz Molero co-founded the start-up after developing the technology while working as PhD students at the University of Calgary.

natural gas and electricity retailer. Thanks to that relationship, ATCO has later made an investment in SeeO2 Energy and is one of the start-up’s shareholders.

Like any start-up, SeeO2 Energy did not have enough capital to hire research talent; Mitacs enabled both Dr. Addo and Dr. Molero to earn a monthly salary while building the company and working on their spin-off.

“Thanks to Mitacs’s support, we have been able to successfully receive other public grants — both federal and provincial. Mitacs allowed us to leverage our private capital funds. And due to our Mitacs connections, we have had access to university facilities and infrastructure, which is extremely valuable for our technology,” says Dr. Molero, who acts as the company’s CTO.

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SeeO2 Energy has grown to eight full-time employees, 10 industry advisors, four board members, and three strategic partners for field demonstrations. The company’s strategic partners and investors include Repsol, ArcelorMittal, Shell, and ATCO.

helping us accelerate really important projects to move up the timeline for releasing features and products ahead of schedule.” The interns’ impact has been felt deeply at Medidas — in fact, the company has hired on six of its former Mitacs interns as full-time employees to date, and they continue to seek out Mitacs students on a regular basis to support on new projects.

Can games make roads safer? Based in St. Albert, Medidas Digital is on a mission to improve road safety by gamifying skills development and behaviour change for drivers of all ages. In 2019, the start-up began building the TrypScore mobile app, which gathers and analyzes driver risk data and uses challenges, leaderboards, and incentives to enhance drivers’ awareness of their long-held habits and to nudge behavioural improvements. To encourage adoption, boost engagement, and maximize TrypScore’s impact on road safety, Medidas needed to build real rewards into the user experience. They decided to leverage their rich, aggregated driver data to build out robust business intelligence dashboards that could then be offered to corporate partners in exchange for socially responsible advertising spends and user-earned rewards. Through Mitacs, Medidas has been able to bring on several top computer software development and IT business analyst students from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology as paid interns to advance the dashboard projects. “Our dashboards are coming to life because of these interns,” says Bill Bland, CEO and Founder of Medidas Digital. “Mitacs interns are super-smart. They’re

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Using robotics to traverse hazardous terrains

The company has already grown from a small team of three founders in 2014 to 25+ employees today, and it counts on Mitacs’s support to continuing expanding sustainably.

Edmonton-based Copperstone Technologies manages a fleet of intelligent amphibious robots that are capable of conducting the most hazardous waste remediation and monitoring activities keeping people out of harm’s way, reducing costs and improving efficiencies for their clients.

Mitacs in Alberta by the numbers 2,500+ internships in AB in 2022–23 450+ private sector and not-for-profit organizations have hosted interns in AB in 2022–23, 340+ of which were SMEs 93% of former interns state the experience was important to their careers 59% of industry partners have commercialized or anticipate commercializing the results of their Mitacs projects

The company’s HELIX family of robots use a patented combination of screw-propulsion and four-wheel drive technologies to float on water or scroll across any terrain, no matter how wet, muddy, snowy or sticky. At the same time, they’re equipped with state-of-the-art tools to collect soil or water samples, and perform geotechnical measurements required to monitor environmental clean-up efforts.

About Mitacs

Partnering with Mitacs since its early days, the company has engaged in local and cross-provincial collaborations with students from the University of Alberta, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and the University of British Columbia.

Mitacs is a not-for-profit organization that fosters growth and innovation in Canada by solving business challenges with research solutions from the best academic institutions in the world. Mitacs is funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon.

“Mitacs has been an invaluable resource to help launch Copperstone Technologies and grow it to the commercially successful enterprise it is today,” says Craig Milne, CEO of Copperstone Technologies. “Mitacs interns bring diverse skills, fresh perspectives, and increased productivity. They can support special projects and play a key role in our recruitment pipeline. By leveraging their knowledge, enthusiasm, and potential, we support their growth and foster an environment of innovation and learning.”

For more success stories, visit mitacs.ca/impact.

With the global mine waste management market forecast to grow to more than 282 billion tons by 2028, Copperstone Technologies is on track to achieve multimillion-dollar revenues in the coming years. The company has recently raised $5.8 million USD in a funding round, which will be infused into expanding production to reach new markets and facilitate a greater volume of equipment sales.

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PEER GUIDANCE – PURPOSE BEFORE PROFIT.

Peer Guidance is a Purpose Before Profit company that focuses on helping companies grow, scale, and spend their money wisely to prepare for investment. They are very hands-on and have honest and challenging conversations. Being an entrepreneur can be lonely, and you may not know where to go for advice. They are proud to be that trusted company people reach out to for help. People have often contacted them saying, so and so told me to contact you. That puts a smile on their face every time.

Designed Websites, Failed and Learned from it, Exited Businesses, Sold Businesses and Celebrated Successes. Most companies want you as a client for an extended period of time, but their goal is for you NOT to be their client very long. Once you are ready, they will step away and act as advisors. Another thing that makes us different is our Hand-Shake honesty policy. They do not sign any contract and have HANDSHAKE HONESTY. They want to be viewed as a partner, and nothing says this more than waiving all the fees for all their clients during COVID. It was important that all money be used to keep the business alive or help them pay bills for their family. They continued all the work like we were being paid, which shows that they care about the people as much as the business.

Why Peer Guidance? They are entrepreneurs and have walked in your shoes. These are some of the real-life experiences they have dealt with. Bootstrapped, Raised Capital, Created Sales Playbooks, Created Budgets, Asked for help, Hired People, Scaled Nationally, Cried, Built Sales Teams, Made Connections, Built Internal Teams, Created Marketing Plans, Wondered when we would make money, Created Content, Create Policies & Contracts, Fired People, Sleepless Nights, Created Positive Cultures, 120

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Mo Aladin, BSc., President & FOUNDER, Big Sky Hospitality Inc., Co-Founder - Peer Guidance Group

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Peter Lafontaine, Rainforest Energy Executive Chairman, Win Helix - Founder, Philanthropist, Community Builder

Jade Alberts, Co-Founder

Kyle Kanovsky - Partner at Peer Guidance, Associate at SKY Energy Group

They are also associated with several other high-profile, well-respected events in Alberta.

Their biggest inspiration is helping start-ups and entrepreneurs succeed. They have been nominated for Start Alberta support company of the year and were honoured by this nomination. They are all active in the mental wellness community and will sit down with anyone if they struggle in business or life. They want to end by saying, “ASKING FOR HELP IS NOT A SIGN OF WEAKNESS,” and they are here to help. Please do not take this journey alone, it is more fun, and you have a better chance of success with a team.

Telling It Like it Is, is a Live Show every Wednesday at 9.30am MST. This 30-minute show focuses on start-ups and entrepreneurs and gives them a platform to shout their stories from the mountain tops. Companies need to start telling their stories earlier because they don’t become great once they are investable. Telling It Like It Is has over 240 episodes and over 3.7 million views.

Peer Guidance Guidance@PeerGuidance.ca jadealberts 403-771-1301

Founders Coffee collides start-ups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses around Calgary. Over the last 6 years. They meet every Tuesday 7.30am at Red’s Diner in Kensington. It is important that entrepreneurs meet other like-minded entrepreneurs because they need to know they are not alone.

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THE CALGARY INNOVATION PEER FORUM

When we think of the innovation ecosystem in Calgary, we often think of the fast-paced environment of start-ups or the thrilling agility of tech companies. However, what is the role of large organizations when it comes to nurturing and collaborating with the innovation ecosystem? Why doesn’t innovation come naturally to large organizations? Often times, the skills required to successfully scale a business – i.e. standardization, consistency, repeatability – are the very same behaviors that inhibit innovation. This can result in an internal conflict within the organization when they do decide it is time to pivot and innovate. Enter the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum, a consortium of innovation practitioners from large organizations who are taking on the toughest challenges facing organizations today, helping them safeguard against disruption and drive transformational change. How can these innovative ideas be successful in a large corporate machine? That is the question the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum aims to solve. The Strategic Capability Network, an organization focused on learning opportunities in the field of human capital, hosts multiple peer forums on the intersection of people, strategy, life, and work; In 2023 their Calgary chapter launched their first Innovation peer forum. The Innovation Forum was designed when a group of corporate innovators decided to get together on a regular basis to build and share their fundamental knowledge of corporate innovation programs. This included a series of educational seminars on a variety of topics including: Innovation strategy, metrics & targets for innovation programs, behaviors required to innovate, external partnerships to leverage, internal ideation funnels, as well as how to inspire a culture of innovation. Today the Forum offers a space where people can connect, exchange ideas, and network with eachother, as well as a structured course that allows innovation practitioners to build their entire innovation strategy, guided by industry leaders in the space – Unbounded Thinking. Forum members work with consultants, academics, thought leaders and their peers to further their understanding on the topic of corporate innovation and take their learnings back to their organization for implementation.

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The vision for the Forum is simple, create a community for Calgary’s corporate innovators, provide opportunities for growth, and make innovation accessible to those looking to leverage it as a tool within their organization.

Mike Procee Mike Procee is an entrepreneur, intrapreneur, board member, energy industry professional, innovation & entrepreneurship educator, innovation Podcast host, Doctor of Business Administration Candidate with a focus on corporate innovation, and a founding member of the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum. Mike strives to provide practical solutions to large organizations looking to leverage innovation as a way to achieve their long-term strategy, sharing his journey with those interested along the way and utilizing his knowledge to help others.

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Tristan Ham leads a group of entrepreneurs through a problem-solving workshop - Edmonton, Alberta

FROM BUZZWORD TO BLUEPRINT: UNBOUNDED THINKING’S STRUCTURED APPROACH TO INNOVATION. Unbounded Thinking’s approach hinges on three fundamental pillars People, Change, and Systems.

In the broad and often nebulous world of innovation, one company in Alberta aims to change how we think about innovation with its unique approach: Unbounded Thinking. With a mission to transform ‘innovation’ from a vague buzzword into a scientific discipline, the team at Unbounded Thinking brings a refreshing perspective to the conventional approach of organizational innovation.

People form the first core of their triad. They believe every individual has the potential to contribute to innovation. After all, it’s in our nature to innovate. Unbounded Thinking works closely with organizations to build a structure to nurture creativity and collaboration. The goal is to enable each member of an organization to become an integral part of its innovation ecosystem.

Unbounded Thinking identified a significant gap in traditional organizational structures. They often need a more well-defined approach to innovation. They simply do it at random or in short spurts. Many organizations cannot harness the full potential of their best assets, their people. Amid an ever-increasing rate of change, this lack of structure can be detrimental to an organization. As co-founder Shannon Phillips puts it, “It might work, but it’s not sustainable…or repeatable.”

Change, the second core element, is pivotal in Unbounded Thinking’s approach. They underscore that successful innovation requires significant changes to existing ways of doing things. Effective change management is critical to ensuring these changes are not only implemented but also sustainable. They provide strategic guidance to ensure organizations can navigate this transformation smoothly and maintain their momentum even in the face of uncertainty.

The cornerstone of Unbounded Thinking’s approach is its focus on Human-Centered Innovation Management (HCIM). Rather than viewing innovation as an optional add-on, the team believes in establishing an innovation ecosystem that acts as a vital survival mechanism for organizations. This means innovation is rooted within the organization’s framework, influencing each decision, strategy, and interaction.

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Shannon Phillips explains a Pilot Program to a group of business owners - Cochrane, Alberta.

Freeman Beals attends a local Innovation Rodeo event - Calgary, Alberta

Group community discussion around pain points felt by local business owners - Cochrane, Alberta.

they can identify potential challenges or opportunities that may influence future growth. The company guides organizations in crafting strategies that address immediate goals and set the stage for long-term innovation.

the science of innovation and proving that with the right strategies, innovation can be a well-managed, predictable, and high-return investment.

By focusing on these aspects, Unbounded Thinking can help organizations streamline their approach to innovation. They open the door for organizations to not only achieve a higher return on innovation but to accurately measure it as well.

At its core, Unbounded Thinking is about “making innovation simple.” Through their commitment to teaching, guiding, and demystifying innovation, Unbounded Thinking is shaping the future of the innovation ecosystem in Alberta and beyond.

But how do organizations attain this? Unbounded Thinking is focused on the ‘how’ of innovation with software that effectively allows any size organization to measure their Innovation Maturity Level. Then through AI-generated inputs, turn that data into a custom Innovation Blueprint, enabling organizations to stay competitive in an ever-changing landscape without the budget of Google or Microsoft. Through their unique, human-centered approach, they are redefining

Email: info@unboundedthinking.com Socials - @unboundedthinking

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CALGARY TECH JOURNAL: WHERE INNOVATORS MEET. Launched in 2022, Calgary Tech Journal (CTJ) strives to provide the most complete coverage of Calgary’s innovation ecosystem. CTJ builds and supports the local community, delivering the top tech and innovation stories and can’t miss links from around YYC, twice a week. Its articles and newsletters not only cover breaking headlines, but tell the stories of local innovators looking to make an impact in their communities and around the world.

CONNECTING READERS TO STORIES THAT MATTER From reporting on big money investments to tracking emerging ecosystems, Calgary Tech Journal exists to fill the gaps in readers’ knowledge and awareness of the people, ideas, and technologies shaping their community and world. CTJ’s writers uncover the truth of what happens beyond the headlines, through in-depth features, profiles, opinion pieces, and announcements of funding and deals. The publication’s articles explore the before and after: the sweat that goes into a product launch, the strategies that led local leaders to widespread success, and the meetings behind the handshakes. Calgary Tech Journal has reported on the city’s innovators making waves around the world, covered a $30 million investment into AI research in Alberta, and told the stories of countless entrepreneurs shaping Calgary’s tech ecosystem. 126

A chatty crowd at a local tech event last summer.

MOVING FORWARD The last year has been a whirlwind for the Calgary Tech Journal and its small-but-mighty team. Its success is just the beginning. Building on the accomplishments of CTJ and its sister-publication, Vancouver Tech Journal, the brand – under the wing of its parent company Overstory Media – has an eye on expansion. In 2022, it launched the Victoria Tech Journal, and aims to open a number of new Tech Journal outlets across select cities in Canada in the coming years. By putting the local tech community first, and really listening to its subscribers, Calgary Tech Journal remains the best resource for local tech and innovation.

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L A N O I G E N R O I T A V O S K INN R O W T NE

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ALBERTA’S REGIONAL INNOVATION NETWORKS

Growing Alberta’s entrepreneurial culture.

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How do you organically grow a technology and knowledge based eco-system for entrepreneurs? In Alberta, we have the Regional Innovation Networks.

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Created by Alberta Innovates, these eight community-based networks are entrepreneur-centric with the goal of providing programs and services that will accelerate the growth of technology and knowledge-based businesses across rural and urban jurisdictions.

Grande Prairie Regional Innovation Network (GPRIN serves all Northwest Alberta) Southeast Alberta Regional Innovation Network (APEX) Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta (RINSA)

Our focus areas The Regional Innovation Networks focus on the early stages of the entrepreneurial journey – Discovery through Validating – as shown on the right.

Each Regional Innovation Network is made up of like-minded public organizations. We’re passionate about helping small technology and knowledge-based businesses innovate and grow, diversifying the economy and helping build a strong entrepreneurial culture in Alberta.

Working together is at the heart of success The Regional Innovation Networks collaborate and share information with one another to increase the accessibility and collective impact of the innovation support ecosystems across the province. Our overall objective is to improve the impact, effectiveness, and efficiency of each Regional Innovation Network. By collaborating with one another we provide a community-based pan-Alberta network of programs and services that accelerate growth of technology and knowledge-based businesses. Our goal is to contribute to a well-connected and coordinated innovation ecosystem in Alberta.

Through the Regional Innovation Networks, Alberta Innovates has brought together the power of a network of strong regional supports across the province to create opportunities for SMEs, entrepreneurs and innovators to be successful.” — Laura Kilcrease, CEO, Alberta Innovates There are eight RINs in Alberta: Calgary Innovation Coalition (CIC) Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network (CARIN) Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (ERIN) East Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network (ECARIN) Wood Buffalo Regional Innovation Network (WBRIN serves all Northeast Alberta)

Our guiding principles

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We operate on principles that make the world of innovation exciting and engaging. These principles drive the entrepreneurial spirit, foster collaboration, and empower local communities:

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TECHNOLOGY AND KNOWLEDGEBASED ENTREPRENEUR-CENTRIC: we focus on individuals and companies in Alberta dedicated to commercializing new technology and knowledge-based products and services. We support the growth of scalable, high-growth businesses, creating a thriving ecosystem.

FORT MCMURRAY

PAN-ALBERTAN: we collaborate collectively across Alberta, sharing services and co-developing programs. This unity accelerates collaboration and propels the growth of companies across the province.

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COMMUNITY BASED: we respond to the local innovation community, identifying gaps and capitalizing on regional strengths. We design tailored solutions that empower local entrepreneurs and contribute to the development of their communities.

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INTERCONNECTED-SHARING AND LEARNING: we share best practices, accelerating learning and finding synergies within and between each of our networks. This knowledge exchange elevates the region and strengthens the province.

GRANDE PRAIRIE

EDMONTON

LLOYDMINSTER

RED DEER

CALGARY LETHBRIDGE MEDICINE HAT

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ADAPTABLE: we adapt to changing business models, technologies, and available resources. Designed to be agile, we test new ideas and meet the evolving needs of innovative entrepreneurs, ensuring they stay at the forefront of the innovation landscape.

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COLLABORATIVE GOVERNANCE: we embrace diverse voices, enable participation, and foster collaboration. We make decisions collectively, ensuring accountability and creating an environment that responds to diverse needs.

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Accelerating a venture’s journey, providing a path to success. The Calgary Innovation Coalition (CIC) is striving to create a healthy, inclusive, globally recognized innovation ecosystem supporting thriving ventures in the Calgary region. To accelerate the venture’s journey we leverage the connectivity, experience, and knowledge of our member network to identify and address ecosystem needs, enhance connections, and enable venture triaging. We are one of eight Regional Innovation Networks supported by Alberta Innovates.

What we do for our members: ONBOARDING AND DISCOVERY PROGRAMING

Facilitate networking Provide resources & toolkits (website) Research ecosystem challenges & opportunities Support program development Demonstrate collaboration and leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion

Prospective entrepreneurs, whether they find the CIC on their own or are drawn by the above Outreach activities, will be encouraged to undertake Onboarding and Discovery programming. These frequently offered short term sessions include: Startup 101 – Entrepreneurs are connected to the resources, networks, and tools to bring their idea to life. Customer 101 – Entrepreneurs learn about customer discovery and if their idea is something clients want or need. Discover – Entrepreneurs learn more about engaging with customers, testing their ideas, and measuring results.

Calgary is a rapidly growing ecosystem with the goal of achieving 1000 start-ups (less than 4 employees) by 2030. This requires the 45+ CIC members to collaborate while increasing the creation and velocity of technology entrepreneurs in Calgary. Through our efforts, each year the Calgary region will create 110 new innovation start-ups while supporting 36 start-ups to grow into junior tech companies (5-49 employees). Members of the CIC adhere to Rainforest Alberta’s social contract embracing diversity and trust as we work together.

ADVISORY SERVICES Advisors can serve as an early entry point to Calgary’s innovation ecosystem while also providing ongoing support through the venture’s journey as they start and scale. Through one-on-one conversations advisors assess a venture’s current stage of growth, business goals, and challenges faced. Advisors provide guidance while also connecting venture’s to other services available in the ecosystem.

The Calgary Innovation Coalition’s funded partners including Platform Calgary, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Venture Mentoring Service Alberta, and Rainforest Alberta deliver several programs designed to support the development and growth of innovation ventures in Calgary.

MENTORING SERVICES

PROACTIVE OUTREACH

The Venture Mentoring Service of Alberta supports founders at the scale-up stage by surrounding them with a team of mentors who provide volunteer and conflict-free coaching, guidance, and mentorship as they scale. Through a team-based coaching approach, the focus is on building leadership capacity, critical thinking, and the entrepreneurial mindset of the founder. Entrepreneurs are supported by a team of three senior business leaders who provide mentorship and act as a sounding board to the growth-stage founders.

The CIC conducts proactive outreach to the ‘entrepreneur curious’ (first time entrepreneur) and welcome them into Onboarding programs to spur their curiosity, introduce them to other start-ups in the ecosystem, and encourage them to take the first steps towards starting their own venture. Our efforts reach mid-career professionals, new Canadians and students with focused efforts to connect with youth, women, BIPOC and other under-represented communities.

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INNOVATION is a new method, idea or product activated for new profits and growth. SUCCESS for the venture includes growth, pivoting and even understanding when to pull the plug.

INCUBATION SERVICES

HARD-TECH PROTOTYPING SERVICES

Incubation Services is an 18-month program designed to provide hightouch concierge mentoring and access to specialized support to selected entrepreneurs. Through the course of the program, founders will participate in a comprehensive curriculum to help them accelerate their progress towards product/market fit. Founders have access to one-onone sessions with assigned Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EiRs), curated workshops, peer-to-peer opportunities with other participants in the cohort, and support from the Incubation Services team. On average, incubator teams will engage in 2 to 4 hours of weekly tailored activities.

This is support for hard-tech start-ups to design and build prototypes for their solution. This may include development and production of hardware, firmware, or manufacturing processes.

Jennifer Jensen Program Director, Calgary Innovation Coalition Email: Jennifer@calgaryinnovationcoalition.ca

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Driving the growth of the innovation ecosystem in Central Alberta.

A collaboration of institutions promoting entrepreneurship and idea export, CARIN aims to foster the entrepreneurial spirit that is present in Central Alberta and to help technology and knowledge-based companies move from idea to commercialization to export in a faster, more seamless way.

technologies and practices at OC - but both work on projects that directly benefit industry and potential end-users, often in collaboration. They employ technicians, engineers, and scientists dedicated to industry projects, and the intellectual property always remains in the hands of the client.

Regional Diversification

Community Partnerships

CARIN’s goal is to add diversity to Central Alberta’s economy by supporting and promoting companies seeking innovation in smart agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and energy, among other sectors.

While Olds College and Red Deer Polytechnic move companies through the technology readiness levels, CARIN’s community partners assist with business growth.

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Central Alberta is an affordable, innovative, and prosperous region to start and grow a business. Its diverse economy includes industry ranging from agriculture to petrochemicals, from professional and technical services to tourism. It is strengthened by a wide array of supports in startups, business expansion and attraction, and export development.

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There is strong technical support available to businesses in the region through the innovation centres at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology (OC) and Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP). Each institute has its specific focus - manufacturing and energy innovation at RDP, agricultural

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Community Futures: Central Alberta offers both business training and loans to start-up. Their training is complemented and diversified with the addition of Business Link. Central Alberta Economic Partnership provides the linkages to the communities outside of Red Deer and Olds, keeping CARIN connected to the Economic Development Officers who are the main support for rural innovators. Access Prosperity facilitates access to resources and connections to help businesses push through barriers, maximizing long-term success and beyond.

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Client Services “Innovation and technology advancement in Alberta will help attract job-creating private-sector investment from across Canada,” says CARIN’s co-chair, Alicia Cafferata. “The goal of the services we provide companies seeking innovations is to help make Alberta’s economy the most diversified in North America.” With so many moving parts to operating a business, entrepreneurs don’t have to do it alone and can turn to CARIN for information, mentoring, and connections.

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Advisory - CARIN’s members offer advisory to all types of businesses on many different fronts; from mentoring to exporting to helping clients find funding. Funding - There are many sources of funding, such as grants, vouchers, and financing, to help clients start and grow their companies. CARIN offers entrepreneurs and micro, small, and medium-sized businesses access to funding at various stages. Catalyst Incubator - This unique cohort-based think tank exists to foster new ideas for business start-ups that connect into manufacturing, agriculture, technology, energy innovation, and more. It’s a place to begin the first stages of business entrepreneurship and validate new ideas to grow resiliency and prosperity, and can be the difference between ultimate success and failure for a new idea.

Challenges Create Opportunities Innovation is born from solving a problem or need, but only accomplished with the right expertise. Simply having a good idea does not make it a reality - there are many steps between the concept and seeing it materialize. Luckily for entrepreneurs in Central Alberta, they can tap into CARIN’s resources and discover how to evolve their innovation or business idea.

Client Testimonials

I can’t express how excited I am to be making progress. Thank you so much for all your hard work and support. I can see my dream coming together.”

Alicia Cafferata, Co-Chair CARIN Alicia.cafferata@rdpolytech.ca Lorna Baird Co-Chair CARIN Lbaird@oldscollege.ca

— Chipushile Ben Anderson

They helped facilitate not only our MVP but access to the startup ecosystem. It fast-tracked our business; what would have taken us a year or two, took us months.

CARegionalInnovationNetwork central-alberta-regional-innovation-network-CARIN CARIN5223

— Rana Hyatt founder of Solis

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Connecting and Building a Sustainable Innovation Ecosystem. FOSTERING GROWTH THROUGH PROGRAMMING The ERIN support the Edmonton innovation ecosystem by funding the following programs being offered by Edmonton Unlimited: Experts on Demand This program matches growth-stage companies with accredited experts who provide these companies with one hundred hours of oneon-one industry specific business advising on operational topics.

Post-Secondary Institutions Post-Secondary Institution (PSI) Executive in Residence Staff, students, and alumni of Edmonton’s post-secondary schools interested in building a technology-based company can access the support of an Executive in Residence on campus. Executives in Residence are business experts who encourage a culture of entrepreneurship in Edmonton’s post-secondary institutions. These individuals also assist with commercialising research and innovation and the hosting of events and presentations.

ERIN Co-Chair, Olle Lagerquist, presenting the land acknowledgement and welcoming attendees to the 2022 AsTech Awards The Edmonton Regional Innovation Network (ERIN) is a coalition of organisations in the Edmonton region that helps entrepreneurs start and grow innovative businesses. The ERIN aims to create a Regional Innovation Network that is accessible, inclusive of diverse thoughts and ways of doing, and meets the needs of the innovation ecosystem. The ERIN strives to be accessible – while recognising that accessibility is different for everyone, diverse in the voices it brings to the table, transparent, accountable for the resources entrusted, and collaborative.

Post-Secondary Institution (PSI) Business Development Support (BDS) program

Staff, students, and alumni can also access business development support through the PSI Business Development Support (BDS) program which jointly falls under Expert on Demand and the Post-Secondary Institutions programs.

The organisation’s aspirations are high, but how these aspirations are accomplished is simple. This is concisely articulated in its goals to: o Meaningfully connect the ecosystem by guiding innovation companies to opportunities that match their assessed Business Level. 2. Build a sustainable Regional Innovation Network by developing and implementing a long-term governance model and succession plan. 3. Build trust in the innovation community with accessible and transparent front-facing processes and systems.

Edmonton Unlimited Foundations Workshops Business Model 101

Participants use Lean Canvas to help them map out and validate their ideas. A core belief of this program is that a solid foundation will set businesses up for success.

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33rd Annual ASTech Awards - Alberta Science Technology and Leadership Awards. Lead Organizers: Rus Matichuk, Advisory Board Chair; Gail Powley, P.Eng - President Technology Alberta & Exec Director ASTech Awards; Tom Ogaranko Director Viresco & Master of Ceremonies. Photo by SC Parker Photography

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As attendees walked through the doors of Hall D for Launch Party 13 at the Edmonton Convention Centre, they were greeted with a unique champagne pouring experience. Photo by Ampersand Grey

Oonnie Food Technologies Inc. was one of the ten companies pitching at Launch Party 13 during Edmonton Startup Week 2022. Photo by Ampersand Grey

Propel This is a twelve-week pre-accelerator geared towards the more established entrepreneur wanting to solidify their business foundations or are preparing to apply for accelerators, seeking investments, and looking to increase their revenue. o

More information about the above funded ERIN programs may be found at www.edmontonunlimited.com/programs.

COMMITTMENT TO THE COMMUNITY, FUND In addition to funding ecosystem development programs, the ERIN supports Edmonton ecosystem through its Community Initiatives grant. This grant gives for-profit and non-profit organisations access to funding to support programs aimed at growing the Edmonton innovation ecosystem. Applicants are usually awarded between $500$10,000 per initiative per funding year - and example initiatives include “Health Innovation Hub” monthly panel and networking sessions. More information about the Community Initiatives grant may be found at https://www.edmontonrin.ca/community-initiatives.

33rd Annual ASTech Awards - Innovation Community Champions & Award Presenters with Winners in AI/ML Applications - Michele Evans, Asst Deputy Minister, Alberta Region, Prairies Economic Development Canada; James Keirstead, Co-chair ERIN & President Levven Electronics; Dr. Aminah Robinson Fayek, VP Research and Innovation, University of Alberta; Kurian Tharakan on behalf of Dean Bittner, RunwithIT. Photo by SC Parker Photography o

Finally, the ERIN engages its membership through its bi-weekly newsletters and monthly membership meetings where businesses are given the forum to network and celebrate successes. The monthly meeting also offers value added content, through guest speakers and presentations, on key topics of interest to the Edmonton ecosystem. The Edmonton RIN is a dedicated organisation, that is powered by volunteers from organisations like the Alberta Women’s Entrepreneurs, Black Business Ventures, Technology Alberta, and Edmonton Unlimited. This sets the ERIN apart from other like organisations as the commitment to developing the Edmonton ecosystem is not powered by financial gain. The members of the Steering Committee and Sub-Committees are all champions who genuinely care about entrepreneurs, and they are working tirelessly to position Edmonton for growth and diversify Alberta’s economy.

Discover and Validate Once participants have fine-tuned their business model, the next step on their journey through the Startup Edmonton program is Discover and Validate where participants are taught the basics of user research and product refinement.

EDMONTON UNLIMITED PROGRAMS Preflight Build, Test, and Learn Entrepreneurs are guided through assembling and testing their minimum viable product so that they can refine and validate their ideas.

Dani Moffatt Specialist, ERIN Operations Email: info@edmontonrin.ca

Market, Sell, and Pitch This program helps entrepreneurs craft how they are going to talk about their product or services to maximise customer appeal. Participants dive into marketing, sales, and the basics of investment and pitching.

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Innovate from Anywhere.

The Alberta RPAS project team at Drone Conference: Alberta’s Economy Taking Flight 2023 Back row: from left to right. Michael Kerr, Sean Blewett, Jeremy Patton, Darren Hall, Erin Ferris, Shannan Hurlbut, Jalyce Thompson, & Lisa Galecki Front row: from left to right. Jordan Pomrenke, Mark Keller, Roger Haessel, Chelsey Ehresman, & Tracy Stroud

In early 2022, the Southeastern Regional Innovation Network was successful in receiving funding from Alberta Innovates to investigate a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) growth strategy for the province. The market for RPAS, often called drones, is forecast to grow exponentially over the coming years. Alberta is home to a disproportionately high number of RPAS assets. Transport Canada estimated the global commercial drone market to be worth over $6B in 2020 (Transport Canada, 2021), with other sources speculating that the global commercial drone market will grow from $8.15 billion in 2022 to $47.38 billion by 2029 (Fortune Business Insights, 2022).

APEX Alberta is Southeast Alberta’s Regional Innovation Network. Nestled in the southern corner of the province, Southeast Alberta is a rural region known for agriculture, energy, defence, and manufacturing. Southeast Alberta’s Regional Innovation Network spans from Special Areas in the north to the County of Newell and Municipal District of Taber to the west, to Cypress County, the County of Forty Mile and south, down to the United States border. Organizationally, APEX consists of many collaborators and supporters. They are a network of service providers–independent, municipal, provincial, and federal organizations that drive positive change and critical mass in innovation and technology in the southeast region of Alberta. As a collaboration, APEX is governed by representatives from Alberta Innovates, Community Futures Entre-Corp Business Development, Medicine Hat College, Brooks-Newell Region, and Defence Research and Development Canada - Suffield Base.

Southeast Alberta is home to one of only two RPAS test ranges in Canada with class F restricted airspaces specifically designed by Transport Canada for beyond-visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) testing, research and development—the Foremost UAS Test Range. Alberta is already a Canadian leader in RPAS. Having the Unmanned Arial Systems (UAS) Test Range, the BVLOS Innovation Centre (BVLOS InC), Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) – Suffield Base and a significant number of RPAS companies alongside industries that would benefit from incorporating RPAS technologies into their operations. Industries such as mining, forestry, energy, agriculture, safety and logistics to name a few, all have significant use cases for RPAS technologies. Another example of RPAS innovation is at Edmonton International Airport (YEG). YEG is a national leader in integrating and using Remotely Piloted Aircraft

Focusing on entrepreneurs and inventors, specifically those with novel or technology-enabled solutions, APEX works closely with regional and provincial partners to help SMEs develop and commercialize new technology and knowledge-based products and services and navigate the innovation and startup ecosystem. They also support research and ecosystem-building through special projects, networking events and training programs. 138

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Foremost UAS Test Range. Whether developing beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities, implementing new systems & procedures, adding a new capability, or flight testing newly manufactured UAS, the Foremost UAS Test Range has the airspace and experience to accommodate a wide range of UAS activity

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Unmanned Vehicle Applied Mechanics (UVAD) pictured at Arcfield Canada’s open house in Calgary. From left to right: Morley Patterson, Product Manager UVAD and Vincent Malley, VP of Business Development UVAD

Systems at airports. Drones are used for various special programs, such as scaring away birds and wildlife with a falcon-shaped Robird drone. YEG also employs this technology for LIDAR scans of their runways to detect safety and maintenance issues before they arise. YEG was also the first Canadian airport to operate drones at night, enhancing aircraft landing safety. They are currently trialing commercial drone cargo delivery services to become the hub for this service for western Canada in the coming years (Edmonton International Airport, 2022). These factors make Alberta uniquely positioned to lead the way in the Canadian drone sector domestically and beyond. Post-Secondary institutions (PSIs) across Alberta are conducting RPAS research and testing first-of-their-kind operations. Over 60% of Alberta PSIs have RPAS-related courses, and many are also involved with or leading applied research projects with RPAS. The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) has Canada’s only RPASmounted ground-penetrating radar. The University of Lethbridge (UofL) offers the only degree in remote sensor technology in Canada. Additionally, they have the only remote sensor calibration laboratory in the country. The UofL also has a department using RPAS for rare plant species identification. The University of Alberta (UofA) uses RPAS in conjunction with an autonomous sailboat to monitor water health and algae blooms in the St. Mary irrigation district. Lakeland College uses RPAS to monitor respiratory behaviours in cattle, and Olds College uses RPAS in conjunction with facial recognition software for cattle herd monitoring.

Southeast Alberta’s Prairie Rose School Division hosted its first Drone Games event at Eagle Butte Highschool in June 2022

REFERENCES Transport Canada. (2021). Transport Canada’s Drone Strategy to 2025. Government of Canada. https://tc.canada.ca/sites/default/files/2021-03/ TC223-Drone-Strategy-ENG-ACC.pdf Fortune Business Insights. (2022, May). Commercial drone market size, share & covid-19 impact analysis by weight. (Commercial Drone Market Size, Share | Forecast Report [2029]. Retrieved December 5, 2022, from https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/commercial-drone-market-102171 Edmonton International Airport. (2022). Drone Operations: YEG a national leader in drone technology. Retrieved December 8, 2022, from https://flyeia.com/business/aatc/drone-operations/

From the applied research taking place across the province to the growing number of industry applications arising and the prolific growth of RPAS companies throughout Alberta, RPAS technology is at an incredibly exciting moment. Together RPAS stakeholders and researchers are shaping a multi-billion-dollar sector with high growth potential for Alberta and Canada. APEX Alberta is proud to be championing the awareness of this opportunity.

apex-se-alberta APEX_Southeast apexalberta

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GRANDE PRAIRIE REGIONAL INNOVATION NETWORK (GPRIN) INVESTING IN INNOVATION

RCFarmArm - Wireless Tractor Control GPRIN is the Innovation Network serving northwestern Alberta innovators and entrepreneurs. We offer resources, knowledge, and connections to develop, validate, manufacture, market and launch innovations into the marketplace. The innovation ecosystem in Alberta is expansive and GPRIN has access to resources and expertise in a wide variety of areas, in Alberta and across Canada. GPRIN plays a part in diversifying the regional economy, cultivating the innovation process, the creation of new ideas and new technologies, products, and business ventures. The GPRIN works with innovators, entrepreneurs, and companies to move their ideas forward by offering access to a variety of services and professionals throughout the Alberta innovation ecosystem.

Developed, produced and manufactured by Vince Pawluski, on the farm in the County of Grande Prairie! Developed by Pawlutions Inc., The RCFarmArm uses a patent pending overlay system to remotely control a robotic “hand”, for any brand and age of tractor. Robotically controlling the controls like a human hand, we can put any autonomy software together with any tractor, bringing new value to a current asset. Our system is non CANBUS and has no electrical connections. Currently we are selling a product for stationary PTO work, to increase safety and productivity during harvest. Agriculture machinery is not our limit, construction and oilfield equipment also could also be converted. Our first innovation went from concept to production, sales, and shipping in less then 365 days! All production is done via commercial

Three picture credits to Redbeard Video Production, Grande Prairie, Ab. 140

3D printed plastic, keeping inventory levels low while allowing for rapid product modification. RcFarmArm is selling direct to consumer via our online store. The growth model for our second patent is license agreements. In a span of 15 months of rapid production we have $487k in sales in three countries. Any farm could use our patent pending system, irrelevant of location. RCFarmArms goal is to be a part of moving towards a future of safe, semiautonomous farming. All brands of tractors can be fitted with our system, no matter the year. Essentially any current tractor that has been produced to date, can be controlled by RCFarmArm. Along with agriculture, construction and oilfield equipment can be fitted with the RCFarmArm. 141

Tel: 1-833-FARMARM 1-833-327-6276 Email: vince@rcfarmarm.com 724071 Range Road 52 County of Grande Prairie No 1 Alberta, T8X 4M8 rcfarmarm

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THE EAST CENTRAL ALBERTA REGIONAL INNOVATION NETWORK: A thriving hub that connects ideas and solutions; thinkers and doers.

The Startup Lloydminster The East Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network (ECARIN) provides support for the wide variety of start-ups and established businesses in the region. Based out of Startup Lloydminster, the ECARIN has been able to form valuable partnerships with Economic Development groups across the area that combine to accelerate the growth of Tech-based and Innovation companies. The ECARIN provides a variety of services to help assist entrepreneurs from the idea on a napkin stage, through to scaling up and becoming an established business. Entrepreneurs can lean on the expertise of our Business Advisors who are able to assist with customer discovery, business planning and make important referrals to our trusted experts. With an integrated network of supports across the region and ability to connect virtually, the ECARIN ensures that the entire region is receiving the supports necessary for entrepreneurs to take important steps in their business. As part of the Alberta Innovation Network, the ECARIN remains committed to working closely with other regions across the province to share best practices, programming and promote entrepreneurs across Alberta. The collaboration amongst this group creates a platform for

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The Ecoplast team constructing a custom home using panels made of recycled plastic bottles

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Construction on an Ecoplast home just outside Millet, Alberta

Collision Space Startup Lloydminster has developed a space for regional entrepreneurs to work, meet, and collaborate on their projects. There are personal meeting spaces, soundproof booths, booths, and other work options for entrepreneurs. The space is conveniently located next door to Community Futures which allows the two organizations to work closely together. This space is an excellent way for entrepreneurs in the region to stay connected whilst providing a central location for the services provided through the RIN. Ecoplast Ecoplast, a truly innovative company from Lloydminster, is taking full advantage of the services available to them as they create dwellings made from recycled plastic bottles. ‘The support of the ECARIN has been critical for our development as a regional start-up.’ Said Kelly Rogers, Managing Partner of Ecoplast. ‘With the help of their guidance, we are implementing strategies to scale up and provide our innovative product across Alberta.’ Project Gazelle The ECARIN has been excited to support local programs that are fostering an ecosystem of innovation. Project Gazelle is the perfect example; a program that was established to give female entrepreneurs the tools they needed to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Program coordinate Glenys Reeves has been a critical part of the program and is proud of her achievements with Project Gazelle. ‘Since the first event in September of 2019 we have had the opportunity to speak to over 3700 women about entrepreneurship as a viable financial option. We have had the pleasure to work with over 2000 women through training and coaching to assist them in their business development.’

ECARIN collision space

Post Secondary in the ECARIN The two Post Secondary institutions in the region are Lakeland College and Portage College. Both institutions are fantastic advocates for innovation in Eastern Alberta with the work they are doing. Portage College is empowering learners to transform and make a difference. With their unique demographic they can educate through a variety of teaching models and are passionate about working with communities to implement partnerships that create employment opportunities for graduates. Lakeland College continues to have a strong presence when it comes to Ag Technology in Alberta. The Student Managed Farm is a truly unique learning experience that gives students work-integrated learning opportunities, and the rejuvenated WHT Mead Building provides further opportunities for students to integrate tech into their studies. The Lakeland College Business department has also worked closely with the ECARIN to ensure students pursuing an entrepreneurial career are aware of the options available to them. Rin@startuplloyd.ca 587-w217-9676

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Creating Impact for Entrepreneurs.

The Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta (RINSA) was formed in 2011 as a collaborative partnership between Alberta Innovates with Economic Development Lethbridge/ Tecconnect, Lethbridge College, and the University of Lethbridge. Through trusted relationship building and a commitment to serving rural/remote and under-represented groups, RINSA has expanded to 14 members. • Economic Development Lethbridge/Tecconnect • University of Lethbridge • Lethbridge College • Community Futures Lethbridge Region • SouthGrow Regional Initiative • Alberta Southwest Regional Economic Development • Piikani Resource Development • Blood Tribe Economic Development • Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce • Okotoks Economic Development • BIPOC Foundation • Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council Entrepreneurship Committee • Rural Women Entrepreneurs in Technology (RWEIT) • NRC-IRAP • Alberta Innovates RINSA operates with a client service model focused on the client outcomes and collaboration. The main clients of RINSA are entrepreneurs with startups/small businesses with a focus on technology and innovation. RINSA collectively assists start-ups and small businesses to successfully navigate the commercialization system through programs, services, and resources. As a part of the Alberta Innovation Network, RINSA can leverage opportunities to collaborate with other regional innovation networks throughout the province as well. The main contact and RINSA oversight are provided by Renae Barlow, Vice President of Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Economic Development Lethbridge.

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2022 Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) Award Recipient – WEcast The Women Entrepreneurs-in-STEM (WESTEM) program, facilitated by EDL, was recognized by the Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) as the winner of both the Marketing Canada Award in the Social Media/App category and the EDAC Cup 2022 for our podcast “WEcast”. The EDAC Cup is the “best in show” award presented during the annual national EDAC Conference. The judges consider creativity, uniqueness of approach, effectiveness in achieving objectives, and best practices when choosing a winner. According to the EDAC judges, WEcast showed great ingenuity as it was the first podcast ever submitted for a Marketing Canada Award! WESTEM was a project spanning three years, serving over 1,000 women in STEM related fields, working alongside RINSA in entrepreneur service provisions. Currently WESTEM has bridge funding to April 2023 serving Rural Women Entrepreneurs in Technology across Alberta.

RINSA 10 Year Impact Assessment In 2021, Alberta Innovates - Impact Action Lab assessed the impacts the last 10 years of RINSA program delivery and collaborative partnerships had on the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. This study, published in September of 2022, highlighted RINSA’s accomplishments and identified lessons learned and gaps in data collection that would lead to a better understanding of the impacts and ripple effects of RINSA to the greater region. These included: Relationship and trust building is central to the development of a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem; Engaging with Indigenous and other under-represented communities takes time, effort and respect; It is important not to “over manage” the ecosystem, giving the entrepreneurs time and space to develop whilst providing support and guidance where needed; and meaningful measurement is difficult and should not stifle innovation. The full report can be found on Alberta Innovates website under Publications “RINSA Impact Case Study Final Report 2022”

RINSA Services RINSA offers a variety of services for entrepreneurs, with our most popular offering being free 1-to-1 business advising. Through a comprehensive intake process, RINSA’s Ecosystem Navigator matches the entrepreneur with advisors who have the relevant expertise required to guide the client toward success. This is paired with relevant programs and resources, software licenses where applicable, business plan review, funding application assistance, and connections to pan-provincial events, conferences and accelerators that will benefit their entrepreneurial journey. RINSA’s Education on Demand program is a premier offering with multiple free workshops that cover the fundamentals of entrepreneurship ensuring accessibility and self-paced learning. New and refreshed content on the Education on Demand platform is always growing and improving with workshops facilitated by Tecconnect business advisors and RINSA experts.

Tecconnect – Centre of Excellence for Entrepreneurship Charlee Sereda Program Manager, Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta Economic Development Lethbridge Tecconnect - Centre of Excellence for Entrepreneurship & Innovation 3582-30 St N Lethbridge AB T1H 6Z4 587-220-2095

Tecconnect is an entrepreneur incubator, owned by EDL, housing the RINSA office, client startups and community organizations serving entrepreneurs. As a one-stop-shop for entrepreneurs in Lethbridge, Tecconnect provides space for meetings, events, and day use. The building has a large conference room with hybrid meeting capability, boardroom, two breakout spaces with screens, and a lunchroom/networking space. RINSA and EDL host many events for entrepreneurs and service providers, and offers the use of Tecconnect spaces to clients for hosting their own events.

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There’s no better time and place to get started with the Wood Buffalo Regional Innovation Network.

The Wood Buffalo Regional Innovation Network (WBRIN) was born of a need to connect business support organizations in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo to each other, as well as entrepreneurs in the region and Alberta. It is a network of six organizations in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, who occupy the roles of co-chairs and a steering committee. These organizations are; Keyano College, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism (FMWBEDT), Community Futures Wood Buffalo, The Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce, Alberta Innovates, and Startup YMM. Unlike other networks and programs in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, the WBRIN is funded by Alberta Innovates to specifically connect and grow the technology and knowledge-based businesses in Alberta. The WBRIN is also different from our other local FMWB initiatives 146

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is providing for my current startup is a systematic way of advancing by providing numerous courses and being a part of networking opportunities.” Another one of their entrepreneurs’ shares, “Startup YMM has opened so many doors for me. I have had the pleasure of meeting and conversing with bright, successful and influential people. It’s a community we desperately needed in our region. I am grateful for the support and connections made through Startup YMM.” Startup YMM through support of the WBRIN hosts the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Venture Mentor Services Program in a partnership with the Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association. This program was developed by MIT in Boston and has been adopted by over 100 chapters around the world. The unique team approach matches groups of 3 to 4 mentors with entrepreneurs to provide practical day-to-day advice and coaching that helps build resilient entrepreneurs. Startup YMM also houses the region’s first and only technology maker space. This is a community operated workspace for people with interests in machining, computing science, and digital and electronic art to meet, experiment and collaborate. The Startup YMM Makerspace is the perfect place to turn an idea into something tangible. But you don’t need to be an expert to be part of this community. Learn more about the Wood Buffalo Regional Innovation Network and Startup YMM today The best place to start something is here and now.

because it is part of an Alberta-wide group of networks. Through the WBRIN, they can connect the community to the rest of the province’s innovation network, and adopt and contribute to a wider set of best practices. The purpose is to increase and capture innovation on the front lines, attract technologies and talent to the community, and inspire a whole new generation of entrepreneurs across Fort McMurray and the entire Wood Buffalo region. The WBRIN’s main goal is to support entrepreneurs in Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. They encourage entrepreneurs to engage with them through the programs they support and by sharing their viewpoints on gaps and challenges existing in the entrepreneurial ecosystem that they can tackle together. One of the WBRIN’s main strengths is in how they conceptualized and supported Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism (FMWBEDT) to provide entrepreneurs access to skills, space, and mentorship to turn their ideas into scalable businesses through Startup YMM. The concept of Startup YMM is an initiative that follows best practices in other regions across the country. One entrepreneur (Pawel) says, “I have worked on a number of startups previously some more and others less successful. What Startup YMM 147

Email: info@wbrin.ca

wbrin.ca Startup YMM Email: hello@startupYMM.ca Startup YMM website:

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A CENTURY-OLD BUILDING IS GETTING A WHOLE LOT SMARTER, THANKS TO SOME INNOVATIONS DRIVEN BY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE RESEARCHERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA. The 101-year-old dentistry and pharmacy centre is one of the first buildings you see when you come onto the University of Alberta’s North Campus. Right now, the building’s well-known facade is covered by scaffolding as it undergoes a transformation into the newly named University Commons. But what’s happening inside the building is also transformational — researchers are putting artificial intelligence to work in making the project a leading-edge energy retrofit of historic significance.

lead and computing science professor Eleni Stroulia. Data from sensors, climate reports, wireless router usage and occupancy will continually inform decision-making software that controls the lights, heat and air conditioning systems. The result will be increased comfort for building occupants and savings on operational costs. Among its many uses, machine learning can use historical data to make predictions about the future, says Stroulia, whose research includes smart buildings and software engineering. “If you can predict

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the future implications of alternative ‘what if’ scenarios, you can make wellinformed decisions.” Stroulia’s work focuses on how we can learn from negative examples. “Intuitively, when we fail as humans, there’s something to learn in order not to fail again in the same way in the future. Learning from negative examples enables us to compare what we know should have happened and what we know went wrong, and figure out how these differences can guide decision making ahead of time,” she says.

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In her research, Stroulia is able to apply this concept to use AI to inform decision making in many fields. She works with researchers across disciplines to study how these kinds of decision-making algorithms can help with health, engineering, construction and education. “It has been a pleasure to see all this work have an impact, smaller and large, on real world activities,” she says.

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Back at the University Commons building, Stroulia and her group apply that problem-solving to the kind of smart technology that is already becoming common in modern buildings. But there is a lot of work yet to be done. Right now, a building might have motion sensors that turn the lights off and on, but these sensors don’t have knowledge about the natural light level in the space on a given day. That means the lights may be automatically switched on at times when artificial lighting isn’t needed, wasting energy and negatively affecting the environment, simply because they were motion-triggered.

The work happening at University Commons is a fitting homage to the university’s expertise in computing science and artificial intelligence. In 1964, the U of A became the first Canadian university with a computing science department. Today, it’s a global leader in AI and in the top two in Canada. An early achievement was in 1994 when the Chinook checkers program, developed by Professor Jonathan Schaeffer, bested the world’s top player. Later milestones were realized with other games-based research, like the DeepStack poker algorithm, first to beat human pros at Heads-up No Limit Texas Hold ‘em, and the AlphaGo program, created by a U of A grad, that beat a world champion in the board game Go.

“Our goal is to figure out and demonstrate what the right level of integration in a building is.” The U of A is the stronghold of reinforcement learning, says Stroulia — an area that merges data and expertise. “Agents trained with reinforcement learning learn from their experiences as they’re given feedback that can incorporate expert knowledge,” she explains. “This is one of the areas that holds much promise for the future, and there is much more work to be done. I believe the U of A has a huge role to play in this.”

It’s that kind of research that has earned the university its high ranking in artificial intelligence and machine learning. “Besides other purposes, games are great test beds for AI,” says Nathan Sturtevant, a computing science professor in artificial intelligence and the previous director of the Amii (Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute) centre at the U of A. Games bring structure, repetition and reinforcement to AI. “It’s an environment that is well controlled. It helps us understand how we solve problems.”

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many buildings already have. “The improvement of control will be optimized such that we save energy, save greenhouse emissions, improve comfort and hopefully save costs in the operation of the building.” Interdisciplinary collaboration is a big part of the U of A’s efforts to use AI for good. “There’s no way you can do anything without understanding the data generated in your discipline and what to do with it,” Stroulia says.

Stroulia’s collaborators on the project include Omid Ardakanian, whose research focuses on optimizing battery usage, and Petr Musilek, whose work involves smart power grids. Other collaborators are looking at privacy issues and data use, the heat exchange between the building and the exterior, and how occupants can engage more actively with the building.

And the way we apply AI today can spur the kind of innovation and creativity that creates transformational impact. “Who’s getting Nobel Prizes in 15 or 20 years because of the novel use of AI today?” asks Amii’s Sturtevant. “And how can we facilitate that at the University of Alberta?”

“Projects like this harness the university’s 100 years of expertise in energy research and its 25 years in AI”, says Aminah Robinson Fayek, the U of A’s vice-president (research and innovation). “By bringing together our expertise in these areas, the U of A is accelerating our impact. We are opening pathways to solve pressing issues.”

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Creating Solutions for Industry. The Centres for Manufacturing and Energy Innovation collaborate with business and industry clients to help them reach their goals.

Each year Red Deer Polytechnic’s Innovation Centres conduct hundreds of engagements with business and industry, resulting in the development and improvement of dozens of products as well as numerous process enhancements.

Every innovation starts with a challenge.

BRIDGING THE R&D GAP

For Red Deer Polytechnic’s Innovation Centres, that challenge is finding workable solutions for business, industry, and the community through applied research and knowledge transfer activities. These innovation experts identify technology gaps and inefficiencies, create and develop practical solutions, and provide their clients with relevant opportunities to accelerate the adoption of technology and drive diversification in Central Alberta.

“The majority of our clients are entrepreneurs or small and medium sized businesses who don’t have the capacity to perform their research and development in-house, and they are looking to leverage funding to access more resources,” says Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President of Applied Research. “They come to us for engineering and design, R&D, and support in de-risking new technologies so they can competitively position themselves internationally.” 154

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“Every innovation starts with a challenge, but that challenge is not always coming up with a new idea. Sometimes the biggest challenge entrepreneurs face is overcoming barriers to accessing the technology and expertise needed to tackle their issue.” — Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President of Applied Research

INDUSTRY ALIGNMENT The Centres help business and industry to develop the skills and knowledge they need to meet the changing realities of Alberta’s economy. They do this by listening closely to clients and meeting them where they are at – assisting with the technological solutions that are best suited for their operational needs in order to foster commercialization. Clients can then use the training and microcredentials offered at Red Deer Polytechnic to upskill their workforce and move forward to where they can adapt, adjust, and prosper. 155

CENTRE FOR INNOVATION IN MANUFACTURING This Technology Access Centre is equipped with cutting-edge prototype and advanced manufacturing equipment, staffed by experts in problem solving, design engineering, and creating 3D models, and can do anything from fabricating prototypes to low run production. Applied research services include: • • • • • • •

Design for manufacturing Medical device design and manufacturing Metrology, destructive and non-destructive testing CNC machining and metal fabrication Design for additive manufacturing Industry 4.0 assessment for product and process design Additive manufacturing of ceramic and metal matrix composites, including post-processing and machining as necessary • Design and fabrication of customized rubber products with varying stiffness • Welding productivity, design, and knowledge translation • Augmented reality for design, health care, and equipment training

ENERGY INNOVATION CENTRE The adoption and deployment of alternative and renewable technologies into existing energy systems is the primary focus of this applied research centre. Staff use their expertise and facilities to improve understanding and capacity of the emerging technologies that can support the net zero goals of industry and the larger community. Applied research services include: • • • • • • • •

TECHNOLOGY ADOPTION

Rapid iteration for net zero solutions Public policy development Integration of new and legacy technologies Economics of blended energy technologies Living lab with net zero technology validation Validation of models and development of best practices through Data Sharing Alliance for solar PV Energy security as part of students’ core competencies Contribution to a sustainable world

As there are barriers in place for SMEs that are not able to develop, integrate, test, and pilot a technology before they use it, the core business of these Innovation Centres is supporting and accelerating industry technology adoption. Working closely with other organizations in Alberta’s innovation network, the Centres advance innovative problem solving and applied research in manufacturing and energy innovation with the goal of increasing digital literacy across the province.

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“Industry needs to understand emerging technologies in order to contribute to the innovation conversation. Our services are grounded in what Alberta does best, with an eye toward the future.” — Dr. Tonya Wolfe, Associate Vice President of Applied Research

WHAT LIES AHEAD As leaders in the Central Alberta innovation community, the Centres are considered an integral part of the regional investment attraction portfolio. Going forward they will continue to act as an objective innovation intermediary, supporting companies as they accelerate and improve their products using R&D methodologies, and de-risking their path to product market acceptance, scale up, and commercialization.

Red Deer Polytechnic innovation@rdpolytech.ca RDPolytechCIMTAC red-deer-polytechnic @RDPolytechnic

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FUTUREFORWARD SAIT’S SCHOOL FOR ADVANCED DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY PROPELLING ALBERTA’S TECH INDUSTRY TO THE NEXT LEVEL. In an increasingly digital world, technology has become a daily narrative. It extends beyond computers and software, now venturing into new territories such as analytics and artificial intelligence.

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), located in Calgary, AB, has been at the forefront of advancing industry-focused applied learning in support of experiential learning for more than 100 years, preparing and supporting students for successful careers in tech. SAIT continues to build industry partnerships and fill skill gaps with career-ready graduates who have the tools to become leaders in their fields. Alberta's tech industry is still experiencing a period of unprecedented growth. According to the provincial government's Alberta Technology Innovation Strategy, local tech companies could generate up to five billion dollars more in annual revenue and up to 20,000 new jobs by 2030.

Heritage Hall — the oldest buiding on campus — celebrated its centennial in 2022.

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The province's relatively low cost of living and job-ready workforce are attracting a broad range of start-ups through to established tech companies alike, contributing to seeding and advancing broader economic growth and diversification, as our brand expands as a tech hub of choice. At the helm of developing post-secondary education experiences for more than two decades is Dr. Raynie Wood, Dean of SAIT's School for Advanced Digital Technology (SADT). Wood actively and intentionally fosters relationships with leading-edge industry leaders and tech visionaries. These connections shape the strategic direction of SADT, contributing to the advancement of tech-based career opportunities for students across a range of sectors. Tech is everywhere!

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DR. RAYNIE WOOD Dean of SAIT’s School for Advanced Digital Technology

“Our city is innovating, accelerating and implementing transformation at an expedited pace, never lived before. All industries are transforming — from energy and health to manufacturing and transportation — by leveraging digital and advanced technology to change the way we relate, the way we work and the way we experience the world around us.”

"Our city is innovating, accelerating and implementing transformation at an expedited pace, never lived before," Wood says. "All industries are transforming — from energy and health to manufacturing and transportation — by leveraging digital and advanced technology to change the way we relate, the way we work and the way we experience the world around us." SAIT identified the opportunity to support the growth and expectations of tech industries in Alberta — and beyond — through SADT. Fueled by Order of Canada member David Bissett's $30 million donation and a strong, committed team of professionals, SADT is bridging the existing employment gap and elevating itself as a globally renowned institution for tech-based learning — both top priorities for the school.

SADT is equipping students with the skills and abilities needed to support tech-driven businesses across all industries.

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Launched in September 2020, SADT empowers students to combine theory and practical work through applied learning opportunities. SADT teaches students both the human and technical skills they need to meet the changing demands of today's workforce. Since its launch, donations have come forward from other partners, with the most recent partnership between Spartan Controls, SAIT’s MacPhail School of Energy and SADT. "Students receive hands-on, future-ready skills to prepare them for the realities of the workforce as soon as they graduate," Wood says. "SAIT's School for Advanced Digital Technology continues to create a strong talent funnel in alignment with industry needs." Working as a contributor of technology talent in the province, SADT has a minimum of three enrollment intakes per year and collaborates diligently with industry partners to build and update school programming based on what the industry needs both now and based on the inflection points of the future. SADT currently offers courses in software development, cyber security, data analytics, interactive design, artificial intelligence and more.

ADVANCED TECH IS FOR EVERYONE. IT ALWAYS HAS BEEN.

A workforce made by SAIT is armed with the mindset to lead and with the skills — technical and human — to create, to evolve, and make a difference.

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SADT graduates have a unique combination of knowledge, hands-on skills and practical experience — preparing them to add immediate value upon entering the workforce.

"We are working more closely than ever with partners on our program designs to create opportunities for work-integrated learning," Wood explains. "We've heard that industry needs diverse talent, mid-career upskilling and advanced credentials such as postdiplomas and degrees. These are the problems that SADT is actively solving."

The technology industry and SADT continually seek innovative pathways for advancement. Each year, the school introduces refreshed programs and curricula. SAIT consults industry partners to design these programs so that they build on current knowledge and focus more specifically on cutting-edge technologies and trends.

SADT is driving SAIT into the future of tech, providing new opportunities for students throughout their professional careers. Alberta's economy is diversifying quickly to stay ahead of global trends. Wood is encouraged by the existing and emerging job prospects for students graduating from SAIT's advanced digital technology programs. "We're moving forward and we're moving at a pace that we've never seen before," Wood says. "We're seeing that our graduates are going into a market with so many opportunities and we need to make sure they are best prepared. We’re looking forward to it. It’s exciting.”

Hands-on education prepares SAIT students with real-world experience and opportunities to learn the latest, in-demand skills.

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TRANSFORMING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE THROUGH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY Bow Valley College has been an access college since 1965, earning a reputation for fast-paced programs that quickly respond to the practical needs of adult students and our economy. On May 16, 2023, the College launched a new Digital Strategy, which outlines how technology will enhance the student experience, improve administrative efficiency, and drive innovation. The College’s guiding principle for the Digital Strategy reflects its roots: Bow Valley College strives to become one of Canada’s leading access colleges in technology innovations for teaching, learning, and student supports. The College has identified five categories of initiatives as crucial to the success of the Digital Strategy: enhancing the student experience, enhancing the applicant experience, academic innovation, enabling employee success, and supporting strategic success. The goals of digital inclusivity and universal access underpin all aspects of the Digital Strategy: a “digital-first” strategy can only succeed when the College can ensure equitable access to technology and connectivity. “The way we learn and work has changed and continues to change at a rapid pace. Partnering with technology companies to build an ecosystem that properly supports this transformation 162

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is therefore a crucial step in the process,” says Dr. Misheck Mwaba, president and CEO of Bow Valley College.

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modes (equipment tutorial, course tutorial, assessment mode), multiple stations to allow all our students to experience it, and multicultural standardized virtual patients,” says Maria Manese, program chair, nursing, at Bow Valley College.

The new Digital Strategy is made possible thanks to the support of collaborators including Microsoft, Dell, VMWare, Nvidia, and D2L. The following are examples of Bow Valley College’s academic innovation initiatives.

The VR platform is funded in part by Alberta Innovates, the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism, and the Government of Alberta.

VIRTUAL REALITY

VIRTUAL DESKTOP

Imagine a nursing student assessing a patient’s pneumonia symptoms without ever leaving a lab.

When Bow Valley College Centre for Entertainment Arts student Jordi Venegas was visiting his family in Ecuador over the holidays, he was able to access a College-supplied “virtual desktop” configured with more than $6,000 worth of hardware, software, and licenses using his seven-year-old Linux laptop and an internet connection, at no cost to him.

It’s possible at Bow Valley College. With its proprietary virtual reality platform, students in the Practical Nurse Diploma can perform assessments on diverse virtual patients, who can demonstrate a range of symptoms for respiratory conditions, including pneumonia, asthma, or anaphylaxis. Students can also practice cardiovascular and eye, ear, nose, and throat assessments. VR simulations have transformed the way students learn from and engage in patient scenarios. When the College introduced the VR platform after winning a research grant with ICOM Productions, students went from assessing healthy classmates and waiting for patients with conditions in clinical placements to immersive learning in the simulation environment. This ensures students can practice skills and gain valuable clinical experience assessing a wide range of symptoms, without the need for an actual patient with an illness.

The Bow Valley College virtual desktop solution provides students and employees with access to very high-end computing that can ably handle high performance software used in Bow Valley College’s Centre for Entertainment Arts programs, such as Unity, Unreal, Maya, and ZBrush, from anywhere in the world, and on any device, such as a tablet, a smartphone — even an old laptop. All they need is an internet connection. “I have the advantage of having a super high-powered computer in the palm of my hand,” says Venegas. He adds that in Ecuador, he was able to run resource-intensive animation simulations and rendering, all from that old computer.

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Dr. Misheck Mwaba, president and CEO

“Bow Valley College’s ability to provide high-performance GPU-based virtual computing power to students, regardless of their location, is a key differentiator in the value our institution can provide,” says Jason Mansell, director, information technology services at Bow Valley College. “The virtual desktop levels the playing field between students who have access to extremely high-performance technology at home and those who don’t who would traditionally need to be on campus to have access to that kind of computing power.” He also notes that this modern technology approach also reduces maintenance efforts, is very secure from cyberthreats, and allows the College to meet the needs of changing programs much faster.

credentials are assessment-first, which means they measure existing strengths and give students recognition for that competency. Then, the program determines what students still need to demonstrate to earn the micro-credential. Pivot-Ed micro-credentials also target individual needs and allow individuals to continue their professional growth and stay relevant in an ever-changing landscape. “The HR profession is always shifting, so having Bow Valley College offer these micro-credentials to our members allows them to be educated with the most up-to-date HR trends and provides agility to respond to the ever-changing workforce,” says Tracey Stahn, manager, member engagement at CPHR Alberta, who partnered with the College to promote the micro-credentials to their HR professional network.

The Bow Valley College virtual desktop was made possible thanks to products and support provided by Dell Canada, VMWare, Nvidia, and Pure Storage.

Pinsent has finished the Strategic Workforce Planning Pivot-Ed microcredential and is about to start Talent Acquisition. “It met my needs, but it also met my budget, and the location, I really liked that it was virtual,” she says, having considered options that were much more expensive and involved travel. She also liked that she could put the certifications on her résumé, LinkedIn profile, and performance evaluation, as opposed to just a three-hour webinar. “It has more weight to it,” she says.

PIVOT-ED Andrea Pinsent has been working in human resources and labour relations for 17-years and needed to upskill in workforce planning as it had become a priority focus area in her work. When she received an email from CPHR Alberta about Bow Valley College’s new micro-credentials in people strategy, it immediately caught her attention. “I appreciated that the micro-credential considered my current education and professional expertise,” she says.

BOW VALLEY COLLEGE CENTRE FOR ENTERTAINMENT ARTS Picture Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey walking on a gloomy day with half-destroyed office buildings and collapsing condo towers in the background.

With the rapidly changing economy, there is a need to upskill and reskill to meet the evolving needs of the workforce’s demands. Pivot-Ed microcredentials are cost-effective, competency-based certifications obtained by demonstrating the skills required by a particular industry. Pivot-Ed micro-

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Jason Mansell, director, information technology services

the city and its surrounding areas have played host to over the past several years. According to Calgary Economic Development, the city is home to more than 6,700 people who work in the creative industries of game development, film, and television. In 2023, three local standing sets received the Location of the Year award at the Global Production Awards in Cannes, France.

Calgary’s creative economy a global leader and contribute to the city and province’s prosperity.” Bow Valley College Centre for Entertainment Arts offers programs in advanced film production, foundation in entertainment arts, advanced 3D animation and 3D modelling, advanced visual effects (virtual production), and advanced game development.

There has been so much activity that, to meet demand, in January 2021, Bow Valley College teamed up with the Centre for Entertainment Arts to launch a training ground for students interested in careers in film, TV, animation, and gaming.

Bow Valley College, 345 - 6 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4V1 Tel: 403-410-1400, 1-866-428-2669 (toll free) Email: info@bowvalleycollege.ca school/bow-valley-college BowValley bowvalley bowvalleycollege

The Bow Valley College Centre for Entertainment Arts contributes to diversifying our economy and creates jobs in a growing sector. “Bow Valley College Centre for Entertainment Arts will train the next generation of talent to support the growth of Calgary’s creative industries,” says Alison Anderson, dean, business, technology, and Centre for Entertainment Arts. “The Centre will help make

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ACCELERATES THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF EARLY-STAGE VENTURES

There is an economic transformation underway in Alberta and Creative Destruction Lab - Rockies (“CDL-Rockies”) is playing an important role in that transformation.

BY-THE-NUMBERS:

CDL-Rockies is focused on accelerating the commercial potential of the next generation of promising science- and technology-based ventures across a variety of sectors, including energy and agriculture.

· Generated nearly $3 billion in equity value. · Created more than 1,000 jobs. · Raised over $880 million in capital (more than $325 million by Albertabased ventures)

In the first five years (2017-2022), CDL-Rockies alumni:

Through a unique and highly collaborative approach that brings together respected mentors from across industries, geographies and disciplines, the CDL program creates a marketplace that allows for the efficient transfer of business judgement to founders.

The economic impact of CDL-Rockies’ alumni ventures is a testament to their ground-breaking ideas and hard work as well as the contribution of the CDL-Rockies community.

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Prime: For founders developing technologies applicable across multiple industries (such as IoT, digital health and devices, logistics, cybersecurity). This stream captures the diversity of the renowned entrepreneurial spirit across the Prairies. Energy: Operating from the epicenter of the Canadian energy industry, the Energy Stream seeks ventures that optimize existing energy systems as well as technologies that enable the evolution toward a low-carbon future. This includes energy systems optimization, alternative energy, energy storage, bioenergy, hydrogen, carbon capture, utilization and storage

MEANINGFUL MENTORSHIP: HELPING FOUNDERS SEPARATE THE SIGNAL FROM THE NOISE CDL-Rockies is one of 12 CDL locations worldwide, the first of which was started at the University of Toronto in 2012. CDL currently has five sites in Canada, three in the United States and four across the United Kingdom and Europe.

Ag: The Ag stream supports discoveries within science and technology that drive toward a sustainable agri-food system, focusing on founders building scalable solutions or disrupting current business models. This may include: sustainable agriculture & food security, ag biotechnology, precision farming, food safety & traceability, food technology and livestock health & wellness.

CDL has built an extensive network of mentors: highly respected individuals who are prominent business leaders and serial entrepreneurs, having founded, operated and exited businesses of size and scale, as well as internationally recognized experts from leading academic institutions. CDL-Rockies is housed at the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. Operating three streams, CDL-Rockies admits 60 - 75 ventures each year through a competitive application process to participate in the nine-month objectives-based mentorship program.

CDL-ROCKIES IS A CANADIAN NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION - CHARGING NO FEES, TAKING NO EQUITY AND RETAINING NO IP.

CDL’s unique objective-setting process demands founder focus. It maximizes the value of time spent by mentors and founders to share knowledge and experience to increase the probability of success for the ventures.

CDL members roll up their sleeves. Not only do they contribute their time and judgement, the mentors also contribute their vast network. They can open doors for young people. This is huge.”

From the heart of the Prairies, CDL-Rockies is home to a Prime stream and two specialized streams in Energy and Ag.

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BUILDING THE BUSINESS LEADERS OF TOMORROW In addition to supporting early-stage founders, CDL-Rockies’ helps build the skills and knowledge to prepare the business leaders of tomorrow. MBA students from both the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta have the opportunity each year to enrol in the CDL course as part of their curriculum. This course provides an opportunity for students to learn about venture finance, entrepreneurial thinking while also gaining hands-on experience supporting early-stage ventures with crucial business development support during the program.

I love working in tech startups because it’s an adrenaline-fueled experience that’s comparable to riding a roller coaster. There’s a constant sense of excitement and uncertainty that keeps me motivated and engaged. The fast-paced environment and the opportunity to create something new and impactful are what truly excites me about working in this industry.” — Sylvia Wang, UCalgary MBA Student 168

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CASE STUDY: AURORA HYDROGEN Aurora Hydrogen is an Edmonton-based venture founded by engineers and professors from the University of Alberta and University of Toronto. They have developed a novel technology that uses microwave energy to heat natural gas without oxygen and water to produce hydrogen and solid carbon without carbon dioxide. After graduating from the CDL Energy stream in 2022, Aurora raised a US$10 million Series A and are planning to build a demonstration plant in Fort Saskatchewan, AB, an emerging centre of excellence for development of hydrogen technology.

What we’re proposing is a way to take natural gas, which is a massive resource in Canada but has carbon emissions associated with it and produce a highvalue clean energy source. We have all the infrastructure and industry expertise here and we are on the path to developing a clean, no carbonemitting fuel.” — Andrew Gillis, CEO Aurora Hydrogen

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THE HUNTER FAMILY & THE CREATION OF THE HUNTER HUB.

THE HISTORY OF THE HUNTER HUB FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL THINKING

The Hunter Hub is founded on three pillars: 1. Cultivating and supporting changemakers 2. Connecting and building community 3. Amplifying stories and impact

The Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking was founded in 2017 with a $40 million donation from the Hunter Family Foundation, marking one of the largest donations in the University of Calgary’s history. The Hunter Hub’s purpose is to spread entrepreneurial thinking throughout the university. For Doug Hunter and his wife Diane, the idea of entrepreneurship didn’t exist when they graduated from university. However, Doug’s second job with a small petroleum consulting firm in Calgary exposed him to the world of entrepreneurship and ultimately led him to start his own company, H. Douglas Hunter and Associates.

Doug emphasizes that entrepreneurs “are the backbone of the economy. They are the ones that create jobs and build companies. You have to be able to take risks, step out and take that first step. Learn from their mistakes. Get support.” The Hunter Hub aims to provide that support to students, faculty, and the community. Dianne emphasizes the importance of taking risks and pursuing your dreams. “There’s always going to be some element of fear when starting something new, but if you have an entrepreneurial mindset and you’re willing to take that first step, the rewards can be tremendous. It’s an incredible feeling to be independent, to see your own ideas come to life, and to share them with others.”

“The Hunter Hub is a place for creativity,” says Dianne Hunter. “It’s a breeding ground so that people can come together, have different ideas, but rub shoulders with people who are creative and have different ideas and want to do something with it. I think it just sparks your own creativity even more.” 170

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The Hunters hope that every student who graduates from the University of Calgary will have been exposed to entrepreneurial thinking in some form. Overall, the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship to transform lives and economies. With the support of the Hunter Family Foundation, the Hunter Hub is poised to make a lasting impact on the University of Calgary and beyond.

HUNTER HUB PROGRAMMING The Hunter Hub has been instrumental in bringing together various groups across the University of Calgary and coordinating their efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. With the generous support of the Hunter family, the Hunter Hub has been able to provide the best possible information and mentorship to students and faculty across all faculties and fields of study.

Our flagship program, Launchpad, grants students and post-docs from all faculties and departments across campus the opportunity to become founders and changemakers in their fields. Through a series of weekly presentations (Launchpad Live) alongside workshops with coaches, an interactive online learning system, and a final pitch competition (Launchpad Liftoff! Competition) in March, participants can hone their entrepreneurial skills to make an impact in their respective industries and fields of study

The Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking delivers and promotes programs that encourage entrepreneurial thinking across the University of Calgary and Canada. The Hunter Hub hosts an ongoing series of unique and experiential learning programs, workshops, and challenges for students, faculty, and staff.

Our unique capstone program, The Embedded Certificate in Entrepreneurial Thinking, is a partnership between the Haskayne School

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of Business and the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking that provides undergraduate students from degree paths across the University of Calgary with an entrepreneurial thinking toolkit: the knowledge, experience, mentorship, and capstone project support to make an impact. As part of the capstone project, students select from a range of support available from the Hunter Hub, including options such as dedicated coaching to support idea development, project funding to cover eligible expenses for prototyping and communications materials, and attending events specifically designed for the Embedded Certificate in Entrepreneurial Thinking student interests.

The Hunter Hub has had a significant impact through fostering a culture of innovation and empowering individuals with entrepreneurial thinking. Our flagship program, Launchpad, has played a crucial role in driving this impact. Launchpad attracts participants from various disciplines, primarily with the Schulich School of Engineering, Faculty of Science, Haskayne School of Business, Cumming School of Medicine, Faculty of Arts, and the Werklund School of Education, creating a diverse and collaborative platform. In fact, the program has gained such popularity that, in 2022, applications poured in from almost every faculty across the university, showcasing its broad appeal and the widespread recognition of its impact. Launchpad offers 18 Speaker Presentations that are open to participants and the general public. These engaging talks are accessible to everyone, whether attending in person or through live-streaming. These presentations have gained a wide viewership, spreading the entrepreneurial mindset and inspiring individuals.

Launched in 2021 by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking, Experience Ventures is a nationwide program that provides experiential learning opportunities that enable post-secondary students to develop their entrepreneurial thinking skills alongside real-world innovators. The goal is to inspire creativity, resiliency, and future vision in students while providing Canadian startups and social ventures with the opportunity to identify emerging talent. Through partnerships with post-secondary institutions, Experience Ventures offers a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between school and the new world of work across Canada.

The Hunter Hub also facilitates the Cannon Lachapelle Award in Entrepreneurial Thinking, which was established in 2019 with a generous donation from Dr. Elizabeth Cannon and Dr. Gérard Lachapelle. This prestigious award recognizes undergraduate students who demonstrate creativity and entrepreneurial thinking in their academic pursuits. To amplify its impact, the number of recipients has been increased from two to four per year. Each deserving student receives $10,000 per semester,

Experience Ventures is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative.

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Bryan Slauko and Jacques LaPointe, Founders

empowering them to further their work and make a positive impact within the UCalgary community and beyond.

renowned guests. This space serves as a hub for exchanging innovative ideas and further enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Additionally, the Hunter Hub offers a highly coveted Summer Accelerator Program, providing selected participants with paid placements that allow them to focus on their startups full-time. This unique opportunity enables entrepreneurs to dedicate their energy and resources to the development and growth of their ventures without the distraction of other commitments. The program not only offers valuable resources, mentorship, and support but also provides access to additional funding opportunities for startup development. Participants have the chance to secure significant financial support, empowering them to propel their startups to new heights and make a meaningful impact in the local economic ecosystem.

The Hunter Hub has made a significant impact at the University of Calgary. Through programs like Launchpad, Experience Ventures, and the facilitation of the Cannon Lachapelle Award, it empowers individuals, promotes collaboration, and drives positive change. With its growing reach and international recognition, the Hunter Hub continues to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and strengthen the University’s reputation as a centre of entrepreneurial excellence.

The impact of the Hunter Hub’s programs has reached an international level, with participants achieving recognition in renowned competitions. Their successes highlight the University’s reputation as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking 460 Campus Lane NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, CANADA HunterHubYYC /showcase/hunterhubyyc

To foster knowledge-sharing and networking, the Hunter Hub Collision Space hosts community events and speaker series featuring nationally

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The Un-School challenging Calgarians to think and build differently.

Have you ever thought about the difference between being future proof or future fit? InceptionU co-founders Margo Purcell and Greg Hart certainly have. In fact, the two Calgary professionals have built a business around it.

At the same time, her co-founder, Greg Hart, was working in the innovation space, helping entrepreneurs launch startups and scale their businesses. The challenges he saw were lack of access to great talent and innovative thinking.

InceptionU is a place of meaningful learning where individuals, businesses and organizations go to learn how to prepare for the future and build it with confidence.

When a small group started white boarding ideas of what this business could look like back in 2017, it started as Project X and later became InceptionU - the birthplace, if you will, of a new age of talent.

Proofing yourself against something means you’re seeking protection from it, while being fit for something means you’re ready, willing and able to handle the challenges that our rapidly evolving world continues to present.

InceptionU’s Evolve Full Stack Developer (FSD) program helps people gain tech skills to become software developers and land other techadjacent roles. The award-winning program has been running since 2018 and is widely recognized as an inclusive, diverse and welcoming space for those transitioning into tech. It is uniquely positioned in the market as it’s the only FSD program that offers a responsive curriculum that adapts to what participants, industry and the future requires. It also focuses on the essential skills components that tech workers often fall short on - communication, collaboration, a growth mindset and willingness to constantly learn. In 2021, InceptionU received the Digital Talent Champion Award from Start Alberta for its outstanding commitment and leadership in helping to develop the talent ecosystem and accelerate innovation and diversification in Alberta.

It’s a skill that is harder to develop than you may think. “The trick is not just to ‘know’ things - which is what school focuses on. The trick is to UNDERSTAND - connecting the concepts to other concepts and being able to apply them,” says Purcell. “We need to build Essential Competencies where people learn how to learn so that no matter what is put in front of them, even if they’ve never seen it before, they know that they know how to figure it out. “ Purcell started her leadership consulting business in Calgary in 2004. As the downturn of oil and gas took hold, she saw engineers, geologists and others lose their jobs and struggle to find a new professional path. 174

Athennian was looking to adopt a design thinking approach to its product development. The product and engineering group had become “stuck” in their thinking. InceptionU created a custom program of eight workshops called Generating Innovation, where the group was challenged to spend more time thinking deeply about the actual problem, before jumping to solutions.

“While all the details are not yet clear, the push of technology into all forms of work will continue and no corner of commerce will be excluded. No matter where you work, you will be in the technology business. Every business will be a tech business some day,” says Hart. Purcell and Hart are proud of the partnerships they’ve established within Calgary, including the Calgary Public Library. InceptionU’s learning space is located on the third floor of the Library in the heart of Calgary’s Innovation District. In 2022, InceptionU launched a partnership with the Blackfoot Tech Council’s IT Fundamentals program, helping Indigenous learners with the essential skills component of their training, allowing them increased chances for internships and job opportunities.

“On the product and engineering side, it’s important to have this framework to have the thinking up front and do it in a way that you are not pre-determining the solution,” says Duane Wood, who was Athennian’s Chief Technology Officer at the time of the project. InceptionU continues to grow and has plans for various new services including online courses, a membership community, an app and learning programs for K-12 and post-secondary students.

These days, Purcell and Hart are focused on two new arms of the business. Compass offers total talent solutions and Inception Design offers product and organizational design services to businesses and organizations looking for solutions to complex problems. These aren’t just tech companies, but any company that’s struggling with finding, hiring and onboarding new talent. Through its design services, it offers customized small group workshops to enhance team collaboration and effectiveness.

The goal is to build pathways and connections for the future of talent and the talent of the future - people who can understand anything, build something, and change everything.

inceptionu_ltd inceptionultd _InceptionU

It’s worked with several notable clients including Virtual Gurus, WINK, Thrive Health and legal tech startup Athennian.

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“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you’re doing the impossible.” — FRANCIS OF ASSISI

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REIMAGINING HUMAN ABILITY

Main entrance to the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital in Edmonton

THE GLENROSE REHABILITATION HOSPITAL (GRH) The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital (GRH) is the largest free-standing, comprehensive tertiary rehabilitation hospital in Canada, serving patients of all ages who require complex rehabilitation to enable them to participate in life to the fullest. The 244-bed facility provides specialized physical rehabilitation and therapeutic services across 16 professional disciplines and offers both inpatient and outpatient services. Complex rehabilitation approaches at the GRH are supported by cutting-edge research and innovation, technology development and academic teaching. The GRH is part of Alberta Health Services (AHS), Canada’s largest province-wide, integrated health system, which is responsible for delivering health services to more than 4.4 million people.

As a leading tertiary rehabilitation hospital, the GRH embraces innovation as a core feature of its activities. The need to support rehabilitation innovation has never been greater. One in five Canadians has a physical or cognitive disability, and growing demand for virtual or remote healthcare has been prompted by the rapid emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing adoption of lockdowns that has changed the health care delivery model. Outpatient rehabilitation services are also experiencing high demand due to factors that include higher survival rates of people with critical health issues, the trend in health care to discharge patients back to the community as early as possible, and a growing demand by older adults to age-in-place.

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THE GLENROSE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION (GHF) A major supporter of rehabilitation innovation is the Glenrose Hospital Foundation (GHF). Established in 1994, the GHF collaborates closely with donors and stakeholders to secure funding for projects aimed at re-imagining human ability. The GHF mobilizes resources to accelerate advances in human ability and, through strategic investments in translational research and innovation, is helping to shape the future of rehabilitation.

“We’re forging ahead with technology-enabled healthcare — powered by donors who have a passion for advancing patient outcomes and making specialized rehabilitative care even more accessible to those who need it most.” — Mark Korthuis, President and CEO, The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation

A recent GHF investment is in brain computer interface technologies, an emerging and promising access technology for patients with complex physical needs such as cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, brain injury, spinal cord injury, or stroke.

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CLINICAL INNOVATORS AT THE GLENROSE DR. JACQUELINE HEBERT

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A non-invasive headset worn by a young patient analyzes and interprets brain signals to control applications without the use of gross motor function. The patient controls a motorized ball with her brain by use of the headset to paint a picture.

Limb amputation is a life-altering event affecting mobility, quality of life, and participation in daily activities. In Alberta alone, over 450 individuals undergo major lower limb amputations every year. Under the leadership of Dr. Jacqueline Hebert, the Bionic Limbs for Improved Natural Control (BLINC) Lab brings together a diverse group of inter-disciplinary researchers interested in collaborative research to improve limb function after amputation, from surgical techniques to device development, motor control, and sensory feedback. Her research group has a history of pioneering achievements in the field of prosthetics and improving the lives of Canadians living with limb amputation. Most recently, Dr. Hebert has brought osseointegration to Alberta Health Services with the support of the GHF and the University of Alberta Hospital Foundation. Osseointegration is an innovative new procedure that completely bypasses the need for a prosthetic socket. The conventional method following a lower-limb amputation uses a hard-shell socket that is fitted over the remaining limb. The hard shell is uncomfortable and can lead to poor fit, skin breakdown, and poor control of the prosthesis. With osseointegration, the surgeon inserts a titanium implant into the remaining thigh bone, which stays there permanently and—over time—naturally integrates with the bone. This implant extends through the skin and allows a direct structural connection to the external prosthesis. The success of osseointegration depends on using specially designed titanium implants, careful surgical techniques, and a controlled period of specialized rehabilitation.

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Stephanie Gansekoele at the Glenrose

Stephanie Gansekoele, one of Dr. Hebert’s patients who underwent the osseointegration procedure, and Dr. Jacqueline Hebert, examining the titanium implant which is attached to Stephanie’s thigh bone.

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There are many benefits of prosthetic devices attached directly to the bone by an osseointegrated implant, which include: increased stability and secure attachment of the prosthesis; better range of motion at the hip; improved bone health; improved awareness of the position of the prosthesis; and patients can put on and take off the prosthesis faster. These benefits increase patient comfort when sitting, reduce the energy required to walk and allow patients to wear the prosthesis for longer periods daily, which greatly contribute to an improved quality of life.

Stephanie Gansekoele and Dr. Jacqueline Hebert in a rehabilitation assessment session at the Glenrose.

DR. LONNIE ZWAIGENBAUM His research focuses on early development in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental disorders. With the goals of identifying early behavioral and neurobiological markers of ASD, his research group is following a high-risk cohort; namely, infant siblings of children with ASD. This is helping the group identify specific risk markers to aid in earlier diagnosis and study basic processes (e.g. attention, emotion, executive control)

Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum is a pediatrician at the GRH, Director of the Autism Research Centre, Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation Chair in Autism and Professor in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta.

that may underlie later symptoms. Dr. Zwaigenbaum and his team have developed the first observational measure designed to detect signs of ASD in six to 18-month-old patients. This measure can be completed by parents as a questionnaire, which is effective in identifying infants diagnosed with ASD as early as 6 months of age. This innovative measure has been highlighted by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research as a significant Canadian health research achievement and has been adopted by numerous groups and networks internationally for improving the early detection and diagnosis of ASD and informing development of new interventions for toddlers with early signs of ASD. Dr. Zwaigenbaum is currently researching a novel training and mentoring approach with community pediatricians to improve diagnostic capacity and access and ongoing health care to children with ASD. Dr. Lonnie Zwaigenbaum with Charlotte Hurst, aged 4, in a session at the Glenrose.

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DR. MING CHAN Dr. Ming Chan is a rehabilitation medicine specialist at the GRH and professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Alberta. His clinical practice is in neuromuscular disease, with his research focusing on peripheral nerve regeneration, myoelectric prosthetic control, and neurodegenerative disorders. Dr. Chan observed in his practice that shoulder movements are frequently compromised, not just from nerve damage causing muscle loss but also from associated bony or soft tissue shoulder injuries. This can be highly debilitating for individuals, not just in limiting daily activities, but also from pain due to a frozen shoulder. Existing treatment options are limited and often expensive, and while static braces are available, they only provide support to the arm in a fixed position. To address these limitations, Dr. Chan developed the dynamic shoulder brace (DSB) to assist individuals with peripheral nerve injuries to perform shoulder motions: adduction, abduction, horizontal flexion, internal and external rotation.

Dr. Ming Chan with the dynamic shoulder brace (DSB), which allows for more functional rehabilitation of the shoulder.

Incorporating continuous design improvements using patient feedback, Dr. Chan modified a common socket wrench to replicate the shoulder joint’s adductionabduction motion to replace the commonly used internationally sourced Ottobock locking joint, which also significantly reduced the cost. Dhruvi Dave, a University of Alberta co-op student in mechanical engineering, assisted Dr. Chan in developing the rachet mechanism. Dr. Chan received funding from Campus Alberta Neuroscience to patent the invention and support from the GRH to undertake clinical trials with patients and further develop the product. The DSB is comprised of a body shell and an arm cuff custom fitted to the individual. The ratchet hinge joint, inserted in a lightweight low profile Teflon housing mounted on the body shell, allows the arm to be locked into place at any angle up to 90 degrees. This allows the arm to be positioned through a range of movements in front and to the side of the body. Once the activity is completed, the patient can lower the arm by pulling on a strap connected to the ratchet hinge joint in a controlled manner. The DSB helps in reducing patient recovery time and allows for more functional movement while individuals are performing activities of daily living.

Dr. Ming Chan pointing to the ratcheting mechanism of the DSB worn by a student model.

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Jade Belisle, a University of Alberta mechanical engineering co-op student (biomedical specialization), is preparing for a print job using the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8k resin 3D printer. 3D printing is used extensively for prototype development of innovative devices at the GRH that can improve the lives of patients during their rehabilitation journey.

GRRIT staff Michael Cimolini and Doug Hill with the Light Board.

GLENROSE REHABILITATION RESEARCH, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY

The original prototype was designed and fabricated by a Bachelor of Technology capstone team from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) before being passed on to University of Alberta engineering co-op students, who are finalizing the design and manufacturing of the pegs before deploying the Light Board for clinical use. Successful development of the Light Board would not be possible without ongoing engagement between front line therapists, students, patients and GRRIT staff to undertake multiple revisions to the original idea.

Innovation at the GRH is supported through Glenrose Rehabilitation, Research, Innovation & Technology (GRRIT), which develops technical solutions for challenges experienced by practitioners and people living with physical or cognitive disabilities and champions the commercial application of clinical research. GRRIT supports industry in accessing clinical facilities, offers expertise in business development, engineering, rehabilitation sciences, product design, development, validation, adoption, and implementation and assists industry in recruiting highly qualified personnel. GRRIT works closely with the GHF and external partners that include Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), Scoliosis Alberta, Faculty of Engineering at the University of Alberta, Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary and Alberta Innovates. Support from external partners allows GRRIT to bring industry into the clinical setting to accelerate applications for rehabilitation technologies, to recruit and train students and to make a major contribution to strengthening provincial capabilities to develop and commercialize health-related innovations. One example is the collaboration between the GRH and Calgary’s Foothills Medical Centre (FMC) to support a clinical technical lead position at FMC who is working closely with clinical technology leads at the GRH.

Steven Phan is a University of Alberta biomedical engineering masters student, working on cutting edge indoor tracking systems to assess and monitor older adults in their homes. Technologies like ultra-wideband (UWB) have the potential to transform how cognitive and functional assessments are done, enabling clinicians and family members of patients to optimize home care using real-life data. Steven is also working with the Program to Accelerate Technologies for Homecare (PATH), a national research and testing initiative involving the GRH, University of Alberta and related health facilities and universities in Toronto, Waterloo and Ottawa.

STUDENT INNOVATION AT THE GLENROSE Clinicians and students are an integral part of innovative activities at the GRH. GRRIT facilitates opportunities for clinicians and students to participate in research and innovation activities and to work with industry partners and engage in new product developments. Additionally, GRRIT helps to coordinate co-op student projects based on clinical challenges encountered by GRH front-line clinicians which include nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech pathologists. Students develop and apply their technical and project management skills through working with front line staff to solve clinical problems and producing practical prototypes which can be evaluated by clinicians and patients. One example is the Light Board Project, a novel technology idea which originated in the pediatrics department at the GRH. The goal of the technology is to assist with upper extremity gross and fine motor rehabilitation, but in a fun and child-friendly way. This extended size model, on a 5’ x 3’ height and angle adjustable board, was inspired by the traditional notebook sized ‘Lite Bright’ game. The size of the Light Board allows for large arm movements, while the various styles and colors of peg help children with limited dexterity to improve their fine motor skills by using pegs with varying grip techniques.

Quin Greenaway, a University of Alberta electrical engineering co-op student, is adding electronic components to a circuit board. Quin is building on his software and hardware expertise for the development of a low-cost surface EMG biofeedback system which may be used for home training. Patients with nerve transfers will use this device to help restore upper extremity function by providing visual feedback while performing tasks to re-learn techniques for reliable muscle activation.

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INDUSTRY INNOVATORS AT THE GLENROSE KARMED Upper extremity function plays a critical role in completing activities of daily living, employment, and participating in recreational activities. The flexion, extension, pronation, and supination - FEPSim® device is a device for hand and wrist rehabilitation that can be adjusted according to the patient’s requirements in rehabilitation. The FEPSim® can also be used to assess the patient’s strength and range of motion of the forearm, wrist, and hand. The original concept of the FEPSim® developed from a project involving NAIT capstone students and therapists at the GRH. Therapists had identified the need to address the high number of disabilities related to the hand, wrist, and forearm, and the clear lack of progressive rehabilitative devices. KARMED was drawn into the project, given their expertise in advanced manufacturing through its parent company, Karma Machining and Manufacturing. GRRIT helped KARMED recruit University of Alberta engineering co-op students to further assist in product development.

Dr. Antonio Miguel Cruz, Darryl Short and Robert Hirsche with vertical and horizontal versions of the FEPSim®. machinist. Following his injury, Christian began to tinker in his workshop, and mobility devices became his focus; it was the beginning of the Bowhead story. Christian was unable to find a manual wheelchair that could accommodate his 6’4” frame and support his mobility needs as a T7-9 paraplegic, so he decided to build his own. Fast forward two decades and Bowhead Corporation, which Christian co-founded, has become a leader in the adaptable mobility market.

Robert Hirsche, an occupational therapist at the GRH and one of GRRIT’s clinical technical leads, worked closely with Darryl Short at KARMED in facilitating clinical feedback to develop the device. Dr. Antonio Miguel Cruz, GRH Research Affiliate, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine and director of the Product Evaluation and Applications Research (PEAR) lab at the University of Alberta, led a user feasibility study of the FEPSim® which validated its usefulness as a versatile therapy tool with improved measurement and grading systems and confirmed its wide acceptance by therapists.

GRRIT became involved with Bowhead as the company was developing its first product, the Bowhead ‘Reach.’ Bowhead had identified a severe lack of adaptable mobility options available that allow adults safe access to outdoor movement and activity. Depending on the needs of the individual, this requires options that provide stable safe riding machines that can traverse varying terrain from paved streets and sidewalks to hiking trails in parks.

“Collectively, we’re a group of hands-on innovators who manage the entire product cycle from prototype iterations through full-scale manufacturing, testing, approvals, and the ever-important user experience.” — Darryl Short, KARMED Co-Founder

The FEPSim® is now being sold and distributed across North America, allowing patients to simulate daily activities, such as turning a doorknob or using a screwdriver, to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. The device, developed through collaboration between therapists, students, industry and supported through GRRIT, can treat a wide range of patients recovering from severe strokes, burns and muscle and bone injuries.

BOWHEAD CORPORATION In 1996, Christian Bagg became a wheelchair user following a snowboarding accident that resulted in a sudden loss of mobility. At the time of the accident, Christian was completing his apprenticeship as a

Christian Bagg (foreground) in the Bowhead RX adaptive cycle on a trail in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains. The rider on the left is using a Bowhead Reach adaptive cycle.

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Christian Bagg (yellow cap) and the Bowhead Corp team at their shop in Calgary.

The Mobili-T device is positioned under the chin and pairs with a coaching based system linked to a speech language pathologist.

A large market exists for people with disabilities and seniors who have mobility limitations, and Bowhead sought to address this market by providing a means for individuals with lower limb impairments to access outdoor recreational areas including hiking/bicycle trails. The Bowhead Reach and more recent products, such as the Bowhead RX adaptive cycle, incorporate a unique articulated suspension design that allows individuals to navigate rough terrain safely through an autonomous steering/levelling system.

muscle activation. The device pairs real-time visual biofeedback with a smart software-based coaching system, all while maintaining a direct connection to the speech-language pathologist, who can track a patient’s progress. The software offers a personalized approach by helping people set targets for their daily exercises, through sensing their muscle energy levels and setting realistic goals. GRRIT assisted True Angle in undertaking usability/feasibility studies to develop its Mobili-T system, assisted in patient recruitment, patient testing and data collection and provided early-stage commercial advice. True Angle has raised over $5 million in investment and grant funding; their products are now available across the globe. The Mobili-T system addresses a key challenge in swallowing rehabilitation, in that there are never enough trained clinicians to meet the global demand for intensive dysphagia exercise rehab, which can help to prevent the lifethreatening side effects of dysphagia that are extremely costly to health care systems. True Angle’s innovation is mobile, easily scalable and the pocket-sized technology allows people to take charge of their health, overcome their swallowing disorders, and improve their quality of life.

GRRIT has provided Bowhead with funding for product development and assisted Bowhead in recruiting eight University of Alberta engineering co-op students, who have assisted in product design, development, and assembly. Bowhead recruited one of these students upon her graduation to work full-time as part of their engineering team. GRRIT also assisted Bowhead in securing experienced professional engineering talent to work on product development. Bowhead is scaling its business and developing new product lines, including a height-adjustable wheelchair and self-levelling mobility scooter. GRRIT is working with Bowhead to establish a provincial mobility cluster that supports local innovators developing new products that improve the lives of people living with mobility challenges.

TRUE ANGLE True Angle is an Edmonton-based health tech company whose mission is to empower people to live better lives through smart technologies. Company origins can be traced back to Dr. Jana Rieger’s lab at the University of Alberta, when Dr. Rieger, along with her research colleagues Dylan Scott and Gabriela Constantinescu, began to develop a new device to help patients recover from swallowing impairments dysphagia. Approximately one in six adults will experience a swallowing disorder in their lifetime because of conditions such as stroke, cancer, and neurological disorders. The innovative device, called Mobili-T, short for mobile therapist, is a wireless piece of hardware that senses muscle activity when placed under the chin and gives patients direct feedback about swallowing

True Angle Co-Founders: Dylan Scott, Dr. Jana Rieger and Dr. Gabriela Constantinescu.

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The Nanotess Team at their headquarters in Calgary.

NANOTESS NanoTess is a values-based enterprise, co-founded by Megan Leslie and Julian Mulia, with a vision to “prevent unnecessary suffering through technological innovation.” The company’s focus is on helping patients with chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers and developing products that are accessible and affordable for those who need them. Their team has over 40 years of cumulative experience in material science with particular interest in nanotechnology. Invisible to the naked eye and 1000 times smaller than bacteria, nanotechnology solutions and nanomedicine offer the basis for the next revolution within the health industry. Nanotess developed their first product, called NanoSALV, which is an antimicrobial gel that is designed as a liquid dressing. The advantage of a liquid dressing is that it moves away from solid dressings and patches that often do not properly fit a wound. NanoSALV facilitates self-healing and re-epithelialization by providing an adequate medium for the natural healing processes to occur. Suitable for chronic wounds, independent studies have validated that NanoSALV technology provides a broadspectrum antimicrobial effect against viruses, yeasts, fungi, and bacteria, including antibiotic resistant bacteria.

Nanotess co-founders Megan Leslie and Julian Mulia with their NanoSALV product.

GRRIT’s involvement with Nanotess began in 2021, after the company had won the REHAB Innovation to Commercialization (i2C) competition, which provided Nanotess and nine other aspiring rehab tech ventures with mentorship and coaching, culminating in a pitching competition for $100,000 to support the winner’s further commercialization activities. Nanotess is now working with the GRH and AHS to further trial and test their NanoSALV product.

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Medical researcher investigating delivery of medical supplies via drone to remote regions. Credit: Leah Hennel, AHS

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ABOUT W21C is a research and innovation centre based in the University of Calgary’s O’Brien Institute for Public Health in the Cumming School of Medicine and the Calgary Zone of Alberta Health Services (AHS). W21C conducts research to improve health services and systems to Make Care Better.

Interdisciplinary collaboration to make care better.

OUR HISTORY W21C was created to respond to the urgent need for innovation in health care. The Canadian Adverse Events Study (Baker 2004) reported that as many as 20,000 deaths occurred annually in Canadian hospitals from preventable adverse events. This finding drew considerable attention to the issues of safety and quality in health care, resulting in a call for strategic research and innovation to address the challenges in health care systems.

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In response to this call came the opportunity to create a medical unit that could conduct research to improve health services and systems, resulting in the Ward of the 21st Century. Opening in 2004, this medical unit - Unit 36 at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, is nationally and internationally unique. It functions as a “Living Laboratory” – a beta test site for researchers to explore prototypical hospital design, novel approaches to health care delivery, and the use of new and innovative medical technologies, right in a patient care setting. The talented team of health professionals who work every day to take care of patients on Unit 36 is paramount to W21C’s success – helping W21C achieve its vision of “defining the future of health care”. While W21C still works regularly with the original Ward of the 21st Century, the program has been able to expand beyond this unit to other health care settings including hospital-based units across the health system, community-based care, long term care, and even patient’s homes. Expanding the living laboratory concept beyond the original ward enables the program to evaluate research across the entire continuum of care. In 2008, W21C received funding to expand its research space with the construction of the W21C Research and Innovation Centre – located in the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine’s Cal Wenzel Precision Health (CWPH) Building. Doors opened to the new W21C Research and Innovation Centre in the Fall of 2009. This centre houses meeting and seminar spaces, research workstations and office space, and the Healthcare Human Factors and Simulation Laboratory.

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W21C’s Healthcare Human Factors and Simulation Laboratory, used to test innovations in a simulated clinical environment 191

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The Healthcare Human Factors and Simulation laboratory serves as a testbed for technologies and processes and provides W21C access to a simulated clinical environment. This space enables W21C to evaluate innovations so that research and development can occur without impacting clinical operations within the health system. The lab is ideal for innovations that may not be quite ready for the clinical environment. The lab also provides portable simulation and observation equipment, enabling W21C to take research into operational health system environments across Calgary.

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involved in space evaluations for new hospital builds, evaluations around, the preparedness for health care crises like the Ebola outbreak and looking at the safety and design of ambulances. Partnerships have been key to W21C’s success. The program can tap into content experts from across the health system, including world leaders in infectious disease, emergency medicine, and stroke care. W21C also has strong connections and partnerships with health system partners, the local, provincial, and federal governments, industry partners, and other ecosystem support partners. Together these groups are working to advance health innovation in our health system to make care better for our community.

PROVIDING VALUE TO INNOVATORS AND THE HEALTH SYSTEM W21C’s incredible interdisciplinary team can utilize diverse preclinical and clinical spaces and healthcare environments to develop, evaluate, and launch health innovations at any stage of development. The team works on innovations at an idea stage to explore if there is a potential benefit to the health system and if the idea is worth pursuing, all the way up to international trials of near market ready products to demonstrate large scale effectiveness.

SPARK ALBERTA SPARK Alberta is a cohort-based program supporting evidence-based digital health innovations within the University of Calgary and other local academic institutions. Originating at Stanford University, SPARK aims to bridge science and clinical practice and ensure that important ideas and discoveries make it into practice to benefit patients. SPARK is based within W21C and supported by Innovate Calgary.

W21C’s team of research methodology experts can also come together to help inform broader health system evidence and policy and help better understand urgent issues facing our health care system. For example, the team has been involved in international reviews and projects on issues such as anti-microbial resistance, emergency department overcrowding, and exploring best practices in dealing with outbreaks on hospital wards. The W21C’s human factors team has been

UCalgary researcher tests decontamination methods on medical masks to evaluate the mask’s integrity and performance. Masks could possibly be reused by healthcare workers if a personal protective equipment shortage was to occur. Credit: Riley Brandt, University of Calgary

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS W21C has worked with many companies that look to evaluate their products before bringing them to market. This includes Surface Medical’s CleanPatch – a 3 inch by 3 inch patch that works like a bandage for hospital beds, and XSENSOR’s ForeSite PT™ System, a thin sensing overlay that goes between the sheet and mattress on a patient’s bed and is used to reduce pressure injuries. Both innovations were tested in the Human Factors Simulation Lab and on Unit 36, with feedback from these evaluations used to improve the final design. W21C has also collaborated with AHS, including the first major study in Canada to re-evaluate ambulance design. Paramedics were put through simulation scenarios in moving ambulances to examine the interaction between ambulance design and care provider safety. Thanks to this study, several key changes were made to the design of future ambulances, including an improved overall layout and seat design to encourage seatbelt use, along with rounded corners on interior surfaces to prevent injuries.

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The Cal Wenzel Precision Health Building at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Alberta; home to the W21C Research and Innovation Centre

GD01, CWPH Building 3280 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, AB T2N 4Z6 Canada Email: w21c@ucalgary.ca

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AN INNOVATIVE FORCE

- THE PRESERVATION OF DIGNITY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.

Canada’s population is growing older. In 2019, the population of seniors 65-years of age and older was almost one-fifth of the overall population, and by 2040 the population of seniors is predicted to reach one-fourth of the overall population, with over one-third of seniors having two or more chronic diseases.1

The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF) is an innovative force, providing high quality person-centred care and services to optimize well-being and enrich people’s lives. BSF was established in 1975 by Dr. Barrie I. Strafford in memory of his late wife, Brenda. Since then, it has grown to support many local and international programs.

This changing demographic will require an adaptation of current care delivery, the integration of research, and creative innovative solutions to improve and transform the current continuing care system.

Locally in Alberta, BSF owns and operates five aging care and senior living communities in Calgary and Okotoks. The foundation also provides local community programs including BSF’s ‘Heart Home Network’ – a second stage shelter providing a safe environment and services for women and children who are fleeing domestic violence. A partnership with the Children’s Cottage Society provides emergency shelter and resources for families at risk of homelessness at ‘Brenda’s House,’ which is owned by BSF. 194

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Dementia Friendly Communities: In collaboration with provincial funding partners and local community partners, BSF led a two-and-a-half-year pilot project to create Dementia Friendly Communities in Calgary and Okotoks. They documented their journey and the lessons learned along the way to create a guide to help other communities develop their own Dementia Friendly Communities in Alberta.

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Smart Gardens: BSF’s Cambridge Manor grows fresh vegetables in their smart gardens, providing an engaging, hands-on activity for residents that is accessible and sustainable even in Alberta’s cold winter months.

Internationally, BSF owns a variety of medical clinics and operates or supports various healthcare services to enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life of underserved regions in the Caribbean including Haiti, Jamaica, and Dominica.

interactions and relationships, and encourage a sense of belonging. This is woven into everything we do, including how we approach innovation.” The foundation’s ongoing commitment to quality and innovation is demonstrated through research undertaken in collaboration with external partners and associates, facilitating pilot studies of innovation and proof of concept projects, and quality improvement initiatives that advance evidencebased best practices to enhance clinical and quality of life outcomes within their sites – and beyond.

BSF is involved in several projects for research and innovation that focus on aging care and services for seniors’ health and wellness. An ambitious new strategy will further optimize their social impact across all their areas of service and the diverse populations they serve.

INNOVATION IN ACTION Dr. Barrie Strafford Centre for Learning, Innovation & Quality

“The ‘BSF Way’ is our foundational Carolyne Mondoux, Vice President, approach to person-centered care Service Excellence, Quality & Innovation. reinforcing our core value to ‘put people at the centre’ of everything we do,” says Carolyne Mondoux, Vice President of Service Excellence, Quality, and Innovation. “This person-centred approach ensures our care, services, and environments are personalized, enabling, support positive

The Dr. Barrie Strafford Centre for Learning, Innovation & Quality was launched by BSF in support of its mission to be an innovative force in optimizing well-being and enriching lives. The purpose of this newly established BSF centre is to form strategic partnerships with entrepreneurial innovators to co-create solutions that shape the future of work, aging, healthcare, and community supports to benefit all areas BSF serves and ensure greater social impact. 195

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Research at the University of Calgary BSF has a close affiliation with the University of Calgary supporting research that contributes to knowledge, innovation, and best practices to advance the quality of life of the communities they serve. The foundation has established three research chairs at the University of Calgary, including a research chair in Geriatric Medicine, Alzheimer Research, and the Prevention of Domestic Violence. The Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging was established at the University of Calgary in 2011 to enhance health and wellness of seniors and better inform public policy regarding seniors’ issues through coordinated aging-related research, teaching and learning, and community outreach efforts. Virtual Reality: BSF was the first seniors’ care provider in Canada to offer Rendever’s Virtual Reality system in Assisted Living and Long-Term Care.

HealthTech Home The HealthTech Home project is a collaborative effort between BSF and Health Cities. It aims to find innovative solutions to make aging at home more possible for older adults, as well as address pressure on health systems by testing technologies and innovative solutions that help older adults remain safely in their homes longer with enhanced independence. The HealthTech Home project develops a “sandbox” environment within a BSF-owned condo unit that is connected to BSF’s Cambridge Manor. Innovative solutions are selected and installed to monitor the health of an independentliving condo tenant in an effort to slow, or reverse, any decline in health and to aid aging in place. The tenant’s feedback and experience will help to build a framework that supports aging in place.

Rhythms of Life Drumming Circles: BSF offers ‘Rhythms of Life’ Drumming Circles at all five of their seniors’ care sites. Drumming Circles have many benefits, including improving social cohesion, reducing tension and anxiety, and inciting laughter and fun! 196

“Today’s generation of aging seniors have different expectations around remaining in their homes and maintaining their independence as they age,” says Tony Weeks, BSF President and CEO. “We are committed to leading innovations that optimize well-being and enrich lives of older adults, creating impact within our seniors’ care communities, and beyond.”

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Dr. Barrie Strafford Centre for Learning, Innovation & Quality team members are dedicated to advancing organizational learning needs, quality improvement, and innovation in health, wellness, and care for those we serve.

Rec@Home BSF is committed to pursuing quality and innovation. Their strategy prioritizes research, education, and innovation. A commitment to innovation and research is represented in their mission, vision, and values to advance the quality of life for those they serve driven by ‘the preservation of dignity and the pursuit of happiness.’

BSF’s Rec@Home is a virtual recreation program for older adults in the community. The program offers daily exercises led by staff, virtual therapeutic music sessions, various cognitive games, social groups, coffee chats, and more – all from the comfort and convenience of one’s home. Rec@Home combats social isolation and empowers participants to connect and build community through virtual gatherings, while also providing respite and valuable tools and resources for caregivers.

Source: 1 Public Health Agency of Canada (2022) Aging and chronic diseases: A profile of Canadian seniors. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseasesconditions/aging-chronic-diseases-profile-canadian-seniors-report.html Our sites: Bow View Manor: 4628 Montgomery Blvd NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 0K7 Cambridge Manor: 253 Smith Street NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6K1 Clifton House: 907 47th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2A 7L4 Wentworth Manor: 5717 14th Ave SW, Calgary, AB, T3H 3M2 Tudor Manor: 200 Sandstone Drive, Okotoks, AB, T1S 1R1

BrSt_FDN BrendaStraffordFoundation the-brenda-strafford-foundation Rec@Home: BSF’s Rec@Home program uses technology to make recreational programming more accessible for seniors in the community.

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CHANGING THE GAME IN ADVANCED WOUND CARE. Kent Imaging is forging an exciting path in the world of medical technology. As a market leader in the design and development of light-based tissue assessment diagnostic devices, Kent is ushering in a different way of visualizing tissue health. The company’s flagship product, SnapshotNIR, is a non-invasive, handheld imaging tool that uses near-infrared light to measure microvascular oxygen saturation, which is a key indicator of tissue health. Tissue oxygenation is one of the most important factors in wound healing, but it cannot be measured by the naked eye. So, when the NRC team showed Chapman how multiple wavelengths of NIR light could reflect and measure the amount of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in a patient’s microvasculature, he knew the technology could ultimately improve peoples’ lives.

Chronic wounds are a health problem with significant reductions in quality of life for those affected and can have devastating consequences such as limb amputations and premature death. In surgery, evaluating tissue health is critical to eliminating easily preventable flap failures. Tissue is dependent on the vasculature for the transport of oxygen and other essential nutrients. Disturbances in the vascular supply will have profound effects on local tissue viability and repair.

But first, it had to be made accessible. SnapshotNIR has emerged as a game-changer for medical practitioners specializing in advanced wound care, reconstructive surgery, and limb preservation. The technology is helping clinicians to identify the viability of a patient’s tissue, track healing and ultimately improve health outcomes.

Armed with a long history of developing high-tech products, Chapman looked at the large, costly device the NRC team had built for demo purposes and wondered if, instead, he could incorporate the NIR technology into a more compact, less expensive imaging unit that could be used in a variety of medical settings. It was, he felt, certainly worth a try.

The Genesis

After securing the rights to the NRC’s laboratory model science, Chapman went about assembling a team of experts from a variety of fields—including electronics, software and optics—to work on developing a commercially viable NIR imaging unit. And with that, Kent Imaging was born.

Kent’s roots reach back to the early 2000s. Around that time, scientists at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) had created a prototype device to demonstrate how near-infrared (NIR) light can be used effectively to assess the concentration of oxygen in human tissue. When Calgary-based entrepreneur Don Chapman visited the NRC and learned of this prototype and the promising concept behind it, he was immediately intrigued.

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Don Chapman, Executive Chairman

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Pierre Lemire, CEO

Building the Vision It takes a great deal of time, determination, and conviction to envision, test and ultimately realize the creation of an entirely new diagnostic modality. Backed initially by funding from private investors, Kent moved through several iterations of the NIR imaging device and, in 2012, the company brought its first FDA-approved version to market.

Stand-based and rather cumbersome to use, Kent’s initial commercial product took longer to capture tissue images than the team would have liked. Nevertheless, they built 10 models and sold them all to users in Japan, Europe, and the United States.

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As interest in the product grew, and advancements in NIR technology emerged, Kent hired visionary tech entrepreneur Pierre Lemire to take the reins as CEO and lead the organization into its next phase of growth. Under Lemire’s guidance, Kent’s team continued to hone, improve, and iterate—keeping Chapman’s original vision of an easily portable NIR tool as its objective. In 2017, Kent received FDA clearance and Health Canada certification for SnapshotNIR: handheld, battery powered, and equipped with near-instantaneous image capture and serial wound tracking at all points of care.

Actionable Insights This was evident in the case of a patient with bilateral mastectomies for breast cancer with irradiated skin who had developed a problematic chronic wound due to the skin tissue. She was treated with topical oxygen therapy and monitored with NIRS throughout the process. The images from SnapshotNIR showed increased tissue oxygenation because of the oxygen therapy. With wound closure, the patient was being

Kent’s non-invasive tissue assessment device can be used to understand the effectiveness of a treatment pathway at the point of care and triage patients earlier in the care system. If a treatment option is ineffective, clinicians can make timely changes to the treatment pathway and expedite referral to the appropriate speciality.

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fitted for prosthesis. NIRS imaging was used to identify that although the wound was epithelialized (in the final stage of healing) there was an area of continued inflammation within the wound, located where the prosthesis bra band would sit. With the recognition that the wound was not fully healed and would perhaps be subject to breakdown with the pressure of the bra, extra padding and protection were provided to that area to prevent tissue damage. This is just one of many examples of how SnapshotNIR is catering to hospitals, wound clinics, hyperbaric centers and even community outreach programs. Kent Imaging demonstrates the value of the Snapshot technology and how it should be used. Additionally, Kent works closely with wound care luminaries to support awareness and adoption of the technology. Once these key opinion leaders understand the benefits of SnapshotNIR, they play an important role in driving awareness and educating their medical colleagues on the benefits of the technology through webinars, research, and publications. “Kent Imaging takes the feedback from our clinicians very seriously and we respond with upgrades which will improve and enhance the use of the device,” states Dr. Jeffrey Niezgoda, Kent’s Chief Medical Officer. Adding, “point-of-care clinical decision making with tissue oxygenation imaging is now obtained with the touch of a finger.”

Looking Ahead Today, there is widespread use of SnapshotNIR units in clinical use in the field of wound care, limb preservation, and reconstructive surgery. Medical practitioners around the world—in North America, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Caribbean—are incorporating the device into their daily practice workflow. The latest iteration provides key feature enhancements to the imaging technology that advances tissue assessment in acute and chronic wounds. These advancements are part of a larger vision, one in which the data from SnapshotNIR is routinely assimilated into a patient’s digital medical record, so that it becomes an integrated piece of the overall view of a patient’s state and how it’s trending. ‘Time is tissue,’ yet effective wound assessment can be a real challenge. The Snapshot technology allows clinicians to obtain actionable data at every visit to assess, track and document medical necessity, evaluate therapeutic efficacy, quickly adjust the treatment plan when required, and record outcomes in chronic wounds. In reconstructive surgery, it can ensure flap tissue viability at all points of care. Image sets captured intraoperatively provide the surgeon tangible insight to proceed with confidence. “We’re just on the cusp,” says CEO Pierre Lemire. “We’re at the tip of the iceberg of what Kent is going to be able to develop and bring to market over the next five to 10 years— tools and technology that are going to significantly improve the way physicians practice.” With near-instantaneous insight into “what lies beneath,” Kent Imaging is working to reduce complications and improve outcomes in as many patients as possible. 201

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PAVING THE WAY FOR YOUNG LIFE SCIENCES COMPANIES TO SUCCEED.

Biohubx has decoded a formula that allows its members to commercialize in shortened timelines and with less capital.

In Canada, it is common to see layers of support for life sciences companies up to and including the incubator stage, right before commercialization occurs.

With turn-key facilities, technical services and an extensive network of industry experts and technical resources, Biohubx is creating optimal conditions for emerging life sciences companies to get to market.

But support drops off drastically when companies are ready to commercialize and take their most significant risks and leaps. It takes capital and multiple fundraising rounds to set up a facility, finalize regulatory approval, hire talent, secure contracts and get to the first revenue dollar.

The Cutting-edge facility In 2021, Biohubx launched HUB 1, a biosafety level two facility, with $1.5M funding from PrairiesCan to renovate and secure key laboratory infrastructure. Through a partnership with DynaLIFE Medical Labs, this facility offers lab and office space to young companies, making it possible to commercialize much sooner than if they had to find and develop their own facility. HUB 1 outperformed expectations by reaching 100 percent capacity within four months of launch, demonstrating the demand for this type of support in the life sciences sector.

A new Alberta not-for-profit organization, Biohubx, was founded by entrepreneurial thinkers who clearly saw this support gap in the life sciences ecosystem. Working with industry partners, Biohubx leverages public funding to help young companies de-risk their journey to commercialization.

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“Biohubx and the facilities created have been key to Syantra’s growth, ensuring that the company we started in Calgary will be able to stay put and create jobs here at home. We need more of this across Alberta.” — Bob Shepherd, Biohubx cofounder and CEO of Syantra Inc.

Rapid Validation Program In addition to offering critical commercial space, Biohubx provides technical services for small and medium enterprises to develop and test novel products and technologies. These services include developing operating protocols that conform to regulatory standards. A scientific committee is available to consult on methodologies and experimental design. Users can also access a quality management professional to assist with quality management system implementation to meet broad regulatory standards. way that reduces risk. From providing a corporate address and getting assistance establishing clinical trials to accessing space in one of Biohubx’s hubs, the North American Soft-Landing Program offers a tailored and practical approach to entering this vast market in a strategically advantageous way.

“Being a fast-moving small company, we appreciated that the Biohubx staff went the extra mile to help us find the materials and expertise we needed to keep our development on schedule and completed to a high standard.”

Future Hubs

— Management of GLC Medical Inc.

Biohubx is working on launching new hubs to meet the infrastructure needs of maturing companies graduating from incubators across Canada and its international network. Future hubs will encompass innovation centres for new clinical solutions and biomanufacturing capacity.

The Network With a growing network of regional and international support organizations, post-secondary institutions, and incubators that member companies can leverage for business development, Biohubx has become a critical component of Alberta’s growing life science ecosystem. Member companies can expand their markets through collaboration agreements in Europe and Asia with on-the-ground help.

Biohubx connects the dots in the ecosystem to create practical solutions for companies, clinicians and patients. As a trusted not-for-profit, it leads conversations and opens new avenues of commercial potential for companies in Alberta.

Biohubx recently launched the North American Soft-Landing Program to help international companies enter the North American market in a

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IMPROVING THE HEALTH OF ALBERTANS THROUGH INNOVATION.

Globally, healthcare is being disrupted, akin to the disruption we witnessed in media and transportation, and digital health is leading the charge. While Canada lags its peers in health outcomes and health system performance, Alberta’s areas of strength - artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and immersive technologies - can be leveraged to improve health outcomes and position our province as a leader in the global health economy.

what innovators can bring to the table, including relationships, expertise, global reach, investment, or policy influence. Through their initiatives, Health Cities demonstrates their model for creating pathways for care that innovators can plug in to, while addressing the needs that exist in the community. One successful initiative is the deployment of Home Health Monitoring (HHM) in 13 different Primary Care Networks (PCNs) across Central Alberta. This deployment demonstrated the viability of this pathway, allowing for further testing capacity to be built within PCNs to enable more regional small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to showcase and test their solutions in live clinical settings. Health Cities also successfully deployed a remote-based diagnostics imaging initiative with WestView and Red Deer PCNs (and Alberta technology partner Medo, now operating as Exo).

Health Cities, a not-for-profit organization in Edmonton, makes it their mission to improve the health of all Canadians by supporting and delivering scalable healthcare solutions to grow the health sector nationally. By leveraging talent, technology platforms and institutional assets (like health data), Health Cities builds on our province’s strengths to improve healthcare outcomes, address current healthcare delivery challenges, and accelerate a knowledge-based sector which will significantly contribute to job growth in the region. In particular, Health Cities’ work around safe health data points to an untapped resource which has the potential to drive the sector forward.

Currently, Health Cities is partnering with The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF) on the HealthTech Home, a vendor-agnostic “sand-box” for Alberta SMEs to test, try, and validate technology that enables older adults to age in their home comfortably and safely. The interest garnered for the HealthTech Home includes health delivery organizations, academia, and industry. It is expected that many additional opportunities will stem from this initiative, allowing for more companies to plug in their innovations in homecare and autonomous living.

Since its establishment in 2018, Health Cities continues to bridge gaps in the healthcare system, filling them with companies’ innovative solutions and through initiatives that provide better access and delivery, creating pathways for locally developed innovations to market. By creating environments for innovators to test, try and validate their solutions, Health Cities helps de-risk companies and accelerate these solutions. Health Cities collaborates with clinicians, innovators, philanthropic organizations, industry, and academia to address key health challenges, including care access and equity. As a trusted third party, they identify

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It is through pathways like HHM and by creating relationships and environments for change in key areas, that we can truly transform health, improve health outcomes and grow our economy.”

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Reg Joseph, CEO

Lisa Laferriere, Director, Business Operations

Cassandra Rasko, Manager, Stakeholder Engagement

Dani Boily, Manager, Marketing and Events

Justin Pitt, Coordinator, Business Operations

Rebecca Keichinger, Executive Assistant

— Reg Joseph, CEO, Health Cities

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REVOLUTIONIZING HEALTHCARE THROUGH EMPOWERMENT, ACCESSIBILITY, AND AUTONOMY. The founder’s father was raised in a one-room home in the country side of a small town in Ethiopia that is unknown to most people. Tin roof, mudded walls. The founder’s mother from another town where education wasn’t supposed to be the path for women.

His parents persevered through challenges and obstacles to be influencers in education, health, and philanthropy. They accomplished this through positive thinking and a mindset that anything is possible if you put in the effort and believe in yourself.

His parents didn’t have access to nearby hospitals or doctors. When severe sickness hit, he recalls his father telling him of an experience where they needed to travel over 50km by mule and carriage to the closest hospital. Barely making it.

Statistically, there were a myriad of elements that needed to align to get the founder to where he is today. He has a profound understanding on where he came from and the opportunities that were bestowed upon him. This is why he chose to use his experience, knowledge, and network to build accessible and innovative health solutions for underserved and remote communities. Solutions with global impact and a human touch. This concept was the genesis of his company, H3ALTH TECHNOLOGIES INC.

Those are his roots. Of humble beginnings.

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“Innovation possesses the remarkable potential to drive transformative change in healthcare and revolutionize the quality of life for all.”

Elias Gedamu, Founder

Their flagship innovative solution is a 3D thermal imaging system that accurately captures an individual’s body and heat signature in 3D. The technology is non-invasive and designed for use in remote areas. The imager is similar to an airport scanner. A person can simply enter the 3D imaging unit, login with their credentials, and click the “image me” button; the system manages the rest. The imaging data is processed, stored in a privacy compliant online database, and made available to authorized health professionals through telehealth for clinical assessments and decision-making. Anyone who is familiar with using a mobile phone can easily image themselves with just “one-click”. H3ALTH TECHNOLOGIES INC. has fostered several Canadian and international partnerships with companies and organizations. They are involved in several projects including helping with the global maternal health problem aimed at saving 800 women per day. The current technologies that are available do not address the global challenges of underserved and remote communities (i.e. lack of trained personnel, complexity of operating current medical devices, connectivity and communications, and the need for consumables coupled with the limitations for logistics in remote regions). Through MOUs and partnerships, H3ALTH TECHNOLOGIES INC. is on their way to building a better future for women and children. They are also growing their project portfolio and building capacity in Canada and Ethiopia. The founder fundamentally believes in and aims to live by Nelson Mandela’s quote – “What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.” At H3ALTH TECHNOLOGIES INC. they strive to make a positive impact to the lives of as many people as they can.

H3ALTH TECHNOLOGIES INC. is an Alberta-based technology company with an Ethiopian origin that is focused on improving people’s quality of life through the application of innovative solutions in the area of health. Their mission is to enable remote and underserved communities with accessible health solutions through next generation 3D imaging products and enhanced clinical decision-making.

info@h3althtechnologies.com

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Making exercise convenient, inclusive, and accessible regardless of experience, skill, and ability.

EvolutionVN is the home of a proprietary piece of exercise equipment, the Evolution Training System. As their flagship product, the Evolution is a compact, versatile, and functional piece of equipment that makes exercise and rehabilitation more practical, effective, and sustainable. It was designed to fit any space and to have unique applications for every user. And with CEO and Lead Innovator, Vu Nguyen, leading the way, EvolutionVN develops products with functionality, universality, and user experience in mind.

The Evolution Training System is an example of this. Why the Evolution Training System? Vu spent many of his teenage and early adult years struggling with debilitatingly low self-confidence. With time he came to understand that his lack of confidence was a product of poor body image. But even though he knew what the remedy was, in his mental state, he could not bear the thought of going to the gym. So rather than exercise in public, he decided that he would exercise from the privacy and safety of his basement.

Ever since he was a young child, Vu has been an innovator; he loved applying his mind to create and build. Oftentimes, this involved complex and structurally-sound forts. Other times, this required the complete destruction and reconstruction of household electronics such as CD players, VCRs, and cassette rewinders. He would completely take them apart and most of the time was able to put them back together. So, for Vu, innovation came naturally and was the product of curiosity and creativity. This led to an early career as an engineer.

Eventually, through exercise, he found his confidence. This newfound confidence changed his life in ways that words alone cannot explain. It helped his career and allowed him to restore old relationships as well as build new ones. Now, understanding the importance of self-confidence, he made it his life mission to help others extract their own. But he was not going to achieve that as an engineer. Because of his experience with gym insecurity, he acknowledged that while the gym and other fitness facilities are great for some, they are not for many others.

Although he is an adamant believer that it is important that we use our imaginations to create new things, he does not believe in innovating for the sake of innovating. He believes that innovation must be driven by need and solve problems. Fortunately, through the unique combination of a curious mind and an empathetic lens, he is able to identify areas of need and to create practical and usable products around this need.

He understood that there needed to be a better alternative. Hence the birth of the Evolution, a product that is not only convenient, versatile, and compact but also one that was specifically designed so that anyone of any experience, skill, and ability can use it. The Evolution comes at the intersection of ingenuity and a desire to instill change. 208

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Today, the Evolution is a tool that promotes further innovation. Vu often refers to it as a “Practitioner’s Playground”. When placed in the hands of professionals, new applications are always being discovered. There is simply no limit to how you can use it. And now, EvolutionVN is exploring the most exciting application to date by introducing the Evolution to the adaptive exercise space to serve those who use wheelchairs or have other disabilities. This is particularly exciting as, over the latter half of 2021, Vu has gone headfirst into this space and was shocked to discover the massive disparity in products and services for the disabled community. He learned that this community is unjustifiably underserved, and their needs overlooked. The gap is large, and the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated this. Given the simple structure and versatility of the Evolution, it can bridge this gap and be an inclusive solution this community needs.

Evolution of the Evolution: from prototypes to final product

He has worked with and learned from professionals, athletes, and others in the space and found that the Evolution has many applications here. Successful integration of the Evolution into the adaptive exercise space will fulfill the company’s mission of making exercise convenient, inclusive, and accessible regardless of experience, skill, and ability.

EvolutionVN vu@evolutionVN.com 403-919-6846 evolutionVN vu-nguyen-evolutionvn

Offering the disabled community a piece of equipment that they can use only fills a small void, but it’s a start. And while there is a significant road ahead, Vu believes this is a cause worth pursuing.

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CHAPTER SEVEN

SOCIAL INNOVATION

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SYSTEMATIC INNOVATION

TN’ CEO Ling Huang, Premier Jason Kenny and MLA Muhammad Yaseen at Alberta Newcomer Recognition Award presentation event

SYSTEMATIC INNOVATION LEADING CHANGE FROM THE HEART

How does one create lasting change? For over twenty-five years, Technology North Corporation has been answering this question where it can, whenever it can, with its team of dedicated consultants and industry experts.

Though the business and consultation aspect of Technology North was good, Ling found himself in a different situation. He is a trained engineer and Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP), but he is also a father with a son on the autism spectrum. His younger son, Brian, had been undergoing extensive autism intervention since the diagnosis in 2004, and Ling was forced to contend with the reality of public healthcare and treatment.

Established at the dawn of a groundbreaking era in 1998, the internet epoch, where the world united under the invisible strands of the web, Technology North Corporation was born from a casual lunch meeting in downtown Edmonton, Alberta. TN’s founders saw the firsthand effects of the first digital revolution’s immense transformation of human life, both positive and negative. The Y2K dilemma further caused the company to become an evolving entity that could serve as a protective insurance and guidance in the corporate world. The Y2K incident resolved itself without the sky falling, but the corporation they had created outlived the threat, and so did the expertise and guiding knowledge they had earned.

Their son’s intervention program was difficult and obtuse, with very little transparency to where their money was going. Further examination and investigation discovered that the entire human service sector was completely underserved; It depended on the traditional methods of pen and paper, which often proved unreliable for crucial deadlines where essential care and resources were at stake. After years of dealing with this, he decided to take matters into his own hands.

As the Internet continued its breakneck evolution, TN found itself split between multiple founder’s visions, pondering which path would best serve its clientele and stakeholders. During the late 2000s, the corporation underwent numerous structural changes, culminating in Founder Ling Huang taking sole ownership of the company by the end of 2009. For over fifteen years, TN worked across Canada and the US to implement efficient and lasting systems, applications, and consultations. The firm worked with over three dozen different organizations ranging from provincial governments, municipalities, Canadian NGOs, and other corporations, saving millions of dollars and hundreds of hours of time.

Using his company’s resources and experts to create assistive technology in the hopes to modernize the care system, TN’s first endeavor was a children’s service management application, which centralized all care plans, data collection and data analytics in web and mobile platforms for clients in Canada, the US, and other countries across the world. Not only did this provide valuable data analytics for the company and convenience for the clients, but this venture was also the beginning of TN’s team transition from consultant to innovation house.

“I didn’t just co-found the company, I bought it twice,” Ling would often say. “Had I known what would become of it today, I would’ve bought it thrice.”

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THE BRIDGE TO SOLUTIONS Autism Spectrum Disorder is an ailment that affects approximately 1 in 66 youth in Canada, and much of the support for such individuals end at 21. Because autism is a spectrum, the top 1% to 2% of the functional autistic population have many options and are likely to gain employment with the current work culture, but the rest struggle with integration into the workforce, which ultimately hurts both the individual, the family, and Canada’s economic potential.

As Brian started secondary education in 2014, a question weighed on Ling’s mind: What is his son going to do after he is finished high school? Though he hoped for the best, he had to confront the reality of the situation. Knowing his son’s condition and the barriers he would face, Brian would be unlikely to find a job, and much less likely to retain a job. Reaching out to the community, Ling realized that he wasn’t alone, and few others had ideas on what to do. Thus began an eight-year-long journey to search for a better life for youth and adults living with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), not just for his son, but for all the families with members on the spectrum.

Having seen the results and trends of existing programs, TN embarked on their own pilot project to solve this issue: a system to provide meaningful and sustainable employment. Despite society’s desire to improve, barriers such as fear, lack of knowledge, limited support-at-work approaches, and ineffective projects halt the progress of any employment movements beyond lip service.

According to the CDC’s 2023 ADDM report, 3% of US citizens over 18 years old are on the autism spectrum with 85-90% of individuals being either unemployed or underemployed. At the same time, the Canadian ICT sector continued to thrive through the pandemic, yet the shortage of qualified workers remained a challenge.

Technology North Digital Services (TNDS) pilot employment program focuses on the long-term future of the high-impact population, i.e., the autism population that lies between 2% to 60% on the functionality scale, representing 40% to 60% of individuals on the autism spectrum who lie outside the conventionally employable range. By giving candidates guided expertise, industry experience, and social skills, TN’s purpose is to deliver practical and financially sound solutions and programs to empower individuals on the spectrum based on their characteristics and strengths, enabling workplace excellence, greater independence, and ultimately, improved quality of life.

After extensive research using a practical, grounded approach, Ling began to see a matter of supply and demand. On the supply side, there is significant funding invested in employment readiness training, placement, and job coaching; yet few, if any permanent employees produced. On the demand side, businesses are struggling to find entry-level talent and are becoming increasingly aware of environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives and desire to push for meaningful inclusive employment, while also meeting labor shortages.

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A-Team Project Meeting

2019-06-Ling and Temple Grandin

A Team at WeSenior Centre with client

TNDS developed a set of principles, methodologies, and programs to better support ASD employment, and nearing four-year operation has proven that specialized autism employment is feasible, accessible, sustainable. The “A-Team” pilot has generated more than 600K CAD revenue since its inception, digitized over 2,000+ boxes, 3.5 million pages with zero error and proven their incredible ability and competency beyond any doubt.

Brian Holds EY award

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100% satisfaction of employee, family and customer, 100% retention rate. STEERING THE FUTURE TN’s RoboCoach technology and framework has made a national impact, and with a co-lead and partnership with the Canadian national Autism CanTech program, is now scaling and expanding internationally. TN is currently in the process of working with its multitude of partners at the municipal, provincial, and institutional levels to create more locations and jobs across Canada and beyond. Since its introduction, TNDS is researching and growing to accommodate other mental conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and other neurodivergent individuals. To TN’s CEO Ling Huang, the societal benefits are clear. The community must innovate and invent a future for those like his son, and the many other disadvantaged youth and adults in which they can fully participate in the great things life has to offer. Continuing on this trajectory, Technology North will potentially be at the forefront of many more political and societal projects to come.

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Building the framework for tech and innovation in Alberta. RAINFOREST ALBERTA IS ROOTED IN AN ANALOGY

“Rainforest Alberta, started with Brad who is a great reader of innovation ecosystems, a student of cities and what’s going on. We assembled a group of 65 people from all parts of the Alberta ecosystem - entrepreneurs, investors, government, and academia to create a social contract. The rest was history.” — Jim Gibson, Co-Founder of Rainforest Alberta

Although the cold, dry climate of Alberta might not seem to have much in common with the Rainforest, our innovation ecosystem sure does. This connection is explored in the book: “The Rainforest: The Secret to Building the Next Silicon Valley” by Greg Horowitt and Victor Hwang where they emphasize the importance of serendipity, randomness and unexpected events when it comes to innovation and human interactions. They explore how innovation ecosystems are like rainforests, as they support the birth of new ideas, create a culture of trust, encourage new connections, and bring people together to achieve common goals.

RAINFOREST ALBERTA WAS BORN What started as a grassroots initiative and informal gathering has grown into a thriving community of hundreds of individuals coming together to collaborate, build connections and foster a culture of trust to generate new ideas and companies. To help grow new ideas, the Social Contract was created, which is an agreement that embodies ten values including: Trust, Diversity, Free Help, Pay It Forward, Fairness, Listening, Honesty, Team Sport, Sharing and Role Model. It serves as a framework on actions and behaviours for individuals to follow while collaborating and growing new ideas. Presently more than 4,000 individuals are committed to these values by signing the social contract online.

Back in 2015, Calgary’s tech sector was on the rise. That’s when Brad Zumwalt and Jim Gibson, co-founders of Rainforest Alberta, were inspired by the rainforest analogy. They knew that in order to build a thriving tech sector in Alberta, they needed to turn the analogy into a reality. “There were a lot of support organizations, but who was responsible for the space in between the support organizations and the companies? What is that culture piece in our city? It happens to be the Rainforest Model.” — Brad Zumwalt, Co-Founder of Rainforest Alberta

Along with the social contract came the introduction of Lunch Without Lunch, one of Calgary tech’s longest standing events, which happens every Wednesday at noon. It provides a space for discussion on innovation, welcomes everyone with open arms, and creates an inclusive environment where people can connect and exchange ideas freely.

To make it happen, they collaborated with a group associated with the original book to develop a framework for the Alberta innovation ecosystem. With their guidance, Brad and Jim brought the Rainforest analogy to life and created a supportive environment where innovation and creativity could flourish. Working alongside other founding community members, they laid the foundation for what would become a vibrant and successful tech ecosystem in Alberta.

As the ecosystem continued to grow, Brad and Jim recognized the need for a tool to promote ongoing dialogue around a shared cultural narrative of innovation to drive ecosystem-wide behaviors. They introduced the Rainforest Scorecard, a tool used to assess the strengths and weaknesses of Calgary’s ecosystem that measures the ecosystem against six pillars

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from the rainforest analogy. The scorecard also promotes an honest examination of the ecosystem’s assets and identifies opportunities to improve the culture of innovation in Calgary. THE ROOTS OF INNOVATION ARE ALWAYS GROWING Over the years, Rainforest Alberta has grown into a thriving community of entrepreneurs, innovators, and ecosystem builders who support each other’s journeys through innovation. The movement is the foundation of Calgary’s tech and innovation culture and continues to build awareness around diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

A Rainforest is diverse, and it’s all these diverse backgrounds and folks with lived experiences in the community coming together to collaborate, share ideas and being open, where innovation thrives and how you build a culture of trust”. — Amber Rowden, Community Storyteller, Rainforest Alberta The diversity that drives the Rainforest analogy continues to build as the tech sector grows in Alberta. With this growth comes increased programming, events, and resources to match.

To amplify and accelerate the journey of startup founders, and other stakeholders, the Rainforest has digitized the community through an online platform that democratizes the resources, knowledge, and opportunities available to individuals in the city and across the province.

“We’re innovators, let’s look to the future. While we curate new culturebuilding initiatives in the Rainforest, we’re always focused on the core of the movement, which is the Social Contract.” — Brigitte Legault, Community Manager, Rainforest Alberta

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Disrupting the ambiguity in Product Management.

When Renee Matsalla and Christa Hill first met, they were on the team that would scale a Calgary-based tech startup to global heights.

Statistics from Zippia’s The Business Product Management statistics (2022) show that the gender ratio in the field is historically dominated by 64.1 per cent males to that of 35.9 per cent female. While more than 70 per cent of those are identified as white.

The two women formed an immediate connection through their passion for Product Management and problem-solving, yet in those early days on the team of Benevity — a now $1.1B unicorn — they had no idea how far their career journeys would take them.

These stats come as no surprise to Christa or Renee. “There’s always been a lot of ambiguity around how to get into Product Management as a field. You had to know someone or fit a certain profile,” says Christa, PMC-III, PdM-C and ICF member. “I didn’t fit that profile when I was breaking into the field. It was and is an ambiguous and often gatekept career path. I knew I could do something to change that for the next generation of would-be amazing Product Managers who don’t fit the mould.”

It was disruption at first sight — Christa and Renee were destined to cofound something beautiful together — they just needed to articulate what their own startup would be. Before forming Tacit Edge in 2021, the two corporate veterans spent several years fine-tuning their skills with global companies, including visioning and launching software products through Benevity that power employee giving programs for companies such as Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Christa has also held senior positions with companies from Getty Images to Morgan Stanley At Work, while Renee honed her craft in product marketing at Berlin-based Fyber.

Determined to change the scenario for those eager to enter the field, the drive to disrupt and transform Product Management for the better is what fuels Christa and Renee. Tacit Edge formed to spark a movement, and create a hub for Product Management coaching, education, and standardized equitable certification.

While the Tacit Edge co-founders can now celebrate successful career journeys with some of the world’s top organizations, the road to senior positions and line of sight into the field was often challenging.

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TACIT EDGE, BUILD FOR INDIVIDUALS, COMPANIES AND POST-SECONDARY Tacit Edge is part Edtech, mixed with personalized coaching, world-class experience and most importantly, a whole lot of passionate dedication to supporting the next generation of Product Managers who will change the world for the better, and companies who need the best teams possible. “Companies don’t have a trusted standard source of Product Managers to draw from, and students struggle to find a high-quality place for low-risk hands-on learning. These are the two sides of the problem we seek to solve,” Renee says. “We saw that there was no clear pathway into Product Management. Many just fall into it, and it’s not accessible for everyone. How can we recruit the best teams if we haven’t even opened up the playing field yet? Product Management is a career that has very few opportunities to gain post-secondary education unless you’re already hired at a company and rise through the ranks or participate in online theory-only education. It’s often trained in-house, yet businesses regionally and globally need diverse Product Managers.” The core of Product Management is identifying customer needs and business objectives while overcoming challenges and innovating. Product Management is the business process of planning, developing, launching, and managing a product or service. It includes the entire lifecycle of a product, from ideation and development to ‘go to market.’ It’s a field that bridges the gap between technology innovation and business strategy.

PROOF IN PRACTICE In 2021, a major milestone was reached when the Tacit Edge team successfully launched The Applied Product Management Program, one of the only accessible and equitable Product Management education programs available globally (through SAIT and in-part funded by Alberta Innovates). The courses are a combination of online learning, coaching and group facilitation that can be designed for post-secondary institutions and private companies, making an impact for individuals and industry by helping to attract, train and retain qualified Product Managers. This skill set is needed not only in technology companies but all industries. As of January 2023, their students showed a 73% hire rate of graduates into Product Management and related roles. Of these, 56% are women and 72% identify as visible minorities. This cohort of graduates (upwards of 90 students) were snapped up by prominent Alberta-based, Canadian and global companies, such as Attabotics, Benevity, Microsoft, Deloitte Digital, the Government of Canada, TELUS, Shopify, ATCO, Virtual Gurus and more. “Under-represented groups, newcomers to Canada and those who have faced adversity often make the best Product Managers we can imagine. These individuals thrive in ambiguity and have already overcome challenging situations unique to their lives, navigating the complexity of starting a new life in a new country,” Hill says, adding that this is the cornerstone of the field. “Product Managers are wired and passionate about solving business, user and technical problems with innovative, outside-of-the-box thinking born from 219

empowered teams. Who better to take on these emerging roles than the very populations who have faced adversity, ambiguity, and actively solve complex problems daily.”

IMPACT ON INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESSES For students who have graduated from some of the above companies, such as Kelly Medeiros (Microsoft), the mentorship and coaching they receive from the program and Christa and Renee have helped set a foundation for them to enter the industry with confidence. “Their hands-on approach gave me actual experience in creating a technical product from inception to delivery. I still refer to my course notes and materials when I’m faced with uncertainty in my current role,” says Kelly Medeiros, Program Manager, Microsoft. “I am constantly sharing their teachings with my peers and colleagues to improve our processes and products.”

Calgary-based Goodlawyer who have taken part in the programming and worked with students from the first cohorts are also blown away by results. “I got to propose a real world UX problem from Goodlawyer and I had three talented and mature students work on it for six weeks. They conducted interviews, designed, and executed surveys, led ideation sessions, designed wireframes, leading to a functional prototype and effectively communicated their insights. All in six weeks on evenings and weekends,” Tom Alvarez, Chief Product Officer/Co-Founder, Goodlawyer. Tacit Edge has plans to scale the Product Management programming for industry and post-secondary partners in the coming year. There are online courses available as well, more info at TacitEdge.ca.

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Christa Hill and Renee Matsalla Co-Founders | Tacit Edge Product Leadership renee@tacitedge.ca christa@tacitedge.ca 403-689-8559

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IMMIGRANT TECHIES ALBERTA CREATING AN INVITATION FOR IMMIGRANTS INTO ALBERTA TECH

EMPOWERING NEWCOMERS THROUGH RESKILL CALGARY

When Wunmi Adekanmbi first stepped into the Alberta tech scene out of sheer curiosity in 2019, she had no idea what awaited her. To her pleasant surprise, she discovered a vibrant and innovative community governed by a social contract of giving first, with a strong support system and valuable industry connections for startups. Calgary was actively diversifying its economy, transitioning from its oil and gas legacy to embrace the potential of the thriving tech industry. However, there was one glaring issue that caught Wunmi’s attention—the lack of diversity in the Alberta tech community, with few individuals who looked like her. While she felt welcomed, she knew she was not particularly invited. Wunmi recognized the need to extend a more explicit invitation to immigrants and newcomers, leading her to create a transformative initiative known as Immigrant Techies Alberta.

INTRODUCING IMMIGRANT TECHIES ALBERTA With a vision to bridge the gap and create a sense of belonging, Wunmi established Immigrant Techies Alberta—a community grassroots movement designed to facilitate the integration of highly skilled STEM immigrants into the Alberta tech space. Realizing that simply extending an invitation would not be sufficient, Wunmi understood the importance of providing tailored support and empowerment. This realization led her to create ReSkill Calgary, an ecosystem builder committed to strengthening

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Wunmi Adekanmbi Founder, Immigrant Techies Alberta Founder and Principal, ReSkill Calgary

Calgary’s tech industry by leveraging the immigrant talent pool. and breaking down barriers that hinder synergy.

The program’s personalized 1:1 coaching support ensures that participants receive individualized guidance and mentorship, helping them navigate the challenges they may encounter along their journey. ReSkill Calgary understands that each immigrant tech professional has a unique set of experiences and aspirations, and the coaching support aims to provide tailored guidance to address their specific needs.

EMPOWERING NEWCOMERS THROUGH RESKILL CALGARY ReSkill Calgary’s flagship program, PathwayPro, was launched in March 2023, offering a comprehensive framework to fast track the Canadian work experience of newcomers in the tech industry. PathwayPro is a multi-faceted initiative that engages participants in hands-on software product development, future-readiness workshops, and provides personalized 1:1 coaching support.

Wunmi Adekanmbi’s passion and determination to create an inclusive tech community have led to the establishment of Immigrant Techies Alberta and the transformative PathwayPro program offered by ReSkill Calgary. By extending a heartfelt invitation to immigrants and newcomers, and by providing them with the necessary support and empowerment, Immigrant Techies Alberta and ReSkill Calgary are shaping the future of the Alberta tech industry. Through their initiatives, they are not only breaking down barriers but also unlocking the vast potential of diverse talent, fostering innovation, and creating a truly inclusive and prosperous tech ecosystem in Alberta.

Through the PathwayPro program, immigrant tech professionals are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in real-world projects, equipping them with the practical skills and experience necessary to succeed in the Canadian tech landscape. By engaging with industry experts and gaining exposure to cutting-edge technologies, participants develop a solid foundation that paves the way for long-term success. Furthermore, PathwayPro goes beyond technical training by offering future-readiness workshops that address crucial aspects such as effective communication, networking, and cultural integration. These workshops empower newcomers with the necessary soft skills, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the tech industry and thrive in a new environment.

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Empowering employment agencies to scale their impact through technology-enabled behaviour change.

Tracy Stroud, APEX Alberta, Southeast Alberta Regional Innovation Network Manager

Buoyancy Works is a Calgary, Alberta-based wellness tech and behavioural insights company that empowers employment agencies to scale their impact through technology-enabled behaviour change techniques. The Buoyancy platform helps organizations scale programs, measure engagement, and support their clients through the emotional and motivational challenges of the job search. Buoyancy’s tools increase program availability and engagement, helping to enhance and scale program delivery. 224

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In 2018, Jon MacConnell, a behavioural scientist and engineer, began researching how unemployed job seekers can get and stay engaged in the behaviours that help them find work faster. He identified a gapmost solutions focused on the tactics of the job search but didn’t recognize the emotional and motivational challenges that come with unemployment or career change. This gap became the basis of the business idea.

Setting sail In 2021, Buoyancy officially started its mission to support unemployed individuals facing behavioural or structural barriers in their search for meaningful employment. Buoyancy takes a personalized and inclusive approach to the job search, believing everyone should be able to access the tools and programs they need while leaving valuable resources like time and bandwidth to the things that matter. The process of finding a new job, or beginning a new career, can be extremely daunting. Buoyancy was born out of a frustration with the status quo and a desire to support real people in their search for meaningful work.

Jon MacConnell, Founder and CEO

compassion for their community that drives their desire to make an impact. They’re focused on producing ethical solutions based on evidence to bring meaningful employment to all.

With this in mind, Buoyancy identified an opportunity to support job seekers on an institutional level. Buoyancy helps organizations engage and motivate their clients through behavioural boosting, ongoing feedback, goal setting, and opportunity and task management. The platform uses tech-enabled interventions to address systemic biases, imbalances, and access issues. Through Buoyancy, organizations are empowered to make a greater social impact.

Email: info@buoyancy.works buoyancy-works buoyancyworks

Since 2021, Buoyancy has grown to 8 team members in three provinces, all sharing the mission of supporting 1 million job seekers by 2025. With a diverse breadth of experience, they have care and

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TOAST IS ADDRESSING THE GENDER PAY GAP BY INCREASING THE REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN THE TECH SECTOR. We know that women approach job applications differently than men do. They are far less likely to apply for positions that are more senior than the one they’re in currently, whereas men are less concerned by that. Still, recruiters and hiring managers are comfortable accepting “women aren’t applying” as a justifiable reason to keep doing what they always have done. At the same time, a rapidly growing tech sector that prioritizes male hires has been simultaneously growing the gender pay gap. This is a business problem that needs a new solution. That’s where Toast comes in. “Really our mission statement is to help women get to do the work that they want, at the pay that they deserve,” Ms. McNeelands, Toast’s chief executive officer, says.

April Hicke and Marissa McNeelands, co-founders

April Hicke and Marissa McNeelands are the co-founders of the organization and they came together through a shared interest in empowering women in technology. Toast exists to flip the hiring dynamic in favour of women in tech. It is a community and talent pool designed to show women their worth and get them into jobs they love, at companies that value them, and for the pay they deserve. By sending personalized jobs with vetted partner companies that have the Toast stamp of approval, Toast candidates know that they are seeing jobs that they are qualified for, at companies that value them. Toast vets the employers - they won’t work with every company - and then match them with potential

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hires, but Toast brings anonymity to the process. Through its system, candidates build a digital profile that strips out their name, photo and other details that could bias a hiring committee from choosing to interview someone. Employer names are replaced with descriptors such as “big four firm” or “fintech startup.” University or college names and their locations are removed, leaving only the degree or diploma received. Even years of experience are omitted. Toast launched in January of 2023 and already has over 50 clients, over 350 members, and a candidate pool of over 5000 women coast to coast. Having been covered in over 180 publications such as Globe and Mail, BNN Bloomberg and The Financial Post, Toast is poised for exponential growth and hopes to flip the hiring dynamic in favor of women.

trytoast try.toast

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REVOLUTIONIZING TRANSPORTATION FOR BUSY PARENTS. Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo, AB - In 2019, a visionary entrepreneur by the name of Julieta Miranda embarked on a mission to solve a pressing challenge faced by parents everywhere: juggling work and personal commitments while ensuring their children safely reach school and extracurricular activities. This is how Kid Drop Inc. a ground-breaking transportation solution, was born. As a single parent herself, Miranda understood firsthand the struggles of being in multiple places at once. Determined to find a solution, she delved into research and discovered a significant gap in the transportation industry. Traditional yellow school buses, though widely used, did not cater to children requiring booster or car seats due to their lack of seatbelts. Furthermore, they operated strictly during school hours and often excluded children living in remote areas, causing inconvenience and stress for parents. With unwavering determination, Miranda conceived a visionary concept: operating shuttle vans that would provide door-to-door service while ensuring the highest level of safety and comfort for young passengers. She made it a priority to hire mothers as Kid Drop drivers, offering them an opportunity to work while eliminating the need for expensive daycare services. Not only did this empower mothers to earn a better-than-minimum wage, but it also freed up daycare spots for other children in need. Kid Drop’s commitment to safety is unparalleled. Each driver undergoes rigorous screening, including background checks and driver abstract assessments, ensuring only the most reliable and trustworthy individuals are entrusted with the precious cargo of children. Additionally, all vehicles are equipped with essential safety features, such as seat belts, car seats, and boosters for younger children, surpassing industry standards.

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Harnessing the power of technology, Kid Drop also utilizes cutting-edge tools to enhance safety and efficiency. Dual-facing cameras in every vehicle serve as an extra layer of security, while state-of-the-art routing technology ensures optimized travel routes and prompt pickups. The company is currently developing a user-friendly app that will provide real-time updates to parents, further streamlining the transportation experience. Although Kid Drop’s inception coincided with the onset of the global pandemic, its innovative approach quickly gained traction within the community. The overwhelming demand for its services resulted in a remarkable 300% increase in revenue year after year. Kid Drop has revolutionized the transportation landscape, catering to an underserved population and addressing the specific needs of busy parents.

Kid Drop Inc’s journey from humble beginnings to its current status as a trailblazer in the transportation industry is nothing short of remarkable. With an unwavering commitment to safety, a dedication to the empowerment of mothers, and an innovative approach to meeting the needs of busy parents, Kid Drop is a shining example of how one person’s vision and determination can bring about meaningful change.

Today, Kid Drop proudly serves the Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo community and has plans for expansion to other cities, including Grande Prairie, Edmonton, and Calgary. The impact of Kid Drop extends far beyond transportation; it symbolizes a beacon of hope and empowerment for working parents, transforming their lives and enabling them to navigate their professional and personal commitments with ease.

— Author: Milanyila Vargas

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CHAPTER EIGHT

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THE FIRST TRULY SCALABLE FORM OF CLEAN BASELOAD POWER We need a bold transformation today. The energy industry is at a moment of reckoning as the global demand continues to increase. The largest clean energy resource that we know of remains largely untapped, and radiating at over 6000°C from the core; the Earth itself. We can access this nearly boundless supply of energy using geothermal technology.

The idea originated from the company’s co-founder and Chief of Business Development Officer (CBDO) Paul Cairns. In 2017, Paul spoke with John Redfern, Eavor CEO, about how suspended oil wells could be re-used for profit. “Luckily for us, my co-founder wasn’t an engineer, he wasn’t a scientist, he was a finance guy, but a creative one, and so unencumbered by geoengineering knowledge. He said, ‘why doesn’t low-enthalpy geothermal energy work?’ And I said, ‘because of the parasitic pump load that uses about 50-80 percent of power produced, so little energy is produced.’

Eavor is dedicated to creating a clean, reliable and affordable energy future. Through advanced drilling and expertise developed in the oil and gas industry, Eavor has created a self-contained system that circulates a proprietary fluid through a precision well system that runs kilometers deep and kilometers long. This is called the Eavor-Loop,™ and it can be placed almost anywhere in the world, at any scale, generating industrial-scale electricity for the equivalent of 16,000 homes. This is achieved without aquifer contamination, the use of solids or brines, or greenhouse gas emissions.

He said, ‘well, to get around that, why don’t we just drill down two wells and connect them horizontally and we’ll connect them on the surface and make this big loop– wouldn’t that flow better?’ “And I thought it was the dumbest idea I’ve ever heard in my life… incredibly inefficient [and] capital intensive.” –John Redfern, Eavor.

Eavor has validated their Advanced Geothermal Systems (AGS) technology through multiple projects across the globe; originating with a prototype in Rocky Mountain House, Alta., and scaling to an industrial commercial power plant in Germany.

But engineers such as Matt Toews, who is now the company’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO), pointed that such configuration would not only eliminate the parasitic pump load but would, in fact, pump itself due to the thermosiphon effect. This is because cold water is denser than warm water, so the cold water essentially pushes the warm water towards the surface.

Eavor-Lite™ mitigated many of the concerns that shadowed the geothermal industry for decades, such as induced seismicity and parasitic pump load.

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Eavor is the solution the world has been waiting for.

Eavor-Loop™ 2.0 Design Configuration “And that got us excited. This is something where we can actually make a difference… This is the Holy Grail of power.” –John Redfern, Eavor. In late 2022, Eavor succeeded in drilling the hottest and deepest directional geothermal well in history. What this milestone demonstrated was that all components required to construct commercial EavorLoops™ in deep, hot rock worked. This includes Rock-Pipe™ technology, insulated drill pipes aided by shock cooling, and directional steering ability in hard rock. “The shale gas development in North America has proven that large horizontal drilling campaigns can reduce drilling costs by 70 to 80 percent when scaled up. This makes EavorLoops™ a highly economic baseload source of energy.” –Michael Holmes, Eavor.

The closed-loop is the key difference between Eavor-Loops™ and traditional industrial-scale geothermal systems. Acting as a reverse-radiator, or a heat-exchanger, it consists of two connected vertical wells several kilometers deep with horizontal or downward angled multilateral wellbores several kilometers long. A working fluid is then introduced into the wellbores, and is contained within the system completely isolated from surrounding rock. With a grant of 91.6 million euros from the European Innovation Fund in March 2022, Eavor’s first commercial power plant commenced in Geretsried, Germany. The Eavor-Loop™ at this facility is poised to begin energy distribution to the entire region by late 2024, with full operations anticipated to start by 2026.

“We want to change the discourse. In the future, the question should no longer be whether geothermal energy works at a certain location, but rather which technology one has to choose so that it can be implemented at any location. The industry now has historic momentum because geothermal energy is the only renewable energy source with almost infinite potential that is baseload capable.” – Eavor GmbH Managing Director Daniel Mölk. Eavor has been supported by equity investments made by several leading global energy producers, investors, developers, and venture capital funds including Vickers Venture Partners, bp Ventures, Chubu Electric Power, BDC Capital, Chevron Technology Ventures, BHP Ventures, Helmerich & Payne, Precision Drilling, OMV and nowthe Canada Growth Fund (CGF) and Microsoft. Eavor Technologies Inc. Suite 1100, 214 Electric Avenue, 11th Avenue SW, Calgary AB Tel: +1 (403) 800-8524 Email: info@Eavor.com company/Eavor EavorTechnologies EavorTech c/Eavor Eavor

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TRIDO ENERGY SERVICES A CENTURION COMPANY

SUPPORTING THE ENERGY INDUSTRY TOWARDS A DECARBONIZED FUTURE.

TRIDO’S INTEGRATED END-TO-END CARBON CREDIT FINANCING AND MANAGEMENT SERVICE

Trido Energy Services, a Centurion Group company, is a renewable energy technology company focused on reducing methane emissions to help clients reach carbon-reduction targets and support the energy industry on its journey toward a decarbonized future.

As part of Trido’s commitment to ongoing customer satisfaction, Trido provides integrated end-to-end carbon credit management services to manage the process of carbon credit trading including data capturing, monitoring, auditing, certification, and marketing.

To date, Trido has supported more than 40 clients to reduce CO2e emissions by 500,000 tonnes annually, equivalent to eliminating the emissions from 100,000 cars or planting 8.3 million trees. Comparatively, this is equal to removing all the cars from the road in Red Deer and Lacombe Alberta, and planting 12% of the trees in Banff National Park!

In addition, Trido is one of the only carbon credit management companies to offer unique financing options that provide clients with an additional income stream generated from existing assets without any upfront capital expenditure so they can take advantage of the significant benefits of reducing CO2 to generate carbon credits.

Trido was recently listed as #7 in the province of Alberta for Largest Developers of Active Offset Units, as published in Carbon Assessors Weekly Alberta TIER Carbon Market Update.

EMPOWERING PERFORMANCE THROUGH CUSTOM PRODUCT SOLUTIONS At Trido, we believe the oil and gas industry has an unparalleled opportunity to take advantage of the upsurge of innovative technology solutions to protect the environment and ensure long-term sustainability. Trido is committed to providing high-quality and affordable renewable resource technologies, supplying and installing emissions-reduction equipment such as solar-powered chemical injection pumps, air compressors, circulation pumps, and patented control systems. We enjoy collaborating with our clients to

TRIDO’S PRODUCTS Trido’s product line includes: solar chemical pumps, solar air compressors, combo units that combine chemical injection and compressed air, and solar power packs with battery capacity that can be customized to meet client’s needs. Trido is continuously evolving our products to provide new and innovative solutions as technology advancements are made. 234

To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity.” — Douglas Adams

customize products that meet customer needs, designing and fabricating innovative systems to help clients meet their carbonreduction targets. The Trido team of experienced industry professionals knows that customer service doesn’t begin and end with a sale. Trido is dedicated to developing relationships with its clients by supporting them throughout the project lifecycle, including from initial design and installation, to assisting with the implementation of troubleshooting protocols, ensuring long-term trouble-free operations and efficient production.

The inspiration to develop the solar pump design that put Trido Energy Services on the map was struck in 2009 on a site visit in Pink Mountain, BC, when a client told the Trido team they were replacing their solar pumps with pneumatic venting devices because the pumps weren’t meeting expectations. Thereafter, the Trido team started to design and test solar pumps and provided initial prototypes at no cost to ensure the pumps could go through thorough testing, investing considerable time and effort to refine the pump’s design until they were confident it would meet or exceed all expectations. Currently serving as President of Trido Energy Services, Trido Carbon Fund II Inc. and Trido Carbon Fund I Inc., Russ Graham’s affinity for innovation has progressed from equipment design to providing integrated endto-end carbon credit management services to reduce CO2 emissions. Russ is a results-driven and visionary entrepreneur with a diverse background in technology, energy, and mining sectors with demonstrated success in founding and leading multiple companies from concept to market introduction and full commercialization. His proven ability to drive growth, build strategic partnerships, and deliver innovative solutions is the underlying foundation for his immeasurable impact on the evolution of the oil and gas industry over the past 30 years.

We pride ourselves on the strength of the long-term relationships we have built with our clients and value their support and input in the spirit of continuous improvement. We work hard to earn their respect and trust and delivering on our mission is what makes us jump out of bed each day!

Tel: 1-855-368-7438 Email: info@tridoenergyservices.com

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CONNECTING THE FOOD SECTOR THROUGH INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION.

The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) is a national, memberbased organization established in 2021 that’s stimulating transformative and transferrable innovation across the food sector. CFIN has three key strategic pillars: smart product and process development; food ecosystem sustainability; and agile and safe supply chains.

The organization connects the Canadian food ecosystem to collaborative opportunities, fresh insights, ideas, and technologies to elevate their business and increase their innovation capacity. CFIN staff and funding programs give innovators the support needed to build valuable innovations that improve the food sector’s ability to create economic impact. 236

MEMBERSHIP CFIN has thousands of members and is adding more members every day from all regions of Canada and from across the food value chain. Members include manufacturers, processors, retailers, distributors, researchers, government, tech companies, funding agencies, students and other industry stakeholders. CFIN members have free access to unique resources and benefits, including one-to-one support from five Regional Innovation Directors, exclusive funding opportunities to bring innovations to market, and YODL -- an interactive online platform to find new partners, read daily original content, and access valuable resources.

YODL YODL is a first-of-its-kind platform created by CFIN to help its growing membership base discuss industry challenges and opportunities, find collaborators such as co-packers and suppliers, and learn more about issues impacting the Canadian food sector. Since launching in 2022, YODL has seen thousands of active discussion posts, new threads started daily, and dozens of new members each week. With new content posted daily, YODL is home to hundreds of original articles and videos on subjects affecting the industry, from food waste and plastics removal to cellular food, artificial intelligence, and personalized nutrition. Other resources available on YODL include CFIN’s Funding Finder, an extensive list of federal, regional and provincial funding opportunities, and the Resource Finder, a list of more than 150,000 food-centric resources from across the country.

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ABOUT HUBBA KHATOON Hubba Khatoon is CFIN’s Regional Innovation Director for the Prairies. She has lived in Alberta for almost a decade, merging her love for technology and innovation through the support of the province’s entrepreneurial sector.

Hubba Khatoon, Regional Innovation Director (Prairies)

Determined to enter the world of innovation ecosystems, Khatoon pursued a Master’s Degree in Economic Policy from the University of Calgary, followed by a certification in Evidence in Public Policy from the University of Oxford. Armed with this newfound knowledge and knowing she could make a tangible impact on Canada’s innovation landscape, Khatoon joined Calgary Economic Development as an economist in Research and Strategy, later moving to Prairies Economic Development Canada as a business officer, Innovation Ecosystems. Khatoon and her team at Calgary Economic Development initiated the awardwinning New Economy LIVE event series, bringing together brilliant minds, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from diverse industries to showcase what Calgary had to offer. “One of the most fulfilling moments in my journey was guiding the development of Calgary’s 10-year Economic Strategy,” she recalls. “Together with a team of dedicated visionaries, we crafted a roadmap for sustainable growth and prosperity. It was electric to see our collective efforts shaping a future where innovation thrives, businesses flourish, and communities come alive with possibilities.” Internationally, Khatoon has been an active member of TCI Network and the North American Strategy for Competitiveness, both of which have allowed her to connect with like-minded trailblazers, share insights, and contribute to shaping the innovation landscape on a broader scale. “Today, at CFIN, I find immense joy in transforming the food ecosystem,” says Khatoon, who joined CFIN in 2022. “I’m grateful for the chance to infuse my creative, open, and innovative personality into everything I do. Each morning, I wake up with a renewed sense of purpose, ready to unleash the potential of the innovation ecosystem and pave the way for a brighter future.”

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ALBERTA FUNDED PROJECTS To date, CFIN has received more than a dozen project applications from its Alberta members and funded two foodtech projects. The first is Earthware Reusables Inc., which is partnering with Southern Alberta Institute of Technology to design, develop and implement a durable and UV-resistant food takeout container that can be used as part of its return-for-reuse takeout container program. The second project is Nutrimeals, which is developing a personalized nutrition platform that leverages AI to provide healthy, ready-to-eat meals that are customized to an individual’s specific dietary needs.

BECOME A MEMBER Becoming a CFIN member is free, and registering takes less than five minutes. 239

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PIONEERING A SUSTAINABLE ENERGY TRANSITION. A Team of Innovators

NanosTech, born from the innovative crucible of the University of Calgary, exemplifies the transformative potential of ground-breaking catalytic research. In 2021, it found a new home under the umbrella of Vorsana Environmental Inc., further cementing its position as a catalyst for change within the nanocatalyst and catalyst technologies landscape.

Central to NanosTech’s achievements stands an exceptional integrated team of scientists and engineers with extensive international industry experience and a proven track record. Together, they amass over 150 combined years of expertise in catalytic processes, heavy oil upgrading, and engineering, making them indispensable architects of NanosTech’s journey and its developed trailblazing solutions.

NanosTech is a visionary force propelling us toward a sustainable energy future. With a storied foundation grounded in 40 years of catalytic research , it has redefined the paradigm of energy production by introducing simpler and more energy-efficient processes, promising sustainable, secure, and affordable energy.

Catalytic Prowess for a Sustainable Tomorrow NanosTech’s catalytic solutions, meticulously manufactured in-house, serve as the cornerstone of their mission and strongly differentiate them as industry leaders. These catalysts signify a new era of possibility by seamlessly integrating with existing energy operations to create cleaner, more sustainable fuels. NanosTech’s unwavering commitment to agility, innovation, and environmental stewardship sets it apart.

Advancing the Energy Transition with Responsibility NanosTech’s transformative trio of innovative technologies — Catalytic In Situ Upgrading Technology (ISUT), Aquaprocessing (AQP), and Low Emissions Steam Reforming (LESR) — represents a powerful force reshaping the energy landscape.

• ISUT is at the forefront, significantly reducing greenhouse gas

emissions and enhancing profit margins per barrel for heavy oil producers. It revolutionizes oil recovery, production volumes, and quality, eliminating the need for costly diluent and reducing transportation expenses, attracting investment, and promoting economic diversification.

• AQP, on the other hand, is a game-changer in partially upgrading

challenging heavy oils, both fossil and biocrudes. This innovative solution elevates heavy oil value and marketability while reducing carbon intensity and promoting sustainability, aligned with global eco-conscious practices.

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• LESR plays a pivotal role by using 30% less energy to produce hydrogen, offering costefficiency, emissions reduction, and versatility in handling light naphtha and refinery gas/natural gas blends.

These innovations demonstrate NanosTech’s unwavering commitment to reshaping the energy landscape, driving economic growth, and fostering environmental stewardship to pursue a more sustainable energy future.

A Vision for Alberta’s Future NanosTech’s catalytic innovations are laying the foundation for a prosperous future in Alberta and beyond. Their ground-breaking technologies are anticipated to generate substantial economic benefits enhance oil recovery, production volumes, and quality while creating numerous job opportunities. For instance, they revolutionize oil recovery, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and eliminating the need for costly diluents, all while attracting investment and promoting economic diversification. These technologies address current emissions challenges and contribute to Alberta’s sustainable future and Canada’s NetZero 2050 goals.

A Global Perspective NanosTech shapes a more responsible world while enriching the global energy ecosystem. They significantly contribute to global energy security and environmental responsibility by disseminating their ground-breaking technologies worldwide. These innovative solutions, designed to elevate heavy oil value and align with global sustainability standards, bolster Alberta’s economy and propel the province into a leading position on the global production stage. They position Canada as a pioneering force in catalytic innovation and manufacturing, further enhancing the nation’s standing on the global stage.

Catalyst for the Future NanosTech’s approach to catalyst production is anything but conventional. They have mastered the art of crafting highly tailored catalysts and nanocatalysts that set them apart from the crowd. What makes this even more remarkable is their unwavering commitment to continuous advancement. NanosTech propels the boundaries of nanocatalyst science with each breakthrough, ensuring that their solutions remain at the forefront of innovation. This unrelenting pursuit of excellence and their dedication to pushing the limits of what’s possible demonstrate NanosTech’s commitment to pioneering a brighter, cleaner future.

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“BECAUSE DOCUMENT SHREDDING SHOULD NOT BE AT THE EXPENSE OF THE ENVIRONMENT.” Document shredding shouldn’t be at the expense of the environment. Filling landfill sites with paper shouldn’t be happening in the 21st century. PULP SHRED was founded in 2018 by Ankur Mahajan and Ken Waddell with the vision to provide a greener alternative for confidential document & data security, secure destruction, and sustainable recycling solutions to Albertans. PULP SHRED is committed to changing the on-site mobile shredding business model.* This company brings environmental consciousness to the confidential document destruction industry - while providing secure and cost-effective solutions. Our vision and ethos are inseparable from greening our industry and our community. Our tag line “A Greener Alternative” is meant to suggest just that. To say one is green is finite and frankly not possible. Being environmentally friendly is a conscious choice and a continuous journey, not a destination. We believe in continuously improving and delivering a sustainable alternative experience to our customers, while constantly seeking greener ways to run our operations and deliver our services. * Mobile shredding is neither efficient nor cost-effective - negative environmental footprint (noise, air, and dust pollution), issues around idling & rev-surging (fuel wastage, carbon emissions), hazardous contamination risk (data leakage, metals, plastic, batteries), parking congestion & violations, and several operational challenges. 242

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PULP SHRED’s business model is based on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework and philosophy. To us, it is not a binary choice, i.e., whether to choose our value services & business objectives (data security, destruction, profitability) over environmental processes (greener & sustainable shredding, circular products), or social commitments (community involvement, fund raising) – all three are an intrinsic part of our company DNA and value proposition.

Through extensive research, monitoring, and evaluation about the industry, we found that residential customers and small businesses were underserved by the document destruction industry, customer service was lacking, and the most insightful finding was that mobile shredding was extremely harmful to the environment.

This brings a new way of ensuring customers’ confidentiality requirements were met without compromising the environment. Additionally, from the onset of Covid-19 related closures and disruptions we created and offered “Contact-Less” options for our customers and these have developed ever since.

Armed with these insights, Ankur and Ken developed a holistic business model and innovated new services and systems. Our entire process – from receiving to shredding and recycling – is designed with the utmost security and to keep the environmental footprint as low as possible. We’re committed to zero-landfill paper waste.

As a small business, we thrive on community support and relationships. We partner with like-minded companies/individuals that understand their legal and fiduciary duties and are equally passionate about the environment. We endeavour to create “winwin” solutions to establish lasting and meaningful partnerships.

Our industry is run by tired and old business models. To change the customer experience, and to deliver on secure, greener document and data destruction services, we used data-driven and new-age thinking in information security, destruction, and recycling to innovate new services.

Some of our innovative tech-based and service-oriented solutions include:

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Ankur Mahajan and Ken Waddell, Co-Founders

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VIDEO VERIFICATION OF SHREDDING: People’s privacy, secure processes and tight chain of custody are foundational aspects of our business. We developed our proprietary ‘PULP SHRED Video Verification (PSVV)’, a unique custom-built IoT software technology that provides customers with the ability to view their entire shredding process. Customers are notified when their shredding is complete and can log in to view their shredding jobs at their convenience 24/7. Apart from the industry standard certificate of destruction, PULP SHRED provides verifiable video proof for an auditable tight chain-ofcustody, including barcode scanning at each touchpoint, date, and time stamps. This is a 100% made in Calgary innovation.

BARCODING & ASSET TRACKING: Another key innovation we’ve developed is the barcode asset management, identification, tracking and reporting system for our field and workshop operations. We created our own mobile/desktop app with the ability to generate unique barcodes, print barcodes on ordinary printers, and scan the barcodes using a smartphone camera. This keeps third-party hardware and software integration costs to a minimum. This is another 100% made in Calgary innovation.

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Ankur D. Mahajan, Co-Founder

CONTACT-LESS SECURITY SHRED BAGS: This is popular with our residential customers and our larger commercial partners. With employees working from home, data is no longer confined to company premises and consequently, data leaks are a major concern. Several of our commercial customers distribute our pre-paid shred bags for their remote employees to use for safe-keeping and destruction of their printed materials. For this service, we offer two options for collection: either the company’s employees drop off these shred bags at our location, or we collect them from their location(s) for a small fee.

PULP SHRED Ankur D. Mahajan, Co-Founder 6, 1815-27 Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB, Canada T2E 7E1 403-453-9009 info@pulpshred.com

Convenient & Contact-Less drive-thru/drop-off and pick-up services: We provide easy, accessible, and secure shredding services to residential customers and corporations, thus enabling increasing recycling and landfill diversion rates among individuals, households, and businesses.

pulpshred.com

Secure destruction doesn’t have to be an environmental burden. Together with our customers help, PULP SHRED is proud to provide our secure, sustainable, and community-first shredding model to Albertans.

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LOWEST COST RENEWABLE HEAT SolarSteam’s purpose is to decarbonize the highest emitting and hardest to abate heavy industry segments.

design, engineering, construction and commissioning of a demonstration TRL7 pilot in Ponoka, Alberta.

The problem that SolarSteam addresses is the elephant in the energy room – industrial heat. Globally, thermal energy requirements constitute close to 50% of total GHG emissions. In Alberta approximately 2⁄3 of GHG emissions come from the industrial sector.

As a new Canadian, Apostol Radev has come to understand that Alberta is blessed with vast reserves of natural resources, a rich Aboriginal history and a culture that has made its people resourceful, persistent and hospitable to others. SolarSteam’s team is driven by the great entrepreneurship and innovation in Alberta’s energy industry, and firmly believe that the local spirit and knowledge will build the bridge to a unified and diverse sustainable energy sector.

SolarSteam Inc., a Calgary-based renewable company with a vision to develop the lowest cost renewable heat, represents a transformational cleantech solution which is data driven, sustainable, net zero focused that integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning while aligning with global parameters for evidence based validation of ESG focus areas.

These are challenging times for the energy sector in Canada, but responding to this new reality should be taken as an opportunity to put Alberta energy skill sets back to work. The changing ESG policy landscape in the country is creating new drivers from a business risk management and investment perspective. The business case for integrating a climate dimension on a corporate level is a lot stronger than it used to be. The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reduction benefit of generating renewable heat using SolarSteam’s technology across various heat intensive industry segments presents an opportunity to enable Alberta’s Large Final Emitters (LFEs) to establish Alberta as the next big market for concentrated solar heat and become leaders in ESG.

SolarSteam’s system uses solar collectors to concentrate sunlight in order to generate hot water and steam. A transparent membrane enclosure increases efficiency by keeping the collectors clean and reduces capital cost by allowing for lightweight materials that don’t require rigid and expensive foundations and controls. SolarSteam’s generators will operate in conjunction with existing boilers and use boiler feed water to provide direct hot water and steam generation. The concept behind SolarSteam was developed by CEO, Apostol Radev, as part of his graduate studies in Sustainable Energy Development at the University of Calgary. Since incorporation, SolarSteam has advanced the technology from market discovery, ideation and concept through multiple techno-economic assessments, prototypes, third party validation, and

In 2020, SolarSteam was selected to participate in a highly competitive program supporting deep technology development by the Government of Alberta, University of Calgary and Innovate Calgary called GreenSTEM. In 2021, SolarSteam was recruited in the Canadian Technology Accelerator,

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#heatishalf

a global initiative led by the Government of Canada’s Trade Commissioner Services. This program provided an introduction to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), where SolarSteam was selected to participate in NREL’s Industry Growth Forum, and was awarded an agreement for technology assistance with NREL’s leading researchers in concentrating solar technology. In 2022, SolarSteam became the first Canadian company to be part of gener8tor’s sustainability cohort and was named one of Canada’s most investable cleantech companies by Foresight Canada. In 2023, the team is incorporating the lessons learned from the development of SolarSteam’s TRL7 pilot with Scovan Engineering to develop a next-generation ultra-light collector. The evolution of SolarSteam’s design for manufacturing, shipping and assembly (DfMSA) allows the module’s elements to be stacked together, easing both upstream manufacturing processes and transportation. The high modularity of the system and the containerization of components allows them to be manufactured quickly and deployed faster once the system is on site. Today, SolarSteam is actively working on three demonstration projects residing in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario with strong interest for additional projects in the US and Europe.

Email: info@solarsteam SolarSteam Inc. SolarSteamInc SolarSteam

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LEADING THE WAY IN LOW CARBON LIQUID FUELS AND CLIMATE ACTION. Joey O’Brien

In an era marked by record heat events, unprecedented rainfalls, and the alarming melting of Antarctic ice, the urgency to address climate change has never been more palpable. Observing these changes raises a critical question: can we act quickly enough to mitigate their impact? Undoubtedly, this is the most significant question of our time. SustainAgro, a visionary company, has taken up the challenge. With a powerful vision and mission statement—“We hope to be able to explain to our grandchildren how, in 20 years, our actions had a material effect on the world’s climate crisis”—the company is driven by a profound sense of responsibility towards future generations. While the world is rapidly embracing electrification as a means to combat climate change, it is crucial not to overlook the role of low carbon liquid fuels. As Natural Resources Canada points out, “Canada cannot accomplish our climate action goals without low carbon liquid fuels.” Unfortunately, this critical aspect often gets drowned out by the clamor surrounding electrification efforts. 248

After an extensive global search, SustainAgro believes it has discovered the most efficient method for producing low carbon fuels from biomass. The company plans to establish a series of plants in regions with surplus biomass, maximizing the utilization of this valuable resource. However, SustainAgro’s impact extends beyond low carbon fuels. The company also offers secondary products that can significantly contribute to climate action and enhance food production security. These innovations include high carbon content biochar for soil re-carbonization, highly performing graphene, and a remarkable bio-accelerant called Wood vinegar. At the heart of SustainAgro’s operations lies Pyrolysis, a process that involves subjecting biomass to intense heat until its molecules separate, resulting in gasification. The process’s “Brilliant Scientist” element lies in the condenser, which allows for the production of syngas, hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel, diesel, kerosene, or furnace oil. Most impressively, the carbon intensity (CI) of this process is less than 10% of traditional fossil fuels, making it a game-changer in the fight against climate change. Now, the question arises: what about the price? SustainAgro’s groundbreaking technology allows them to charge regular rack pricing for comparable conventional diesel, all while offering a superior product with lower CI and identical molecular properties. Returning to the topic of biochar, SustainAgro is involved in a large-scale experiment, combining biochar with compost to re-carbonize soils. Anticipated outcomes include reduced fertilizer use, increased crop yields, and enhanced drought resistance. While this experiment is ongoing and will require several years for conclusive results, it holds great promise for sustainable agriculture.

a staggering $3 billion to the provincial GDP. Imagine if all provinces, leveraging their available biomass, produced and consumed various forms of liquid fuels within their own borders. SustainAgro calls this vision the democratization of the energy industry, where sustainability and economic prosperity intertwine.

Beyond the immediate environmental benefits, SustainAgro’s endeavors have broader societal implications. It is widely acknowledged that oil and gas serve as international currencies, rivaling even the US dollar. This gives certain regions, both within Canada and globally, an outsized influence over governments and economies. SustainAgro envisions a world in which technological advancements can redistribute this influence. For instance, British Columbia’s commitment to achieving a carbon-neutral liquid energy industry that rivals Alberta’s by 2030, driven by policies like their Low Carbon Fuels legislation, offers a glimpse into this transformative potential.

As SustainAgro embarks on its mission, it acknowledges that it is not a magic bullet capable of single-handedly halting climate change. The scale of this challenge demands a collective effort. However, SustainAgro firmly believes that it can be a vital part of the solution. The team behind SustainAgro comprises passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds. Entrepreneurs, former politicians, engineers, green energy developers, traders, energy analysts, and industrial plant builders have united under a common purpose. Their combined expertise, innovation, and determination will pave the way for a future powered by low carbon liquid fuels, fostering a sustainable and resilient planet for generations to come.

Quantifying the impact, SustainAgro estimates that if the annual diesel consumption of Nova Scotia—amounting to 715 million liters—were entirely produced and consumed within the province, it would contribute

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THERE IS A NEW ENERGY FUTURE. LET’S GO BUILD IT. LEADERSHIP. COLLABORATION. CAPITAL. IT’S HOW WE’RE TURNING ENERGY TRANSITION INTO A MASSIVE OPPORTUNITY. Avatar was born from the simple premise that solutions to the complex challenges of climate change and energy transition must come from within the energy industry. By working inside incumbent heavy industry, Avatar Innovations unlocks industry validated solutions and technologies for the industries most difficult to decarbonize. Through a ground-breaking and proven process, large caps gain the nimbleness of a start-up and emerging technologies gain the horsepower of a large cap. The result? Engaged and empowered employees in the future of energy and access to needed technologies, solutions and capital faster, simpler and cheaper than many other forums.

A PROVEN INNOVATION PARTNER. Unstoppable Movement

Industry Builder

Unprecedented industry demand

Driving North America’s Energy Leadership

Over 3500 applications in just over 2 years. Nearly 1000 Alumni generated. 67 oil and gas companies participating.

By connecting energy innovation hubs across North America, including Calgary and Houston, we’re building a global community of like-minded entrepreneurial energy professionals and ensuring the best technologies are shared and scaled rapidly.

Leader of Tomorrow

Re-invigorated Energy Workforce Of 272 98% of Avatar 2022 Participants found the program valuable. 74% would like to re-enroll in 2023. 54% asked if they could volunteer with Avatar on their off-work hours.

Global Leader

Partnership with XPRIZE Awarded 2 technology finalists in Elon Musk’s top 60 for the prestigious $100M Carbon removal XPRIZE in first year of operations.

US Expansion

Houston In-Person Presence

Technology Development

Completed successful pilot in US with about 30 Houston participants supported by Enbridge, TC Energy, Williams, Kiewit, Emerson & GHD with keen interest to expand Houston presence for 2024 Program.

Putting oil and gas in the driver’s seat 30 technologies generated in first 2 year of operations supported and sponsored by oil and gas companies. 250

THE AVATAR PROGRAM

Avatar Ventures • Unlocks Cleantech capital to help companies’ transition • Provides exclusive deal flow for industry built, vetted & de-risked projects with customer and product in place

Avatar Ignite • Technology, Business & Idea Generation Process • Emerging Professionals work together as semi-autonomous, cross functional teams under guidance of industry leadership

Avatar Ignite Emerging professionals work together to generate new business ideas to industry challenges.

Avatar Studio • Prototyping, Customer Fit, De-risking • Strategically sponsored teams enter co-development process with UCalgary and Innovate Calgary to build investable technologies & businesses with a customer already in place

Avatar Ignite takes market-pulled needs and turns them into business opportunities. Ignite brings emerging professionals together to work in crossfunctional teams and empowers their leadership. 251

Ignite provides a proven and successful means of engaging employees in the future of energy while building internal innovation and entrepreneurial capacity. With access to global business leaders, Avatar Ignite builds the workforce the future of our industry needs while generating needed solutions.

co-creation” in the automotive sector as they work to transform their entire delivery model and supply chain for a fully-electric 2035. Avatar Studio takes early-stage solutions emerging from Avatar Ignite and partners them with customers, capital and expertise to create investor-ready business opportunities.

HOW IT WORKS • •

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The most compelling and innovative projects generated in Avatar Ignite will be selected for the Avatar Studio

Emerging professionals apply to participate The group is divided into multi-functional, semi-autonomous teams that participate in a 16 week program led by industry experts and Ucalgary faculty Sessions include topics ranging from Net-zero Energy Economics to Entrepreneurship in the New Energy Economy The output typically results in 5 - 15 innovative, implementable and ground-breaking technologies and solutions

HOW IT WORKS • • •

AVATAR STUDIO •

Taking early-stage solutions emerging from Avatar Ignite and partnering them with the customers, capital and expertise to create investor-ready business opportunities.

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Avatar Studio is based upon several successful models of “enterprise

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Organizations sponsor a project aligned with their business needs Sponsors are teamed with industry collaborators capable of solution implementation Organizations, teams and IP are protected under an NDA. Collaboration and training occurs through workshops facilitated by industry experts, UofC and business coaches Teams advance the solution and develop a business case for their initiative Initiatives are pitched to executive sponsors and investment professionals to determine if they’re ready for venture capital financing & implementation

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AVATAR VENTURES Unlocking CarbonTech capital to implement solutions that help decarbonize our economy. Putting oil and gas in the driver’s seat of the energy transition. We believe that many of the world’s most compelling solutions to decarbonization exist within oil and gas, yet the access required to implement and the capital needed to scale have long been a limiting factor. Avatar Ventures is the vehicle to provide access to the capital required to launch these emerging solutions. Validated by a robust process, sponsored by industry, and capitalized by Avatar’s many partners, we provide the fullcycle ecosystem that successful energy innovation demands. While the Avatar Studio prepares teams to win in the extremely competitive marketplace, Avatar Ventures is working with the investment community to prepare them for funding opportunities.

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HOW IT WORKS • •

After 4 months of critical thinking, problem validation, and customer discovery, the teams will present at “Demo Day” A panel of investors will assess the teams and their business solutions

Capital will be raised for the most compelling opportunities Successful teams will create a NewCo. where the best structure for commercialization will be implemented. Developed content and IP required for business success will be passed into that structure.

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TRANSFORMING HOW THE INDUSTRY TRANSFERS DEEPLY TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE THROUGH DIVERSITY.

Jiva is an independent training and consulting organization focused on the energy and infrastructure industries. Jiva has a unique differentiator in the knowledge-transfer services it offers: Jiva has developed a process that marries technical expertise and educational theory with a deep knowledge of effective communication and robust project management through consulting. This approach can be applied to a range of solutions such as traditional classroom training, online training or more innovative products such as podcasts and online scenario-based learning. Jiva is able to create unique, effective solutions…..and the secret lies in its diverse and passionate team.

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Whether it is supporting initiatives through Canadian industry associations or working with American and Australian industry associations, we are proud of the contribution that we have been able to make in our sector. Whether it is capturing key knowledge for construction inspection, which has become part of North America wide industry certifications, or adaptation and support of a competency system for the Canadian pipeline sector, our team has been able to develop innovative approaches.

draw upon a richness and range of intellect that most often results from differences in people’s experiences, perspectives, background…”. While diversity of thought is often correlated with other factors such as race and gender, we always keep in mind this underlying principle. As a minority, female-owned business in a technical field, we have embraced and incorporated diversity into the entire organisation by trying to create an inclusive and respectful environment – every day, in every interaction. As the energy sector adapts to the Energy Transition, one of the key challenges will be to capture learning from new research, retain knowledge of existing assets, and integrate the two domains to effectively

We have a unique approach which is rooted in our view of diversity: “…true diversity is actually about diversity of thought – the ability to 255

develop interim solutions. For example, a responsible energy transition means that we need to continue to maintain existing infrastructure to some degree but also rapidly operationalize research on a range of topics from clean fuels (such as hydrogen and hydrogen blending) to carbon capture. This challenge has been magnified by the Covid 19 pandemic – exacerbating pre-existing demographic trends such as retirements and lower immigration. Meeting these challenges will mean that we need to leverage diversity of thought to solve some of the energy industry’s most difficult problems. At every point on our journey, we have been fortunate to have worked with talented and supportive people who have not only been open to but have encouraged the diversity of thought and the approaches that our team brings to bear. It is this very same openness and willingness to look at things differently that gives me hope for our industry continuing to evolve and find a place in a changing economy. Adapting to the inevitable need to decarbonize is only the latest opportunity for innovation faced by the industry, and Jiva is grateful to be able to participate and thrive in that endeavour.

Email: info@jivaconsulting.com Tel: 403-245-1140

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UNLEASHING THE POWER OF FOOD RESCUE:

KNEAD TECHNOLOGIES LEADS THE CHARGE TOWARDS ZERO WASTE.

In a world where nearly 40% of produced food goes to waste, Knead Technologies has emerged as a trailblazer, revolutionizing the fight against food waste (Parfitt et al., 2021, p. 6). With their innovative logistics solutions, this software development company is redefining how food rescue organizations operate worldwide. By seamlessly connecting food generators with food recovery agencies, Knead Technologies is at the forefront of a transformative movement that aims to tackle the pressing issue of global food waste. With a focus on leveraging technology to streamline operations, Knead Technologies empowers food rescue organizations to maximize their impact, reduce food waste, and ensure the efficient redistribution of food to those in need.

technology solutions. They acquired the necessary expertise and technology, working on a full IP transfer from the foundation, and are now focused on developing the white label app that can be customized and utilized by other food rescue organizations and food redirectors.

ADDRESSING A GLOBAL CHALLENGE WITH COMMUNITYMINDED INNOVATION The scale of the food waste problem is staggering. Worldwide, approximately 900 million tonnes of food are wasted annually (Parfitt et. al, 2021, p. 6). Knead Technologies recognizes that the issue lies not in a shortage of food but rather in a lack of effective food redistribution. To bridge this gap, the Knead Tech app acts as a powerful connector between food generators, such as restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, and food recovery agencies which include individuals, businesses, and organizations.

IT BEGAN WITH BREAD AT A BAKERY Knead Technologies traces its roots back to a charitable foundation. It all began when Co-Founder Lourdes Juan rescued 200 pounds of bread from a local bakery and delivered it to an emergency shelter, feeding over 3000 people in the process. This transformative experience inspired Lourdes to establish the Leftovers Foundation, now one of Canada’s largest food rescue charities. As the organization grew, so did the need for efficient logistics and data-driven decision-making.

Knead Tech’s innovative app revolutionizes the food rescue process, offering scalability, customized impact measurement, and robust health and safety data collection. Through the app, food donors and recipients can seamlessly connect, while volunteers and staff play a crucial role in the logistics by signing up and coordinating their efforts. The app collects valuable data, enabling non-profit organizations to streamline their processes, measure their progress, and establish safe food handling operations. Furthermore, Knead Technologies is actively developing AI capabilities to assist with donorrecipient matching, route optimization, trend identification, and more.

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RESHAPING THE FOOD RESCUE LANDSCAPE Knead Technologies offers a white-label solution that allows food rescue organizations to enhance their brand, optimize operations, and quantify their impact effectively. By providing user-friendly and customizable technology, Knead Technologies enables organizations to adopt affordable, standardized, and efficient logistics models without requiring significant capital investment. Co-Founder Lourdes explains that “Knead Technologies is driven by a mission to address pressing social and environmental issues. By leveraging technology, our app helps redirect millions of dollars’ worth of food to service agencies, ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to nutritious meals.” Simultaneously, this approach significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions by diverting food from landfills. Every pound of rescued food contributes to a more sustainable future, combating both food inequity and climate change. Knead Technologies represents a paradigm shift in the fight against food waste. By leveraging innovative technology and a commitment to data-driven decision-making, Knead Technologies equips food rescue organizations with the tools they need to make a tangible difference. Their team is spearheading the transformation of the food rescue landscape, paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT TOWARDS ZERO WASTE By utilizing Knead Technologies’ user-friendly app, individuals can effectively contribute to the battle against food waste through the agencies supported by Knead. By connecting food generators and food recovery agencies, the app offers an accessible platform for anyone to contribute. Whether you’re a restaurant owner, grocery store manager, or an individual passionate about making a difference, Knead Technologies provides the tools to rescue surplus food and redirect it to those in need.

REFERENCE Parfitt, J., Brockhaus A., Croker, T. 2021. Driven to waste: The global Impact of food loss and waste on farms. WWF-UK. https://files.worldwildlife.org/ wwfcmsprod/files/Publication/file/6yoepbekgh_wwf_uk__driven_to_ waste___the_global_impact_of_food_loss_and_waste_on_farms.pdf?_

Knead Technologies is revolutionizing the food rescue landscape by combining cutting-edge technology with a passion for positive change. Their app and customizable solutions empower food rescue organizations to make a significant impact on global challenges, including food inequity and climate change. By joining forces with Knead Technologies, we can all play a role in reducing food waste, nourishing communities, and creating a more sustainable future.

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NOT OUR FIRST RODEO.

At the height of the energy boom, Wild + Pine was created to help restore, reclaim, and conserve some of Alberta’s most challenging and remote landscapes across the industry. Something they do well, but regenerating Canada’s great boreal forest isn’t for the faint of heart.

2050 – an approach that insulates Wild + Pine’s clients from an everchanging carbon market. As a team of environmental professionals their methodology is aimed to improve what they hope a future carbon market will look like, while doubling down on what Wild + Pine does best.

Today, Wild + Pine develops verified nature-based carbon removal assets on behalf of global climate leaders; efforts fueled by the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. The common thread throughout Wild + Pine’s evolution is that they work with the world’s most powerful, scalable, and accessible tool to address excess atmospheric carbon emissions – trees.

But it doesn’t stop there. Being located at the heart Canada’s energy transition has served Wild + Pine in more ways than one. Alberta has built and re-built a globally leading energy industry, it is home to some of the best engineers and toolmakers on the planet. Wild + Pine is leaning into this creativity and ingenuity through the development of their Bioprism Advanced Vertical Greenhouse, located at the Edmonton International Airport.

“Our national identity is defined by nature; Canada’s large land-bank and strong governance will continue to serve businesses across the country seeking sound and credible carbon removals. This also positions us as a trusted and secure landing-pad for significant international climate investment.” Chris Kallal, Founder and CEO of Wild + Pine.

Bioprism AVG is Canada’s first fully artificial and vertical greenhouse for the commercial production of tree seedlings. Using programmable multi-spectral horticulture lighting, the facility can produce crops yearround while tailoring the growing conditions to the site where the trees will be deployed. Wild + Pine’s technology multiplies the annual production of conventional growing while addressing some of the critical challenges faced across the greenhouse industry, such as labour, space, and a northern climate that often precludes optimal growing conditions.

Canada’s forests offer a unique opportunity in a global marketplace hungry for verified carbon removals. Wild + Pine’s unique approach builds natural capital assets on behalf of their corporate partners, allowing for access to high-quality, registered carbon removals as they fast forward to 260

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Kaitlyn Scaber, Director of Projects & Sustainability, and Chris Kallal, Founder & CEO

In recent years, the demand for tree seedlings has compounded globally. As has the need for transparent, traceable, and verified carbon removals. Wild + Pine’s approach and vertically integrated business model has been designed to address the shortages across the industries to provide sophisticated climate leaders with actionable and reliable solutions. Creativity and innovation are at the heart of Wild + Pine’s business model as they position themselves at the forefront of Alberta’s next green industrial revolution. In 2021 Wild + Pine became Edmonton 8th and Alberta’s 24th Certified B Corporation, and in 2022 was recognized as a Best for the World company, ranking in the global top 5% balancing purpose and profit, in the categories of environment, governance, and workers.

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THE LANDSCAPE OF REUSABLE PACKAGING SYSTEMS IS TRANSFORMED BY CALGARY’S EARTHWARE. The pilot in Calgary began in the summer of 2021 after MacInnes personally made a hefty investment towards a reusable takeout container purchase and five restaurants jumped on board. This soon evolved into a membership program, not uncommon in other reusable programs.

It began as a lightbulb moment during the pandemic, when Earthware Reusables Inc. founder, John MacInnes, was moved to do something about the waste he and his family generated during a typical takeout meal. It has now turned into a worldwide first, in reusable systems.

Despite steady growth of participating restaurant partners, as well as the hundreds of members who joined the program, it quickly became obvious there were a couple of insurmountable roadblocks that would not sustain the program.

No stranger to entrepreneurship, having directed numerous other businesses to success, John decided in April 2021 that his efforts should be directed towards conceptualizing a sustainable, reusable container program for restaurant takeout and delivery in Calgary. With an enthusiastic and loyal team, they embarked on the mission to stop millions of single-use takeout containers from entering the landfill and reduce CO2 emissions. The Federal government’s ban on single-use items to combat pollution and climate change is also contributing to the demand for a solution like Earthware’s. Businesses are scrambling for alternatives to inexpensive single-use options, and consumers are exasperated with the misinformation about compostable/recyclable containers, most of which will end up in the landfill. 262

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The landscape in Alberta is fertile for an innovative circular economy project. The province’s world-class beverage container collection system is the largest in the country and has an 82% return rate for bottles and cans. With ABDA’s support, 16 bottle depot locations are participating in the municipalities of Calgary, Banff, Canmore and Airdrie, where consumers can return their containers and lids for a refund of a portion of the deposit.

Our partnership with ABDA provides Earthware with central locations to pick up the containers for washing and sanitizing. But most importantly, it provides consumers with convenient locations to return them and collect their deposits. This agreement will allow us to easily scale our efforts into other markets and exponentially increase our impact in our communities,” — John MacInnes, founder of Earthware.

Food service providers and their customers have enthusiastically embraced Earthware’s zero-waste takeout deposit refund model, officially launched in March 2023. Nearly 100,000 containers have been sold to 35+ restaurants and tens of thousands of containers have been returned to bottle depots for refunds. With Earthware’s competitive pricing to single-use containers, providers can use Earthware exclusively for their takeout container inventory. Additionally, Earthware also promotes their customers’ business to a fast growing demographic of people who are looking to reduce their own waste and reward businesses who are doing the same. Earthware’s traction with the deposit return model has seen revenue growth six times compared to 2022. They have stopped tens of thousands of single-use containers from going into landfills. With expansion plans set for Edmonton and remaining Alberta municipalities, and talks with the BC Bottle Depot Association, the goal of diverting millions of tonnes of single-use waste is well on its way to materializing.

This fork in the road led Earthware to deliberations on the business model and container choice. After successful negotiations with the Alberta Bottle Depot Association and a new fleet of economically viable polypropylene containers, the pivot to a deposit-refund model would catapult Earthware towards becoming a global first in reusable systems. It is the first time an agreement has been made with a government regulated deposit return system.

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CHAPTER NINE

PUBLIC RELATIONS, CONSULTING & MARKETING

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SPEAK YOUR TRUTH. OWN YOUR STORY.

Theresa Tayler, Principal and Founder

the galaxy (heavy on the integrity, easy on the spin(ing) saucers), brings the crew at Start Me Up Public Relations super galactic joy.

HOW? With their strong storytelling skills, eclectic, diverse team and surprisingly old-school tactical approach to communications, media & public relations, word-of-mouth-marketing and storytelling, mixed with new media outreach strategies, the Start Me Up PR crew is equipped with the most creative heads and hearts.

In a galaxy far, far away but closer than you may think lived a company called Start Me Up PR.

Everyone has a story, and we all deserve to have our stories recognized.

Landing in YYC first — because even extraterrestrials love the mountains — to invade the local and global tech scene, they set off to support emerging-founders, the investors who help rocket fuel them and the shit-disturbers - ahem - disruptive-digital-changemakers and industry outliers alike.

Working with Start Me Up PR means embracing Authenticity, Creativity, Experimentation, and Empowerment. As well as an appreciation for diversity and equity, and a thirst for untapped perspectives, as well as tasty cocktails (Saurian Brandy or virgin Romulain ale alike).

Helping the planet’s most groovy tech companies tell their truths, and proudly unpack their universe-changing solutions to humankind’s problems, while leaving a major awareness (mic drop — boom!) mark on

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I’ll start a PR agency!” inspiration) by Theresa Tayler, in 2021, Start Me Up PR planted roots in 2022. With nearly 20 years of experience in content strategy, brand-storytelling, media relations, communications and journalism, Theresa fell in love with fostering innovation, STEAM and technology sector stories while honing her career in journalism, media relations, as well as digital and print publications roles as a Canadian journalist turned media relations lead at a science centre and then an editor of publications at a university. “I didn’t expect to fall in love with technology and science. I started my career as a pop-culture and music journalist, news reporter and photographer,” Theresa says. “If I have a superpower, it’s probably my ability to ask sometimes strange, maybe even ‘dumb’ questions to get super smart answers from brilliant and interesting people. That approach is the core of journalism and storytelling in general. Getting to the heart and core of people’s why and what drives them — unapologetic curiosity to know what fuels those around us, and drives people.” The Start Me Up PR team’s beliefs are: Don’t sell, tell. Don’t tell, if you can show. And when you can’t show, or tell, then try singing or dancing. The algorithms are always changing, your story shouldn’t. “Once you have your story straight the sky and stars are the limit for the potential of digital marketing. But it has to start with a bedrock that is real and meaningful,” says Amber Rowden, Start Me Up PR Digital Marketing Lead. “Our clients and partners come to us because they want to document their purpose and ultimately create a basis of meat around what they will achieve and what problems they will conquer. The ads, the buys, the ‘sign-up-here’ stuff that can’t happen until that story is in place and everyone feels proud to tell it.” Emily Robitaille, Head Creative and Business Admin 267

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Amber Rowden, Head of Digital Marketing and Content

WHO ARE THEY FOR? EVERYONE, NO MATTER IF YOU’RE MADE OF SCALES, TENTACLES, OR KNEES AND TOES Start Me Up PR is for every emerging innovator and team in the galaxy, empowering their clients and team members to become thought leaders in their businesses by providing them with the strategies they need to own their story and amplify their voice, especially if those voices have been historically silenced. The strategies in telling stories revolve around the belief that strong diversification of ideas and perspectives brings more to the creative table. “That’s a universal human experience. Sometimes the most celebrated and shiniest rockstars in our sectors, feel like illegal aliens in their own communities, families and industry. Start Me Up PR was born (crash landed) to support the unicorns and aliens alike. Refuel your ship, and make the universe fall in love with everything you, your business, your team, product, movement — you name it — is and will be,” Theresa says. 268

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THE HEAD AND THE HEART

CLIENTS INCLUDE:

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Soft-tech, Hard-tech, XYZ,LMNOPtech, SaaS, and sassy entrepreneurs alike Indigenous changemakers and innovative entrepreneurs and artists who are moving the pendulum on Truth and Reconciliation across Turtle Island Private investment groups, funds and VCs fueling innovation Founders and businesses, from the unbootstrapped outliers to those already scaling to new heights Social Enterprise and NFP models focused on equity within the innovation and tech spaces STEAM and STEM based artists and organizations

At the heart of their strategies, the Start Me Up PR team lead with their heads and hearts to ensure the approach is raw, polished and real. “We’ll shout your stories from the moon and back — loud and proud,” says Emily Robitaille, Start Me Up PR, Visual Story Lead. “We thrive on telling it like it is with kindness, morphing to a client’s needs and we won’t appease you for the sake of a dollar bill. It’s about creating trust through action and ultimately getting clients results, not vanity metrics.” The team thrives on cutting through the nitty gritty and the bull and getting dialed into the authentic core stories of those they work with. The next growth stage for the emerging PRTech company will be a virtual PR agency and hub, with resources accessible to all and at any level of scale. “Your story matters. So own it!” 269

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Calgary is one of the fastestgrowing tech centres in North America, and The Agency is at the heart of the community, acting as the go-to strategic communications partner for some of the city’s -- and Canada’s -- most innovative B2B companies. Founded in 2009, The Agency boasts a national roster of clients in technology, innovation, and affiliated sectors.

“We live and breathe innovation,” says Arleigh Vasconcellos, Managing Director. “We’ve built our reputation on learning deeply about our clients’ business and then tailoring a precise PR and marketing strategy that will launch them successfully into the market or significantly transform their opportunities.”

Vasconcellos founded The Agency because of her own fascination with technology, innovation, and companies that break the mold. Over the last 13 years, she has built a like-minded team of communicators drawn from diverse industries and backgrounds, including the corporate sector, health, energy, the arts, academia, and journalism.

Today, The Agency crafts compelling marketing and communications strategies for innovative companies in the agtech, cleantech, and biotech spaces, as

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well as for government entities, venture capital firms, and future-forward law firms, among others. “At The Agency, we work with changemakers to bring ideas to life,” says Vasconcellos, helping organizations achieve their specific goals at each stage of growth. “Storytelling is our craft. Our roots in technology and innovation help us understand big challenges and the effort required to solve them.”

“At The Agency, we work with changemakers to bring ideas to life”

Among the most valuable services offered by The Agency is Vasconcellos’ story-telling workshop, where startups and early-stage companies learn to articulate, refine, and pitch their ideas to the media and investors. It’s challenging, it’s personal, and it’s reflective of the hands-on approach that The Agency team takes to every engagement; for all their tech knowledge, they still believe in the old-fashioned business principle of maintaining strong and authentic relationships with their clients.

PRTheAgency The Agency Communications Inc.

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HAVE FUN. MAKE FRIENDS. BUILD COMPANIES.

That’s the motto of Startup TNT. An organization that fosters community, connection, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the tech ecosystem while raising millions of dollars for local startups from local investors. Through a range of engaging events and programs, Startup TNT aims to empower entrepreneurs, connect new and seasoned investors with exciting opportunities, and drive the growth of resilient, innovationdriven economies.

events (TNT = Thursday Night Tradition), providing a platform for forging new connections, sharing laughter, and breaking down barriers. These gatherings create a sense of camaraderie and serve as a catalyst for new ideas and collaborations. A flagship initiative of Startup TNT is the TNT Investment Summit, a unique and accessible platform for aspiring and seasoned investors to engage with, and invest in, early-stage tech companies. These 8-weeklong Summits see Startup TNT pooling pre-committed capital from a large group of both new and experienced angel investors. Local pre-seed and seed-stage startups are invited to apply, and then the investor group conducts team-based due diligence on the applicants, selecting at least one investment live at a public finale. Over 300 investors have participated, investing over $10 million into more than 70 startups through the Investment Summit programs.

“Startup communities should look to the talents, resources, and capital that exist within their own borders first,” says Zack Storms, Co-Founder of Startup TNT. “We all need to work together to build the startup community we seek. And it starts with the relationships.” At the heart of Startup TNT’s philosophy is the belief that having fun is the catalyst for building successful businesses. Every week, the organization brings together like-minded individuals at happy hour 272

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“By bringing together dozens of community members to vet local deals, we are able to leverage our collective knowledge in a way that is simply not possible when investing on your own,” notes Co-Founder Tim Lynn. “And we make it approachable for founders. Many of them end up raising on their second or third try with the investors.” Startup TNT simplifies startup fundraising by facilitating collaboration among local angel groups, seed funds, and early-stage venture capital funds while opening up new avenues for investors to discover promising ventures. The Summits also act as a catalyst, enabling early-stage startups to raise capital from local investors, all while building lasting relationships between both groups. Startup TNT’s investment thesis is simple: Focus on community first. Startup TNT goes beyond just organizing events; they provide various value-added services to entrepreneurs. For example, the Investment Summits have evolved into a raise accelerator program, offering founders a unique opportunity to refine their fundraising strategies and gain experiential learning. This hands-on approach equips founders with the tools to make their businesses attractive to investors. The organization also offers educational sessions for both founders and investors, empowering them with knowledge and insights to navigate the complex startup landscape.

Startup TNT team members gather following Cleantech Summit Finale, March 2023

Startup TNT is revolutionizing the startup landscape by building diverse and vibrant communities in underserved markets. Their commitment to having fun, making friends, and building great companies empowers entrepreneurs, connects investors, and drives innovationled economic growth. Through their innovative programs, educational sessions, and collaborative efforts, Startup TNT transforms individual entrepreneurs’ lives and creates resilient and thriving innovation ecosystems across the Prairies.

A unique aspect of Startup TNT is the TNT Angels that help facilitate due diligence and investing and provide founders with valuable experiential learning opportunities. To become a TNT Angel, individuals must be accredited investors passionate about supporting startups. In addition, TNT Angels participate in the Summits, gaining firsthand experience in the investment process and contributing to the growth of promising companies.

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Alright stop! Collaborate and listen! We hit the tech industry with a brand new intention!

That’s where Studio C&G comes in. Their focus is on the user experience (UX) and design side. Rather than spend forever developing something that might not be right, they don’t begin the process until they’ve nailed down the idea of exactly what their client wants and needs. Through prototyping, flow mapping, and intensive planning through design sprints, both Studio C&G and the client can come to a clearer understanding of what the goal is - before excess time or money is sunk into iterating something that isn’t quite right.

What is something you see all the time? Is it companies focusing on iteration, always eager to jump directly into the development of neat, new technology? (A desire to explore the Great Unknown – to take the leap before anyone else has.) It’s become a common blessing and curse, with too much importance placed upon executing a single idea over and over again without taking the time to get it right. It prescribes to the idea of “fail quickly, learn from it, and move on” - which, in theory, works. However, development takes a long time. Hours and hours can be sunk into it, only for the iteration to be completely different from what it was meant to be. To change this is expensive, costing businesses both time and money.

In an industry that often values getting a product out right away, Studio C&G places emphasis on development and focuses on the design aspect of their deliverables. There is no starting right back at square one, because Studio C&G take one step backward and three forward, taking the time to ensure each step still works. By twisting the usual workflow on its usual axis, both the business and the client can come to a clearer understanding of what the goal is, and this allows Studio C&G to maintain tight deadlines for projects while providing cost effective solutions that exceed expectations.

What if you could stop that?

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Studio C&G aims to map behaviours and understand where the problems are within them. They want to find that sweet spot, doing all the due diligence they need and getting to the root of what their clients’ needs are. To simply execute something without understanding it has never been their goal; they want to connect the technology to the people.

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Founded in 2016, Studio C&G functions under the guidance and management of co-founders Gabe and Christina Wong. As a small but thriving design and development studio based in Calgary, Alberta, the duo’s passion for technology and its potential to connect businesses with their clients has been instrumental to the success of Studio C&G. Their focus on providing reliable solutions and highquality customer service has allowed them to quickly build trust with their growing client base, which ranges from technology and software, to home design and oil and gas.

Whether it’s a simple ask or something far more complex, Studio C&G delivers results from startto-finish, telling powerful stories for and about their clients. Their goal is to produce high-quality solutions for any budget - allowing businesses to achieve larger goals with the help of cumulative accrual of small successes. After all, it’s often less about the destination and more about the journey.

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TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES

Grounded in a philosophy of providing complimentary education without expectations, offering extraordinary hospitality, relentlessly pursuing excellence, Carmella delivers the ultimate customer experience. The highenergy culture of creativity drives the #CarmellaCrew to go beyond the ordinary, creating experiences that leave a lasting impact and raising the bar in the marketing and sales industry. By pushing boundaries, setting new standards, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of their team, clients, and their communities, Carmella is leaving an indelible mark. In 2021, Carmella was recognized as the SME Small Business of The Year, and they remain steadfast in their vision by providing complimentary marketing education and support to ‘For Impact’ organizations in all the towns they

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operate. These organizations, including local Chambers of Commerce, Rotary clubs, Destination Marketing Organizations, and other member based organizations, receive valuable support from Carmella. The agency firmly believes that empowering small businesses will raise the GDP of the community and contribute to overall community growth. Carmella’s approach is to equip members of these organizations with marketing and sales tools, skills, and data-driven strategies, enabling them to thrive independently, resulting in a cascade of positive impacts throughout the community. Additionally, Carmella actively supports the local community by hiring local talents, buying local products, and sponsoring community events with complimentary marketing; further fueling economic development and prosperity on a larger scale.

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Carmella Marketing and Sales emerged as a testament to the founder’s resilience, with a vision to make a lasting impact in the industry, fueled by her unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. The agency’s formation, rooted in the experience of overcoming adversity, reflects the founder’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. Despite not starting with a team of powerhouse marketers and sales specialists, Carmella’s journey embodies the adage that greatness often arises from adversity. As Carmella’s transformative journey unfolds, the sentiment of “we are relieved you’re here” is destined to resonate throughout every fortunate community that experiences the agency’s unwavering dedication and passion.

The birth of Carmella Marketing itself presents a remarkable story of resilience and determination. Just seven weeks before the highly anticipated World’s Greenest Marathon, Carmella’s founder faced numerous challenges. As the Race Director for the Marathon in a National Park, she found herself being induced into early labor due to concerns about her baby’s well-being. Balancing the overwhelming pressure of pregnancy, managing the marathon’s responsibilities, and navigating a failing business partnership pushed her to her limits, ultimately leading to an emergency delivery. Her youngest child was born weighing less than 2000 grams, requiring intensive care, which tested her strength as both a mother and a business professional.

Carmella’s vision is to leave a lasting legacy of transformation, where thriving businesses and organizations create vibrant communities. As the agency sets its sights on the future, it is a living reminder that greatness knows no bounds when fueled by passion and perseverance.

Awards Canadian SME Business of the Year 2021 North American Coach of the Year 2022 and 2021 2023 Founder of the Canadian Chamber of the Year

Undeterred by the adversity, six weeks later, the founder found herself cradling her tiny bundle of joy named Bella while diligently working with her laptop. In that intimate moment, she realized the perfect name for her business, Carmella, derived from the amalgamation of her daughters’ names, Carmen and Bella.

2022 Woman of Inspiration

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TRANSFORMING OPPORTUNITIES INTO SUCCESSFUL VENTURES BY ACCELERATING DIGITAL INNOVATION. VALUE CREATION THROUGH DIGITAL INNOVATION

As the pace of change accelerates, innovation becomes essential for organizations to adapt and maintain a competitive edge. Motiv, an award-winning digital innovation firm and venture builder, guides its partners through their innovation journey. With a mission to generate new value through digital innovation, Motiv works with its partners to create, launch, and grow digital products and business models. Its expertise spans the entire venture building value chain, including ideation, business model design, product development, go-to-market, and growth.

Motiv’s digital innovation model focuses on creating value across three distinct areas: Customer Value harnesses technology to design solutions that meet customer needs, enhancing acquisition, engagement, retention, and loyalty. Operational Value utilizes digital tools, data-driven insights, and automation to streamline business processes and increase efficiency.

Motiv’s approach centres around multidisciplinary collaboration, design-thinking, and agile methodologies which enable rapid product development and efficiency. This method ensures that innovative concepts evolve into scalable ventures, creating a clear path from idea to commercialization.

Ecosystem Value aims to strengthen relationships within the ecosystem, amplifying collaborative opportunities and economic growth.

Innovation is more than a business strategy – it’s the only sure way to unlocking unprecedented value for stakeholders.” — Clark Lai, CEO 278

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Clark Lai, CEO

BLENDING TECHNOLOGY WITH BUSINESS STRATEGY Motiv’s approach combines strategy with execution, ensuring that solutions are not only practical but also aligned with business goals. Recognizing the significant untapped potential in commercialization, Motiv focuses on feasible applications of emerging technologies. This approach lays the foundation for crafting solutions that enable innovative business models – bridging the gap between conceptual ideas and systematic innovation. Blending business strategy with technology equips its partners to navigate the complex digital landscape, positioning them to accelerate time-to-market and boost the success rate of new ventures.

FOSTERING AN INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM Motiv actively engages with the evolving innovation and venture building ecosystem, championing a future where collaboration and mutual success are paramount. Motiv seeks to facilitate relationships within this ecosystem, unlocking intrinsic network value and embracing the philosophy that a rising tide lifts all boats. In aligning with the greater innovation ecosystem, Motiv emphasizes sustainable growth, reflecting its commitment to making the world a better place through innovation.

Mariya Besedina, COO

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PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE MARKETING SERVICES TO CLIENTS IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND HELPS THEM REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. Guru SEO Services, based in Red Deer, Alberta is a digital marketing agency that aims to provide comprehensive marketing, web, SEO, and advertising services. The agency was founded by Jesse Tutt, who describes himself as a “Serial Entrepreneur” and has helped many businesses over the years stand out in the digital space.

THE HISTORY OF GURU SEO The idea for Guru SEO Services came about very organically. Jesse Tutt, the founder, has been in the industry for over 22 years, and in that time, has helped transform companies and realize their marketing potential. Tutt used his expertise to work with clients in the retail space, insurance industry, and the crypto sector. Looking for a way to mainstream all of his efforts, Jesse created Guru SEO Services. 280

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Jesse Tutt, Founder

WHERE GURU SEO IS HEADED Guru SEO Services has big plans to take its unique process and custom tools all over Canada and the world. The agency is ready for an exciting and transformative journey. As technology continues to evolve, Guru SEO plans to evolve with it and is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation.

The culmination of that work came about in 2020 when the company was founded. In the early days, Guru SEO mainly focused on providing effective SEO and marketing services to its clients. But since then, the digital marketing agency has grown its team, its client list, and the services it provides.

With a strong focus on data-driven strategies, custom tools, and an experienced team, the digital marketing agency aims to deliver more personalized and targeted campaigns. Guru SEO plans to incorporate AI and machine learning into its daily processes, all while collaborating with emerging platforms and technologies.

GURU SEO TODAY Today, with a bigger team, Guru SEO is able to provide a more comprehensive list of services. That includes web design and development, SEO auditing, content development, technical and on-page SEO, Google Business, and more.

Ultimately, the agency is headed toward a dynamic, adaptable, and socially conscious future while staying committed to delivering impactful results for its clients.

The award-winning agency, Guru SEO, has now partnered with clients from many different industries to provide their expertise. From insurance to music, crypto, travel, retail, and many others, the marketing agency has worked with clients of all sizes and from different parts of the world.

Tel: (844) 338-GURU Email: support@guruservices.com guruseoandwebdesignservices GuruSEOService guruseoservices/seo

Currently, Guru SEO is working on expanding its reach and its team, breaking into new markets, and enhancing its suite of services.

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The New Way

Our company was established in 1986 during a difficult recession. Grit, determination, and an unwavering pursuit to reimagine what is possible, has gotten us to where we are today. Our ability to consider our role as a company, as leaders, and as a team in relation to the industries we operate in and our impact we have on the land and people, has encouraged us to change our approach to business. Businesses tend to operate under the standards of the status quo; a strict and formulated approach based on what has always been done. This approach to business, however, is no longer achieving expected results. It is also not reflective of our values and does not allow for agility and innovation. We want to continuously elevate, be bolder, and embrace the changes along the way.

We evolved from a small land services company to being the leader in managing all aspects of non-technical risks on development projects in North America. We did this by taking an innovative approach to business and decided to do things our own way. We are an organization that operates with a higher purpose. We are a value driven conscious business. We care deeply about the human aspect of our organization and in the work we do. We approach projects using a wholistic approach. We aim to break down silos. We don’t believe in a transactional approach to business. Today, we are a ridiculously talented consulting services firm, helping organizations achieve compliance and acceptance for projects that impact people and land. We specialize in navigating intricacies in working with the public, stakeholders, Indigenous communities, regulatory frameworks, and access to land. 282

We are the new way.

Under the stewardship of Brittney Ramsay, Vision Blazer & CEO, Breanne Ramsay, Improvement Architect & CFO, and Dayna Morgan, Innovation Designer & COO, BRITT RADIUS has been transformed into an award-winning, second-generation family business. A conscious business that is proudly women-owned and operated. We care about the impact we make, and we know we want to make a big one. We love the current legacy and impact we have built with our company. It’s in our name. The term RADIUS represents everything we want to continue to build and achieve, in addition to the positive impact we have on our team, company, and beyond.

At BRITT RADIUS we have a powerful and dynamic team that is evolving and redefining the way people live and organizations operate. Leaders and technical experts in our field, our executive and management team is comprised of strong influential leaders who are advocates of entrepreneurship, women in leadership, family business, and the new way of doing business.   To learn more about BRITT RADIUS, our work, our award-winning team, our engagements, and our impact, visit www.brittradius.com. Our resources are spread throughout North America, with our head office in Calgary, Alberta.

Merriam-Webster defines RADIUS as “a straight line from the center to the circumference of a circle.” The interesting thing about a circle is that in order to make it larger and have a bigger impact all you need to do is increase its radius. This is how we like to think of BRITT RADIUS as a company. If you want to go big, do more, and have a bigger positive impact, you need to add us to the equation. There is a ripple effect from interacting with us, whether as a client, stakeholder, or community member. Who we are as a company extends from the center of our very core as business owners, leaders, and team members beyond BRITT RADIUS’ walls.

Email: info@brittradius.com 1100, 630 6th Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0S8 brittradius BRITT RADIUS BRITTRadius brittradius 283

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WE FINANCE PARADIGM SHIFTS.

FINANCING PARADIGM SHIFTS

ANGELS WITH WINGS

A paradigm shift is a revolutionary and disruptive change in the human experience.

Our commitment as investors is that when we invest, we are not simply financing your business’ growth, we are your partners, and we will support you through every challenge your enterprise faces.

Inverted Ventures is a single family office of investors with a passion for technology that radically improves the human experience. We invest in founders with visions for the future that will lead to fundamental changes in the way people live their lives.

We do not limit ourselves to a single geographic location nor to a single industry. We look globally for deals with a pragmatic mindset and will consider any deal that has the potential to exponentially change their industry for the better.

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Craig D’Cruze, Chief Operating Officer

Nick Rodrigues, Chief Executive Officer

Shayne Rodrigues, Chairman

ALPHA HIDES IN PLAIN SIGHT

INVESTING IN WESTERN CANADA

Unlike most traditional; venture capital funds, Inverted Ventures engages in proprietary trading activities in securities, commodities, cryptocurrencies, and foreign exchange markets while searching for extraordinary early-stage start-up companies to build into titans of emerging industries.

We believe Western Canada’s start-up ecosystem is primed for an outstanding period of growth for founders and investors. Despite massive talent, great university entrepreneurship programs, and a suite of quality accelerator programs available for start-up companies, valuations remain comparatively low at the early-stage. Alberta early-stage technology investors like to work collaboratively which creates a unique ecosystem that benefits founders and investors alike. It is a core belief of Inverted Ventures that revolutionary companies will be founded in Western Canada and investors here have the potential to see exponential gains.

Our skilled and passionate team of in-house researchers constantly investigates new investment opportunities. Beginning with our comprehensive macroeconomic analysis models, we identify asset classes and specific sectors poised for impending price action.

Inverted Ventures contact@invertedventures.com Inverted Ventures

Once we have determined opportunities to investigate more thoroughly, we use quantitative technical analysis to size positions with asymmetric risk-reward. If we are passionate about a trend, we conduct our due diligence to find the best companies in their sector.

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A FOCUS ON FUNDAMENTALS, NOT HYPE.

A CHANGE FOR THE SMALLER Micro, in fact. Rapidly decreasing technology costs, combined with digital innovations such as artificial intelligence, data and analytics, cloud computing, SaaS, and the Internet of Things, are disrupting our existing business and operating models. This means that Alberta’s emerging-technology sector is primed to be a catalyst for unprecedented growth. Companies with ideas that will ultimately disrupt industry and change our world for the better, while solving the most pressing human and industry problems are being launched. These digital start-ups require less capital to get off the ground, yet present high return potential for investment. A $500,000 pre-seed investment is the new $5 million first raise. Many traditional venture capital firms will not consider funding earlystage (pre-revenue) start-ups until they are already bringing in significant revenue.

Bryan Slaauko and Jacques LaPointe, Founders

In mature ecosystems globally, early-stage companies often raise capital through high-net-worth individual investors referred to as angels, as well as through professionally-managed pre-seed and micro venture capital funds. 288

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WHAT THE HECK IS A MICRO FUND? Micro-funds are in their infancy in Western Canada but are the backbone and bedrock for ecosystems and technology hubs, especially in the United States, where they play a role in helping venture hubs take off, bring expertise and specialization to the market, and fill a role in the venture capital ecosystem that larger firms simply cannot. According to PitchBook 2021, in the U.S. $50+ billion has been raised in the past ten years from micro-VC funds, and there are over 2,400 Venture Capital backed funds of a median size of $10 million.

A CATALYST FOR INNOVATORS AND INVESTORS ALIKE Filling this investment gap across the region for our innovative new companies and also for the pioneering investors who invest alongside them is what drives the Metiquity team and inspires their L.P.s. “We work with founders and companies who need a little bit of capital to get started and a lot of support and mentorship,” says Metiquity Founding Partner Jacques LaPointe, whose experience includes launching and managing innovative technology products in the global market.

THE CHICKEN AND THE EGG... Founders are desperate for investment to grow and generate revenue but are told they are uninvestable until they have meaningful revenue. It’s a terrible paradox that is screaming to be solved.

LaPointe is a co-founder of a well-known robotics company; he has five successful portfolio company exits under his belt, has led more than $43 million in investments for technology enterprises and brings a robust understanding of capital investments to help tech start-ups enter the marketplace and exit with significant gains.

This is why Metiquity Ventures exists — founded in 2020, by Bryan Slauko, CFA, and Jacques LaPointe, MBA, P.Eng. — Metiquity is one of the only professionally-managed micro-VC fund regionally that solely focused on the pre-seed asset class and early stage founders and companies.

“Metiquity’s Fund 1 (a $10 million raise) will be the catalyst for what we see as the most important asset class for our region. Experienced early-

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Slauko spent years with various capital investment firms before focusing on emerging enterprises. After noticing the industry-halting gap between pre-revenue investment and early-stage development, he decided to leverage his skills for start-ups with immense growth and disruptive potential and took the plunge with LaPointe to found Metiquity. “Early-stage investing in our own emerging technology sector shouldn’t mean investors have to wing it. This is an asset class that should form part of a strong, diversified investment portfolio. Our region’s investors deserve the confidence that comes from a professional approach to due diligence and portfolio management,” Slauko says, adding that there is potential for strong returns for investors interested in the pre-seed asset class. “We’re on a mission to unlock this growth potential not only for the tech companies changing society for the better, but for the pioneering private investors who support our region’s growth.”

DUE-DILIGENCE AND TRANSPARENCY For Metiquity, applying robust due diligence and investment processes is key to selecting strong portfolio investments. Together, Slauko and LaPointe have over 45 years of experience in finance, investment management, due diligence, managing funds and successful exits. The private firm, with a thorough and legally structured fund, follows the CFA Institute’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct to ensure the best interests of investors are always protected.

stage, pre-seed investments into our entrepreneurs, and the mentorship they need to succeed and scale is integral,” he adds.

A BELIEF THAT MENTORSHIP IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS CAPITAL

The Metiquity team believes that to remain strong, Alberta’s technology sector must put more capital into early-stage entrepreneurs on the cusp of growth.

Known for their kind but straight-up mentorship style with their founders, LaPointe and Slauko’s vast experience and friendly approach is part of the draw for the start-ups and founders who are eager to have Metiquity not only as lead investor but often on their Boards and as regular advisors.

“Tomorrow’s big success stories and our innovative new ideas and products could die on the vine without this catalyst. Emerging fund managers who invest in the $250,000 to $1 million early rounds are essential to creating the jobs and wealth that will benefit our communities over the long term,” says Slauko, one of the few private investment and pre-seed fund managers in the region who holds both a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and a Bachelor of Commerce.

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Neil Keown, Sawback founder, is an experienced data software and development expert, with a rich history of experience. However, every founder still needs mentorship and support from those who have scaled technology companies and had successful rounds of entrepreneurship. “(Slauko and LaPointe) advice is valid because it’s from two different and experienced perspectives. When you’re talking with Bryan, he is helping with numbers — primarily because that’s his bread and butter. Jacques is business strategy and fundraising. He’s been there, done that and he has the scaleup success story to prove it,” Keown says. Metiquity Ventures Fund I is a $10 million fund. The firm is focused on investing in a portfolio of 20-30 pre-seed stage companies based in Alberta and the Prairies, with an emphasis on helping them scale and go to further seed rounds. Good news for founders and also the Limited Partners who are backing the emerging firm and its first fund. With their deep roots in the Canadian technology sector, experience building partnerships, experience launching products and patents, and professional fund and firm management expertise, Metiquity Ventures is leading the way in bridging the investment gap for start-ups and investors and creating the spark for our region’s next pre-seed micro-venture funds and firms.

4D1.10

METIQUITY’S FIRST COMPANY INVESTMENTS

4D1 indoor location technology generates 3D sub-centimeter accuracy to monitor the movement of all assets across time and space, ensuring materials, tools and workers are located in the right place at the right time. Precise positioning ensures all tasks are completed in the right sequence and quality standards are met, gives machines the navigation and necessary human context for full autonomy and the 4D context needed for comprehensive process optimization. 4D1 will revolutionize many industries including smart manufacturing, logistics, digital construction and underground mining.

Helm Helm provides a SaaS cloud-accounting solution that streamlines the cash flow management process. Through Helm’s innovative and userfriendly accounting tech, they empower business owners and advisors to make better decisions by digitally transforming the process of forecasting future cash flows, scheduling and approving payments, and collecting receivables.

Sawback

my-eforce

Sawback Technologies is a proprietary sensing technology innovation that combines a hard and soft-tech solution for the industry to detect and classify underground objects that hinder operations and progress. The technology measures near-surface data over vast areas and complex environments and is used in the construction and energy verticals. From finding, mapping, and identifying buried objects, the near-surface data collection and an analysis solution that collects data fast, while also impacting environmental conservation for the better.

my-eforce turns everyday smart watches & fitness trackers into a fully connected health & safety platform providing employers with critical life-saving information before incidents become life-changing tragedies. This tech uses a combination of real-time GPS location tracking and automated biometric feedback in an innovative wearable bracelet technology that empowers and keeps workers in remote areas safer, while providing the industry the technology to best keep their workers as secure as possible.

Arolytics

WaitWell

Arolytics software platform is helping our energy sector become leaders in emissions management. The SaaS technology tracks and discloses greenhouse gas emissions performance while leveraging data to optimize emission reduction opportunities providing reliable and consistent reporting to management, regulators and investors. Complimentary to clean-tech and ESG reporting solutions and empowering our global energy sectors to effectively measure emissions goals while increasing productivity.

This award-winning digital workflow platform takes the wait out of lining up and retains more customers. WaitWell is already operating for over 500 locations and 4.4M users, providing businesses with a SaaS service, for clients who are waiting in lines. Reducing wait times by up to 30% for public offices, universities and large retailers. Organizations use WaitWell to streamline service delivery and vastly improve the customer experience, leading to an increase in customer loyalty. Calgary, Alberta 1400 - 350 7th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 3N9 291

metiquity-ventures

metiquity.ca

REWARD WITH DEBT RELIEF.

I saw an effective and affordable way for employers to make a big impact on their employees’ financial wellness.” — John Kenny, Founder The Marmot Benefits

Hello Debt Relief! With innovation all around, a new idea can pop up anywhere, even in rock solid places like the company savings plan. “I’ve been in financial services my whole career,” says Marmot Benefits Founder, John Kenny, “I learned early on that personal debt can be the single biggest obstacle to successful long-term outcomes.” In 2023 record-level personal debt threatens Canadians’ long-term outcomes and rising interest rates jeopardize Canadians’ ability to meet monthly financial obligations. Employers pay a hefty price for employee financial stress. To an innovator, problems present opportunities. “I saw an effective and affordable way for employers to make a big impact on their employees’ financial wellness,” says Kenny, “the key is to show them how the path to wellness is debt relief!” Employer group savings plans are ideal yet not required. Early adopters are finding multiple ways to include debt relief options for employees. “This program is a game changer for our employees,” says Julie Falls, Chief People Officer at Terracon Géotechnique Ltd., “we’ve seen employees pay off their student loans and now we get to do the same with mortgage debt.”

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More Innovation on the Way

Marmot’s most popular debt relief program allows employees to use some employer money for student loan repayment instead of retirement savings. Monthly student loan payments made directly from payroll to the employee’s government lender- help today when they really need it.

Marmot isn’t stopping at student debt. Mortgage repayment help is the natural evolution for Marmot’s continued growth, Kenny believes, “there are considerably more employees with mortgages than student loans.”

It’s working, this program alone lets employees save on average 54% of their student loan costs and about 48% in repayment time. Individually, participating employees are saving on average 44 months of payments.

Marmot’s Mortgage Benefit Pilot rolled out in June and runs for six months. Participating employees received their first employer assisted mortgage payments in July.

John Kenny, Founder

“There has never been an employer offering quite like this in the broad market. It’s exciting and rewarding to still find new ways to apply all I’ve learned in my career.” Earlier in his career, John co-founded Solium Capital, which grew to become Calgary’s first fintech unicorn when Morgan Stanley acquired Solium for $1.1B in 2017.

LOW RES. IMAGE 1601 Westmount Road NW Calgary, AB T2N 3M2, Canada Tel: 855-977-5267 Email: info@marmotbenefits.com

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ADVOCATING FOR THE BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY AND DIGITAL ASSETS SECTOR.

Uniting diverse companies, individuals, and organizations from across the national innovation ecosystem, the Canadian Blockchain Consortium is the country’s advocate for the blockchain technology and cryptocurrency sector. The Consortium was launched in 2016 as the Alberta Blockchain Consortium by the late energy and technology pioneer Suzanne West, who had a vision of a collaborative ecosystem that would bring talented and creative people together to leverage blockchain for the benefit of the province. Reimagined as national organization in 2018, the Consortium now has divisions in each key province, spans thousands of members, publishes a monthly magazine read by more than 24,000 blockchain enthusiasts across the world, and hosts high-profile

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Koleya Karringten - Executive Director, and Jade Alberts - Vice President

events, webinars, policy roundtables, and other forums designed to create engagement and build the successful future of our industry in Canada. Our corporate members include 33 leading organizations who generously sponsor our important activities, and our brain trust of top industry experts join forces in our Finance, Legal and Industry committees to address key challenges and create new opportunities for growth. Our ecosystem partners like Alberta Innovates, the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, and the Canadian Blockchain Association for Women help support our vision of a strong national digital economy.

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AI, DATA & TECHNOLOGY

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X-RAY VISION FOR SUPPLY CHAIN VISIONARIES. Unprecedented supply chain insight, foresight and oversight. Since 2017, Routeique® has developed industryleading Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) products, IoT hardware, and apps for businesses in the supply chain space. “We’re building solutions to problems that have traditionally been difficult to solve,” says CEO Mike Allan. Routeique’s vision is to evolve a new breed of supply chain visionaries who can see through walls, break down barriers, peer into the future, and think at the speed of light.

Mike Allan, CEO & Co-Founder

“

Scott Birkby, Co-Founder

Our goal is to move from providing real-time visibility to providing customers with predictions and suggestions,” says Mike, “this will let them anticipate and seamlessly mitigate changes or disruptions before they happen–they will feel as if they have x-ray vision.”

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Routeique is innovation-first,” says Eric Moon, VP Operations, “we focus on R&D and on moving it into the market. Where R&D meets the market is where innovation happens.”

Tested for Market Fit From the Start

Democratizing the Supply Chain

Routeique came about as a result of Mike Allan’s background as a developer and marketer, and Scott Birkby’s role as the owner of a distribution firm. The two Routeique cofounders met through an executive forum, where they discussed issues and challenges in the supply chain space. One of the topics that continued to come up was how limited data and visibility were impacting decision-making. Scott noted that many businesses in the space were facing, “death by a thousand cuts, without knowing where the cuts were.”

“Routeique is innovation-first,” says Eric Moon, VP Operations, “we focus on R&D and on moving it into the market. Where R&D meets the market is where innovation happens.”

Based on this, Mike created a quick version of a field service order portal, to see what they could build to solve this immediate problem. Scott and Mike realized that the need was even greater than anticipated when, after a weekend, they returned to find an international manufacturer that had placed 120 orders through the prototype system.

By enabling companies of all sizes to redefine their supply chain management, Routeique hopes to create a more resilient, connected, and efficient supply chain space.

Another manufacturer came on board, asking them to turn this project into a company of its own so they could implement the solution for their distributors. “We realized that this was bigger than us,” says Mike, “we realized, ‘there’s something more here.’”

Routeique continues to grow with the support of our wonderful US investment partners, Gener8tor and Lancaster Investments.

“Routeique makes competitive supply chain tools available for all markets. It’s accessible to organizations of all sizes rather than only the largest players. This gives companies the freedom to choose partners based on merit across all supply chain networks,” says Mike.

Continuing to Grow

In the future, the company plans to focus on providing more insight, foresight and oversight, through better data capture and use. Routeique is moving towards using ML and AI to enable users to squeeze every possible benefit out of their data, and to provide better recommendations throughout the entire network.

This experience led them to tackle the problem from an even broader perspective. Within a year, they’d assembled a team to develop a dynamic supply chain operating system. The team designed a solution to allow manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to track the total lifecycle of products from manufacturing to final delivery. Today, the team continues to excel, enhancing and expanding the system to remain at the cutting edge.

“Our goal is to move from providing real-time visibility to providing customers with predictions and suggestions,” says Mike, “this will let them anticipate and seamlessly mitigate changes or disruptions before they happen–they will feel as if they have x-ray vision.” 1-855-976-8839 info@routeique.com

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VizworX - Creating visibly better enterprise software solutions through advanced technology.

Delivering enterprise-class digital experiences, VizworX is an advanced software solutions services company. Leveraging the latest in augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, complex data visualization, web and mobile technologies and techniques, VizworX supports numerous industries around the world by turning complex data into easily understandable and actionable information. We enable the humanin-the-loop to fully engage, more deeply understand and significantly enhance their decision-making capabilities.

Since 2012, various global challenges have impacted the business operations of VizworX’s clients and VizworX itself, including the 2014 oil and gas industry downturn and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. However, these challenges have resulted in a more resilient company that has diversified and grown into addressing global opportunities. Today VizworX has over 30 full-time employees, and active business pursuits in Canada, the United States, Europe, Brazil and the Middle East. Our markets have expanded from an initial focus on energy to include government, construction, engineering, agriculture, healthcare, defense and aerospace.

Spun out of two research labs at the University of Calgary, our story began in May 2012. Inspired by the ideas and innovation they witnessed in the academic sphere, Jeff LaFrenz, Dr. Frank Maurer, and Dr. Sheelagh Carpendale incorporated VizworX to promote and facilitate advanced technology solutions.

With a focus on fostering high quality innovation, we enable our clients and partners to achieve their goals through the appropriate application of advanced technology. Using Agile development methodologies, we

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work closely with them to rapidly iterate solutions based on timely, focused feedback. By maintaining engagement with our academic roots, VizworX solutions continue to be informed by the latest in advanced technology research and are supported by the highly qualified talent who graduate from these research programs and join the VizworX team.

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protect Canada’s oceans from Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU-Fishing) activities. IUU-Fishing is a $23B problem worldwide and an ecological and human rights disaster that involves slavery and the destruction of the world’s oceans and fish stocks. In another instance, VizworX partnered with the University of Calgary space environment research lab to pitch VOE as a potential space domain awareness solution for NATO. Our success in this pitch has led to ongoing discussions with NATO about opportunities to use VOE in their operations. Together with our US partner, we are also exploring VOE as a future solution for electrical utility control rooms.

As an example, our work with the Canada Energy Regulator, building highly intuitive and interactive web-based visualizations, has dramatically improved the ability of the Canadian public to access and understand the Canadian energy environment. Our partnership with Energyhile/Collection Science resulted in the creation of the patented SaaS Philespace product, now being used globally as an advanced interface for museums, governments and corporations to showcase their collections. Leveraging our in-depth knowledge of industry challenges and opportunities, VizworX also develops its own products. One of these products, Panoptica, is an award winning infrastructure design management solution that leverages the latest in immersive reality and collaboration technologies. Panoptica dramatically reduces design errorrelated construction rework costs, and it was spun out into the VizworX subsidiary EnsureworX in 2020.

Curious about how we can help you achieve your business goals through augmented or virtual reality, artificial intelligence, complex data visualization, and web or mobile applications? Get in touch at info@vizworx.com.

101 - 119 6 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0P8 Canada Tel: +1 (833) 849-9679 Email: info@vizworx.com VizworX Inc. vizworx

Our newest product initiative, the Virtual Operations Environment or VOE, is a next-generation control room solution. Through a collaboration between MDA, Simon Fraser University, and the Digital Technology Supercluster, an instance of VOE has been developed to

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IS BUILDING THE FUTURE OF CUSTOMER SERVICE.

VISION: We’re enabling a world where the systems are so effective and smart that problems are identified and solved before you even know they exist. And if you ever need to contact support, an artificial intelligent assistant will do it for you, making life easier for everyone.

Artificial Intelligence for Customer Support: Optave offers customer support software for companies that enables them to guarantee the quality of their service in a similar way that factories guarantee the quality of every product in a production line. We go beyond leveraging artificial intelligence for interactions between support agents and customers; we foresee the opportunity to do it for the entire resolution process of a wide range of issues. We believe that in the near future, AI will implement fixes on code, access systems, communicating in standard channels like e-mail and phone and, when not solving by itself, orchestrating tasks with other humans, doing follow-ups and ensuring the solution is solved. When this happens, solutions will be implemented in a record time, and sometimes even before the customers realize that the problem is there. All this is because AI is also pivotal in analyzing unstructured data and testing the systems as humans do, but faster and better. 302

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A noble social impact:

But A.I. will not take their jobs?

In this innovative work model, individuals work from the comfort of their homes, facilitated by a flexible work environment and digital tools. This flexibility opens up opportunities for individuals who, due to various constraints, may not have been able to engage in traditional employment, thereby offering them the chance to contribute to Optave and find dignity through work. Customer support agents will become A.I. operators: people living with disabilities, parents able to remain close to their children or individuals living in remote areas. By tapping into a global network, Optave makes meaningful employment accessible, transcending geographical boundaries and language barriers. It embraces a work culture that truly knows no borders or limits.

As artificial intelligence rapidly advances, fears often arise: Will AI replace all customer support agents? The answer is “no”, but they’ll need to learn how to work alongside an A.I. Carlos Almeida, CEO of Optave, provides clarity on this issue: “Even with AI drastically enhancing agent efficiency and automating the answer for some of the tickets, the demand for customer support will still exceed most companies’ capacity to handle it. Moreover, as systems and AI assistants become increasingly intelligent, they’ll start generating support requests_ autonomously and proactively. This will escalate the need for support and the challenge for companies. The jobs will still be there, but now the agents will become A.I. operators.”

Customer support agents will become A.I. operators.”

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AI ‘Superpowers’ Explained: Here are a few game-changing abilities that AI brings to the table: Everyone can be a polyglot: Advanced AI models can communicate in over 70 languages, understanding context and semantics, not just basic word-for-word translation. They even account for cultural nuances, accommodating specific group vocabularies, emojis, and slang. Automating responses: New AI models depart from ineffective ‘bot’ systems, correctly addressing around 40% of support tickets initially. Soon, advanced technologies like knowledge graphs, screen recognition and more robust system integrations will increase this efficiency. Assuring quality: AI makes quality assurance achievable in customer service. It understands conversation dynamics, evaluates quality, aids agents, and autonomously generates tasks. Unresolved tasks trigger automatic reminders or forwarding, ensuring comprehensive issue management. Contextual Routing: Thanks to new AI technology, agents don’t need to know how to solve every type of request anymore, as it is now sent to the person best suited to solve it. This reduces the amount of training needed to be an agent and lets more specialized agents focus on what they’re really good at. 304

Carlos Almeida

and Oriol Martin

ez, Founders

About the founders In the heart of Calgary, Carlos Almeida and Oriol Martinez, joined forces to create Optave: Carlos has more than a decade of digital product experience. Including roles as a Head of Product for a successful customer support CRM and the head of innovation for a big media conglomerate. Carlos has a business degree from a top university in his home country and an MBA in Finance. Oriol has spent over 15 years in the software development field. His background encompasses experience developing and providing technical leadership for startups as well as top tech global companies, underscoring his deep understanding of the technical landscape and leadership. Their noteworthy achievements in developing products for high-growth environments and tech companies of various sizes across several industries offer a wealth of knowledge in strategy and innovation and form a sturdy foundation propelling Optave toward success.

#200, 940 6ave SW, Calgary – Canada T2P 3T1 Email: hello@optave.com

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THE FUTURE OF SCADA TECHNOLOGY, SentientQ TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF AUTOMATION WAYNE KARPOFF, CEO OF WILLOWGLEN SYSTEMS, AND HIS TEAM OF SCADA ROCK STARS ARE MAKING INNOVATIVE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE RAIL TRANSPORTATION AND ENERGY INDUSTRIES.

Solving complex problems is their gig. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a software control system that deploys data-driven decisions in industrial automation in real-time data from remote locations. Industries currently face ever-changing demands, such as configuring new add-on devices and the threat of growing cyber-attacks. Willowglen Systems’ next-generation solution, SentientQ, adeptly addresses these security and reliability obstacles for mission-critical systems, offering seamless integration of updates and enhancements through a single secure device.

Wayne Karpoff, CEO

Meet SentientQ, an easy fix to a big automation problem. A traditional SCADA system controls and supervises all subsystems, allowing users to manage and maintain complex infrastructure from a single room. Imagine Homer Simpson at the Springfield Nuclear, as he frantically presses buttons on a control panel as the alerts sound off. That device warning him of danger is like a SCADA system, and SentientQ, a Willowglen Systems enterprise, is transforming the way rail and oil and gas industries operate.

“We reimagined SCADA to meet the needs of the future. And it all started here in Alberta.” — Wayne Karpoff, CEO at Willowglen Systems

Innovation is their tradition. Willowglen Systems created the first-ever electronic teletype for train communication fifty years ago in Alberta. Decades later, the company continued to make quantum leaps by developing software solutions for the most complex automation challenges. As an active early adopter of technology, they partnered with the largest energy companies and metro-rail partners to oversee the operation of four billion passenger journeys annually.

SentientQ can run highly complex infrastructure, such as the energy supply of an entire country, from a single, simplified control room. The decision support feature can reduce a pipeline operator’s annual cost of power and additives by 28.4%. Systems remain compliant in today’s constantly changing regulatory environment. Furthermore, as cybersecurity incidents present

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many challenges, SentientQ’s cybersecurity module, Security Manager, safeguards an organization’s security from physical and cyber threats.

are improved operating efficiency, environmental stewardship, capital asset utilization, safety, and distributed mission-critical industrial infrastructure Gerardo Zendejas, Executive Vice President reliability. Small improvements of Global Operations and Sales in the light rail sector make a big difference in transforming the next generation of rail transportation, something its employees aren’t shy about sharing.

Creating the future of automation. Willowglen Systems develops solutions to efficiently utilize capital assets to reduce operating costs while maintaining safety and reliability in operations. The five-core metrics in their technology

“I travel frequently for work, and consequently, I meet many people. I never tire of showing the world how small improvements in the light rail sector make a big difference in transforming the next generation of rail transportation through operational efficiencies and increased public safety.” — Gerardo Zendejas, Executive Vice President of Global Operations and Sales Willowglen Systems’ project partners include Suncor, Enbridge, and Bombardier (Alstom) in the oil and gas industries. Past projects in rail automation technology include Ottawa Light Rail Transit, New York JFK Light Rail, and Nanjing Metro. They recently won the contract for the Metro Line 3 Monorail Project in Panama, built by Hitachi Rail, and another Canadian rail project the company will publicly announce in the next quarter. Alberta roots, with a global reach. Alberta has all the building blocks to lead in technology: world-class universities, consumers who need rapid innovation, and excellent quality of life. For example, the University of Alberta is home to

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some of the world’s top artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) research, with many of its co-op students coming to work at their Canadian locations in Victoria, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Toronto. Though founded in Alberta, Willowglen Systems’ international offices ensure that turnkey solutions are implemented seamlessly.

“The next generation is driving the economy and industry. Every year, we get some of the best and brightest students from the co-op program, and more often than not, they return to work for us when they complete their degree.” — Wayne Karpoff, CEO at Willowglen Systems

Recognizing and rewarding talent is integral to their success. CEO Wayne Karpoff knows a company is only as good as its people. He works hard to attract, grow, and retain G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) from various industries. Recently, Willowglen Systems received the Alberta Business Awards of Distinction from the Alberta Chambers of Commerce and was named one of the best workplaces in the province. Importance is placed on work culture, with popular events like monthly lunches, corporate challenges and yoga sessions held in the office and remotely. And every Christmas, all employees are flown into Edmonton to celebrate the holiday with the whole company. Wayne believes face-to-face time is vital to connect with every person and thank them personally for their contribution. Ian Verhappen, Senior Solutions Architect

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Wayne states that he purposely surrounds himself with people who excel in diverse fields. For example, the SentientQ team has Scott Greig, the technical lead for the revolutionary gaming company BioWare Corp for thirteen years. He manages a team including Ian Verhappen, an Automation Hall of Famer, one of the industry’s most renowned experts who collaborates with their team to develop their groundbreaking 5th generation SCADA suite. Together, they have 67 years of seasoned experience in automation. There’s also Nathan St. Pierre, a rising star in the company. Wayne refers to Nathan as homegrown talent, as he was mentored and trained in-house.

“We have an incredible pool of talent in all industries. Gerardo Zendejas, our Executive Vice President of Global Operations and Sales, has 30 years of experience, including appointments as GM for some of the biggest international automation corporations. I can go on for days about the incredibly talented employees we attract worldwide.”

“We attract and retain employees who stay because they enjoy doing meaningful work, solving the world’s biggest automation problems. It sounds like a cliché, but it’s true. We are making a difference.” — Wayne Karpoff, CEO at Willowglen Systems Stewardship is their goal. As a software development company, Willowglen’s solutions are built upon the pillars of innovation, reliability, and corporate social responsibility. Willowglen Systems’ responsibility in the automation industry is to address operational efficiency, environmental stewardship, safety and reliability challenges and provide a better solution to ensure a future for generations to come. Nathan St. Pierre, Associate Manager, Support Services

“I’ve always advocated for my community and believe we should leave this world a better place than we found it.” — Wayne Karpoff, CEO at Willowglen Systems

— Wayne Karpoff, CEO at Willowglen Systems Best place to live. Willowglen employees are lucky to live in Alberta. In 2023, The Economist Intelligence Unit rated Calgary as the 7th most liveable city in the world. There’s only one caveat: learning to embrace the winters. Take up skiing, snowboarding, and skating. In return, you will receive an excellent education, robust health services, affordable housing, year-round recreation, and enjoy the most stunning mountains in the world. Every season is suitable for hiking through meadows, glaciers, and green and emerald lakes. Not only is Alberta a great place to live, but Willowglen Systems offices also offer purposeful work.

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“STORYHIVE takes care of the people that they’re making their projects with. They make sure that you get the community you need to help bring your story to life.” - Gordie Lucius, Writer/Comedian. “Frick I Love Nature” 2017 Web Series Edition

Photo Credit: Frick I Love Nature, Produced by Gordie Lucius

TELUS STORYHIVE Supporting new and emerging content creators in Alberta and British Columbia

$52M+ in production funding provided

10 years Established in 2013

1,100+ projects funded

10,000+ Hours of training and mentorship

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Since 2013, TELUS STORYHIVE has supported a community of thousands of local content creators across Alberta and British Columbia, providing over $52 million in production funding and over 10,000 hours of robust training and one on one mentorship. STORYHIVE has given communities an opportunity to share their stories on the Canadian Broadcasting System. Through various programs, we provide production funding, training, mentorship and distribution on TELUS Optik TV, Stream+ and online platforms. We are proud of our ongoing focus to support underrepresented communities and to help empower the next generation of content creators and storytellers.

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STORYHIVE programs STORYHIVE offers a variety of opportunities for community members to create their dream project. From short documentaries, to livestreams and episodic series, we have a program for all aspiring content creators. The best part about our programs is that no experience is required to participate.

Signature programs:

Your Story, Your Narrative. Content made by new and emerging content creators. Production funding is provided for short form documentaries along with training, mentorship and distribution support. Additionally, focused programs such as Black Creators Edition and Indigenous Storyteller Edition, offer underrepresented communities more opportunity to share their stories on screen.

Your Passion, Your Community. User generated episodic programming that is created by the community, for the community. We provide production funding, training through customized virtual info sessions, access to a community of creators and distribution support.

Your City, Your Coverage. An intensive summer program in which crews (teams of two) receive microgrants, equipment and support to gain interview skills and real-world experience with livestreaming and video production to showcase hyper local community stories.

Partner programs:

In partnership with VoVo Productions, this program offers equipment, free training and mentorship for Indigenous content creators with little or no experience to create their own locally reflective content.

In partnership with Reel Youth, a number of online and in person programs offer mentorship and support for young people (ages 14-24) to explore their passion for on-screen creative expression.

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Local Heroes Documentary Edition: Sensei produced by Jill Roberts in Calgary Natalie Olson was the first Canadian with Down syndrome to earn her black belt in the Shintani Karate Federation. Now a World Silver Medalist, Natalie and coach Sensei Heather Fidyk prepare for her next big challenge.

Discover projects from Alberta

Indigenous Storyteller Edition: Lost produced by Len Morissette in Grande Prairie A reformed gang member on parole finds his family in shambles. Out of options, he is forced to make some hard decisions.

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Voices: Off the Record with Niek Theelen produced by Niek Theelen in Red Deer Off the Record with Niek Theelen is a podcast style interview where Niek Theelen connects with musicians and bands from across Alberta.

Watch Now Voices: Cooking with Kyssara 2 seasons

Explore STORYHIVE content for free on TELUS Optik TV Channel 9, Stream+ and on the STORYHIVE YouTube page.

produced by Anne Mueller in Edmonton Join young Kyssara as she learns fun classic recipes, cooks with local food gurus and discovers new savory dishes!

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To learn more about upcoming STORYHIVE programs and opportunities, visit STORYHIVE.com

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CivicWorks

Shaping Our City’s Future.

General Block | Calgary, AB

About CivicWorks CivicWorks is a specialized planning and design firm built on the promise of community. We bring progressive projects to life with urban-minded change for a more inclusive and resilient future. CivicWorks focuses on bringing progressive and visionary projects to life through thoughtful planning and compelling narrative. Our process brings together the many voices and interests that shape city-building, balancing priorities and realizing a city that works better for everyone. Because after all, we live here too.

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Recent Awards 2022 World Architecture Festival: Beacon Calgary Mayor’s Urban Design Awards: Peaks & Plains; General Block

Our space in the city.

2019 Calgary Mayor’s Urban Design Awards: LIFE; West District Alberta Professional Planner’s Institute: West District American Society of Landscape Architects: Radio Park

The CivicWorks Studio is like our own small city. We are a diverse team of multi-disciplinary innovators and committed urbanists, all working together on a like-minded vision: spaces and places that work better for more people.

2017 Calgary Mayor’s Urban Design Awards: Courtyard 33; Village

Urban minded. Forward thinking. Our Work Planning & Urban Design We focus on growing our main streets, supporting transit-oriented development, advocating for greater housing choice, and other city-building efforts aimed at making communities more livable for all.

Creative Services Bridging the gap between information design, branding, and the real-world environment, we help visionary clients capture attention, tell stories, and connect people to projects in emotionally resonant ways. Urban Advocacy We foster and support a more vibrant, resilient, and equitable Calgary through Studio-led urban initiatives, professional volunteerism, and industry advocacy.

Communications & Engagement We value connecting with the communities in which we work. We communicate openly and constructively, sharing our vision for a brighter future by inviting more folks to the table and making the complex plain.

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Vivid Helix is a Calgary-based independent PC/console video games developer led by Radu Muresan. Solving puzzles: innovators live for just such challenges. Radu Muresan solves puzzles and problems every day behind his computer screen. This Romanian programmer-turned-game-designer stamped Calgary’s name on the world’s game design map with his company Vivid Helix, building not only award-winning games but also enabling and supporting a thriving game culture and game design community in Calgary. Radu’s calling came in 2010 when mobile gaming was in its infancy. In-game advertising played a huge part in the growth of gaming, but serving adverts to young gamers poses an ethical dilemma. The purpose of gaming is to inspire imagination in children - and in-game advertisements negatively impact those developing minds. Radu initially set out to create ad-free mobile games. He discovered a passion for game design and an outlet for his creativity. His style of Android-based mobile games quickly became popular – and especially resonated with other parents and gamers seeking ad-free games. Between a challenging day job as a software developer, parenting and an expanding game design passion, he reached out to other members of the game design community for support and advice. Calgary’s not known as a game development hub, but he joined in with a budding group of game designers and programmers to share their interest, expertise and advice. As an indie game designer, working with small budgets, lean resources, and high levels of inspiration and passion, Radu recognized that fostering game development in Calgary became as important to Radu as creating long-term sustainability in the gaming industry. He co-organized events and meet-ups as a way of improving his own skills and helping budding game designers expand theirs too. At the same time, this Calgarian group grew to establish itself as the Calgary Game Developers Association in 2013, a not-for-profit organization that today supports game designers of all types and levels.

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In 2014, Vivid Helix’s game development evolved from mobile gaming to PC and console platforms. His first console and PC game, Semispheres, was launched on PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation Vita in 2017. It was the first game to reach these platforms developed in Calgary and Alberta. Back then, launching games on consoles as an indie developer with no publisher support was incredibly difficult - and rare. To further establish his career and develop a sustainable path for himself, adopted a more serious approach: he identified events, expos, and festivals to attend. These helped him immerse in the rapidly changing world of independent game development. He travelled to Unite in Boston, the San Francisco Game Developers’ Conference, PAX West in Seattle, the Tokyo Game Show, PAX South in San Antonio, PAX East in Boston, and many other events across North America. In the meantime, Radu began developing his second PC/console game, Neon Noodles, which is scheduled for release on consoles and PC in 2022. Building games is complex, technically and creatively. Through solving his game’s design elements, he not only improved his own games but those lessons learned were also shared with the gaming community in Calgary. Game jams, events, advice, and connectivity undoubtedly helped with his game design. The Calgary Game Developers Association is a thriving ecosystem of game developers sharing resources, experience, insights, and skills benefitting members. Gaming – and game design - is a shared experience. In creating games, a developer shares their cultural influences, personality, and perspective to include as many other people to enjoy too. Vivid Helix and Radu Muresan innovate not only in the game design space but enable innovators through a community of game designers in Calgary. Vivid Helix VividHelix

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STEP UP YOUR GAME.

If you love video games, you may have thought about making one. So, what’s stopping you? Ten years ago, the answer likely would have been the industry itself. Video games were typically produced only by studios with enough capital to house the entire game creation pipeline. And that pipeline was (and still is) massive. Today, the path to game development is much less imposing. Accessible game engines allow aspiring developers to utilize solid underlying technology, while hosting platforms have simultaneously softened traditional barriers to entry, paving the way for a future where alternative or niche content is encouraged. Commonly referred to as a digital gold rush, the industry has witnessed an enormous democratization of game and application development; an increasing number of which are independently published year-over-year, with no signs of slowing down.

require technical skills with an array of software, and knowledge of game engines. And that doesn’t include baked-in costs like design software licensing or hardware upkeep.” With 15 years of experience as a senior visual communications specialist, more than a decade making 3D art, and a developer certification with the Unity game engine, Maslen is well-situated to support resource-strapped studios and coders who lack art skills. Likewise, Stellar Game Assets supports artists who lack coding expertise by regularly publishing free code and tutorials.

But even a digital gold rush needs digital shovel makers (sometimes literally). Thus, 3D Artist and Unity Developer, Stephanie Maslen, founded Stellar Game Assets to create characters, props and environments for immersive applications. Their clients range from game-focused indie studios, solo developers and hobbyists to those building business applications, interactive product demos or marketing materials.

“The biggest advantage we offer is the ability to incorporate highquality 3D assets into your application without incurring the huge time commitment and cost necessary to build them from scratch,” says Maslen. “The majority of our clients don’t have the budgets of AAA studios, so they really need to manage their projects strategically. They’ve embraced a creation process where the pipeline is partitioned into manageable elements and outsourced when necessary.”

“Broadly, all immersive applications involve expertise in multiple unrelated disciplines,” says Maslen. “Coding and storytelling aside, art teams are particularly expensive because in addition to talent, they 320

Stephanie Maslen, Founder

Maslen credits early success to capitalizing on dedicated engine marketplaces — storefronts that allow content creators to provide art assets, audio, and tools for purchase. “The benefit, and drawback, to marketplaces is that they’re affordable. Anyone can use them,” says Maslen. “Much like stock photography, standout content is popular. And no developer wants to see, for instance, their main character in another game. Or many other games.”

Stephanie Maslen Email: steph@stellargameassets.com stephanie-maslen-96b47a15 Stellar3DAssets Steph@socel.net stellargameassets stellargameassets

To combat this, Stellar Game Assets’ primary focus is on customization and flexibility through a combination of art and tools. Their mission is to set their own assets apart, while allowing extensive flexibility for the end user to do the same. “We really want to see our clients become successful,” says Maslen. “The time when AAA studios and publishers had the final say about which games or applications made it to a customer is behind us. I’m just thrilled to be a part of it.”

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Alberta Innovates............36, 130, 132, 134, 138,

H3ALTH TECHNOLOGIES INC.....................206

SolarSteam Inc......................................................246

144, 146

Health Cities...................................................56, 204

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

Alberta IoT..............................................................112

Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial

(SAIT)..........................................................................158

APEX Alberta................................................ 50, 138

Thinking.................................................................. 170

Start Me Up PR..............................................46, 266

Avatar Innovations............................................ 250

Immigrant Techies Alberta............................. 222

Startup TNT........................................................... 272

Biohubx...................................................................202

InceptionU.............................................................. 174

Startup YMM........................................................ 146

BIPOC Foundation.................................................37

Innovate Calgary.............................................26, 78

Stellar Game Assets............................................ 320

Bow Valley College.............................................162

Innovation@UCalgary Ecosystem................. 74

Studio C&G.............................................................274

BRITT RADIUS..................................................... 282

Inverted Ventures.............................................. 286

SustainAgro...........................................................248

Buoyancy Works................................................ 224

Invest Alberta...................................................14, 29

Tacit Edge Product Leadership.......................218

Calgary Innovation Coalition.........................132

Jiva Consulting.............................................. 58, 254

Technology Alberta.................................... 32, 108

Calgary Tech Journal (CTJ)...............................126

Kent Imaging ..................................................53, 198

Technology North Corporation (TN)... 45, 212

Canadian Blockchain Consortium.............. 294

Kibbi.............................................................................87

TELUS STORYHIVE............................................312

Canadian Food Innovation Network

Kid Drop Inc........................................................... 228

The Agency Inc. ...........................................49, 270

(CFIN)................................................................. 52, 236

Kinetisense................................................................50

The Brenda Strafford Foundation........ 42, 194

Carmella Marketing .......................................... 276

Knead Technologies........................................... 258

The Calgary Innovation Peer Forum..........122

Central Alberta Regional Innovation

KPMG....................................................................38, 96

Toast.......................................................................... 226

Network (CARIN)................................................ 134

Marmot Benefits.................................................. 292

TradeAce Inc.............................................................54

CivicWorks.............................................................316

Metiquity Ventures........................................... 288

Trido Energy Services....................................... 234

Creative Destruction Lab - Rockies

Mitacs........................................................................116

Unbounded Thinking....................................... 124

(CDL-Rockies)..................................................40, 166

Motiv......................................................................... 278

University Innovation Quarter

Daniola........................................................................37

NanosTech..............................................................240

(UIQ).....................................................4, 22, 60, OBC

Earthware Reusables Inc................................. 262

Optave......................................................................302

University of Alberta................................. 28, 150

East Central Alberta Regional Innovation

Peer Guidance................................................ 43, 120

University of Calgary

Network (ECARIN) ............................................ 142

Platform Calgary............................................ 24, 84

(UCalgary) ........................................... 6, 34, 70, 170

Eavor Technologies Inc..................................... 232

Plug and Play......................................................... 104

University of Calgary Properties Group

Edmonton Regional Innovation Network

PrairiesCan......................................................33, 100

(UCPG).....................................................................4, 22

(ERIN)...........................................................48, 51, 136

PULP SHRED.................................................. 59, 242

Vivid Helix..............................................................318

Edmonton Unlimited...........................................92

Rainforest Alberta...............................................216

VizworX...........................................................55, 300

EvolutionVN.........................................................208

RCFarmArm.......................................................... 140

W21C Research and Innovation

Glenrose Hospital Foundation

Red Deer Polytechnic..................................35, 154

Centre.................................................................39, 188

(GHF)..........................................................30, 176, IBC

Regional Innovation Network of Southern

Wild + Pine.............................................................260

Global Village Publishing Inc.......................... 1, 8

Alberta (RINSA)................................................... 144

Willowglen Systems...................................57, 306

Grande Prairie Regional Innovation

Regional Innovation Networks (RIN)..........128

Wood Buffalo Regional Innovation

Network (GPRIN)................................................. 140

ReSkill Calgary..................................................... 222

Network (WBRIN) ............................................. 146

Guru SEO Services..............................................280

Routeique®.....................................................44, 298

Woveo.........................................................................86

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I N N O V A T E

A L B E R T A

InnovationsoftheWorld.com

SHOWCASING THE BEST OF THE WORLD - CONNECTING MINDS - BUILDING COMMUNITIES

The Innovate series is a 300-page in-depth study and AR video series that showcases the people and companies that are leading the race within the innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems of each city and industry. A book with augmented reality video, an online platform and a global network with a common goal of ensuring the brightest minds of the world connect and succeed.

IT’S A KIND OF MAGIC...

DOWNLOAD THE GLOBAL VILLAGE AR APP

TO VIEW 100 AUGMENTED REALITY VIDEOS IN THIS BOOK! To experience the future of print, download the Global Village AR App from the IOS or Android App stores. Open the App and hold it about 30cm above any page that contains an image with the “play” Icon.

Make sure your back camera is pointing at the page. Click the Play button that appears onscreen and immerse yourself in the latest updated content with reference to that page.

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THE CATALYST FOR BIG, BOLD IDEAS.

A place where innovation is brought to life.