TOGETHER WITH
Welcome to this week's Sunday Briefing. In this edition:
Entropy buys into 3 carbon-capture hubs
Ottawa invests $11M in Alberta AI & advanced tech
NiaHealth raises $5.75M to lead in proactive health
Have a great day. We'll see you again next week.
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🗳️ Question of the Week
Which city do you think is pulling ahead in tech innovation?
Kapil Kalra, President & Co-founder, naturemary; Brad Parry, president and CEO, Calgary Economic Development; Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration; and Sonia Mary Kalra, CEO & Co-founder, naturemary. Photo: Calgary Economic Development
Trade accelerator program gets $2.8M boost from province
The Government of Alberta has committed $2.8 million over five years to expand Calgary Economic Development's Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), which helps small and medium-sized businesses prepare for international markets. The funding will allow the program to support up to 650 additional Alberta companies through 2029, providing them with mentorship, export strategies and market insights.
Since launching in Alberta in 2018, TAP has worked with over 550 local businesses across sectors from clean technology to consumer products. Program graduates report over 60 percent revenue increases within 24 months of completion, and in 2024 alone, TAP alumni secured 42 trade deals worth more than $11 million in revenue, with nearly two-thirds expanding beyond North America.
Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, said the investment supports the government's priority to increase trade and help businesses diversify globally. Calgary Economic Development also plans to launch "Levelling Up" in 2026, an advanced program for TAP graduates seeking further export expansion.
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🤝 Funding, Deals, and Partnerships
Calgary’s Entropy acquires $20M stake in three carbon-capture hubs. The transaction would give the carbon-capture and storage company positions in the Belle Plaine and North Battleford hubs in Saskatchewan, and the Rolling Hills development in Southern Alberta. The Logic
Taking carbon capture to new heights. $5 million from the TIER fund is being invested to help launch the world’s first direct air capture centre. Government of Alberta
Government unveils $11M investment to help Alberta businesses grow with AI tech. Canada this week announced federal investments of $11 million for seven Alberta businesses and organizations leveraging modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, digitalization, and advanced manufacturing. Calgary.Tech
As life expectancy stalls, NiaHealth adds $5.75M in funding to lead Canada’s proactive health movement. Led by Golden Ventures, the funding accelerates the rollout of NiaHealth’s Platform 2.0 and cements its role as the category-defining leader in Canada’s proactive health revolution. NiaHealth
Edmonton forms new partnership with Calgary to strengthen tech in both cities. A new partnership between Edmonton Unlimited and Platform Calgary could combine each city’s strengths for mutual success, said Edmonton Unlimited CEO Tom Viinikka. Taproot Edmonton
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📰 Need To Know
Canadian carbon tech startup draws US interest post-Trump. Startup Deep Sky recently completed construction at its "Alpha" Direct Air Capture, or DAC, test ground in Alberta, where it will have room for 10 companies to deploy and fine-tune technologies on their way to developing commercial-scale plants. Reuters
AIMCo looks for new CIO amid push to expand Calgary office. Pension fund continues overhaul that began last year when the Alberta government fired board and top executive. Financial Post
Seasoned Calgary innovator joins CDL minerals program as ecosystem partner. Critical minerals companies utilize GeologicAI’s technology stack to better decisions faster via the company’s AI-powered system, which uses a network of sensors to capture critical data onsite in real-time. Calgary.Tech
Three things you should know about building an IP strategy to attract investment. IP isn’t just legal protection—it’s a signal that your business is investment-ready. Alberta Innovates
Lufthansa Technik breaks ground in Calgary, marking a milestone in aerospace innovation. With a central location, a deep pool of highly skilled talent, and a collaborative ecosystem, Calgary is fast becoming the go-to city for the world’s aerospace visionaries. Calgary Economic Development
New AI-driven platform improves health care oversight and labour mobility. Compliance Health Technologies Inc. allows health care providers to ensure staff are up to date and qualified – even if when moving from out of province or navigating changing regulations. Bow Valley College