Welcome to this week's Sunday Briefing. In this edition:
Direct air capture test centre opens in Innisfail
Calgary company tackles wildfires with smart tower
Local startup debuts AI wearable for sports referees
Have a great day. We'll see you again next week.
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🗳️ Question of the Week
Which Alberta innovation has the biggest future impact?
Photo: GeologicAI
$44M round fuels GeologicAI’s global growth
Calgary-based GeologicAI has secured $44 million in Series B funding to expand its AI-driven mineral analysis platform. The round was led by Blue Earth Capital, with participation from mining giants BHP and Rio Tinto—both of which are also customers—alongside existing investor Breakthrough Energy Ventures.
GeologicAI’s technology combines advanced sensors, machine learning, and geoscience expertise to scan and analyze drill core samples in real time. The platform is designed to help mining companies make faster, more confident decisions in identifying and developing critical minerals such as lithium, copper, and rare earth elements.
The funding will support the company’s global expansion across five continents and drive continued development of its proprietary hardware and AI tools. CEO Grant Sanden said the investment reflects growing industry demand for high-resolution data and smarter workflows across the mineral supply chain.
With mineral demand rising amid global electrification efforts, investors see GeologicAI’s approach as a key enabler of more efficient, lower-impact resource discovery. “They’re addressing one of the mining sector’s most pressing challenges,” said BHP’s Laurel Buckner.
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📰 Need To Know
World’s first direct air capture test centre to open doors in Innisfail, Alta. Deep Sky Alpha facility will trial technologies that suck CO2 from the sky. Canadian Energy Centre
Rogers Satellite Service launch a ‘game-changer’ for search and rescue in Alberta. Effective immediately, Canadians can sign up for a free beta trial of Rogers Satellite. Calgary.Tech
AIMCo appoints Justin Lord as chief investment officer. Prior to this appointment, he held several key roles at AIMCo, including Senior Executive Managing Director, Global Head of Public Markets, overseeing AIMCo's public equities and fixed income teams. Alberta Investment Corporation
Calgary startup brings accountability to the game with launch of AI wearable for refs. Over the past few years, there has been a notable decline of sports referees in Canada. Calgary.Tech
Calgary company launches high-tech tower to combat wildfires. Wildfire Innovations’ new RainStream is no ordinary firefighting tool. Western Standard
Rethinking recruitment: How MRO Electronics reimagined hiring with OCIF Express. In a world where small businesses are often forced to do more with less, Calgary-based MRO Electronics Supply Ltd. (MRO) is flipping the script, thanks to a timely boost from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) Express program. Calgary Economic Development
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