AI healthtech gets a $9.5M boost

Welcome to this week's Sunday Briefing. In this issue, read about funding for a Calgary AI healthtech startup, plus 15 other stories you may have missed. Have a great day. We'll see you again on Wednesday.

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🗳️ Question of the Week

AI healthtech gets a $9.5M boost

Alongside 10 research projects and another company, Calgary’s Mikata Health will receive funding from the Enabling Better Health Through Artificial Intelligence Program. Launched in fall 2023, the program is aimed at removing barriers that prevent the use of AI in healthcare.

“Supporting digital health solutions is one of our core priorities. Our program provides the necessary research funding to help companies and innovators identify and overcome roadblocks to the broader use of artificial intelligence,” said Laura Kilcrease, CEO of Alberta Innovates. “The goal is faster and better health care for Albertans and the development of new technologies right here in Alberta that can be exported around the world.”

To that end, Mikata Health is developing its Mika AI Scribe technology to automate and streamline manual paperwork and data entry performed by doctors and other clinicians. The objective is to free up doctors to focus on patients, improving the patient experience while also reducing physician workloads and burnout. Through the funding program, Mikata Health has been granted $800,000 to research and develop the technology, lead privacy, safety, and ethics for AI, and work closely with clinics and with health care teams to test and implement the technology.

🤝 Funding, Deals, and Partnerships

• More than 1,000 jobs, millions in funding added to Alberta aviation industry. The Alberta government is pledging more than $73 million toward the province's aviation and aerospace industry – a move it says will foster growth and make Calgary a hub for travel. CTV News

• Alberta invests $43M to fund planning at new NAIT training facility. The centre, which will be built on a 12-acre lot north of the original main campus, will add 640,000 square feet of new learning space to NAIT's main campus. CTV News

• Province announces $55 million investment towards U of C science hub. The new hub will help more students access science, technology, engineering and math facilities and training at the school, becoming the primary home for research and collaboration. CTV News

• Conexus Venture Capital launches its second $30-million fund to back Saskatchewan tech startups. Through its latest fund, CVC plans to invest in more early-stage Saskatchewan-based technology startups. Betakit

📰 Need To Know

• Ecosystem Spotlight: Alberta tech is striking gold. CIBC Innovation Banking’s Joe Timlin on the province that’s punching above its weight. Betakit

• Varcoe: He helped build one of the city's first tech unicorns. Now, Manuj Nikhanj is set to lead a global energy firm — from Calgary. Calgary Herald

• 3 reasons to attend Avenue’s 2024 Innovation Event. But, who is leading that innovation in Calgary and what exactly does it look like? Avenue Calgary

• Genesys, Longbow and others recognized for big exits at 2024 CVCA awards. Calgary’s Longbow Capital was recognized with the PE Deal of the Year for its investment in hydrogen and natural gas distributor Certarus. Betakit

• Robotics technology will help fulfill your Amazon orders at this Calgary facility. The facility is 2.8 million-square-feet and will have a team of more than 1,500 employees working there to pick, pack and ship products. CTV News

• Mphasis sees strong tech capabilities in Calgary. Calgary has long been known as Canada’s energy capital, and the head of the Canadian division of one of India’s most successful technology companies says that energy extends beyond the city’s oil and gas reputation. Calgary Economic Development

• University of Calgary to relaunch oil engineering program after hiatus. The university stopped admitting students to its petroleum engineering bachelor’s degree program in 2021 after a multi-year period of low oil prices, corporate consolidation and widespread energy sector layoffs. Calgary Herald

• 'Science Olympics' take over Calgary's Olympic Oval. More than 900 students competed in a variety of challenges that allowed them to experience new ideas while having fun. CTV News

• Ground-breaking pilot project poised to transform breast cancer surgery in Alberta. An innovative magnetic localization project will dramatically improve cancer surgery and the patient experience across the province. Calgary Health Foundation

• OCIF, Life Sciences Innovation Hub strengthen ecosystem in Calgary. To grow the newly emerging life sciences sector for Calgary, the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) committed $8.5 million to the hub at the University of Calgary in 2019. Calgary Economic Development

• Calgary companies getting a global boost through CED trade programs. There are 12 Calgary companies in Singapore for this latest trade mission, each with different goals. Livewire Calgary

• Company hopes latest local venture literally blasts off. A “made-in-Alberta” rocket may reach outer space in 2026, according to the man whose company manufacturers equipment in Medicine Hat and which has already tested early models this spring at CFB Suffield. Medicine Hat News