Work in clean energy? Claim part of $2.5 million

Welcome to this week's Sunday Briefing. In this issue, read about funding for clean energy solutions, plus six other stories you may have missed. Have a great day. We'll see you again on Wednesday.

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$2.5 million for Alberta energy solutions

Alberta Innovates has announced $2.5 million in funding through the Digital Innovation in Clean Energy (DICE) program.

With up to $250,000 available per project, the DICE program supports the development of digital technologies that create jobs and reduce emissions in the energy sector.

The program is open to cross-sector projects and could involve technologies such as AI and machine learning, industrial IoT, drones, virtual and augmented reality, and many others.

“The DICE competition provides opportunities for positive collisions between technology developers and those in the energy sector with pressing needs,” said Laura Kilcrease, CEO of Alberta Innovates. “Reducing greenhouse gasses, creating value for energy companies, and de-risking new technologies provides Alberta-based companies a clear advantage over their competitors, and when they succeed, it’s good for all Albertans.”

Since its launch in 2020, the DICE program has funded 30 projects, including:

• University of Calgary: Digital transformation and leak detection of hydrogen pipelines using artificial intelligence and digital twins.

• Validere Technologies: ESG forecasting and enhanced emissions reductions.

• Nanode Battery Technologies: Machine-learning electrolyte optimization for next generation rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.

• GreyJay Energy: Reduction of building costs and emissions with digital transformation software.

Applications for the program’s third round of funding are due in February, 2024.

🗳️ Question of the Week

🤝 Funding, Deals, and Partnerships

• Calgary-based real estate app Virtuo looks to expand across Canada with seed funding round. The homeownership concierge platform secures financing to help more owners go from feeling stressed to relaxing at home. Viruto Inc. 

• Carbon fibre grand challenge selects successful projects. The five successful projects are based in Alberta and B.C., and they are competing to produce carbon fibre from Alberta bitumen. Alberta Innovates

📰 Need To Know

• Edmonton and Calgary are clean technology cities to watch in North America. That's according to a report by a collection of leading cleantech companies which will be presenting their findings at COP28, the United Nations annual climate change conference. CBC News

• Here are the top 10 Calgary startups showcased at Innovation Week YYC 2023. Platform Calgary unveiled its top 10 tech companies to watch, but three of them separated themselves from the pack. Livewire Calgary

• Lighthouse Labs to provide Canadian workers with in-demand cyber skills through cybersecurity bootcamp powered by Upskill Canada. The program is part of the first wave of partnership agreements that are taking an industry-oriented approach to supporting Canadian workers. Calgary Sun

• Hydrogen emerges as a promising industry for Alberta and Saskatchewan. Alberta is the largest hydrogen producer in Canada and is a world leader in both hydrogen production and CCUS. MLT Aikins