Welcome to this week's Sunday Briefing. In this edition:
Federal AI investment fuels projects across the country
A Calgary company integrates tech stack with BC legal platform
Local innovation strategy takes shape in year-end review
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Three Calgary foodtech companies land federal innovation funding
Photo: Canadian Food Innovation Network
Three Calgary companies are among nine Canadian foodtech projects receiving nearly $770,000 through the Canadian Food Innovation Network's Innovation Booster Program. The funding, matched by industry partners for a total investment of $1.56 million, will support projects ranging from AI-powered market intelligence to bio-based ingredient production and carbon capture systems for craft breweries.
Calgary's Revo Biochem is getting $99,617 to develop a fermentation platform that produces abscisic acid, a naturally occurring compound used in functional foods and agriculture. The company aims to create a sustainable Canadian supply that replaces plant extraction and petrochemical production methods. "This project demonstrates Revo's robust biosynthetic platform and a clear pathway to scale, enabling the production of high-quality biocompounds right here in Canada," said Vikram Dhaliwal, the company's COO and co-founder.
CO2Brew landed $90,000 to build its first commercial carbon-recovery system for craft breweries. The system captures high-purity CO₂ from fermentation, purifies it, stores it as liquid, and recycles it for reuse—cutting a brewery's greenhouse gas emissions while providing a self-sufficient supply of beverage-grade CO₂. COO Karen Ngo says the company is working to create a circular economy for craft breweries by transforming emissions into a valuable resource.
U Technology Corporation received $95,000 to validate BrightHarvest, an optical-sensing system that extends fresh produce shelf life by up to 40 per cent. The company is partnering with Sobeys to conduct combined in-store and laboratory testing on both misted and packaged produce. CEO Kam Hammad says the funding will help demonstrate how the advanced lighting technology can tackle one of Canada's biggest food challenges.
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🤝 Funding, Deals, and Partnerships
Record-breaking Scale AI funding round of nearly $129M to drive Canada’s competitiveness with homegrown AI. SCALE AI, Canada’s artificial intelligence (AI) cluster, announced today a total of $128.5 million in investments to support 44 new applied AI projects across Canada. Scale AI
GeologicAI acquires Finland’s Lumo Analytics to round out suite of critical minerals sensors. The deal will see Lumo’s tech and team both join GeologicAI. Betakit
Feds announce local AI investments that will help Calgarians’ electricity bills. MP for Calgary Confederation, Corey Hogan, said that Canadians should think bigger then homework-helping chat bots when imagining AI, considering instead its ability to optimize large-scale systems and workflows. Livewire Calgary
Prolegis integrates tech stack with Clio to ‘unify experience’ for real estate law firms. Calgary’s Prolegis announced this week a strategic integration with BC-based Clio to design a singular intake to reporting operational environment for legal professionals. Calgary.Tech
📰 Need To Know
2025 year in review: Calgary’s innovation future takes shape. The Blue Sky City sharpened its long-term strategy, delivered meaningful results across key sectors and strengthened its reputation as one of North America’s most resilient and future-focused economies. Calgary Economic Development
Mappedin powers YYC Calgary International Airport’s first geo-intelligent, AI-driven passenger chatbot. With built-in geo-intelligence, the web-based chatbot, powered by Mappedin, gives passengers real-time information and guidance -- with no app download required. Mappedin
CRIN launches accelerating cleantech innovation competition. The Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN) is proud to launch the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition, in coordination with MaRS Discovery District and supported by Canada's Strategic Response Fund. Clean Resource Innovation Network
Tetra Trust clears another hurdle on its path to launching CADD stablecoin. In September, looking to expand beyond its roots as a regulated cryptocurrency custodian, Tetra Trust formed a new parent company that raised $10-million CAD to launch a stablecoin called CADD. Betakit
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