Welcome to this week's Sunday Briefing. In this edition:
A Calgary startup marks a historic exit
Local companies expand partnerships internationally
Alberta firms earn spots on major tech ranking
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Calgary's economy set to outpace national growth in 2026
Calgary Economic Development’s economic outlook event. Photo: Neil Zeller / Calgary Economic Development on LinkedIn
Calgary's economy is expected to grow nearly twice as fast as the rest of Canada next year. The city is projected to see 2.4 per cent growth in 2026 compared to the national forecast of 1.3 per cent, according to Calgary Economic Development's annual outlook. Calgary also leads the country in employment growth and has the highest labour market participation rate. The challenges? Unemployment currently sits at 7.9 per cent, above the national average, with youth unemployment ranking second highest in the country. Experts expect the jobless rate to stay around 7 per cent through 2026.
Calgary Economic Development is pushing local companies to look beyond the U.S. for trade opportunities, expanding programs to help businesses tap into markets in Europe, Asia, and the UAE. The organization is also backing Calgary's Innovation Strategy, which aims to build sector-specific hubs and funding networks for startups and growing companies. If it works, the plan could create up to 187,000 jobs and pump over $28 billion into the local economy by 2034.
Alberta is handling current trade tensions better than other provinces, helped by people moving here, new housing construction, and better access to Asian energy markets, ATB Financial reports. But there are risks ahead—escalating trade disputes and falling oil prices could hurt. ATB's chief economist Mark Parsons says the province needs to keep its energy and agriculture sectors strong while growing newer industries like tech and aviation.
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🤝 Funding, Deals, and Partnerships
Zirtual acquires Virtual Gurus’ virtual assistant division, marking historic Calgary exit. Calgary startup Virtual Gurus has sold its Virtual Assistant division to U.S.-based Zirtual, marking what is believed to be Canada’s first tech exit by an Indigenous woman founder. Calgary.Tech
OncoHelix partners with Dejardins Insurance to expand access to advanced cancer diagnostics for Canadians. OncoHelix's mission is to make the most advanced precision diagnostics accessible to patients across Canada. OncoHelix
Calgary based ag-tech company signs partnership to bring next-generation micronized elemental sulphur technology to the UAE. Sultech Global Innovation Corp working with ADNOC Sour Gas to expand next-generation micronized elemental sulphur market in United Arab Emirates. Alberta Farmer Express
City of Calgary taps Northstar Clean Tech to bolster Alberta’s circular economy efforts. Northstar, a Calgary-born cleantech startup, says the five-year contract is set to commence in April. Calgary.Tech
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📰 Need To Know
Calgary tech talks about a different kind of energy at Innovation Week. Calgary’s tech sector has been surging in recent years. Betakit
Eight Alberta companies named to Deloitte’s 2025 Technology Fast 500 ranking. This year’s list features six Calgary companies and two from Edmonton, spanning software, fintech, energy tech, and advanced hardware — further proof that Alberta’s innovation economy is scaling at speed. Calgary.Tech
“We’re not gonna pretend that we could do the R&D that you do.” Calgary-based VizworX finds building in 3D is easier than filing a SR&ED claim. Betakit