🗳️ Question of the Week

Calgary’s Knead Technologies digs into foodtech challenges and opportunities

Last week, the Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) released its inaugural Foodtech in Canada 2025 Ecosystem Report, providing an overview of the state of the sector across the country.

The report charts over CAD $4.1 billion in Canadian agrifoodtech investments between 2014 and 2024, in which CAD $2.3 billion went specifically to foodtech projects.

“Canada’s foodtech ecosystem has made remarkable progress over the last decade, driving transformative innovations that enhance sustainability, boost economic productivity, and create jobs nationwide,” says Dana McCauley, CEO of CFIN. “However, to truly realize our potential as a global foodtech superpower, we must address the pressing challenges that remain. CFIN is fully committed to empowering homegrown innovators and fostering solutions that will shape the future of food technology in Canada.”

According to CFIN’s report, the challenges that McCauley refers to are:

• Lagging productivity, in part due to underinvestment in research and development and a lack of venture capital.

• Labour shortages and changing skills requirements as the sector turns to technology versus manual roles.

• Climate change and supply chain vulnerabilities that put at risk food security and industry resilience.

• Food waste and regulatory fragmentation that undermine efficiency and sustainability.

Lourdes Juan, CEO of Calgary-based Knead Technologies, also spoke to the challenges and opportunities in Canada’s foodtech ecosystem. Knead’s platform aims to reduce food waste by simplifying food rescue.

“Building a foodtech company in Canada is both challenging and rewarding,” she says. “We're tackling the universal issue of food waste, which resonates across political lines. While access to growth capital can be an uphill battle, we're fortunate to have support from impact-focused investors who believe in changing the world through technology.

“The Canadian ecosystem offers unique advantages, like strong research hubs and government-backed innovation programs, but we also face hurdles in scaling and market access,” she continues. “Despite these challenges, we're excited to be part of a growing sector that's not only addressing food insecurity but also making a significant environmental impact."

Last week, Knead Technologies closed $800K in pre-seed funding to connect food-waste donors with food-rescue organizations through its white-label app.

🤝 Funding, Deals, and Partnerships

• New funding for carbon capture technology will break down the biggest barrier to adoption: options. CAD $4.5 million in funding from Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the Government of Alberta, and industry will enable InnoTech Alberta to make carbon capture storage and utilization technologies more energy efficient, cost effective, and accessible for widespread industry adoption. Alberta Innovates

• Canada Growth Fund announces commitment to Calgary-based Longbow Capital's Energy Transition Fund II. The fund invests in businesses that are expected to benefit from the momentum behind the energy transition, with a focus on technologies and services that help lower carbon emissions through efficient and cost-effective solutions. Canada Growth Fund

• RetinaLogik is ready to execute on its vision with $1.1-million in financing and Health Canada Class II approval. RetinaLogik co-founder and CEO Abdullah Sarhan described Class II approval as a “major milestone” that will aid the company’s expansion into more applications and markets. Betakit

• Voyageur receives $600K grant from Alberta Innovates for product development. The funds will be allocated to a pivotal study assessing the usefulness of Voyageur’s Frances Creek barium sulfate against competing products. Voyaguer Pharmaceuticals

• Credivera expands with acquisition of Oliu. Credivera announced it has entered into a conditional agreement to acquire Oliu's technology stack, a product of ATB Financial's innovation arm: ATB Ventures. ATB Financial

• The AIMCo Foundation awards $380,000 in community grants to support financial literacy in Alberta. The AIMCo Foundation is run by volunteers from AIMCo and their clients, funded primarily by corporate and employee donations. Alberta Investment Management Corporation

📰 Need To Know

• Trade Accelerator Program: Empowering Alberta businesses to scale globally. The program is specifically designed to equip ventures with the knowledge, resources, and mentorship required to successfully navigate the global arena. Calgary Economic Development

• Canada's crypto industry turns to Alberta's ATB Financial. Alberta wants the crypto and technology industry to reach $5 billion in revenue by 2030. Financial Post

• Amid a ‘broken system,’ fintech leaders in Alberta advance ‘bolder’ vision for Canada. An army comprised of some of Canada’s biggest names in financial technology has launched a digital campaign encouraging the nation’s entrepreneurs to envision a “bolder, richer, freer country.” Calgary.Tech

• Innovator of the week: Jefferson Roc’s company uses AI to provide mental health support. PeerX.AI was selected as one of eight companies for the Canadian Technology Accelerator program in 2024. Avenue Calgary

• Quantum computing has already changed the world. But what does that mean for quantum startups? Barry Sanders, scientific director of Quantum City, explores some of the key considerations for quantum startups and investors. University of Calgary

• Alberta touted as prime location for AI data centres and development opportunities. The province’s abundant natural gas resources and existing infrastructure make it an attractive option for tech companies seeking reliable and cost-effective power sources. Calgary.Tech

• ShipAlberta launches as an innovative shipping solution to help Alberta businesses reach the world. ShipAlberta is designed to support Alberta businesses in growing, exporting, and competing globally by providing enhanced, cost-effective shipping solutions. ShipAlberta