The cows are calling

Welcome to this week's Sunday Briefing. In this issue, read about AI in cattle farming, plus 17 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

🤝 Funding, Deals, and Partnerships

• Government of Canada invests in biomanufacturing capacity in Calgary. The feds are set to contribute $15 million to support Northern RNA’s $50 million project through the Strategic Innovation Fund. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

• Canada Growth Fund invests in Entropy carbon capture program. The funding for the Calgary company could lead to over $1 billion in investments in carbon capture and sequestration projects. Journal of Commerce

• Capgemini builds sustainable digital solutions from Calgary. The global company gathers data and translates it into informed decisions to enhance the businesses of its clients, primarily in Calgary’s energy sector. Calgary Economic Development.

• Federal funding helps InceptionU develop and match tech talent across the Prairies. PrairiesCan $1.2 million investment will boost employment opportunities in five tech and tech-adjacent roles. InceptionU

• Minister Boissonnault announces federal investments for inclusive learning and skills development in Alberta. Over $8.8 million through PrairiesCan will help connect youth and underrepresented Canadians to new career opportunities across diverse sectors. Prairies Economic Development Canada

• Plug and Play Alberta Announces Partnership with Shell Canada. The collaboration will enable Shell Canada to source and partner with top technology startups. Plug and Play

• Minister Boissonnault announces federal investment to support Alberta's health technology sector. Over $2.1 million through PrairiesCan will enable Alberta technology firms to ramp up commercialization of in-demand mobility and home-health technologies. Prairies Economic Development Canada

📰 Need To Know

• Meet the 2024 Compelling Calgarians. Each year, the Calgary Herald honours 20 Calgarians making their mark in our community and beyond, who are worth keeping an eye on in the year ahead. Calgary Herald

• The OCC’s directive for Venture Lending - what is means for entrepreneurs and investors. On the surface, the market seems bleak. VCs have pulled back. Angels are few and far between. Coho Growth

• Alberta cleantech companies ready for new emissions rules. The federal government unveiled draft oil and gas methane reduction regulations during the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai earlier this month. Canadian Biomass

• Alberta’s renewable energy pause could become lingering stumble, observers say. For those who study the renewable electricity industry, as well as for those in it, the six-month moratorium on project approvals slated to come off in February could turn out to be a crucial stumble that costs Alberta its lead, perhaps forever. Canadian Press

• Swinging for a home run: The future of startups with ZayZoon's Darcy Tuer. Calgary’s technology industry is exploding, with buzzworthy companies setting up shop in a city historically known for oil and gas. BLG

• Wearable tech for cattle? Researchers at the University of Calgary are looking into how collars on cattle might yield information to help producers improve bull performance and keep calves healthy. Canadian Cattlemen

• Bovine AI: Alberta cattle rancher says technology helps save time and money. Ashley Perepelkin says she was born and raised a city girl, never thinking she'd sell fresh beef from cattle she raised on her own Alberta farm with the help of artificial intelligence. Toronto Star

• UCalgary students harness power of AI to stimulate engagement between investors. New technology opens doors for stakeholders to better connect with each other in the venture capital investment sector. University of Calgary

• Parker: Calgary-based NanosTech set to transform oilsands industry. NanosTech is an energy transition company aiming to help producers meet the challenges of climate change. Calgary Herald

💡 Ideas and Insights

• Thin Air Labs’ Funding Catalyst team broke down the top trends in grant funding for 2024.