CEO Laura Kilcrease leaves Alberta Innovates

Welcome to this week's Sunday Briefing. In this issue, read about a major leadership change at Alberta Innovates, plus 14 other stories you may have missed.

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🗳️ Question of the Week

CEO Laura Kilcrease leaves Alberta Innovates

There are big changes afoot at Alberta Innovates, the crown corporation supporting the province’s technology sector.

On Monday, board chair Tony Williams announced that Laura Kilcrease would step down from her role as CEO, effective immediately. Lyn Brown, vice president of marketing and communications, assumed the role of acting CEO, in the days ahead of an anticipated interim CEO announcement.

“I want to thank Laura for her leadership over the past seven years. Her hard work and commitment to Alberta Innovates and to growing our province’s research and innovation sector is appreciated, particularly in seeing through the implementation of the five-year strategic plan that took us to the end of 2023,” said Williams.

Just a few days later, Michael Mahon was named interim chief executive officer, effective July 1.

Mahon previously served as the president of the University of Lethbridge, where he led the university’s largest capital campaign, resulting in the construction of a science and innovation facility.

“Dr. Mahon brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership within Alberta’s research and innovation ecosystem. With his vision, deep expertise, and passion for people and partnerships, we are confident that Alberta Innovates will continue to grow and thrive during this transition period,” said Williams.

Mahon has been appointed to a one-year term as interim CEO.

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🤝 Funding, Deals, and Partnerships

• Calgary investment fund spots $400K for investor hub for underrepresented founders. The money will be distributed to up to 40 investors seeking to work with Calgary startups. Calgary Herald

• Northstar closes strategic investment of C$2.25 million from two Calgary-based strategic investors and appoints Patrick Chiu to board of directors. The company intends to use the proceeds from the strategic investment for general corporate purposes and added contingency for Northstar's proposed asphalt reprocessing facility in Calgary. Northstar Clean Technologies

• ‘Disruptive Digital Innovator’ PrePad leverages strategic investment from U.S. heavyweight. In April, PrePad received a strategic investment from Devon Energy Corporation, a $30-billion oil and gas company in the U.S. boasting a portfolio headlined by acreage in the Delaware Basin. Calgary Tech

• Six Alberta startups raised capital in May. Explore May 2024 investments in the Start Alberta dealflow database. Start Alberta

📰 Need To Know

• Community leaders convene on Calgary’s economic action plan: Uplook. Built with feedback from local businesses and community organizations, the plan identifies the vision for Calgary to be the place where bright minds and big ideas come together with an unmatched spirit to help solve global challenges. Calgary Economic Development

• Innovators of the Week: LeeAnne Ireland and Jessica Hawryluk promote Indigenous youth in tech. The IndigiTrails App was conceptualized by participants of the Urban Society of Aboriginal Youth and then designed with Untethered Technologies. Avenue Calgary

• Researcher develops artificial intelligence tool to transform coronary artery disease care. The AI technology, named Revaz AI, will interface with Connect Care, Alberta’s digital health record system, where it will tap into and use de-identified angiography results, demographic data, patient history and other information. University of Calgary

• SAIT's path to Indigenization. From internal growth to education opportunities and increasing Indigenous visibility on campus, SAIT continues decolonization efforts and working to remove systemic barriers to Indigenous success. Education News Canada

• Calgary rises in ranks to fifth most livable city in the world in 2024. The annual rankings were released today by the global research firm, with Calgary rising from its position as the seventh most livable city in 2023. Calgary Economic Development

• UCalgary alums receive Young Women in Energy award. The award is given to women in Alberta’s energy sector who are making an impact in the industry through leadership, innovation and performance. University of Calgary

• Calgary’s Captus Generation unveils plans for carbon-neutral electricity in Alberta. The development will supply reliable electricity to Alberta’s grid and potentially support on-site power-consuming businesses such as data centres, according to a statement from Calgary’s Captus, a subsidiary of Canadian infrastructure firm BTG Energy. Calgary Tech

• Innovator of the Week: Jenna Galloway’s online learning tool offers a holistic approach to wellness for children. Fledge, a first-of-its-kind online learning tool, acts like a game to teach children about mental health and development. Avenue Calgary

• Vaco continues expansion in Canada with Calgary office opening. This marks the fifth Canadian location for Vaco, joining its existing portfolio of offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Quebec City and Montreal. Vaco

• Shell to build carbon capture and storage projects in Canada. Shell announced the Final Investment Decision (FID) for Polaris, a carbon capture project at the Shell Energy and Chemicals Park, Scotford in Alberta. Shell