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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Google Launches Gemini 3, Its Most Advanced AI Yet

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Google officially launched Gemini 3 today, unveiling what the company calls its most intelligent AI model to date. The new system delivers advanced multimodal reasoning across text, images, video, audio, and code, and posts leading benchmark scores including 1501 Elo on LMArena and 91.9 percent on GPQA Diamond.

Gemini 3 debuts across multiple Google products, including Search’s AI Mode, the Gemini app, AI Studio, Vertex AI, and the new agent-first developer platform, Google Antigravity. Google says the model underwent its most extensive safety evaluations yet to reduce bias, improve reliability, and strengthen misuse protections.

Want to know more? Check out the source code here.

Indigenous Woman Founder Achieves First-of-its-Kind Canadian Tech Exit

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Calgary startup Virtual Gurus has sold its Virtual Assistant division to U.S.-based Zirtual in what is believed to be Canada’s first tech exit by an Indigenous woman founder. The asset purchase aligns with Zirtual’s strategy to consolidate leading virtual assistant platforms into a unified, AI-enabled ecosystem.

Founded in 2016 by Bobbie Racette, Virtual Gurus became known for connecting underrepresented workers with remote opportunities through a human-curated matching model. Board Chair Kelly Schmitt said the sale positions the business for greater scale as the sector matures. For Calgary, the milestone highlights a growing, values-driven tech community.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Calgary.tech.

Moment Energy Secures $5M to Scale Clean Storage

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Vancouver-based Moment Energy secured $5 million in growth financing from TD Innovation Partners, reinforcing confidence in its leadership in EV battery repurposing and clean energy storage. The investment from TD Bank’s innovation arm highlights rising institutional backing for Canadian cleantech firms building essential infrastructure for the energy transition.

Moment plans to scale manufacturing of its UL 1974–certified Luna Battery Energy Storage System, expanding production to meet commercial, industrial, and utility demand. As North America’s only UL-certified EV battery repurposer, the company reduces waste, strengthens supply chains, and advances grid resilience.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techcouver.

Indian IT Giant Strengthens Alberta Ties with Calgary Hub

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HCLTech has opened a new office in downtown Calgary, expanding the Indian multinational’s Western Canadian presence and reinforcing its commitment to Alberta’s fast-growing tech sector. The move follows a memorandum of understanding with Invest Alberta aimed at advancing collaboration, co-innovation, and job creation.

Located at The Ampersand, the office will function as a client co-innovation centre and delivery hub supporting digital transformation across industries. HCLTech already operates centres in Mississauga, Moncton, and Vancouver, serving more than 50 major Canadian enterprises. Executives say the Calgary expansion reflects strong demand for expertise in AI, cybersecurity, and data-driven solutions.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Calgary.tech.

DCBank Unveils Canada’s First Interac e-Transfer Cards

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Calgary-based Digital Commerce Bank has become the first Canadian financial institution to introduce Interac e-Transfer Cards, offering a more personal way for Canadians to send money. The new feature allows users to attach customizable animated messages to transfers through DCBank’s APIs, online portal, or digital wallets.

CEO Jeffrey Smith said the cards add emotional expression to routine payments, while Interac executive Glenn Wolff noted the shift toward digital-first, personalized financial experiences. With this launch, DCBank reinforces its role as an innovator in digital banking, blending convenience with creativity across one of Canada’s most relied-on payment systems.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Fintech.ca.

Formic AI Launches Transparent Enterprise Platform in Canada

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Toronto-based Formic AI has launched in Canada with an enterprise platform designed to deliver transparent, verifiable search results for organizations handling sensitive information. Positioned as a Made-in-Canada alternative to opaque AI systems, the platform emphasizes explainability, operational efficiency, and alignment with Canadian governance standards.

Each response includes citations drawn from a company’s own documents, allowing teams to validate accuracy and track data sources. CEO Daniel Escott and co-founder Varun Ranganathan said the goal is to build trust through verification rather than speculation. With a lightweight compute footprint, Formic AI targets regulated sectors where accuracy and provenance are essential.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on LegalTech.ca.

Staircase Ventures Raises $32M Toward Second Fund

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Toronto’s Staircase Ventures has raised $32 million toward its second fund, with a target of $40 million, two years after closing its $34-million debut. RBC and Northleaf Capital Partners returned as anchor investors, joined by PointClickCare co-founder Mike Wessinger, former Shopify product chief Craig Miller, and former McKinsey retail leader Tim McGuire.

Founder Janet Bannister differentiates the firm by giving portfolio founders a share of the fund’s profits plus access to health coaching, financial advice, and family-support stipends. According to The Globe and Mail, Staircase’s first fund ranks in the top 10 percent of 2023 North American funds.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on TheGlobeandMail.com.

Foresight Launches Employer Upskilling Program for Clean Economy

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Foresight has launched an employer-focused Upskilling Program aimed at helping Canadian organizations prepare their workforces for a cleaner, more innovative economy. Delivered on a recurring basis, the program offers customized training aligned with real industry needs in areas such as advanced manufacturing, sustainability, and emerging clean technologies.

Developed with employers and industry sponsors, each module includes technical learning, applied project work, and mentorship from sector experts. Foresight notes the program can fit within existing professional development budgets or support broader workforce transformation. By expanding skills and networks, the initiative helps companies retain talent and prepare for a low-carbon future.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on CleanEnergy.ca.

d1g1t Revamps Platform with Faster, Scalable Architecture

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Toronto-based d1g1t has unveiled a major upgrade to its enterprise wealth management platform, rebuilding its core data and processing layers to boost speed, scalability, and reliability. The redesigned back-end engine accelerates reporting, rebalancing, and billing, supporting millions of accounts without performance loss.

Enhanced security management now links research documents to individual securities. Advisors gain new analytics, client-event tracking, and expanded security profiles, while portfolio teams receive upgraded cash and trade tools, including enhanced UMA functionality. CEO Dan Rosen said the improvements free advisors to focus on client relationships as digital expectations rise.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Fintech.ca.

MDA Space Posts Strong Q3 Despite Lost EchoStar Contract

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MDA Space remains optimistic about fiscal 2025 despite losing a $1.8-billion EchoStar contract after SpaceX purchased the company’s spectrum assets. The Brampton firm posted strong third-quarter results, reporting $409.8 million in revenue—up 45% year-over-year—driven largely by satellite systems, which earned $283.5 million.

Gross profit rose 43% to $108.1 million, and shares climbed eight percent after earnings, though the stock remains down nearly 20% this year. CEO Mike Greenley said over half of MDA’s $20-billion opportunity pipeline involves satellite constellations. MDA also invested $10 million in Maritime Launch to strengthen Canada’s space ecosystem.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on BetaKit.