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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Alberta Women Founders Raise $116M in 2024

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Alberta’s female founders raised $116 million across 14 funding rounds in 2024, according to new Start Alberta Deal Flow data. These rounds, spotlighted during International Women’s Day, include Calgary-led ventures such as Orpyx Medical Technologies ($20M, Breanne Everett), CruxOCM ($17M, Vicki Knott), and Artificial.Agency ($16M, Alex Kearney).

Startups span health tech, energy, real estate, AI, and pet tech. The funding showcases Alberta’s growing innovation ecosystem, increasingly shaped by women entrepreneurs. Calgary.tech has chronicled many of these founders’ stories—each helping push Alberta to the forefront of Canada’s startup landscape.

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

Canadian Firms Plan Hiring Surge Amid Salary Stagnation

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Morgan McKinley’s 2025 Salary Guide reveals that every Canadian hiring manager surveyed plans to recruit in the next six months, signalling a surge in job activity. Yet, 50% of professionals are actively job-hunting, and salary stagnation remains a key challenge. Half of employers lost candidates over uncompetitive compensation, and 63% of workers feel insecure in their roles.

Although 67% plan to raise pay for hard-to-fill roles, dissatisfaction with benefits persists. Managing Director Ian Kinsella warns employers: adapt to workforce expectations—or risk talent loss in an increasingly competitive hiring environment.

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

Siemens Invests $150M in Canada for Global Battery R&D Hub

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Siemens will invest $150 million over five years to launch a Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center in Canada, focused on EV and battery production innovation. Headquartered in Oakville with extensions in Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, the initiative is expected to create up to 90 high-paying jobs.

The center will develop AI-powered manufacturing tools to improve battery quality, reduce waste, and boost recycling. Federal and provincial leaders hailed the move as proof of confidence in Canada’s EV strategy. The investment includes support from both Ottawa and Queen’s Park, and aligns with Canada’s broader clean energy transition goals.

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

Hut 8 Trades Bitcoin Assets for Stake in Trump-Linked Firm

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Hut 8, formerly a Toronto-based bitcoin miner with operations in Ontario and B.C., has exchanged most of its mining operations for an 80% stake in American Data Centers, a company tied to Eric and Donald Trump Jr. The company will rebrand as American Bitcoin, marking the Trump family’s third venture into digital assets.

The move follows criticism over potential conflicts of interest, given the Trump administration’s pro-crypto policies. Matt Prusak, ex-Hut 8, will be CEO, while Eric Trump assumes the role of chief strategy officer. Hut 8 merged with US Bitcoin and moved its HQ to Miami in 2023.

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

CoolIT Expansion Fuels Alberta’s Data Centre Surge

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Calgary-based CoolIT Systems, a global leader in liquid cooling technology, is driving Alberta’s emergence as a data centre and tech hub. Chief Operating Officer Patrick McGinn credits Alberta’s abundant resources, skilled workforce, and favourable business climate for attracting firms like AWS and Microsoft.

With Colliers’ support, CoolIT is expanding its headquarters and Liquid Lab™, boosting manufacturing by 25X and creating hundreds of jobs. Their energy-saving technology cuts cooling energy by over 90% and enables heat recycling. McGinn sees Alberta’s future shaped by data centre growth, sustainability, and talent development, positioning the province for long-term global leadership.

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

AI-Powered Platform Tackles Real Estate Document Confusion

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StrataReports, a Vancouver-based startup founded by brothers Ashkan and Arash Tavassoli in 2023, is simplifying strata document reviews using AI technology. Designed for homebuyers and realtors, the platform customizes GPT-style models to analyze and summarize condo documents, addressing a major challenge in B.C. and Alberta’s real estate markets.

Since its public debut in March 2024, StrataReports has experienced record monthly growth and strong early feedback, with a 2.73/3 average report rating. Focused initially on realtors, the company plans to expand across the transaction process, targeting buyers, sellers, and brokerages with AI-powered due diligence tools.

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

Vancouver CEO Showcases Quantum Robot at Bezos’ MARS Summit

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At Jeff Bezos’ exclusive MARS summit in Florida, Vancouver deep tech CEO Dr. Suzanne Gildert of Nirvanic AI presented a live demo of “KitCat,” a quadruped robot powered by real-time quantum computing from Burnaby’s D-Wave. Gildert’s keynote on quantum consciousness in robotics explored if adaptive, agency-driven machines can be developed for future applications—including space.

Gildert also met Bezos and notable figures like physicist Stephen Wolfram and director Ron Howard. Nirvanic’s research could pioneer self-aware AI, with upcoming presentations in New York and Barcelona. The company’s ultimate aim: to advance understanding of machine and human consciousness.

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

RBC and Canadian Tire Forge Loyalty Partnership

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Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC) have announced a long-term strategic partnership linking Avion Rewards with Triangle Rewards, two of Canada’s most prominent loyalty programs. Starting in 2026, eligible RBC cardholders will earn Canadian Tire Money faster when shopping at CTC banners like SportChek, Mark’s, and Canadian Tire, while unlocking exclusive offers through Avion.

The collaboration aims to grow Triangle Rewards’ 12 million-member base and drive retail sales. Executives from both companies say the alliance creates a “loyalty powerhouse,” offering Canadians enhanced rewards, savings, and daily value across both platforms.

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

Edmonton’s Nanoprecise Raises $38M to Scale Predictive AI Tech

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Nanoprecise Sci Corp, an Edmonton-based cleantech company, has secured $38 million in Series C funding, co-led by Yaletown Partners and BDC’s Industrial Innovation Venture Fund. Backers include EDC, BMO Capital Partners, and CIBC Innovation Banking. Nanoprecise uses AI and wireless sensors to monitor industrial machinery and predict failures before they occur.

The funding will scale its AI-driven predictive maintenance platform, boosting efficiency and sustainability for global manufacturers. CEO Sunil Vedula says the company aims to help teams make data-informed, proactive decisions. New executive hires include Param Desai as CPO and Kevin Clark as Chief Evangelist.

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

Publicis Acquires Moov AI to Expand Canadian AI Capabilities

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Publicis Groupe has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Moov AI, a Montréal-based AI and data solutions firm recognized as Forbes’ top startup employer in Canada for 2024. Founded in 2018, Moov AI employs over 60 AI experts and has delivered AI strategies for more than 100 clients nationwide.

The acquisition will integrate Moov AI’s proprietary tools and consulting into Publicis Groupe Canada’s CoreAI offering, enhancing personalization, automation, and decision-making for clients. Moov AI will operate as an AI practice within Publicis Groupe Canada, reporting to President and CEO Duncan Bruce, and fueling AI-driven business transformation across North America.

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