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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

 

Ayrton Energy Raises $6.8M to Advance Hydrogen Storage Technology

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Calgary-based Ayrton Energy has raised $6.8 million in seed financing to develop its liquid organic hydrogen carrier (LOHC) technology. The funding round, led by Clean Energy Ventures and BDC Capital, aims to help Ayrton expand its operations and scale its hydrogen storage system.

Ayrton’s LOHC allows hydrogen to be stored at room temperature and low pressure, solving a major challenge in hydrogen transport and storage. The company has already begun a pilot program in Alberta with ATCO Gas. Ayrton’s technology is expected to significantly contribute to decarbonizing industries such as aviation and shipping.

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

HP’s Latest Study Shows Personalized Work and AI Could Improve Worker Satisfaction

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HP Inc. has released its second annual Work Relationship Index (WRI), revealing that only 28% of knowledge workers have a healthy relationship with work, a minor one-point increase from last year. The study, surveying 15,600 workers across 12 countries, highlighted the importance of personalized work experiences and AI.

Workers using AI reported higher productivity and job satisfaction. The report also showed that female leaders outperformed male counterparts in confidence with both human and hard skills. HP’s President Enrique Lores stressed AI’s potential in driving business growth and personal fulfillment.

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

PrePad Chosen for Chevron’s Catalyst Program, Innovates Energy Cost Estimation

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Calgary-based SaaS startup PrePad has been selected for Chevron Technology Ventures’ (CTV) prestigious Catalyst Program, joining global energy innovators. Launched in 2017, the Catalyst Program fosters early-stage companies that drive innovation in the energy sector. PrePad’s software, which optimizes cost and time estimates for oil and gas drilling, provides transparency and improves decision-making.

PrePad joins Chevron’s experts to refine its platform, already used by companies like Devon Energy. Co-founders Sean Hervo and Brandon Eidson see this as a major step forward for PrePad, which was also named Disruptive Digital Innovator at the 2024 Global Energy Show.

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

Shopify to Hire 1,000 Engineering Interns in 2025

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Shopify is set to hire 1,000 engineering interns in 2025, as announced by Farhan Thawar, Shopify’s VP & Head of Engineering, on Twitter. Thawar encouraged “AI centaurs” to apply. The internships, lasting four months, will take place in Toronto, Ottawa, or Montreal and are open to all applicants.

Shopify highlighted the opportunity for interns to help shape how entrepreneurs around the globe do business. Applications for Shopify’s Winter 2025 internships are now open, with interested candidates encouraged to apply online. This marks a significant expansion in Shopify’s recruitment efforts.

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

AI Scribe Startup Scribenote Raises $8.2M, Led by Andreessen Horowitz

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Veterinary professionals face overwhelming workloads, with 86% reporting severe stress. Scribenote, an AI-powered medical scribe for veterinarians, has raised $8.2 million in seed funding to address this. Led by Andreessen Horowitz, the funding will help automate medical records, saving veterinarians hours of paperwork.

Co-founded by Ryan Gallagher, inspired by his sister’s experience, Scribenote allows real-time documentation during appointments. Already in use by hundreds of clinics, the AI scribe has automated 1.5 million records, saving vets up to two hours daily. Scribenote plans to expand its platform, helping veterinarians focus more on patient care.

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

Pangaea Ventures Raises $115 Million for HardTech Impact Fund

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Pangaea Ventures, a Vancouver and Phoenix-based venture capital firm, has finalized its fifth and largest fund, raising $115 million. The fund focuses on HardTech solutions aimed at improving planetary health, including clean energy and sustainable agriculture.

The firm has already backed five startups, including Vancouver’s pH7 Technologies, which specializes in eco-friendly metal extraction. With half of the fund already deployed, Pangaea plans to invest between $3 and $5 million per round, primarily in Canada and the U.S. Pangaea has also opened an office in Tokyo to expand its reach.

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

Amazon Expands Key In-Garage Delivery Service to Canada

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Amazon has introduced its Key In-Garage Delivery service to Prime members in Canada, allowing eligible users with a compatible myQ Smart Garage to receive packages securely inside their garage. Kaushik Mani, Amazon’s Director of Amazon Key, expressed excitement at extending the service to Canadian members after successful implementation in the U.S.

This service aims to enhance security, protect deliveries from weather, and offer convenience. Users must connect their myQ-enabled garage door opener to the myQ app and link it to Amazon Key. Packages can now be delivered inside, even when homeowners are away.

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

Frate Raises $3.6M to Revolutionize Retail Returns

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Toronto-based startup Frate has raised $3.6M CAD in an oversubscribed seed funding round led by Matchstick Ventures. With participation from 2048 Ventures, Whitecap Venture Partners, Closed Loop Venture Partners, and Better Ventures, Frate’s total funding now stands at $5.7M CAD.

The company’s returns automation platform helps retailers reduce return volumes and costs while addressing issues like return fraud. Frate’s solutions include AI-powered virtual condition assessments and personalized exchange recommendations. CEO Bailey Newton emphasized that this funding will allow further platform development.

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

Zenbase Launches Canada’s First Rental Reporting API

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Calgary-based Zenbase has launched Canada’s first rental reporting API, designed to help millions of Canadians improve their credit scores by integrating rent payments into credit-building solutions. Zenbase’s API allows property and financial technology platforms to streamline rental reporting, giving users the ability to enhance their credit scores through their rental history.

With over 10 million Canadians underserved by traditional credit systems, Zenbase aims to democratize credit access. APOLLO Insurance, a leader in digital insurance solutions, is among Zenbase’s launch partners. Founder and CEO Koray Can Oztekin emphasized the importance of making rental reporting an industry standard.

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

Rebelstork Gains Investment from Top Venture Firms to Fuel Growth

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Toronto’s Rebelstork, an e-commerce platform that resells returned baby products at a discount, has secured new funding led by Maveron Ventures, co-founded by former Starbucks executive Howard Schultz. Other investors include Serena Ventures, Marcy Venture Partners, and existing investor Golden Ventures.

Rebelstork, which gained traction during the e-commerce surge caused by COVID-19, plans to use the funds to expand operations, launch new products, and hire more staff. The company’s AI algorithm helps price liquidated and open-box goods, which have seen increased demand as consumers become more price-conscious.

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