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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Wattpad Founders Give $2M to U of T Entrepreneurs

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The University of Toronto has received a $2-million donation from Eva and Allen Lau, the entrepreneurs behind Wattpad, to fund new technology prizes. Two annual awards of $80,000 each—matched by the university—will support researchers developing projects in semiconductors, AI, robotics and quantum computing.

The Laus, both U of T alumni, said the gift reflects their desire to give back to their alma mater while helping innovators bridge the gap between research and commercialization. The funding will allow researchers to test ideas, attract investment, and scale ventures into market-ready companies.

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

Cohere Expands in Ottawa to Court Federal AI Deals

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Cohere is expanding in Ottawa following a federal agreement to explore AI adoption across government departments. The Toronto-based firm is hiring engineers and solutions architects, seeking staff with public sector experience and security clearance, to support pilots of its workplace AI system, North.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada has already tested the tool and used Cohere’s Command R+ model in its ParlBrief application. Cohere has also worked with the Communications Security Establishment on data analysis. The company logged 45 federal lobbying contacts this year, underscoring its ambition to become a public sector AI supplier.

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

Ampere Merges With Canada Learning Code in Education Push

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Ampere, a Lindsay, Ont.-based non-profit formerly called the Pinnguaq Association, has absorbed Canada Learning Code in a consolidation of tech education efforts. Ampere CEO Ryan Oliver will lead the merged entity, while CLC CEO Melissa Sariffodeen is stepping down.

Both organizations provide low-cost or free coding and digital skills classes, with Ampere historically focused on rural, remote and Indigenous communities and CLC on women and adult learners. Each has received federal CanCode program funding, though that initiative faces expiry without renewal. The merger preserves programming while streamlining leadership in Canadian digital education.

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

FeX Energy Advances Iron Reactor with $3.5M Funding

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A Montréal-based startup, FeX Energy, has secured $3.5 million USD ($4.78 million CAD) to advance its iron-based reactor for renewable energy storage. Backed by Houston’s Fathom Fund, Toronto’s Amplify Capital, and Singapore’s Antares Ventures, the September 5 equity round will finance a pilot project in Ontario.

FeX’s shipping-container reactor stores renewable power in iron via thermochemical reactions, releasing versatile high-temperature heat. Target markets include mining, naval shipping, and remote building heating. Founded in 2018 at McGill University, FeX employs seven staff and five contractors. CEO Hayden Smith hopes the technology can cut emissions by 500 million tons annually.

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

Fires, Lawsuits, Losses: Attabotics’ Fall From Grace

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Calgary robotics startup Attabotics, once hailed as a supply chain innovator, has entered bankruptcy protection after raising $200 million and securing clients like Nordstrom and Canadian Tire. The company’s cube-shaped warehouse system, inspired by ant colonies, attracted major investors including Honeywell and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.

But persistent technical failures—including three fires—crippled operations, fueled lawsuits, and strained customer relations. Revenues plunged from $11.4 million in 2022 to $3 million in 2024, while losses ballooned to nearly $50 million. With 192 staff laid off in July, Attabotics is now seeking buyers for its intellectual property.

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

Coinbase Launches 4.1% USDC Rewards in Canada

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Coinbase has introduced USDC rewards to Canada, allowing users to earn 4.1 percent annually on their holdings, paid weekly. USDC, a Circle-issued, regulator-approved stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, offers a competitive alternative to traditional chequing or savings accounts, where rates often sit at zero.

An Angus Reid survey commissioned by Coinbase found 83 percent of Canadians believe the global financial system needs an overhaul, and 91 percent feel banks prioritize profit over customer success. With Coinbase One, rewards rise to 4.5 percent on balances up to $30,000.

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

Evok Innovations Leads $38M Bet on Geothermal Firm

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Vancouver-based Evok Innovations is leading a US$38-million Series A investment in Rodatherm, a geothermal startup with operations in Calgary and headquarters in Salt Lake City. The round also drew support from Toyota Ventures, TDK Ventures, and others.

Led by Calgary energy entrepreneur Curtis Cook, Rodatherm will use the capital to test its refrigerant-based closed-loop system at a Utah facility. Unlike water-based geothermal, the approach harnesses subsurface heat more efficiently to generate electricity. With tax incentives and policy support, U.S. geothermal adoption is accelerating, particularly as AI data centres drive energy demand.

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

ecoATM Launches Canada Kiosks With Walmart Partnership

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ecoATM, a global leader in electronics recycling, has entered Canada through a new partnership with Walmart, unveiling 13 kiosks across the Greater Toronto Area. Locations in Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, and Burlington mark the first phase of expansion. Canadians generate nearly one million tonnes of e-waste annually, a figure projected to reach 1.2 million by 2030.

ecoATM kiosks provide instant cash for recycled devices in under seven minutes, combining diagnostics, ID verification, and real-time market pricing. With 6,500 U.S. kiosks and 50 million devices processed, ecoATM hopes to replicate its impact in Canada.

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

Venture Studio and Consulting Firm Join AI Forces

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AXL, a Canadian venture studio focused on turning applied AI research into high-growth companies, has partnered with consulting firm Dillon Consulting Limited. The collaboration aims to co-develop AI solutions that enhance workflows in planning, management, engineering, and environmental science.

Studies show 85% of AI projects in the sector stall due to fragmented data and poor integration. AXL CEO Dr. Daniel Wigdor says the venture bridges Canada’s “go-to-market gap” by using Dillon’s client insights. Dillon CEO Sean Hanlon emphasizes practical AI adoption to deliver measurable value. Together, they join AXL’s AI Catalyst program.

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Cybersecurity Giant Adds AI-Native Security Platform

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Check Point Software Technologies has announced its acquisition of Lakera, a Zurich- and San Francisco-based AI-native security platform for agentic AI applications. The deal positions Check Point to deliver one of the industry’s first end-to-end AI security stacks, combining Lakera’s real-time runtime protection with the Check Point Infinity architecture.

CEO Nadav Zafrir emphasized the growing attack surface created by generative AI, autonomous agents, and multi-agent collaboration. Lakera, founded by former Google and Meta researchers, is known for Lakera Red and Guard solutions and adversarial AI network Gandalf. Its clients include Fortune 500 firms worldwide.

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