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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

 

Amazon Unveils Vancouver Atrium, Plans Toronto Expansion

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Amazon announced expansions at its Vancouver and Toronto Tech Hubs, unveiling new features and office spaces for over 8,500 employees. At The Post in Vancouver, Amazon opened a 43,000-square-foot atrium and revealed plans to complete the North Tower by 2026. The Post, with historical significance as Vancouver’s Main Post Office, now hosts more than 4,500 employees.

In Toronto, Amazon introduced Canada’s first in-office Just Walk Out technology store at its YYZ14 location. This AI-powered store allows employees to grab items and leave without waiting in line. Additional office space at YYZ18 is expected to open in 2024.

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

RetiSpec to Bring Alzheimer’s Screening to Optometrists by 2024

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Toronto-based RetiSpec aims to bring Alzheimer’s screening to optometrists by the end of next year. The company, backed by USD $10 million in new funding, uses retinal imaging technology to detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease, leveraging an AI algorithm to analyze retinal scans.

RetiSpec’s approach offers a less invasive alternative to PET scans and spinal taps, making Alzheimer’s diagnosis more accessible. The funding round, led by iGan Partners and supported by Eli Lilly and Topcon Healthcare, will help the company scale up and work with regulators. RetiSpec is also exploring applications for Parkinson’s disease.

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

AI to Transform Nova Scotia’s Healthcare System by 2025

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The Nova Scotia government has announced a partnership with Google Cloud to implement AI-powered digital solutions aimed at improving healthcare delivery by fall 2025. The three key initiatives will include advanced natural-language search capabilities for Nova Scotians seeking health information, tools for healthcare professionals to quickly access patient records, and AI assistance for radiologists in reviewing chest X-rays.

Premier Tim Houston emphasized that this collaboration aligns with Nova Scotia’s healthcare plan to tackle challenges and reduce administrative burdens. Google Cloud will also provide training to healthcare staff, ensuring privacy protection for personal health data.

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

Toronto’s Wombo Raises $12.2M to Develop AI Content Creation Products

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Toronto-based Wombo has secured $12.2 million in new funding to expand its AI-powered entertainment offerings. Led by Round13 Capital’s Digital Asset Fund, and supported by Nvidia, CoreWeave, and others, the funding will help Wombo grow its team and explore AI-based content creation.

Known for viral apps like Wombo Dream and Wombo Meme, the startup has faced challenges, including a collapsed financing round and copyright issues. Despite these setbacks, CEO Ben-Zion Benkhin says the company is now profitable and aims to push forward with innovative products, including “w.ai.”

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

Toronto Leads North America in Tech Job Growth

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Toronto led North America in tech job growth over the last five years, adding 95,900 positions between 2018 and 2023, according to a CBRE report. The city’s tech workforce grew by 44% during this period, ranking it fourth among the top 50 North American tech markets.

The top three markets were the San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, and New York. Colin Yasukochi, CBRE’s tech insights center executive director, credits the rise of artificial intelligence for driving job demand. However, Vancouver, Montreal, and Waterloo saw declines in their rankings.

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

Jolt and TELUS to Install 5,000 EV Chargers Across Canada

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Australian EV charging startup Jolt is entering the North American market through a partnership with Vancouver-based TELUS. Together, they plan to install up to 5,000 public DC fast chargers across Canada, utilizing TELUS’ network. With an anticipated rise in electric vehicles, Canada will need over 200,000 public chargers by 2030.

This partnership aims to meet that demand, promoting EV adoption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Later this year, installation will begin, offering 7 kWh of free charging per day to drivers via the Jolt app. TELUS sees this collaboration as part of its sustainability goals.

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

Vancouver Firms Launch AI Tool for Public Consultation

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Vancouver-based consulting firms Coast Communications and Deetken Insight have launched Middle Ground, an artificial intelligence tool aimed at improving public consultation for infrastructure projects.

Developed in partnership with Cypress AI, Middle Ground offers a user-friendly, safe way for the public to ask questions and receive accurate answers about complex projects like mines or energy initiatives. Unlike typical AI tools, Middle Ground delivers information based on verified technical data, with real-time citations. The tool is expected to streamline consultation, saving time and enhancing trust in the process.

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

TELUS Converts Old Network Sites into Housing

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Telus, Canada’s third-largest telecom, is venturing into real estate by repurposing land once used for its copper-cable network. The company, which has nearly completed its transition to fibre optics, is transforming around 200 decommissioned properties into rental housing.

Under the Telus Living initiative, two residential buildings are under construction in British Columbia, expected to provide 254 units by next year. With plans to develop up to 16 more sites, Telus could add 2,500 to 2,800 units. This move might eventually lead to the formation of a real estate investment trust.

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

Ban on Phones in School Not Enough to Mitigate Escalating Device Addiction

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Provincial cellphone bans being implemented across Canada this week are not enough, according to Lynn Posluns, chief executive of Women’s Brain Health Initiative, who believes students and families need “more urgent, comprehensive education and awareness measures for children and families to address escalating mobile device addiction.”

“Nobody should be under any illusion that these measures alone will address the national children’s brain health crisis that is mobile device addiction,” stated Posluns. “Until we fully educate students about the harms of excessive cellphone use and provide them and their parents with tools to sustain awareness at home, children will continue to overuse technology which we know is causing sleep deprivation and long-term negative effects on their brains.”

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

BMO Partners with Nova Credit to Help Newcomers Establish Credit in Canada

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BMO has announced a new partnership with Nova Credit, the leading cross-border credit bureau, to assist newcomers in accessing credit products in Canada. By integrating Nova Credit’s Credit Passport into its application process, BMO allows immigrants from nine countries, including Australia, India, and the United Kingdom, to transfer their international credit histories to Canada.

This initiative aims to simplify the financial transition for newcomers, providing them with access to essential financial tools and resources. BMO’s partnership reflects its commitment to supporting customers throughout their journey to establish a stable financial foundation in their new home.

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