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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Former Allocadia Co-founder Unveils New Venture, SIX

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Kristine Steuart, former CEO of Allocadia, has launched SIX with Co-CEO T.J. Begley to revolutionize customer engagement. Backed by $1.3 million in pre-seed funding from Inovia Capital, Panache Ventures, and angel investors, SIX moves beyond traditional, increasingly ineffective marketing channels like email and digital ads.

The platform empowers frontline teams to create personalized, one-on-one customer connections at scale. With an experienced leadership team, including Katherine Berry and Mike Squance, SIX is already delivering results for early adopters. The company aims to reshape customer experience through tailored interactions rather than mass communication.

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

Autonomous Oil Spill Tech Gains Global Interest

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Toronto-based Clean Oil International has successfully tested its AI-driven, solar-powered vessel for oil spill cleanup in Vancouver. The autonomous platform, founded by Babak Khodaparast, processes spills five times faster than conventional methods, cutting costs by 50%.

Built from recyclable materials and using patented nano-filter technology, it reduces oil contamination to just 3 ppm. The vessel also supports fire suppression, hazardous waste collection, and military applications. With growing global interest from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, Clean Oil’s award-winning technology aligns with major decarbonization efforts worldwide.

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

Wealthica Expands Digital Suite with Family Office Software

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Montreal-based Wealthica has introduced Family Office software to enhance financial oversight for high-net-worth families and advisors. The platform offers advanced reporting, portfolio aggregation, and cross-institution tracking to simplify multi-generational wealth management. Clients can monitor diverse assets in real time through a centralized dashboard.

Wealthica, which manages $35 billion in aggregated assets, recently expanded its offerings with an API connecting to 150 Canadian financial institutions. “We aim to foster innovation and streamline financial management,” said managing director Jeff Matte. Wealthica continues to evolve, following last year’s mobile app revamp and the launch of Unlimited Connect.

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

Vancouver’s Emtar Secures $18.5M for Wireless Innovation

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Vancouver-based Emtar Technologies has secured an $18.5 million angel investment round to advance its energy-efficient wireless edge intelligence solutions. Founded in 2023, the fabless semiconductor company is developing next-generation system-on-chip technologies integrating high-speed I/O, wireless connectivity, and self-computing capabilities.

Notably, its WiFi 7 technology exceeds 30 Gbps speeds with ultra-low latency, targeting VR gaming and cloud computing. Emtar’s Software Defined Radio allows network upgrades without hardware changes. CEO Alvis Huang says the funding has accelerated research and industry partnerships, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to delivering secure, high-impact wireless solutions.

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

Shopify’s AI Store Builder Aims to Simplify E-Commerce

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Shopify has introduced a new AI-powered tool that enables merchants to quickly set up and design their online stores. Announced by Shopify President Harley Finkelstein, the feature allows users to input business descriptions, generating up to three free custom themes instantly. The update aims to lower the barrier for entrepreneurs entering e-commerce.

Meanwhile, Shopify’s latest SEC filings have fueled speculation about a potential U.S. redomicile. The company voluntarily filed a 10-K form—a move that suggests deeper financial alignment with U.S. markets. Shopify has not confirmed whether relocation is planned.

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

Turing Award Recognizes Canadian AI Leader

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Andrew Barto and Richard Sutton have received the 2024 ACM A.M. Turing Award for their foundational work in reinforcement learning, a major pillar of artificial intelligence. Their research, dating back to the 1980s, introduced key algorithms such as temporal difference learning.

Sutton, a University of Alberta professor and former DeepMind scientist, and Barto, a professor emeritus at the University of Massachusetts, co-authored Reinforcement Learning: An Introduction, the field’s definitive text. While widely celebrated, Sutton remains skeptical of AI’s current trajectory, arguing that today’s systems mimic intelligence but fail to learn from experience.

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

Developers Embrace AI: 96% See Positive Change in Their Field

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A Salesforce report finds over 90% of developers are excited about AI’s impact on their careers, with 96% expecting AI to improve development. The survey of 2,000+ software leaders and 250 U.S. developers reveals agentic AI is set to transform the field, with four in five leaders believing AI agents will be as vital as traditional tools.

Developers see AI increasing efficiency, automation, and career growth, though many seek more training and resources. AI agents are reshaping development, says Salesforce EVP Alice Steinglass, shifting focus from manual coding to high-level strategy.

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

Vantage Group Unveils Venture Arm for Aviation Innovation

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Vantage Group has launched Vantage Futures, a corporate venture arm investing in early-stage aviation and mobility startups. Focused on sustainability, connected infrastructure, and mobility, the initiative seeks to advance carbon-neutral technologies and operational efficiency.

Vantage Futures’ first investment is in Opfyx, an AI-powered airport operations platform. The startup, backed by Zero Infinity Partners, will debut its technology at JFK Terminal 7 before a potential expansion to Terminal 6. Vantage, which served 80 million travelers in 2024, aims to scale its impact through VC partnerships and corporate collaborations.

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

New Fintech Transforms Rent Payments into Credit Scores

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Toronto-based Karla Rent has emerged from stealth mode with a credit-building rental payment platform designed to help credit unions compete with big banks. The fintech offers secure, financial wellness tools that integrate directly with institutions, ensuring renters’ on-time payments boost credit scores.

BCU Financial is among the first adopters, offering Ukrainian newcomers a way to establish credit. LeasesThatLift, Karla Rent’s broader initiative, expands financial inclusion beyond banking. Co-founders Robin Gray and Basil Eleftheriades emphasize that rental payments should count toward financial progress, with open banking solutions on the horizon.

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

U.S. Slaps Tariffs on Canada, Tech Leaders Push Back

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The U.S. has imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and 10% on energy imports, breaking a 30-day trade truce. Canada retaliated with tariffs on $30 billion in U.S. goods, with potential escalation to $155 billion. Canadian tech leaders and business groups condemned the move, calling for economic diversification and government support.

Startup founders report soaring costs, with Healthybud paying triple shipping fees and SRTX laying off 40% of staff. Despite challenges, some Canadian businesses are seeing increased domestic demand, with Costco Canada and Tre’Dish prioritizing homegrown products. The trade war’s full impact remains to be seen.

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