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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

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.

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Damon Motors Shifts Gears With AI Platform

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Vancouver-based Damon Motors, long plagued by delays and share value erosion exceeding 99% since 2024, is seeking revival through software. While its HyperSport bike remains unproduced, the firm unveiled Damon I/O, a machine-learning platform offering track riders contextual insights, performance guidance, and safety recommendations.

CEO Dom Kwong says the technology uses rider behaviour, vehicle data, and environmental inputs to improve lap times and safety. Data points include lean angle, wheel speeds, throttle position, and battery health. Damon hopes this pivot creates a scalable revenue stream while positioning itself as an AI mobility leader.

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Blackline Adds Amazon Bedrock Creator as Director

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Calgary-based Blackline Safety has named Vasi Philomin, Siemens Executive Vice President of Data and AI, to its Board of Directors. Philomin, who created Amazon Bedrock and pioneered connected lighting at Philips, adds expertise in scaling hardware-enabled SaaS platforms.

Blackline, a leader in IoT-enabled safety solutions, recently expanded its Calgary quality assurance program and secured its first Abu Dhabi National Oil Company order. CEO Cody Slater praised Philomin’s alignment with Blackline’s predictive safety and real-time intelligence goals. Fast Company recognized the firm as one of 2025’s most innovative companies for its EXO 8 monitor.

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PCI Compliance Shields Small Businesses From Risk

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A sticky note with a credit card number may seem harmless, but it can spell disaster for a small business. PCI compliance—the Payment Card Industry’s framework of security standards—exists to prevent such breaches.

Helcim, a Level One Service Provider, encrypts data, certifies hardware, and follows strict coding guidelines. Yet merchants share responsibility, from locking up POS devices to training staff. Most only need an annual Self-Assessment Questionnaire, easily completed through processors like Helcim, which provides tools at no extra cost. Compliance builds trust, safeguarding customers and reputations alike.

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

Jetson Air Launches to Halve Heat Pump Costs

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High costs and complicated installations have kept heat pumps from mainstream adoption. Vancouver’s Jetson aims to change that with Jetson Air, a fully integrated smart home platform offering single-day installation at half the price of traditional contractors. Operating in cold climates down to –30°C, Jetson Air integrates with existing ductwork and provides smart features including air-quality sensing, performance alerts, and over-the-air updates.

CEO Stephen Lake, previously co-founder of North, describes the system as “Tesla-like” innovation for homes. Early adopters in B.C., Massachusetts, and Colorado report major savings and emissions cuts, with expansion now underway in New York.

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AI Shapes Travel Plans, But Canadians Still Want People

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Artificial intelligence is reshaping Canadian travel planning, but human connection remains paramount, according to Adyen’s 2025 Hospitality Report. The study shows one-third of Canadians use AI assistants to streamline itineraries, yet nearly 90 per cent prefer human interaction at check-ins and bookings.

Adyen Canada’s Sander Meijers highlights the dual expectation: digital convenience paired with personal service. Payments technology underpins this balance, enabling secure, unified commerce while deterring rising fraud. Loyalty programs powered by payment insights further strengthen guest engagement. Meijers says fintech will help future-proof hospitality, blending automation with high-value human service.

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Vancouver Legaltech Startup Signs Major Canadian Firm

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Vancouver legaltech startup Walter has added McCarthy Tétrault LLP to its AI Joint Innovation Program, a collaboration with major firms to embed AI into real legal workflows. Walter, founded by entrepreneur Ryan Wilson, consolidates scattered client records into one “source of truth” for law firms and corporate clients.

Its new AI Agent works natively within Microsoft Word and Outlook, tracking changes, preserving formatting, and drafting reply emails. McCarthy Tétrault is co-designing features, testing them inside live matters, and building governance frameworks around risk and compliance. The initiative emphasizes practical deployment and trusted adoption over theoretical or flashy demonstrations.

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Canadian Media Battle OpenAI in Copyright Showdown

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Canadian publishers have accused OpenAI of breaching copyright law by using millions of articles to train ChatGPT, launching a lawsuit in Ontario Superior Court. Plaintiffs include Torstar, Postmedia, The Globe and Mail, CBC/Radio-Canada, and The Canadian Press, which allege unauthorized use of more than ten million works since 2015.

They seek damages up to $20,000 per work, plus profits and an injunction. OpenAI contends the case belongs under U.S. copyright law, arguing its activities occur outside Ontario. The hearing begins today, marking Canada’s first major AI copyright suit.

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Ottawa Memo Reveals EV Rebate Shortfall Known Weeks Early

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Internal documents show Ottawa knew Canada’s EV purchase incentive could run out of money weeks before it collapsed in January. A Dec. 18 memo to then-transport minister Anita Anand warned that a surge of applications could deplete funds by early 2025, yet dealerships weren’t alerted until Jan. 10.

Within two days, the program was drained, largely by Tesla, which claimed $43 million. The delay left many dealerships scrambling to secure reimbursements, creating what industry critics called a “chaotic and inequitable” end. Ottawa has pledged to revive the subsidy, but questions linger over design flaws and communication failures.

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Ultimarii Aims to Modernize Canada’s Regulatory Bottlenecks

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Calgary-based Ultimarii has raised $5.2 million to speed Canada’s major infrastructure approvals. Co-founded by entrepreneur Josh Malate, formerly of Athennian, and ex-Alberta minister Doug Schweitzer, the startup deploys AI to analyze thousands of regulatory filings, assess feasibility in minutes, and flag risks that often cause delays.

Ultimarii already counts 20 enterprise clients, including national law firms and utilities. Investors include Staircase Ventures, Alpaca VC, and Scale Good Fund, alongside support from Alberta Innovates, IRAP, and OCIF. With senior advisors from Canada’s energy regulatory ranks, Ultimarii says it can modernize approval processes critical for ports, energy corridors, and nuclear power.

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