Decoder.ca

Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Vancouver’s Ideon Lands Major Deal With Rio Tinto

by

Vancouver’s Ideon Technologies has signed a five-year enterprise agreement with Rio Tinto, marking the first large-scale deployment of its REVEAL™ subsurface intelligence platform by a Tier-1 mining company. The platform uses cosmic-ray muons, geophysical sensing, and AI analytics to create real-time 3D models of the Earth’s subsurface, reducing geological uncertainty and operational risk.

Ideon’s technology will be rolled out across six of Rio Tinto’s global operations to improve exploration, safety, and efficiency. CEO Gary Agnew called the partnership a breakthrough for critical mineral development and a major step toward the “mine of the future.”

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

Legaltech Hub Calls Alexi a Standout in AI Law

by

Legaltech Hub just gave Alexi a major nod, calling the Canadian startup a leader in AI-powered legal automation. Founded by Mark Doble in 2018, Alexi has grown from a legal research engine into a full-service assistant for top firms across North America.

Its orchestration engine combines multiple AI models for precision and reliability, letting lawyers research, analyze, and draft through a simple conversational interface. Legaltech Hub also praised Alexi’s single-tenant setup, which gives firms full data control and competitive edge. “When a firm builds on Alexi, the value is theirs,” Doble said.

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

SAAS NORTH Marks 10th Year With AI Theme

by

SAAS NORTH, Canada’s largest Software-as-a-Service conference, returns to Ottawa November 5–6 for its 10th edition. Celebrating a decade of growth, the conference will for the first time feature a unified theme: Future-Proofing SaaS in the Age of AI. Organizers say the program will equip founders with practical tools and strategies for scaling in an AI-driven economy.

The speaker lineup includes OpenText’s Savinay Berry, Financeit’s Michael Garrity, Lightspeed’s JD Saint-Martin, StackAdapt’s Vitaly Pecherskiy, TechTO’s Marie Chevrier Schwartz, and entrepreneur Katherine Homuth. Thousands of professionals are expected to attend, solidifying SAAS NORTH as a central event for Canada’s tech sector.

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

Meta, Pembina Near Deal for Alberta AI Data Centre

by

Pembina Pipeline is nearing a deal to build a large AI data centre northeast of Edmonton for Meta, according to sources cited by The Logic. The facility, planned for Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, would mark a significant boost to the province’s ambition of becoming a hub for AI hyperscalers.

Calgary-based Kineticor is expected to supply natural gas-fired power, while Beacon AI has also been involved. Pembina may provide gas through its Alliance pipeline. Regulatory details could be announced soon. The project underscores Alberta’s strategy to use natural gas and carbon capture to attract global technology leaders.

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

Canadian Airports Push for Digital ID Over Passports

by

Canadian airports and airlines are urging Ottawa to modernize identity verification rules, replacing passports with digital options like facial recognition or mobile IDs. The Canadian Airports Council, the National Airlines Council of Canada, and five major airports submitted proposals to the House of Commons finance committee ahead of the November budget.

Advocates argue digitization could cut long queues at check-in, security, and boarding. Yet experts warn of unresolved privacy and data security risks. Transport Canada and Public Safety Canada began exploring digital ID after the COVID-19 pandemic but have not addressed regulatory gaps.

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

OpenText Sells eDOCS Unit for US$163M in Restructuring

by

OpenText has sold its eDOCS legal automation unit to NetDocuments for US$163 million in cash. The Waterloo-based software firm, which earned US$5.2 billion in revenue last fiscal year, said proceeds will go toward debt reduction. eDOCS contributed only about US$30 million in sales—0.6 per cent of OpenText’s total.

The divestiture marks the company’s first move since launching a strategic review after CEO Mark Barrenechea’s ouster in August. Analysts at CIBC Capital Markets predict OpenText could sell assets representing up to 20 per cent of revenue. Shares rose slightly Friday, climbing 1.1 per cent in Nasdaq trading.

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

MAK Launches US$100M SPAC on Toronto Exchange

by

Blank-cheque company MAK is set to raise US$100 million in a Toronto Stock Exchange debut, issuing 10 million units at US$10 apiece. Led by former Dye & Durham CEO Matt Proud and CFO Avjit Kamboj, the special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) will target acquisitions in tech-enabled services, space, and defense.

MAK may expand the offering to US$110 million. The listing follows a broader revival in SPACs, with 2025 marking the busiest first half for SPAC IPOs since the 2021 boom. Analysts attribute the resurgence to stronger issuers and improved post-merger performance.

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

TransPod Advances Major Project With Steel Collaboration

by

TransPod has partnered with Algoma Steel and Supreme Steel to advance its Edmonton–Calgary Tube Transportation Project, one of Alberta’s designated Major Projects. Algoma, transitioning to electric arc furnace steelmaking, will supply up to two million tonnes of low-carbon steel, while Supreme Steel will manufacture precision guideways for FluxJet vehicles.

The collaboration ensures domestic supply, reduces reliance on U.S. markets, and aligns with Canada’s climate goals. TransPod estimates construction could create 140,000 jobs and add $19.2 billion to Alberta’s GDP. Pending provincial approval, the project would connect Edmonton and Calgary with vehicles traveling over 1,000 km/h.

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

Binta Financial Wins Top Prize at New Ventures BC

by

Binta Financial, a Vancouver fintech developing borderless credit history infrastructure, has won the 2025 New Ventures BC Competition. The startup captured the $110,000 Innovate BC First Place Prize, topping a field of 216 companies. Binta’s platform helps newcomers transfer verified credit records across borders, with tools for rent reporting and financial literacy.

CEO Paschal Okwundu called the award a milestone validating the company’s vision. PeerSupport.io placed second with $55,000 for its care navigation tool, while BuildMapper earned third place and an additional cloud prize. Other winners included Baerfell, ImageCyte, CanDry Technologies, and Syrina Therapeutics.

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

Terry Rock to Depart Platform Calgary After Seven Years

by

After seven years at the helm, Terry Rock will step down as President and CEO of Platform Calgary on October 14. Rock, who joined in 2018, was instrumental in opening the Platform Innovation Centre in 2022 and fostering a collaborative ecosystem that has supported more than 800 startups.

Those firms created 6,750 jobs and generated $235 million in revenue in 2024. Platform’s Board has appointed Chief Operating Officer Jen Lussier as interim CEO while a permanent successor is sought. Rock will join Alberta Innovates as Senior Vice President and COO, continuing to advance the province’s innovation economy.

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