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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Built in Canada Awards Celebrate National Innovators

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Build Canada and Simple Ventures hosted the inaugural Built in Canada Awards in Toronto, recognizing leading entrepreneurs and companies shaping the nation’s innovation economy. The event drew over 200 attendees and honoured eight winners selected from more than 400 submissions nationwide.

Categories included growth, impact, and leadership, with recipients such as Clutch, Felix Health, Spellbook, and AlayaCare. Shopify President Harley Finkelstein delivered a keynote emphasizing Canada’s entrepreneurial potential. Organizers said the awards aim to celebrate founders building domestically and strengthen national pride in innovation. Nominations for the next awards cycle are scheduled to open in winter 2026.

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Canadian CEOs Shift Focus to Global Leadership

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Canadian technology firms are prioritizing global leadership over market access, according to a new survey by the Council of Canadian Innovators. The report, based on responses from 125 CEOs, found companies are focused on securing positions within global value chains and shaping emerging industries.

Thirty-nine percent cited customer acquisition as their top priority, ahead of capital, regulation, and talent. Many firms already operate internationally, selling into over 190 countries. The study highlights a policy gap, with governments focused on market access rather than demand creation and standards-setting needed to support long-term competitiveness and economic growth.

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AXL Launches Faculty Fellows to Power AI Startups

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Toronto-based venture studio AXL has launched its inaugural Faculty Fellows program, enlisting nine University of Toronto professors to support AI startup development. The initiative embeds experienced researchers into early-stage companies, reflecting a shift toward integrating academic expertise at inception.

Fellows bring experience from organizations including NVIDIA, Adobe, NASA, and Samsung, and will advise on scaling AI systems from research to production. AXL said the program addresses a key gap in translating innovation into commercial outcomes. Executives argue that combining scientific credibility with venture building will strengthen Canada’s ability to compete globally in artificial intelligence development.

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TD Targets Gen Z With Simplified Investing Platform

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Toronto-Dominion Bank has launched a redesigned TD Easy Trade app aimed at attracting a new generation of self-directed investors. The mobile-first platform offers commission-free trading, no account fees, and access to investing with as little as $1 through partial shares. TD said the app emphasizes simplicity, education, and accessibility, particularly for younger users.

The release reflects growing competition between traditional banks and fintech platforms. Executives noted that while many Gen Z investors already participate in markets, confidence remains a barrier. The app also includes access to human support, blending digital tools with personalized guidance for users.

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AI Home Care Hubs Target Canada’s Healthcare Strain

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Toronto-based CHAH AI Care and Quoted Tech have partnered to develop AI-powered home healthcare hubs aimed at supporting seniors and patients with complex conditions. The system combines in-home sensors, continuous monitoring, and locally built computing infrastructure to detect early health risks and enable timely intervention.

The initiative addresses growing pressure on Canada’s healthcare system as the population ages and demand outpaces hospital and long-term care capacity. An initial rollout of 50 units is planned across Ontario. Executives say the platform will extend care into homes while maintaining data sovereignty and improving outcomes through proactive monitoring.

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REPAY to Acquire KUBRA in $372M Deal

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Atlanta-based REPAY has agreed to acquire Mississauga’s KUBRA for approximately US$372 million, expanding its position in North America’s bill payments sector. KUBRA, founded in 1992, provides billing and customer engagement solutions to utilities, government, and insurance clients, reaching over 40% of households across Canada and the United States.

The combined platform will support more than $130 billion in annual payment volumes. Executives say the deal brings complementary capabilities and strengthens growth opportunities across multiple industries. The transaction, funded through cash and debt, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

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Conscience Launches AI Program for Drug Discovery

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Canadian non-profit Conscience has launched a national initiative to accelerate drug discovery using artificial intelligence. The AI-Driven Medicines program will fund computational and digital tools aimed at improving research efficiency and advancing accessible therapies. Eligible projects can receive up to $1 million, with higher support levels for small businesses.

The initiative targets areas including discovery science, manufacturing optimization, and clinical trials. Officials say the program supports open collaboration and responsible AI use. Federal minister Evan Solomon endorsed the effort, highlighting its potential to improve affordability and public health outcomes while strengthening Canada’s position in life sciences innovation.

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Calgary Teens Develop Bleeding Detection Patch

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Two Calgary teenagers are developing a medical device aimed at reducing deaths from uncontrolled bleeding. ClotGuard, founded by Sophia Dhami and Isavella Tsoulias, is creating a wearable patch that detects bleeding and delivers clotting agents directly to wounds. The concept emerged from The Knowledge Society’s Moonshot Challenge and is advancing toward a prototype.

The startup has secured $5,000 in funding from UCeed and is collaborating with Microsoft on hardware development. Combining biosensors and microneedle technology, ClotGuard reflects growing interest in decentralized emergency care and highlights Calgary’s emerging generation of science-driven entrepreneurs.

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RBC Replaces Expedia With Montreal’s Hopper

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Montreal-based Hopper has secured a partnership with Royal Bank of Canada to power its travel rewards platform, replacing longtime provider Expedia. The agreement will support RBC’s Avion Visa program as the bank seeks to expand its rewards membership from 10 million to 14 million users by 2029.

Hopper, which provides travel booking technology, already partners with multiple airlines and financial institutions globally. Chief executive Frederic Lalonde has indicated plans for a future public listing, targeting a valuation between US$5 billion and US$10 billion. The company was last valued at US$5 billion in 2022.

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Ottawa Holds $2.16B in Uncashed Cheques

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The federal government is holding more than $2.16 billion in uncashed cheques across 3.9 million payments, highlighting inefficiencies in paper-based disbursements. The figures, revealed through a parliamentary inquiry, reflect systemic challenges including outdated addresses and reliance on physical delivery.

Experts say digital methods such as direct deposit and e-transfers offer faster, more reliable alternatives. Calgary-based Digital Commerce Payments also points to prepaid cards as a solution for reaching underserved populations. With real-time payment systems still pending, the backlog underscores the need to modernize public sector payments to reduce costs and improve delivery outcomes.

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