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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Canadian Influencers in U.S. Brace for TikTok Ban

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Canadian content creators in the U.S. face uncertainty as the potential TikTok ban threatens their livelihoods. Influencers like Jess McKay and Ryan Robinson-Hatton, who rely heavily on TikTok for brand deals, are bracing for income losses. TikTok claims creators could lose nearly USD $300 million monthly if banned.

Many Canadian influencers moved to the U.S. for better monetization opportunities unavailable in Canada. The ban could severely impact creators without diversified platforms. While some, like Dan Rodo, have backup incomes, others anticipate financial hardship.

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

$51M Fund Boosts Agricultural Innovation in Alberta

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ATB Financial and The51 Food and AgTech General Partners have finalized The51 Food and AgTech Fund at $51 million, supporting early-stage science and technology founders transforming agriculture. Managed by NYA Ventures, the fund targets innovations in crop yields, soil health, and sustainable food production.

ATB CEO Curtis Stange emphasized the bank’s commitment to Alberta’s agriculture sector. Fund leaders Shelley Kuipers, Judy Fairburn, and Alison Sunstrum stressed backing underrepresented founders and leveraging technologies like AI and biotechnology to modernize farming. This funding milestone reflects investor confidence in agricultural innovation.

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

B.C. Calls for Energy Storage Innovations

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The B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) and BC Hydro have launched the Call for Energy Storage Innovation, offering up to $3 million in non-dilutive funding for clean energy projects. The initiative aims to accelerate scalable energy storage and grid innovations to support British Columbia’s clean energy future.

Targeting solutions like energy storage, microgrids, and flexible grid management, the program invites proposals from Canadian companies with B.C.-based projects. Applications close February 28, 2025. CICE and BC Hydro seek technologies that enhance affordability, reliability, and resilience in energy systems.

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

Moment Energy Secures USD $15M to Scale EV Battery Storage

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Vancouver-based Moment Energy has secured USD $15 million in Series A funding, co-led by the Amazon Climate Pledge Fund and Voyager Ventures. The funds will accelerate the development of Moment’s battery energy storage systems (BESS) made from retired electric vehicle batteries.

Moment plans to build the world’s first EV battery repurposing gigafactory in the U.S., supported by a USD $20.3 million U.S. Department of Energy grant. CEO Edward Chiang highlighted the company’s role in enhancing grid stability and lithium security. Moment Energy’s affordable second-life batteries support renewable energy and circular economy goals.

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

Balsillie Launches $10M Think Tank for Canada’s Innovation Future

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The Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) has launched the Canadian Shield Institute, a new think tank funded by a $10-million donation from CCI chair and former BlackBerry co-CEO Jim Balsillie. The institute will focus on economic and defence policy, aiming to strengthen Canada’s innovation sector and protect intellectual property. It will publish reports and host events on energy, infrastructure, technology, and governance.

Balsillie criticized federal policies as inadequate and called for strategies to secure Canada’s economic sovereignty. The institute launches ahead of a likely Conservative election victory, positioning itself as a key player in shaping national policy.

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Alberta Startups Gain Boost from AEC and Pender Ventures

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Alberta Enterprise Corporation (AEC) has invested $5 million in Pender Ventures’ $100-million Pender Technology Inflection Fund II to boost early-stage funding for Alberta’s tech and health startups. Pender Ventures, led by Managing Partner Maria Pacella, specializes in scaling B2B and health technology firms.

Establishing a full-time Calgary presence, the firm appointed Jacob Grainger as Associate to strengthen regional engagement. AEC CEO Kristina Williams highlighted Pender’s alignment with Alberta’s startup focus, offering valuable expertise to drive growth. Pender previously invested in Edmonton’s DrugBank, reinforcing its commitment to Alberta’s innovation ecosystem.

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

Mastercard and Northeastern Tackle Canada’s Cyber Talent Shortage

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Mastercard has partnered with Northeastern University in Vancouver to address Canada’s cybersecurity talent gap, contributing over $700,000 to support research and expand opportunities for underrepresented groups in cybersecurity. This initiative includes establishing the Mastercard Professorship Fund and the Mastercard Vancouver Scholarship, aiming to engage 100 students through internships over three years.

Mansur Mirani, VP of Mastercard’s Cyber Centre of Excellence, emphasizes the importance of diverse talent in driving innovation. This partnership builds on Mastercard’s $500 million investment in Vancouver’s Global Intelligence and Cyber Centre of Excellence.

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

Boardy AI Secures $8M to Revolutionize Networking

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Toronto-based Boardy AI has raised US$8 million in a seed round led by Stockholm’s Creandum, with support from Garage Capital and angel investors like ex-Bonobos CEO Andy Dunn and TaskRabbit founder Leah Solivan.

Founded by Andrew D’Souza, former Clearco CEO, Boardy uses AI to streamline professional networking by automating introductory calls and connecting users with shared interests. The company credits its technology for facilitating its latest funding round. This investment follows a US$3 million pre-seed round in October 2024. Boardy plans to expand its user network with the new capital.

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

Canada Lands Nine Firms on Global Cleantech 100 List

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The 2025 Global Cleantech 100 list highlights nine Canadian companies, tying Canada with the UK for second place behind the U.S. Recognized firms include Cyclic Materials, Enersion, e-Zinc, Ionomr Innovations, Mangrove Lithium, Pani, pH7 Technologies, Summit Nanotech, and Svante.

These companies reflect Canada’s strengths in energy storage, carbon capture, and battery supply chains. However, this marks a decline from 13 Canadian firms in 2024, raising concerns about waning momentum. Industry leaders urge greater collaboration and investment to maintain Canada’s cleantech leadership globally.

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

Ex-Plooto CEO on Trial for Sexual Assault

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Hamed Abbasi, co-founder and former CEO of Toronto-based fintech firm Plooto, is currently on trial for an alleged sexual assault that occurred in November 2023. Abbasi was arrested by Toronto Police on November 26, and the case is being heard in the Ontario Court of Justice.

Plooto announced Abbasi’s departure in March 2024 without explanation. The fintech firm, backed by investors like Deloitte Ventures and Inovia Capital, employs 130 people and serves over 10,000 customers. Abbasi’s lawyer, Gerald Chan, maintains his client’s innocence and stated Abbasi has fully stepped away from Plooto.

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