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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Calgary Startups Sought for Innovation Week Showcase

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Since 2010, Calgary’s Launch Party has celebrated top early-stage startups during Innovation Week. The 2025 edition is now open for applications and nominations until August 29. Ten selected companies will gain exposure, pitch live on stage, and engage with investors, mentors, and alumni.

Eligible startups must be Calgary-based, product-driven, and less than three years old, with traction and in-market offerings. Last year, ResVR, The Reporting Hub, and Moovez earned top accolades. Launch Party continues to spotlight Calgary’s tech talent and foster entrepreneurial momentum.

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

AI Powers New Approach to Workforce Learning

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Absorb Software’s 2025 State of Upskilling report reveals a disconnect between intention and execution in workforce development. While many employers recognize the importance of upskilling, over one-third lack the tools to implement effective programs.

The Calgary firm warns of an “agility gap,” with only 10% adapting training to business needs. CEO Kimberly Williams advocates for “strategic learning”—scalable, measurable solutions aligned with outcomes. Absorb’s AI-powered platform aims to address this gap through hyper-personalized, impact-driven experiences. With AI and hybrid work reshaping business, timely upskilling is becoming critical for resilience.

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

TD Sells Merchant Portfolio to Fiserv

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Fiserv has signed a multi-year Strategic Managed Services agreement with TD Bank Group to support TD Merchant Solutions using Fiserv’s Clover point-of-sale technology. The deal also includes Fiserv’s acquisition of a portion of TD’s Canadian merchant processing business, comprising 3,400 merchant relationships across 30,000 locations.

These will migrate to Fiserv’s processing systems and expand Clover’s footprint in Canada. Executives from both companies cited the benefits for small and medium-sized businesses, which will gain access to advanced payment tools and integrated banking solutions. The partnership strengthens Fiserv’s presence in Canada’s competitive fintech and merchant services market.

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

LexisNexis Launches AI Legal Assistant in Canada

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LexisNexis has launched its AI-powered legal assistant, Protégé, in Canada, expanding the tool’s reach beyond the U.S., U.K., and Australia. Integrated into the Lexis+ AI platform—and soon Microsoft Word via Lexis® Create+—Protégé supports legal professionals by drafting documents, guiding workflows, and analyzing legal files.

Built with secure compliance features and system integrations like iManage and SharePoint, Protégé automates complex tasks while allowing human oversight. Sam Puchala, President of LexisNexis Canada, calls it “legal-grade AI co-counsel.” Shaped by Canadian user feedback, Protégé marks a major step in AI adoption across the country’s legal sector.

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

AI Powers Coinbase’s Massive Recruitment Shift

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Coinbase has introduced artificial intelligence across its recruitment process to manage a surge in applicant volume and enhance candidate evaluation. In 2024, the company received 1.7 million applications, hiring just 0.1%. To scale effectively, Coinbase developed AI-driven resume screening, automated interview scheduling, and is piloting 15-minute AI phone interviews.

The system can assess qualifications, schedule meetings, and even summarize interviews—allowing recruiters to remain focused on candidate engagement. Chief People Officer L.J. Brock says AI helps “give more applications a fair shot” and enhance the experience. Coinbase, which is actively hiring in Canada, believes tech will humanize—not replace—recruiting.

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

WonderFi Co-Founder Secures Funding for AI Startup

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xTAO, a decentralized AI startup founded by WonderFi co-founder Karia Samaroo, has raised $31 million CAD in seed financing through subscription receipts, closing the round via a merger with Adrianna Ventures on July 11. The company also began trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol XTAO.U on July 22.

Backed by digital-asset investors such as Animoca Brands and Digital Currency Group, xTAO operates atop the Bittensor network—a blockchain marketplace for AI models and compute power. Samaroo called the financing and listing “important milestones” as xTAO aims to democratize machine intelligence outside centralized AI giants.

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

Hyper Raises $8.5M to Screen 911 Calls

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Hyper, an AI startup co-founded by Canadian entrepreneurs Damian McCabe and Ben Sanders, has emerged from stealth with $8.5 million CAD in seed funding. The company, based in Toronto and San Francisco, has developed an AI-enabled voice tool that screens non-emergency 911 calls to ease pressure on emergency dispatchers.

Hyper claims its system resolves up to 75% of non-emergency calls and supports over 30 languages. The tool is live with major agencies in Ontario and expanding across the U.S. Backers include Eniac Ventures, Ripple Ventures, and Clearco alumni. Hyper’s platform is regionally trained and locally configured.

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

Enbridge Greenlights $900M Texas Solar Project

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Calgary-based Enbridge has made a final investment decision on Clear Fork, a 600-megawatt solar project in Texas valued at USD $900 million. Located near San Antonio, the utility-scale facility is under construction and set to be operational by summer 2027. All electricity produced will be supplied to Meta under a long-term power purchase agreement.

Enbridge expects the project to boost cash flow and earnings beginning in 2027, aligning with its strategy to grow a stable, low-risk renewable energy portfolio. Clear Fork reflects increasing demand for clean energy from major technology companies such as Meta.

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

EY Survey Reveals Caution on Open Banking

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EY Canada’s latest Open Banking Survey, produced with Mastercard and TrueChoice Solutions, shows Canadians remain cautious as the country inches toward open banking adoption. Security and privacy remain primary concerns, with two-thirds of respondents citing protection from identity theft as essential.

Canadians want greater control over their financial data, including the ability to revoke access. They also prioritize simplicity and personalization—faster money movement and smarter bill payments top their wish lists. EY notes the need for robust regulations, technical standards, and broad participation for open banking to truly scale in Canada.

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

Startups Find Edge in Untapped Sectors

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In a recent analysis, product leader Sol Lee argues that startups are best positioned to succeed in emerging industries due to a lack of entrenched players and rapidly evolving needs. Unlike mature sectors with established tools and high switching costs, emerging markets offer a clean slate.

Lee highlights the creator economy as a prime example, where fragmented niches and inefficient workflows invite innovation. Her advice: focus on solving specific problems for well-defined user segments rather than chasing the entire market. Clarity, focus, and speed, she says, are key to shaping industries as they form.

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