Decoder.ca

Canadian Tech in 100 Words

VC Veteran Backs Startups Powering Net-Zero Future

by

As decarbonization accelerates, critical minerals have become essential to national security and climate strategy. TDK Ventures President Nicolas Sauvage told CleanEnergy.ca that battery-grade lithium, cobalt, and rare earths are now “strategic infrastructure” for the net-zero economy.

Sauvage said TDK spotted early supply chain risks and backed startups like Ascend Elements and pH7 Technologies to secure domestic recovery and sustainable extraction. He emphasized that the best innovations now reshape—not just support—material supply chains. Sauvage encourages founders in this space to build for resilience, collaborate broadly, and recognize their role in reshaping how clean technologies are sourced and scaled.

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

Calgary Startups Shine at Global Energy Show

by

At the 2025 Global Energy Show Canada, held June 10–12 in Calgary, local firms took top honours for energy innovation. RevSolz won Disruptive Digital Innovator for its FracSol platform, while Carbonova claimed Emerging Clean Technologies and Emerging Leader for CEO Dr. Mina Zarabian.

Scovan earned Innovation in Equipment or Process Controls for HipVap, Remote Power won Powering the Future, and the University of Calgary took Excellence in Energy Research for nanomaterial breakthroughs. These awards highlight Calgary’s rising influence in clean and digital energy, reinforcing its role as a national hub for next-gen energy innovation.

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

Quebec Ends Starlink Subsidy, Cites Fibre Priority

by

The Quebec government will end its $130-million, three-year agreement with Starlink on June 15, ceasing subsidies for rural internet access via Elon Musk’s satellite service. While users will retain access, they’ll lose $40 monthly subsidies and free receivers.

Signed in 2022 under Opération haute vitesse, the deal helped connect 10,000 “orphan households” too remote for fibre. Quebec now reports full province-wide coverage, with 369,000 homes connected. Despite the shift, some courthouses will still use Starlink. Officials say Quebec will prioritize fibre and “connectivity sovereignty” as Ottawa-backed alternatives like Telesat remain years away from launch.

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

Rare Earth Recycling Centre Coming to Ontario

by

Toronto-based cleantech firm Cyclic Materials will invest $34 million to open North America’s first Centre of Excellence for rare earth recycling in Kingston, Ontario. Scheduled for early 2026, the 140,000-square-foot facility will combine full-scale commercial processing and advanced R&D.

The site will produce recycled rare earth oxide from 500 tonnes of magnet-rich feedstock annually using Cyclic’s proprietary REEPure℠ technology. CEO Ahmad Ghahreman says the centre will anchor the company’s commercial future. The project is expected to create 45 skilled jobs and is backed by partnerships with Solvay, Glencore, and several national innovation programs.

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

Calgary Tech Valued at $6.7B in 2025 Report

by

Calgary has been named an “Emerging Ecosystem to Watch” in Startup Genome’s 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report. The city’s startup ecosystem is now valued at $6.7 billion, up 13% since 2023. Calgary ranks among North America’s Top 30 ecosystems and the Top 50 globally, recognized for affordability and return on investment.

With strong support from Calgary Economic Development, Platform Calgary, and the University of Calgary, the city has become a resilient tech hub. Its Innovation Strategy aims to create 187,000 jobs and contribute $28 billion to the economy by 2034.

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

BC Tech Unveils 2025 TIAs Finalists

by

BC Tech has named 43 finalists across 10 categories for its 2025 Technology Impact Awards, recognizing excellence in British Columbia’s tech sector. A new category—Gamechanger: Deal of the Year—honours five major transactions that brought $3 billion in investment to the province.

“We’re building globally competitive anchor companies,” said BC Tech CEO Jill Tipping. Tech now contributes 8% of B.C.’s GDP and jobs. The Company of the Year – Startup finalists will pitch at Dragon’s Den Pitch Night, presented by Electronic Arts. Winners across all categories will be announced at the TIAs gala on October 23 at Parq Vancouver.

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

Snap’s Next Specs to Launch in 2026

by

Snap Inc. has announced it will launch a new generation of lightweight, immersive Specs in 2026, revealed at the Augmented World Expo 2025. The wearable glasses integrate Snap’s AR Lenses with advanced machine learning and AI capabilities, delivering real-time digital assistance, gaming, and productivity tools.

Snap CEO Evan Spiegel described the Specs as “the most advanced personal computer in the world.” The updated Snap OS supports speech recognition, 3D object generation, and spatial mapping. Developers worldwide—including those in Canada—can now join the Spectacles Developer Program and begin building next-gen AR experiences ahead of public release.

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

Wealthsimple Expands to Challenge Traditional Banks

by

Wealthsimple has unveiled a suite of new financial products, including its first credit card, an instant line of credit, and expanded chequing account features, reinforcing its ambition to become Canada’s full-service digital banking alternative.

CEO Michael Katchen emphasized a shift away from traditional banking, citing client frustration with hidden fees and outdated experiences. The new card offers 2% cash back and no FX fees, while the line of credit—launching later this year—will offer low, asset-backed rates. Enhanced chequing features include 2.75% interest, 1% cash back, and fraud protection. Wealthsimple continues to build toward a future without bank branches.

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

Eli Health Raises $17M to Launch Hormone Test

by

Montréal-based Eli Health has raised $17 million in Series A financing to bring its saliva-based hormone-monitoring product to market. The round was led by BDC Capital’s Thrive Venture Fund and includes support from Accelia Capital, TELUS Global Ventures, and other global investors.

Founded in 2019, Eli’s platform tracks cortisol and progesterone levels using a patented FDA-registered Hormometer and app. CEO Marina Pavlovic Rivas says the capital will accelerate manufacturing and expand hormone detection. With $28 million raised to date, Eli claims this is the largest women’s health tech round in Canadian history.

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

Edmonton Startup Scales Predictive Tech for QSRs

by

Scription, an Edmonton-founded startup optimizing maintenance for fast-food kitchens, has raised USD $7.85 million in seed funding to expand its predictive technology. The company, co-founded by Justin Villiers, reduces costly downtime and boosts profit margins for franchise operators and service providers.

Clients include McDonald’s, KFC, and Taco Bell locations across the U.S., with its first Canadian deal now secured. Scription automates preventive maintenance, which offers higher margins than reactive fixes. New CEO Gerritt Graham will lead expansion from Atlanta, where business development is centered. The raise follows a USD $2.5 million pre-seed round in 2023.

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