Decoder.ca

Canadian Tech in 100 Words

 

Canada Invests Further into CanCode as Upskill Program Launches Fourth Phase

by

The Government of Canada is investing $39 million toward teaching digital skills to young Canadians—and their teachers—to help ensure tomorrow’s talent will be ready for tomorrow’s tech roles. The investment is into CanCode, a program designed to complement educational curricula by promoting awareness of, and sparking interest in, coding and other digital skills among Canadian youth.

Since its launch in 2017, CanCode has invested over $229M into organizations which have in turn helped over nine million students combined. This iteration of the program aims to offer learning opportunities to 1.5 million students and train 100,000 teachers to incorporate digital skills into their classrooms.

Want to learn more? Check out the source code on TechTalent.ca.

Canada’s Mining Output is Not on Par with the Nation’s Electric Vehicle Ambitions

by

Canada’s production of nickel and copper has declined for four consecutive years, raising concerns as the country aims to aggressively boost critical mineral output to support its electric vehicle battery industry. Yet despite government goals to massively increase mining by 2035, S&P Global Market Intelligence found that mineral exploration budgets dropped by 9% last year.

Challenges include long timelines for mine development (18 years, above the global average) as well as global competition, particularly from Chinese-owned nickel companies. Industry leaders suggest streamlining the permitting process and aligning policies with U.S. incentives to overcome hurdles.

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

Vancouver Taps Local Tech Firm to Enhance Water Management with AI Software

by

Infinitii ai won a bid with the City of Vancouver. The Canadian firm, which offers environmental monitoring to water infrastructure utilities, will provide Vancouver with access to its “flowworks” data monitoring software. Currently, Vancouver has an archive of data from 200 flow and level monitoring locations, 38 combined sewer overflow monitoring locations, 14 rainfall monitoring locations, 23 water quality sampling locations, and two groundwater monitoring wells.

Since launching a decade ago in 2014, infinitii ai has evolved into a machine learning software firm that serves customers in major North American municipalities, including Toronto and Montreal in Canada. Last month, the company closed a private financing round led by ThreeD Capital.

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

Government Capital to Help Quebec Biotech Startup Qeen Commercialize Treatment

by

The Government of Canada, through CED’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation program, has provided $200,000 to Qeen Biotechnologies, a biomedical startup out of Quebec specializing in bacteriophage R&D and manufacturing. This funding will enhance the company’s production capacity and commercialization efforts, including equipment acquisition, facility improvements, and marketing activities.

“Helping businesses so they can bring an important technology to Canadians is a priority for our government,” minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada. “I am delighted with CED’s support for Qeen Biotechnologies, whose important work will translate into positive impacts in the Outaouais region and across the country.”

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

Vancouver’s Scope AI Deploys Quantum-Resilient Data Security Technology

by

Following its acquisition of QSE Technology from Ovryde, Scope AI has launched the QSE Quantum Gateway, a module designed to provide quantum-resilient data security across global networks. This innovation from the Canadian company aims to bridge the privacy and latency gap between institutional clients and their cloud infrastructure, enhancing scalability and security.

“When we first envisioned the QSE Product Suite, our goal was to create something that would not only meet the needs of today’s businesses and their security expectations but also anticipate the challenges of tomorrow,” stated founder Sean Prescott. “Seeing it come to life on a global scale is incredibly fulfilling, and it strengthens our commitment to continue innovating and pushing boundaries for our customers.”

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

Cleantech Upstart Nu:ionic Technologies Garners Funding for Electrified Solutions

by

The Government of Canada is investing to help a clean technology company headquartered in New Brunswick grow and expand operations. Fredericton’s Nu:ionic Technologies received capital toward hiring expertise to oversee the critical testing phase of cutting-edge, commercial-scale technology designed to eliminate the need for combustion by replacing that process with clean electricity.

“At Nu:ionic Technologies we are developing electrified solutions for industries to achieve their decarbonization goals at an accelerated pace,” stated Ben Kennedy, Sr. Vice President of Operations for Nu:ionic Technologies. “We are commercializing novel applications for industrial microwave and commercializing smart and efficient zero-emission process heaters like Nu-Xsm in our Fredericton Research and Innovation Centre.”

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

CRTC Moves to Improve the Cost and Choice of High-Speed Internet in Canada

by

The CRTC announced measures to enhance competition in Canada’s Internet market by granting competitors access to large telephone companies’ fibre networks. Starting in February 2025, this decision aims to lower prices and offer more choices for high-speed Internet.

The move follows a public proceeding revealing declining competition in the market. While supporting competition, the CRTC is also seeking continued investments in fibre networks by allowing new builds to be exclusive for five years before opening them to competitors. Rates for fibre access will be finalized by the end of 2024.

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

Canadian Company Conned Crypto from Customers, Commission Concludes

by

A B.C. Securities Commission panel found that a Canadian crypto trading platform committed fraud by lying to its customers and diverting roughly $13 million of their assets to gambling endeavours. The company informed customers that their crypto assets were held in “cold storage.” But the panel found that one-third of crypto assets customers deposited between 2016 and 2019 were diverted to gambling sites or the founder’s personal accounts.

The BCSC hired a forensic data analytics firm to determine what happened. After investigating, the firm determined over 900 bitcoins and more than 150 ethers were transferred to personal accounts and gambling websites.

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

Government Seeks Innovative Tech In Response to Canada’s Surging Vehicle Theft

by

Vehicular theft has reached a “critical point” in Canada, according to the nation’s own government, “resulting in a billion-dollar cost to Canadian households each year and affecting the safety and security of our communities.” In response, the government is seeking innovative anti-theft technologies from startups to deter and prevent future theft: Canada has launched the Vehicle Theft Prevention challenge through the Innovative Solutions Canada program in collaboration with Transport Canada, Public Safety Canada, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

“By inviting Canadian innovators to submit their solutions, Innovative Solutions Canada aims to foster groundbreaking ideas that will enhance vehicle security and safeguard our communities,” stated federal minister François-Philippe Champagne.

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

Latest Launch from Lightspeed Commerce Empowers Retailers with Data-Driven Insight

by

Lightspeed Commerce has launched Retail Insights, a tool designed to enhance sales and inventory management for retailers. Retail Insights provides data-driven analytics, the Montreal tech firm says, helping merchants forecast demand, reduce missed sales, and create purchase orders efficiently.

“Retail is transforming at a rapid pace, and retailers need the most advanced insights to be able to keep up with the demand,” stated Dax Dasilva, CEO of Lightspeed. “Through Retail Insights, our customers will be able to clearly view product insights, sales, inventory reports, and generate quick purchase orders to streamline their business operations, allowing them to plan ahead for increased sales opportunities.”

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