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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Ontario Invests $5M in Forest Bioeconomy

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The Ontario government is investing $5 million in Thunder Bay-based CRIBE (Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bioeconomy) to support sustainable forest innovation. The funding backs CRIBE’s “Growing Ontario” initiative, aimed at developing wood-based bioproducts and boosting the forest sector.

It’s the largest share of a $6.2-million investment under Ontario’s Forest Biomass Program, which supports projects that utilize forest byproducts. CRIBE has helped fund 42 projects worth over $162 million, including drone-based reforestation and biomass-derived soil additives.

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

FireSwarm’s Drone Swarms Tackle Wildfires Overnight

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B.C.-based FireSwarm Solutions is using jet-powered, ultra-heavy-lift drones to battle wildfires—even overnight. Founded after CEO Alex Deslauriers lost his property in the 2023 Gun Lake wildfire, the startup coordinates drone swarms to suppress fire hotspots when conventional aircraft are grounded.

A finalist for Startup of the Year at the 2025 BC Tech Awards, FireSwarm has raised $1.1 million and secured pilots in Kelowna and Sweden. Backed by NRC IRAP and NorthX, it’s tackling deep-tech challenges with global ambition and local urgency. “We’re building something that matters,” says Deslauriers.

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

Taiga, Aqua Team Up to Power Electric Rec

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Montreal-based Taiga Motors has partnered with Aqua superPower to expand charging infrastructure for electric recreational vehicles. The alliance will enable faster, more reliable charging across Taiga’s lineup of snowmobiles and personal watercraft, supporting private users and commercial fleets.

Aqua superPower operates a dockside DC fast-charging network spanning 59 sites in North America and Europe. Taiga customers will benefit from Level 2 to 250 kW chargers, including yacht integration and fleet-site options. CEO Sam Bruneau called the partnership a milestone for electrification. COO Karen Gill said the collaboration aligns infrastructure with demand to accelerate adoption.

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

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.