Decoder.ca

Canadian Tech in 100 Words

KPMG Powers Up AI Strategy from Within

by

KPMG in Canada is doubling down on artificial intelligence, launching tools like its proprietary gen AI assistant Kleo and acquiring spatial data firm LlamaZOO. At Web Summit Vancouver, KPMG’s Walter Pela detailed the firm’s “Client Zero” strategy—testing AI internally to inform client-facing solutions.

KPMG’s investments include an Agentic AI Engine and digital twin technologies to improve productivity and decision-making. Pela advises Canadian organizations to define AI strategies, pilot solutions, and train staff while emphasizing ethics and trust. As automation and agentic intelligence rise, KPMG aims to help businesses lead, not follow.

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

From $0 to $3B: A Tech Triumph in Vancouver

by

At Web Summit Vancouver, LayerZero CEO Bryan Pellegrino recounted his company’s rapid ascent—from startup to $3.2B valuation in just 18 months. Rooted in conviction, rigorous preparation, and in-person collaboration, the company’s success stems from a decade of teamwork among co-founders.

Pellegrino emphasized strategic restraint in fundraising, citing investor demand as a key driver. Eight term sheets in eight days led to backing from Sequoia and Andreessen Horowitz. With billions in assets flowing weekly, the Vancouver-based firm is now pursuing long-term growth. Mayor Ken Sim hailed LayerZero’s impact on the city’s economy and blockchain ecosystem.

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

Touch Card Enhances Payment Accessibility for Sight Loss

by

Mastercard is advancing inclusive finance in Canada with Touch Card, a tactile payment solution for individuals with sight loss. Featuring notched edges—rounded for debit, square for credit, triangular for prepaid—the cards offer enhanced independence and security. CIBC is the first Canadian bank to issue Touch Card, underscoring its commitment to accessible banking.

Alongside this launch, CIBC also introduced CIBC AI, a generative artificial intelligence platform aimed at boosting productivity and supporting its client-focused strategy. The bank recently joined the Creative Destruction Lab’s AI program and pledged 200 new AI-related roles to strengthen its innovation capacity.

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

Data, Chemistry, and AI Lead Mining Innovation

by

At Web Summit Vancouver, Canadian CEOs Mohammad Doostmohammadi (pH7 Technologies) and Steve de Jong (VRIFY) urged a tech-driven overhaul of mining. Doostmohammadi’s firm extracts critical metals using low-waste, on-site leaching, reducing emissions and boosting sovereignty for countries like Mongolia.

De Jong’s platform leverages geological data to uncover overlooked mineral reserves, such as a gold deposit near historic Quebec mines. Both see AI and automation enhancing global equity and safety while supporting clean energy needs. Their shared vision: a smarter, more sustainable mineral supply chain rooted in transparency, not exploitation.

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

    Lumenix AI Slashes Hospital Infections by 90%

    by

    Ottawa-based Lumenix is quietly revolutionizing hospital hygiene. Its AI-powered system, AIMS, uses ceiling-mounted sensors to monitor and improve handwashing in real time. At The Ottawa Hospital’s Civic campus, the system boosted hygiene compliance by 41% and cut hospital-acquired infections by over 90%.

    CEO Scott Delaney says McGill University Health Centre is next. As public handwashing habits slide post-pandemic, experts like microbiologist Jason Tetro warn of complacency. Surveys show fewer than half of adults wash hands after visiting stores or coughing. But in hospitals, where it counts most, AI may be keeping the soap flowing—and lives safe.

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

    Spexi Elevates Canada’s Aerial Imaging Game

    by

    Faced with aging infrastructure and climate risk, Canada’s demand for fast, accurate geospatial data is growing. Vancouver-based Spexi, led by imaging veteran Bill Lakeland, is meeting the challenge. The firm operates the world’s largest drone imaging network, capturing real-time aerial data for emergency planning, AI, and smart cities.

    With a decentralized pilot network and a platform built for speed, Spexi outpaces satellites and aircraft in delivering timely insights. Municipalities, insurers, and researchers increasingly rely on its data to mitigate risks. Lakeland believes Canada’s regulatory edge and AI expertise position it to lead globally.

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

    Bell Unveils Canada’s Largest AI Compute Project

    by

    At Web Summit Vancouver, Bell Canada unveiled its most ambitious tech initiative yet: Bell AI Fabric, a national AI computing network powered by 500 MW of hydroelectric energy. The project begins with a Kamloops-based data centre coming online this June, developed in partnership with AI firm Groq.

    By 2027, six AI facilities—including one at Thompson Rivers University—will offer sovereign, eco-conscious AI compute. CEO Mirko Bibic called it “transformational” for Canada’s AI future. Bell’s move arrives amid growing AI infrastructure competition, notably following TELUS’s recent $70 billion announcement.

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

    Web Summit Debuts in Vancouver with Global Crowd

    by

    Web Summit’s debut in Vancouver drew a global crowd of 15,727 from 117 nations, marking a record-setting launch. Over 1,100 startups from 64 countries are exhibiting, with 44% women-founded—a strong signal of inclusive entrepreneurship. Major partners like Microsoft, Mastercard, and IBM joined 681 investors from Thiel Capital and 500 Global.

    Fifty trade delegations, including South Korea and Nigeria, arrived to network and explore investment. The event features 345 speakers and 88 curated meetups tailored through Summit Engine software. With 550 journalists from outlets including The Guardian and CTV reporting on-site, Vancouver took centre stage on tech’s global circuit.

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

    Moment Energy Builds First Second-Life Battery Gigafactory

    by

    Vancouver-based Moment Energy is pioneering a global first: a gigafactory repurposing electric vehicle batteries for sustainable energy storage. Co-founded by Sumreen Rattan, the company addresses a looming gap between storage demand and battery supply, with retired EV batteries offering a circular, cost-effective solution.

    Backed by US$15 million in Series A funding and a US$20.3 million U.S. Department of Energy award, the startup is expanding operations in Canada and the U.S. With pilot projects like Vancouver International Airport, Moment is reshaping how businesses stabilize grids, cut emissions, and save costs.

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

    Jane Software Hits $1.8B Valuation in Secondary Deal

    by

    North Vancouver’s Jane Software is now among Canada’s most valuable private tech firms. A $500-million secondary share sale led by TCV, with participation from JMI Equity and Tidemark, values Jane at approximately $1.8 billion. Founded in 2012, Jane provides practice management tools for over 200,000 healthcare practitioners.

    Co-founders Alison Taylor and Trevor Johnston built Jane with less than $10 million in primary capital, achieving profitability early and growing steadily. With 650 employees and nearly US$100 million in annual revenue, Jane is expanding its platform with AI features like an automated scribe tool.

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