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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Montréal’s KisoJi Secures $57M for Antibody Innovation

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Montréal-based biotech firm KisoJi Biotechnology has raised $57 million CAD to advance its cancer treatment into clinical trials and enhance its AI-driven antibody discovery platform. The Series B round, co-led by Investissement Québec and Lumira Ventures, includes support from Fonds de solidarité FTQ, adMare BioInnovations, and Remiges Ventures.

KisoJi’s flagship therapy, KJ-103, a monoclonal antibody targeting tumour cells, will debut in clinical trials with Cancer Research UK. The funding will also bolster KisoJi’s AI-powered KisoSeek platform, which identifies antibodies for treating cardiometabolic diseases. CEO David Young emphasizes the company’s commitment to advancing life sciences and antibody therapies.

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

Toronto’s Cohere Eyes Market Growth with New AI Suite

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Toronto-based Cohere plans to release a suite of workplace AI assistants, enabling companies to integrate generative tools into business systems like CRM platforms. CEO Aiden Gomez highlighted the firm’s strategy of customizing smaller models and offering tailored AI solutions for tasks like document creation and customer service.

Cohere distinguishes itself by focusing on quality data and capital efficiency rather than scaling processing power. Partnerships with tech giants, including Oracle and Fujitsu, bolster its enterprise reach. Cohere raised $940M USD to date, positioning itself as a trusted technology partner for global businesses seeking custom AI capabilities.

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

Majority of Canadians Back Public Transit Electrification

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A new Schneider Electric survey reveals 83% of Canadians believe electrifying public transit is essential for sustainable cities, with 82% concerned about emissions from traditional systems. The survey highlights growing climate awareness, as 78% worry about environmental harm from combustion-engine vehicles. Frederick Morency, VP at Schneider Electric Canada, urged faster action: “Transit electrification is critical to curb emissions.”

Three-quarters of respondents seek more information on government incentives supporting greener transit options. As Canada strives to meet 2030 and 2050 climate targets, Schneider Electric emphasizes collaboration among governments, industries, and communities to prioritize innovative, sustainable transit solutions.

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

TD Bank, Mastercard Partner to Restore B.C. Forests

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TD Bank has joined Mastercard’s global Priceless Planet Coalition to support tree restoration in British Columbia’s wildfire-impacted Thompson Watershed. From October 24, 2024, to January 15, 2025, TD will donate toward planting up to 30,000 trees for every eligible MBNA credit cardholder switching to e-statements.

“Sustainability is a core value for TD,” said Jennifer Bishop, VP at TD Bank. Mastercard’s Diane Miquelon emphasized the initiative’s community impact. Partnering with Tree Canada, the coalition aims to restore 100 million trees worldwide. This effort reflects Mastercard’s commitment to uniting businesses and individuals for climate action.

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

Waterloo’s Catalyst Commons Leads Canada’s Co-Working Spaces

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Catalyst Commons, Canada’s largest privately held co-working space, has expanded to 125,000 square feet, solidifying its position as Waterloo Region’s entrepreneurial hub. The facility is now the first operational site under the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Incubators initiative, aimed at advancing Ontario’s automotive and mobility sectors.

Co-founder Amber French highlighted Catalyst’s collaborative ecosystem, home to over 150 companies including Bloomberg and Miovision. OVIN Head Raed Kadri emphasized the initiative’s role in fostering innovation and supply chain growth. Catalyst Commons’ expansion marks a milestone for Ontario’s innovation ecosystem, poised to strengthen the region’s global competitiveness.

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

    AI Boom Tests Canada’s Power Grid and Emissions Goals

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    Artificial intelligence is driving economic growth in Canada but poses serious challenges to its electricity grid, according to RBC’s Shaz Merwat. AI operations like ChatGPT consume immense energy, with data centers potentially requiring 14% of Canada’s power by 2030. This expansion could add 3% to annual emissions, despite Canada’s clean energy resources.

    Constructing 20–30 new data centers represents a $100 billion opportunity, but balancing growth with sustainability is key. Investments in carbon capture technology and regulatory alignment with the U.S. could mitigate risks. Supporting SMEs in adopting AI is also crucial to boosting productivity while maintaining environmental commitments.

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

    Trexo Robotics Celebrates 100 Million Steps Milestone

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    Trexo Robotics, a Toronto-based company revolutionizing mobility for children, has reached an extraordinary milestone: 100 million steps taken with their robotic assistive devices. Co-founders Manmeet Maggu and Rahul Udasi celebrated this achievement, highlighting its significance for children previously told they’d never walk.

    “Each step represents courage, progress, and hope,” said Maggu. To mark the occasion, Trexo will host a celebration on December 6th in Toronto, honoring the families and children whose perseverance made this possible. The event features speeches, dancing, and demonstrations of Trexo’s groundbreaking robotic legs. Trexo now looks ahead, dreaming of one billion steps in the future.

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

    Canada’s BDC Unveils AI Initiative for Entrepreneurs

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    BDC has launched its Data to AI Program, designed to help Canada’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations. The program provides guidance, tools, and financing to enhance productivity, streamline processes, and boost cybersecurity.

    A recent BDC study revealed only 39% of SMEs recognize their AI usage, though 66% unknowingly rely on AI-integrated tools. Success stories like Vortex Aquatic Structures show how AI-readiness roadmaps can drive growth and efficiency. “Every small business deserves the opportunity to benefit from AI,” said BDC COO Véronique Dorval. The program aims to empower SMEs in the evolving digital landscape.

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

    Vault Launches Interac e-Transfer for Canadian Businesses

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    Toronto-based fintech Vault has added Interac e-Transfer payments to its platform, responding to demand from Canadian small businesses. The feature complements Vault’s existing offerings, which include multi-currency accounts, global transfers, and automated accounting. Co-founder Ahmed Shafik highlighted the importance of listening to customers, stating that many small business owners prefer Interac for its convenience.

    Founded in 2021, Vault aims to modernize financial services for Canadian SMEs, inspired by the outdated banking experiences of its founders’ families. Vault also integrates with QBO and Xero, with plans for more integrations. This move strengthens Vault’s position as a comprehensive digital financial platform.

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

    Canadian Startup Tests Delivery Robots in Suburban Streets

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    Real Life Robotics is set to deploy six delivery robots in Markham, Ontario, this January, targeting street-front shops and restaurants. After a successful summer pilot delivering animal meals at the Toronto Zoo, the company aims to offer businesses a low-cost alternative to platforms like Uber Eats.

    Founder Sharif Virani, formerly with Tiny Mile, is addressing past concerns about robot safety by equipping bots with sensors to collect city-friendly data and building trust through gradual, safe trials. Real Life Robotics hopes to appease municipalities wary of sidewalk hazards, contrasting with Tiny Mile’s contentious experiments during the pandemic.

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