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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

TD Bank Emerges as Global Leader in AI Talent Race

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A new report from AI intelligence firm Evident shows TD Bank is outpacing global peers in AI hiring. The April 2025 AI Talent Report reveals TD grew its AI team by over 17% in six months, surpassing the 12.6% global average.

TD now ranks among a select group of “banks to watch,” including BNY and Lloyds, closing in on the top 10 globally. With strong AI research staffing and cloud-driven innovation, TD’s efforts reflect Canada’s growing influence in financial AI. In banking, talent is strategy—and TD is quietly pulling ahead.

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BASF and University of Waterloo Partner to Advance AI Innovation

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BASF and the University of Waterloo’s Data and Artificial Intelligence Institute (Waterloo.AI) have signed a three-year research agreement to develop advanced AI applications from 2025 to 2028. The partnership will focus on root cause analysis, optimization, and forecasting to improve BASF’s global operations.

Waterloo students and researchers will contribute to AI advancements while gaining hands-on industry experience. The BASF AI Innovation Center will serve as the collaboration hub, aligning research with real-world challenges across production, R&D, and supply chain management. The initiative also supports Canada’s role as a leader in digital and AI innovation.

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

Carbon Removal Canada Urges Government to Prioritize Clean Growth

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Canada has a rare opportunity to lead the global clean economy, writes Tim Bushman of Carbon Removal Canada. He argues that with the re-election of the Carney-led Liberal government, Canada must accelerate investment in low-carbon industries—like critical minerals, geothermal energy, and carbon removal.

Bushman warns of rising climate-related costs and lost GDP if inaction continues, but sees economic promise in clean exports and emissions trading systems. With global trade shifting, Canada’s clean products could offer competitive advantages. The moment calls for bold leadership—and a commitment to decarbonization as a national economic strategy.

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

DailyPay Launches Earned Wage Access in Canada

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DailyPay, a U.S.-based pioneer in Earned Wage Access (EWA), is launching operations in Canada this May, following its U.K. debut in 2024. The platform enables workers to access wages in real-time, promoting financial stability and reducing reliance on credit. Early Canadian clients include Hotel Equities, Sekure Payment Experts, Bamford Produce, Kids & Company, and HGS.

DailyPay says EWA improves retention and productivity, with U.S. employers reporting high satisfaction. As 56% of Canadians live paycheck to paycheck, DailyPay aims to offer a timely solution for financial wellness and workforce engagement across the country.

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

Canada’s Equity Crowdfunding Market Hits Milestone Year

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FrontFundr raised $68.3 million through 66 campaigns in 2024, more than doubling its 2023 performance, according to its newly released Community Capital Report. Since 2015, the platform has facilitated $258 million in capital from nearly 28,000 investors and holds 93% of Canada’s crowdfunding market under NI 45-110. Notable 2024 campaigns include Blossom Social and Edison Motors.

New features, a partnership with StartEngine, and increased retail investor engagement fueled growth. Women made up 26% of investors; Ontario led regional participation. With 87% of funded companies still active, FrontFundr is reshaping Canada’s private investing landscape.

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

Waterloo’s VueReal Targets Auto, Consumer Tech with New RDKs

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Waterloo-based VueReal has announced new vertical Reference Design Kits (RDKs) tailored for automotive and consumer electronics, debuting at Display Week 2025 in San Jose. Built on its patented MicroSolid Printing™ platform, the RDKs promise faster product development, lower risk, and direct integration into real-world applications.

The kits feature high-yield, application-specific microLED displays for AR, wearables, infotainment systems, and more. VueReal aims to accelerate adoption of microLEDs in a market projected to hit $30B by 2030. The bundles support sustainable scaling without costly capital outlay and offer unmatched throughput and yield.

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

Meton AI Launches Platform to Accelerate Affordable Housing

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Vancouver-based Meton AI has launched UNLOCKLAND, an AI-powered platform aimed at revolutionizing affordable housing delivery. By cutting site evaluation times from 10 weeks to 10 minutes, the platform helps smaller developers compete with industry giants. CEO Stephen Wong says UNLOCKLAND simulates expert development teams using multi-agent AI to assess zoning, risk, and financials.

The tool supports municipal planning and aims to bridge policy and real-world housing. Vancouver’s planning department is testing it to streamline approvals. With over 35,000 sites analyzed in Canada, Meton plans to expand to the U.S. and Australia.

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

Edmonton’s IronSight Acquired by Norway’s Kabal

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Edmonton-based IronSight has been acquired by Kabal, a Norway-based global leader in offshore energy logistics. Financial terms were not disclosed. Founded in 2018, IronSight developed a SaaS platform simplifying field logistics for onshore operations. By combining IronSight’s agile software with Kabal’s offshore expertise, the companies will offer the first fully integrated logistics solution for the energy sector.

IronSight’s Shawn Martens and Kabal’s Jan Inge Pedersen emphasized the opportunity to improve efficiency, sustainability, and supply chain control for energy operators worldwide. IronSight will now operate under the Kabal brand to scale its global impact.

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

Axibo Eyes Humanoid Robotics Future with Fresh Funding

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Waterloo-based Axibo, known for its 4D volumetric capture tech used by Netflix and Apple, has raised $12 million to fuel its expansion into humanoid robotics. The round includes $11 million from external investors and $1 million from its founders.

CEO Anoop Gadhrri said Axibo will leverage Waterloo’s AI and engineering talent to pioneer advanced humanoid systems for healthcare, logistics, and home use. The company’s first robot prototype, code-named “T.E.B.,” will debut in early 2026. Axibo is actively recruiting engineers to drive innovation and place Canada at the forefront of global robotics.

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

Toronto Entrepreneur Cleared of Criminal Charges Following Trial

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Hamed Abbasi, former CEO of Toronto fintech Plooto, has been acquitted of a 2023 sexual assault charge. Ontario Court Justice Jennifer Strasberg ruled the Crown failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the complainant did not consent. Abbasi, who stepped down from Plooto in March 2024, was represented by Gerald Chan of Stockwoods LLP.

The trial featured surveillance footage, text messages, and expert testimony. Strasberg found both Abbasi and the complainant credible, ultimately concluding that consent was present. Abbasi currently holds no operational role at Plooto and has not commented on his future involvement.

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