Decoder.ca

Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Xanadu to Go Public in Landmark Quantum SPAC Deal

by

Toronto-based Xanadu Quantum Technologies will go public through a merger with U.S. special purpose acquisition company Crane Harbor Acquisition Corp., creating the world’s first pure-play photonic quantum computing firm. The combined company will trade on Nasdaq and the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Xanadu, founded in 2016, builds room-temperature quantum computers and is behind PennyLane, an open-source quantum programming platform used by 47 percent of developers globally. CEO Christian Weedbrook said the deal will accelerate development toward a fault-tolerant system by 2029. Xanadu’s clients include Volkswagen, Mitsubishi Chemical, and Rolls-Royce. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

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

Novarc Unveils World’s First Autonomous TIG Welding System

by

Burnaby-based Novarc Technologies has launched the world’s first fully autonomous TIG welding solution, a major advance for Canadian manufacturing. The AI robotics firm unveiled its SWR™ TIPTIG Autonomy system at its new headquarters, showcasing artificial intelligence and machine learning that enable unmatched welding precision.

The technology aims to address skilled labour shortages while improving safety and productivity in sectors such as shipbuilding, energy, and clean technology. CEO Soroush Karimzadeh said the system represents a leap forward for industrial automation. Federal officials called Novarc’s innovation proof of British Columbia’s growing leadership in robotics and advanced manufacturing.

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

Belski Dismisses Macklem’s AI Valuation Fears as “Fear-Laden”

by

Veteran market strategist Brian Belski is disputing Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem’s warning that AI-driven stock valuations are “stretched,” calling such remarks “fear-laden.” Belski, who recently left BMO Capital Markets after 13 years as chief investment strategist, said AI remains early in its growth cycle and should be judged on fundamentals, not hype.

In an interview with The Logic, Belski announced his new advisory firm, Humilis Investment Strategies, based in Naples, Florida. He identified Canada’s banks, Shopify, Dollarama, Aritzia, and Couche-Tard as strong performers, while warning investors against speculative gold trades detached from fundamentals.

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

Law Firms Must Evolve as Clients Redefine Value

by

McCarthy Tétrault’s National Leader of Transformation, Matthew Peters, says the legal industry is shifting from precedent to purpose as clients redefine value. Ahead of his panel at Future Lawyer Canada, Peters described how aligning technology, talent, and governance around client outcomes is reshaping law firms.

He warned that the traditional apprenticeship model is eroding as automation replaces foundational training and urged firms to invest in re-skilling and data-driven strategy. Peters emphasized that client satisfaction now depends on measurable performance, not tradition. “We’ve moved past talking about client-centricity,” he said. “Clients are now truly at the centre.”

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

Frustration Mounts as Shopify’s Chatbot Takes Over

by

Shopify merchants are voicing frustration over the company’s AI-powered customer service, saying it’s become nearly impossible to reach a human for help. The Logic reports merchants facing repeated chatbot loops despite paying for 24/7 support. Former Shopify employees said layoffs and outsourcing have eroded service quality since 2022, with hundreds of support roles eliminated.

CEO Tobi Lütke has promoted AI as a driver of efficiency, but merchants claim automation has replaced accountability. Shopify maintains that its human agents use AI to “get merchants unstuck faster.” The company’s revenue grew 26 percent in 2024 despite reduced staff.

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

MDA Shares Plunge on SpaceX-Globalstar Sale Speculation

by

Shares of Canadian satellite manufacturer MDA Space fell nearly 16 percent Thursday following reports that client Globalstar may be in talks to sell to Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Analysts warned a deal could jeopardize MDA’s $1.1-billion contract to build Globalstar’s low-Earth-orbit satellites, as SpaceX manufactures its own hardware.

MDA said it is monitoring market speculation but does not comment on rumours. The company’s stock closed below $29 on the Toronto exchange. The drop follows a 25-percent decline in September when EchoStar cancelled a $1.8-billion contract after selling spectrum to SpaceX.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on The Globe and Mail.

Canada’s Space Race Heats Up with EDC Funding

by

Maritime Launch Services has secured a $10-million senior credit facility from Export Development Canada to advance construction of Spaceport Nova Scotia. The Halifax-based aerospace firm said the funding will support launch pad and infrastructure work for future orbital missions near Canso, 300 kilometres east of Halifax.

CEO Stephen Matier said the partnership demonstrates Canada’s ability to achieve sovereign launch capability. The publicly traded company, founded in 2016, became the first space-related listing on the NEO Exchange in 2022. Maritime Launch is targeting Canada’s first orbital rocket launch, competing with Ontario-based NordSpace’s developing Newfoundland site.

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

Ottawa Too Entangled to Cut Ties with Amazon Web Services

by

A federal review of Ottawa’s business dealings with Amazon found that cutting ties with the tech giant’s cloud division, Amazon Web Services (AWS), would be expensive, time-consuming, and likely shift contracts to other hyperscalers. The February report, obtained by The Logic, followed Amazon’s closure of seven Quebec warehouses that cut over 4,500 jobs.

It revealed Ottawa’s heavy reliance on AWS, which holds more than 600 government contracts worth over $220 million since 2020. Despite political outrage, the federal government has since awarded AWS an additional $9.7 million in new contracts, including one with National Defence.

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

Neo Financial Expands Toronto Hub Amid Rapid Growth

by

Neo Financial, Canada’s fastest-growing fintech, is expanding its Toronto presence as it continues rapid national growth. Founded in Calgary in 2019 by the team behind SkipTheDishes, Neo has become the first company to top Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50™ three years running.

Co-founder Jeff Adamson said the expansion deepens ties to Ontario’s financial and technology hub, where the firm’s Toronto workforce has tripled in a year. Neo will add roles through 2026 in credit, AI, and payments. The company reports saving Canadians over $110 million in fees, underscoring its mission to make modern banking more accessible.

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

Jetson CEO Honoured by TIME for Clean Tech Leadership

by

Vancouver entrepreneur Stephen Lake has been named to the TIME100 Climate list, honouring global leaders advancing climate action. Lake, co-founder and CEO of Jetson, was recognized for his role in developing affordable home electrification solutions. Jetson’s technology halves the cost of heat pump installation by streamlining assessments and eliminating markups.

TIME cited Lake’s call for governments to redirect fossil fuel subsidies toward clean energy adoption. Earlier this month, Jetson Air — a smart home heat pump system — was named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025. Lake previously co-founded North, later acquired by Google.

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