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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Google Updates Tools to Remove Explicit Images

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Google announced new updates to its Search tools that allow users to more easily request the removal of explicit images from search results. The changes streamline existing processes for requesting takedowns of non-consensual, sensitive, or outdated imagery and expand user control over personal digital content.

Google said the update simplifies how individuals submit removal requests and track progress, reducing friction for those seeking to protect their privacy. The move reflects growing pressure on platforms to respond faster to harmful online content while balancing free expression. Google said the tools are designed to support safer search experiences without altering core ranking systems.

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Thomson Reuters Acquires AI Deal-Analysis Firm Noetica

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Thomson Reuters has acquired Noetica, an artificial intelligence company it previously backed in a US$22-million Series A round in 2024. Financial terms were not disclosed. The Toronto-based firm said Noetica’s technology will be integrated into its CoCounsel AI product, with Noetica’s team joining Thomson Reuters.

The deal follows heightened competition in legal AI after Anthropic launched a legal assistant last week, triggering a sell-off in Thomson Reuters’ stock. Noetica’s platform analyzes corporate deal terms against historical market data. Separately, Thomson Reuters Ventures invested in Bretton AI’s US$75-million Series B.

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

Shopify Cuts Partnerships Staff, Leaving Strategy Unclear

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Shopify has laid off at least 53 employees from its partnerships division, according to reporting by The Logic, raising questions about the e-commerce company’s future relationship with third-party agencies and app developers. Sources estimate total job cuts could reach nearly 100, roughly one-third of the team. Shopify has not disclosed figures or outlined a new strategy.

The division historically supported partners through education, deal support, and direct relationship management, distributing US$1 billion in commissions in 2024. Remaining staff face heavier workloads, while partners report reduced communication and uncertainty. Executives have signaled a growing reliance on AI tools, potentially reducing human support in partner engagement.

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

Muse Launches AI Tool to Deepen Sleep

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Muse unveiled Deep Sleep Boost, a new feature for its Muse S Athena headband that targets slow-wave sleep using EEG-guided, AI-timed acoustic cues. Trained on large-scale brain data, the system detects deep sleep in real time and delivers phase-locked pink noise to stabilize restorative rhythms tied to recovery and memory.

Company trials and prior research link precisely timed stimulation to stronger slow waves and better recall, while a sleep-safe design pauses cues if disruption appears. The launch expands Muse’s sleep toolkit focused on quality, not duration, for consumers worldwide today.

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TD Scales AI Across Its Banking Operations

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TD Bank Group is scaling artificial intelligence across its operations after pilot programs such as TD AI Prism yielded strong results in 2025. The bank centralized data on a secure cloud platform to develop foundational predictive models it can redeploy across business units, speeding innovation and driving efficiency.

TD’s Gen AI pilots — including virtual assistants in contact centres and personal banking — have automated manual tasks and strengthened predictive insights. Senior AI leaders say the strategy is built on a robust data foundation, reusable models, and ethical oversight through the bank’s Trustworthy AI framework. The goal for 2026 is to deliver US$1 billion in value from AI.

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

Ottawa Startup Wins at Web Summit Qatar

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Plantaform won the PITCH startup competition at Web Summit Qatar 2026 after the Doha event drew 30,274 attendees, 1,637 startups, and 931 investors from 127 countries. The Ottawa agtech builds smart indoor gardens using fogponics, delivering nutrients as ultrasonic mist to grow herbs and greens year-round with less water and faster yields.

Chief executive Alberto Aguilar said the win accelerated GCC household adoption talks and desert greenhouse deployments. Vancouver robotics firm GlüxKind and Dubai fashion marketplace &Again were runners-up, while Canadian climatetech CURA reached the semifinals, also representing Canada proudly.

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Carney Scraps EV Mandate

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Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a national automotive strategy Thursday aimed at stabilizing Canada’s vehicle manufacturing sector amid trade pressure and slowing electric vehicle demand. The government will repeal the federal EV sales mandate and replace it with greenhouse gas emissions standards targeting 75 per cent EV adoption by 2035, with flexibility for automakers to meet reductions through other technologies.

Ottawa will reintroduce consumer EV rebates worth up to $5,000 and invest $1.5 billion in charging infrastructure. The strategy also dedicates $3 billion from the Strategic Response Fund to vehicle manufacturing, while maintaining retaliatory tariffs against U.S. autos and proposing tradeable import credits to incentivize domestic production.

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

Halifax Startup Advances Carbon Capture

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Halifax-based climate technology firm pHathom Technologies has closed a $4 million seed financing round to advance carbon capture for coastal bioenergy and industrial facilities. The round was led by Propeller Ventures, with participation from the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation, Invest Nova Scotia, and Carmeuse Ventures.

Founded in 2024 by Dr. Kimberly Gilbert, pHathom captures biogenic carbon dioxide and converts it into stable dissolved inorganic carbon using existing infrastructure. Combined with its role in a $16 million Ocean Supercluster project, pHathom’s total committed capital now exceeds $12 million. The funding will support pilot deployments, scientific validation, and regulatory work for durable, verifiable carbon storage.

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

U.S. PE Firm Buys Vancouver Fintech PayByPhone

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A U.S. private equity firm has agreed to acquire Vancouver-based mobile parking payments company PayByPhone. New York-based Lightyear Capital signed a deal to purchase the fintech from corporate payments provider Corpay. PayByPhone serves more than 1,300 clients worldwide with digital parking payments and management software.

Chief executive Jonny Combe said the transaction supports the firm’s strategy to expand beyond parking into broader mobility payments. Lightyear said PayByPhone will operate independently and benefit from its fintech expertise. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

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

Brilliant Harvest Raises US$4M Seed Round

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Calgary-based Brilliant Harvest has raised US$4 million in seed financing to expand its AI-powered customer experience platform for heavy equipment dealerships. New investors include FTW Ventures, Alpaca VC, Automotive Ventures, SVG Ventures, and NYA Ventures, alongside returning backers Builders VC and AltaML.

The company reports adoption across dealerships representing more than half of CNH Industrial’s large dealer network. Multiyear renewals with Rocky Mountain Equipment and Titan Machinery underscore customer confidence. Founder Remi Schmaltz said the funding will support product expansion beyond service teams, while maintaining capital efficiency. Brilliant Harvest was previously named to Calgary.tech’s Startups to Watch list for 2025.

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