Decoder.ca

Canadian Tech in 100 Words

WELL Health Plans $285M Spinoff After Equity Raise

by

WELL Health is splitting its operations into two companies: one for healthcare delivery and a new spinoff, Wellstar, to provide services to other health providers. The Vancouver-based firm raised $50.4 million at a $285 million valuation, with investment from Mawer, Edgepoint, and PenderFund.

Wellstar will incorporate two newly acquired, unnamed tech firms. WELL Health COO Amir Javidan will become CEO of Wellstar, with WELL retaining majority ownership. Well’s tech services generated $15.6M in quarterly revenue—10% of clinical services earnings but with higher margins—highlighting the spinoff’s growth potential.

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

Air Canada Buys First Domestic Low-Carbon Jet Fuel

by

In a sustainability milestone, Air Canada purchased Canada’s first batch of domestically produced low-carbon aviation fuel (LCAF) from Parkland’s Burnaby Refinery. Made from non-food-grade canola and tallow, the 101,000-litre pilot batch positions Canada as a player in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

CEO Michael Rousseau called this “a critical first step” in reducing emissions. British Columbia’s government praised the achievement, citing forward-thinking policies. Parkland’s Ferio Pugliese highlighted the collaboration’s impact on aviation’s net-zero goals. LCAF offers lower emissions and compatibility with existing aircraft, marking a transformative moment in Canadian aviation sustainability.

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

Sanctuary AI Advances General-Purpose Robot Technology

by

Vancouver-based Sanctuary AI has unveiled dexterous robotic hands with 21 degrees of freedom, a milestone in general-purpose robotics. The hands, capable of in-hand manipulation, were developed using miniaturized hydraulic valves, offering unmatched speed, strength, and durability.

Interim CEO James Wells emphasized the significance: “Dexterity expands the market for humanoid robots.” Sanctuary’s robot, Phoenix, powered by the AI system Carbon, is seen as a breakthrough in human-like intelligence. In 2024, Sanctuary achieved a capital raise, a Microsoft partnership, and deployments at Manga facilities. The company, founded in 2018, continues to pioneer robotics innovation.

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

Automotive 2035 Report: Electrification and AI Dominate

by

IBM’s Automotive 2035 study reveals a turbulent transition for the auto industry, with 80% of new cars expected to feature electrified powertrains by 2035. Executives believe vehicles will become software-defined and AI-powered, with 75% citing digital experiences as key to brand value.

The shift toward subscription-based services demands overhauls in software and hardware architecture. Challenges include outdated development tools and a mechanical-driven culture, with R&D budgets for software expected to triple to 58%. IBM’s Jeff Schlageter emphasizes leveraging cloud and AI to accelerate innovation, creating personalized experiences for customers in the software-defined vehicle era.

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

TikTok Appeals National Security Shutdown in Federal Court

by

TikTok Canada is appealing a federal order to shut its Canadian offices, arguing Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne’s decision was both procedurally unfair and unsupported by evidence. The November directive, citing unspecified national security concerns, came without dialogue despite TikTok’s offers to address issues, the company claimed in a Federal Court filing.

If upheld, the closure will affect hundreds of employees, cancel over 250,000 ad deals, and harm Canadian creators, TikTok warned. While Champagne has declined to disclose specific security concerns, TikTok is seeking judicial review to prevent the shutdown.

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

Canadian Employers Aim to Boost Hiring in 2025

by

Robert Half’s State of Canadian Hiring Survey reveals 46% of companies plan to add new permanent roles in early 2025, while 49% will focus on filling vacancies. Additionally, 54% aim to increase contract hiring for projects.

Growth (47%), turnover (44%), and new projects (41%) are driving hiring. Koula Vasilopoulos of Robert Half emphasizes strong hiring strategies and retention plans to combat delays, burnout, and decreased productivity caused by unfilled roles. The survey highlights risks of delayed hiring, including reduced productivity (40%) and stretched staff bandwidth (39%). Employers must act to meet business goals efficiently.

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

IBM Unveils Breakthrough Optics for AI Data Centers

by

IBM has revealed groundbreaking co-packaged optics (CPO) research, enabling optical communication inside data centers for faster AI processing. By using polymer optical waveguides (PWG), IBM’s innovation could deliver 80x faster bandwidth than current chip connections.

    CPO technology promises to reduce energy consumption by over 5x, cut AI model training times from three months to three weeks, and save energy equivalent to 5,000 U.S. homes annually. The innovation boosts chip interconnect density and ensures reliability under extreme conditions. “This breakthrough will future-proof data centers for AI demands,” said Dario Gil, IBM’s SVP of Research.

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

    Canada’s AI Battleground: Innovation vs. Litigation

    by

    The recent lawsuit by Canadian media groups against OpenAI for allegedly scraping copyrighted content highlights a growing tension between AI innovation and intellectual property concerns. Critics argue this litigation risks stifling AI advancements crucial for Canada’s global competitiveness.

    AI systems use publicly available data, akin to indexing by Google or Bing, to enhance industries like journalism and law. Entrepreneurs warn that such lawsuits send negative signals, pushing AI startups toward jurisdictions with innovation-friendly policies. Clearer laws and licensing agreements could foster collaboration, ensuring both fair compensation and technological progress for Canada’s AI future.

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

    $6 Billion Boost for BC’s Wind Energy Future

    by

    BC Hydro has signed 30-year electricity purchase agreements with nine new wind energy projects, expected to generate 5,000 gigawatt hours annually—enough to power 500,000 homes. These projects will attract $5-$6 billion in private investment.

    Premier David Eby praised the initiative, contrasting Alberta’s restrictive renewable policies. “We’ll see what the U.S. decides on clean energy,” he noted, as Alberta focuses on agriculture-first regulations while collaborating with the U.S. on energy security. The move underscores B.C.’s commitment to clean energy leadership and stability amid shifting North American energy policies.

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

    Google Expands AI Capabilities with Gemini Update

    by

    Google has launched a new version of its Gemini AI model, enabling advanced “agents” to perform tasks in digital and real-world environments. Project Mariner, a browser-based assistant, navigates websites and handles actions like filling shopping carts. Project Astra, initially embedded in smart glasses, offers conversational AI capable of retrieving and remembering user data.

    Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, highlights Gemini’s improved task execution and external tool usage. However, Google promises human oversight for significant actions. As competitors like Amazon and Cohere also develop AI agents, Google aims to set benchmarks for responsible use.

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