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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Calgary Economic Development

Calgary Reclaims Western Canada’s Top VC Position

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Calgary has solidified its status as a national innovation hub, ranking third in Canada for venture capital investment with $341 million across 43 deals, according to new CVCA data. While investment levels dipped from 2024, Calgary surpassed Vancouver to reclaim the top position in Western Canada.

Calgary Economic Development CEO Brad Parry said the city’s momentum reflects years of strategic planning. Alberta recorded 58 deals—its highest national share in recent years—with cleantech leading the surge. Eavor Technologies’ $89-million raise ranked among Canada’s largest. With most provincial VC dollars flowing through Calgary, the city remains Alberta’s innovation engine.

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Calgary Tech Valued at $6.7B in 2025 Report

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Calgary has been named an “Emerging Ecosystem to Watch” in Startup Genome’s 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report. The city’s startup ecosystem is now valued at $6.7 billion, up 13% since 2023. Calgary ranks among North America’s Top 30 ecosystems and the Top 50 globally, recognized for affordability and return on investment.

With strong support from Calgary Economic Development, Platform Calgary, and the University of Calgary, the city has become a resilient tech hub. Its Innovation Strategy aims to create 187,000 jobs and contribute $28 billion to the economy by 2034.

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Calgary SMEs Get $3.5M Boost for Innovation

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The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, with support from Alberta’s government, has launched OCIF Express—a new funding stream deploying up to $3.5 million to 23 Calgary-based SMEs. Focused on short-duration projects under 24 months, the initiative targets high-growth sectors like AI, clean energy, and aerospace.

OCIF Express aims to create over 150 jobs and provide skills training for nearly 90 workers. Recipients include ZayZoon, CoolIT Systems, Carbon Upcycling, and MRO Electronics. Alberta contributed $1.2 million to the fund. Officials say OCIF Express will accelerate innovation and local hiring while reinforcing Calgary’s economic resilience.

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Calgary Lands Lufthansa Technik, Strengthening Aerospace Sector

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Lufthansa Technik (LHT) has selected Calgary International Airport as its Western Canada headquarters, reinforcing the city’s status as an aerospace innovation hub. The global leader in aircraft maintenance and repair will create 120 high-skilled jobs and train 80 professionals within four years.

The new Test Cell Facility, supported by $2.5 million from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, will focus on sustainable aviation fuels and next-generation engine technology. Calgary Economic Development and Mayor Jyoti Gondek praised the investment, which follows WestJet’s expansion and the city’s NATO DIANA test hub designation, solidifying Calgary’s aerospace leadership.

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Eventcombo’s $10 Million Investment in Calgary Unveils New HQ and Jason Kenney as Senior Advisor

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Eventcombo, the New Jersey-based event technology platform, is expanding its operations and setting up a new headquarters in Calgary with a $10 million investment. The move is supported by Invest Alberta and Calgary Economic Development, aiming to create 250 highly skilled jobs.

Eventcombo’s collaboration with Alberta Innovates and Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) has revolutionized event planning with artificial intelligence.

Notably, the company announced former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney as their new senior advisor. This strategic partnership will enhance Eventcombo’s growth and bring valuable expertise to their innovative event management solutions.

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