Platform Calgary

After seven years at the helm, Terry Rock will step down as President and CEO of Platform Calgary on October 14. Rock, who joined in 2018, was instrumental in opening the Platform Innovation Centre in 2022 and fostering a collaborative ecosystem that has supported more than 800 startups.

Those firms created 6,750 jobs and generated $235 million in revenue in 2024. Platform’s Board has appointed Chief Operating Officer Jen Lussier as interim CEO while a permanent successor is sought. Rock will join Alberta Innovates as Senior Vice President and COO, continuing to advance the province’s innovation economy.

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Since 2010, Calgary’s Launch Party has celebrated top early-stage startups during Innovation Week. The 2025 edition is now open for applications and nominations until August 29. Ten selected companies will gain exposure, pitch live on stage, and engage with investors, mentors, and alumni.

Eligible startups must be Calgary-based, product-driven, and less than three years old, with traction and in-market offerings. Last year, ResVR, The Reporting Hub, and Moovez earned top accolades. Launch Party continues to spotlight Calgary’s tech talent and foster entrepreneurial momentum.

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Platform Calgary-supported startups raised a record $323 million in 2024, according to the organization’s new Impact Report. Since 2018, startups in its network have collectively raised over $1 billion. The Platform Innovation Centre hosted more than 140,000 visitors last year and now supports 623 companies, including 476 based locally.

Programs like Startup 101 and Alberta Catalyzer helped create 6,750 jobs and generate $235 million in revenue. The report highlights strong inclusion metrics, with one-third of companies founded by women or racialized entrepreneurs. CEO Terry Rock says Calgary is now “setting the pace” in the global startup race.

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Platform Calgary’s Launch Party closed Innovation Week YYC, celebrating 10 standout startups at the Big Four Roadhouse. Three awards spotlighted innovation: ResVR won the People’s Choice Award for its 3D home visualization platform; The Reporting Hub secured the Alex Raczenko Pitch Award for its no-code Power BI sharing tool; and Moovez earned the Alumni’s Choice Award for its local moving network.

Each winner received $3,000 from event presenter Boast. CEO Terry Rock lauded Calgary’s growing tech scene, calling the startups “shining examples of entrepreneurial passion.” The event cements Calgary’s role as a rising tech hub.

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Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek is championing innovation and talent development to secure the city’s future as a tech hub. Speaking during Calgary Innovation Week, she emphasized the importance of modern infrastructure, starting with expanded fibre access, to support growth areas like the city’s planned logistics hub.

Gondek highlighted Calgary’s affordability and welcoming community as key factors attracting businesses and talent. She also called for local capital to fuel homegrown companies, fostering an innovation ecosystem that encourages experimentation and resilience. By connecting entrepreneurs with clients, Gondek aims to establish Calgary as a leader in innovation and business growth.

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

Calgary’s tech ecosystem is about to light up at the Innovation Week YYC Launch Party on November 21, 2024. Held at Big Four Roadhouse, the event will spotlight ten innovative startups, including BigGeo, ResVR, and Job Autopilot.

These companies, selected by Platform Calgary, are set to pitch game-changing solutions in AI, geospatial intelligence, and real estate. Investors, partners, and the broader tech community will be there, offering a golden opportunity for startups to secure key business connections and investment. Calgary’s tech future is bright, and these ten startups are leading the way.

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