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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Canada Invests $240M in Cohere’s AI Data Centre Initiative

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Toronto-based AI firm Cohere will build a multibillion-dollar data centre in Canada, bolstered by up to $240 million in federal funding. The investment marks the first allocation from Canada’s $700-million AI infrastructure fund, part of its $2-billion Sovereign AI Compute Strategy. Expected to go live in 2025, the data centre will support Cohere and other Canadian tech firms.

CoreWeave, a U.S.-based cloud computing startup valued at US$11.5 billion, will construct the facility. Cohere, Canada’s leading AI company with a valuation exceeding US$5.5 billion, is backed by notable investors like Nvidia, Oracle, and Inovia Capital.

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

Federal Government Unveils $2B AI Compute Strategy

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The Canadian government has unveiled its $2 billion Canadian Sovereign AI Compute Strategy, aimed at enhancing AI computing power nationwide. Up to $1 billion will fund public computing infrastructure for AI researchers and startups, while $700 million supports industry and academic projects through the AI Compute Challenge to create secure, affordable AI data centres.

An additional $300 million, launching in Spring 2025, will subsidize AI computing access for small businesses. This initiative follows consultations with over 1,000 stakeholders and reflects Canada’s commitment to strengthening its position in global AI innovation. Applications for funding will open soon.

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

Amazon Employs 46,000 Canadians, Invests $50B Since 2010

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Amazon’s 2024 Canadian report reveals it now employs over 46,000 people across Canada, including 8,000 in technology roles. Vancouver houses 4,500 tech staff, and Toronto employs 3,500 in departments such as AWS, Alexa, and Prime Video. The company has invested $50 billion in Canada since 2010, spanning infrastructure and wages.

Amazon highlights workforce development through programs like AI and machine-learning training, scholarships, and AWS certifications. Partnerships with firms like PwC aim to upskill Canadian workers. The report underscores Amazon’s commitment to competitive pay, benefits, and fostering career growth for Canadians.

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

Spexi Secures $11M Series A for Drone Imaging Network

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Vancouver-based Spexi has closed a US$11 million Series A funding round led by Blockchange Ventures to scale its drone-based imaging network. Spexi aims to replace traditional satellite and airplane imagery with ultra-high-resolution drone data, providing near real-time updates for emergency response, infrastructure inspections, and flood monitoring.

The company boasts 900 times the detail of satellites while maintaining near-zero emissions. CEO Bill Lakeland emphasized Spexi’s role in supporting critical services and advancing AI-powered applications globally. Over 50,000 drone missions across Spexi’s network have created the largest standardized high-resolution imagery base layer. Spexi’s blockchain-powered “Fly to Earn” system ensures data integrity.

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

    Montréal’s KisoJi Secures $57M for Antibody Innovation

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    Montréal-based biotech firm KisoJi Biotechnology has raised $57 million CAD to advance its cancer treatment into clinical trials and enhance its AI-driven antibody discovery platform. The Series B round, co-led by Investissement Québec and Lumira Ventures, includes support from Fonds de solidarité FTQ, adMare BioInnovations, and Remiges Ventures.

    KisoJi’s flagship therapy, KJ-103, a monoclonal antibody targeting tumour cells, will debut in clinical trials with Cancer Research UK. The funding will also bolster KisoJi’s AI-powered KisoSeek platform, which identifies antibodies for treating cardiometabolic diseases. CEO David Young emphasizes the company’s commitment to advancing life sciences and antibody therapies.

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

    Toronto’s Cohere Eyes Market Growth with New AI Suite

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    Toronto-based Cohere plans to release a suite of workplace AI assistants, enabling companies to integrate generative tools into business systems like CRM platforms. CEO Aiden Gomez highlighted the firm’s strategy of customizing smaller models and offering tailored AI solutions for tasks like document creation and customer service.

    Cohere distinguishes itself by focusing on quality data and capital efficiency rather than scaling processing power. Partnerships with tech giants, including Oracle and Fujitsu, bolster its enterprise reach. Cohere raised $940M USD to date, positioning itself as a trusted technology partner for global businesses seeking custom AI capabilities.

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

    Majority of Canadians Back Public Transit Electrification

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    A new Schneider Electric survey reveals 83% of Canadians believe electrifying public transit is essential for sustainable cities, with 82% concerned about emissions from traditional systems. The survey highlights growing climate awareness, as 78% worry about environmental harm from combustion-engine vehicles. Frederick Morency, VP at Schneider Electric Canada, urged faster action: “Transit electrification is critical to curb emissions.”

    Three-quarters of respondents seek more information on government incentives supporting greener transit options. As Canada strives to meet 2030 and 2050 climate targets, Schneider Electric emphasizes collaboration among governments, industries, and communities to prioritize innovative, sustainable transit solutions.

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

    TD Bank, Mastercard Partner to Restore B.C. Forests

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    TD Bank has joined Mastercard’s global Priceless Planet Coalition to support tree restoration in British Columbia’s wildfire-impacted Thompson Watershed. From October 24, 2024, to January 15, 2025, TD will donate toward planting up to 30,000 trees for every eligible MBNA credit cardholder switching to e-statements.

    “Sustainability is a core value for TD,” said Jennifer Bishop, VP at TD Bank. Mastercard’s Diane Miquelon emphasized the initiative’s community impact. Partnering with Tree Canada, the coalition aims to restore 100 million trees worldwide. This effort reflects Mastercard’s commitment to uniting businesses and individuals for climate action.

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

    Waterloo’s Catalyst Commons Leads Canada’s Co-Working Spaces

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    Catalyst Commons, Canada’s largest privately held co-working space, has expanded to 125,000 square feet, solidifying its position as Waterloo Region’s entrepreneurial hub. The facility is now the first operational site under the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Incubators initiative, aimed at advancing Ontario’s automotive and mobility sectors.

    Co-founder Amber French highlighted Catalyst’s collaborative ecosystem, home to over 150 companies including Bloomberg and Miovision. OVIN Head Raed Kadri emphasized the initiative’s role in fostering innovation and supply chain growth. Catalyst Commons’ expansion marks a milestone for Ontario’s innovation ecosystem, poised to strengthen the region’s global competitiveness.

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

      AI Boom Tests Canada’s Power Grid and Emissions Goals

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      Artificial intelligence is driving economic growth in Canada but poses serious challenges to its electricity grid, according to RBC’s Shaz Merwat. AI operations like ChatGPT consume immense energy, with data centers potentially requiring 14% of Canada’s power by 2030. This expansion could add 3% to annual emissions, despite Canada’s clean energy resources.

      Constructing 20–30 new data centers represents a $100 billion opportunity, but balancing growth with sustainability is key. Investments in carbon capture technology and regulatory alignment with the U.S. could mitigate risks. Supporting SMEs in adopting AI is also crucial to boosting productivity while maintaining environmental commitments.

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