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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Canada’s Video Game Industry Drives $5B GDP Contribution

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Canada’s video game industry remains a key economic force, with 800 studios employing 34,000 people and contributing over $5 billion to GDP, according to a new ESAC report.

Despite a 3% drop in employment since 2021, the industry saw a rise in full-time roles and a 21% salary increase, pushing average earnings above $100,000. Quebec leads in workforce size with 15,000 employees, followed by B.C. (11,000) and Ontario (6,000).

“Canada’s video game industry continues to mature, creating high-quality jobs and driving innovation,” said ESAC CEO Paul Fogolin.

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

Miru’s eWindows Aim to Cut Energy Use and Boost EV Efficiency

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Vancouver’s Miru Smart Technologies is collaborating with Finnish glass leader Glaston to advance its next-generation electrochromic windows. Miru’s energy-efficient “eWindows” dynamically adjust tint using electricity, cutting building energy use by 20% and extending EV range by 10%.

“With Glaston’s expertise, we aim to scale production faster and enhance automation,” said Miru CEO Curtis Berlinguette. Research is underway at Glaston’s Tampere, Finland, facility to refine manufacturing processes.

Glaston’s Chief Sales Officer, Sasu Koivumäki, sees strong market potential for Miru’s cost-effective switchable glass. The partnership will accelerate commercial deployment in the automotive and building sectors.

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

10 MW of Solar Panels Power 3,964 Alberta Homes

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Calgary’s Jayman BUILT and SkyFire Energy have achieved 10 MW of installed solar power across nearly 60 Alberta communities since 2018. This milestone includes 28,262 solar panels installed on 3,964 Jayman homes, producing enough clean energy annually to power 14.7 million laundry loads or drive an EV around the globe 1,830 times.

“Solar is no longer a luxury but a necessity,” said Jayman COO Dave Hooge, emphasizing the company’s commitment to sustainable homebuilding. SkyFire Energy’s expertise has been crucial in reducing utility costs and carbon emissions for thousands of homeowners, advancing Alberta’s path to a cleaner future.

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

Linamar Commits $1.1B to Ontario EV and Chip Tech

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Ontario auto-parts maker Linamar announced a $1.1B investment to expand four factories in Guelph, Salford, Welland, and Windsor. The project, subsidized by $169.4M from the federal Strategic Innovation Fund and $100M from Ontario, will create 2,300 jobs and enhance Canada’s EV supply chain.

Linamar’s facilities will focus on producing eAxle systems for electric and hybrid vehicles and launching a semiconductor packaging project. Chair Linda Hasenfratz warned that potential U.S. tariffs on Canadian auto parts could devastate the industry. The investment underscores Linamar’s commitment to innovation despite geopolitical challenges.

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

Mangrove Lithium Raises $35M for North America’s First Lithium Refinery

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Mangrove Lithium has secured $35 million to construct North America’s first electrochemical lithium refining facility in Delta, B.C. Set to open by late 2025, the plant will produce battery-grade lithium for 25,000 EVs annually, enhancing the continent’s energy security amid China’s proposed export ban on lithium technology.

The financing round attracted investors such as Mitsubishi Corporation, InBC, and Breakthrough Energy Ventures. Mangrove’s innovative process cuts waste and emissions, offering sustainable solutions for the EV industry.

“This milestone strengthens North America’s battery supply chain,” said CEO Saad Dara, highlighting the plant’s pivotal role in clean energy goals.

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

Svante, Chrysalix Founder Honored at Cleantech Forum

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Cleantech Forum North America celebrated eight visionaries driving sustainable innovation at its awards dinner, including seven companies from the 2025 Global Cleantech 100 list.

Svante, a Burnaby-based carbon capture leader, earned the Hall of Fame honor for sustained excellence and investor confidence. The Cleantech Pioneer Award went to Wal van Lierop, founder of Vancouver’s Chrysalix Venture Capital, for his role in securing $3.5 billion in cleantech funding over two decades.

“These innovators inspire optimism in the fight against climate change,” said Cleantech Group CEO Richard Youngman. The awards highlight cleantech’s critical role in achieving net-zero goals.

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

Tech Leaders Pivot to Conservatives Amid Frustration with Liberals

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A WhatsApp group named Build Canada, featuring prominent tech figures like Shopify executives Tobi Lütke and Daniel Debow, reflects growing disillusionment in the Canadian tech sector with the Liberal government. Once enthusiastic supporters, tech leaders now criticize unmet promises and stalled innovation policies.

Notable frustrations include the slow rollout of open banking and the capital gains tax hike. With an election looming, the sector is aligning with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, citing his willingness to engage with entrepreneurs and propose tax reforms to support innovation.

Tech leaders acknowledge risks but see Poilievre’s leadership as a necessary change.

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

Cyclic Materials Extends Series B with $2M Investment

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Toronto-based Cyclic Materials, specializing in recycling rare earth elements, has secured an additional $2M from InMotion Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover’s investment arm, bringing its Series B funding to $55M.

Cyclic’s proprietary technologies, MagCycle and REEPure, create a circular supply chain for critical minerals, reducing CO₂ emissions and dependency on new mining. Rare earth elements are vital for EVs, wind turbines, and electronics, yet less than 1% are recycled.

CEO Ahmad Ghahreman emphasized expanding operations across North America and Europe, backed by partners like Microsoft, Hitachi, and BMWi. Total funding now exceeds US$80M.

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

Shopify’s Finkelstein Champions Canadian Entrepreneurship

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Montréal’s tech ecosystem gathered at HEC Montréal for the first edition of North Star, an event series organized by Amiral Ventures, Brightspark Ventures, and student groups. The event featured panels of student founders, seasoned CEOs, and a fireside chat with Shopify President Harley Finkelstein.

Speakers emphasized themes of passion, resilience, and balancing obsession with mental health. Student founders highlighted challenges in pivoting from research to business, while Finkelstein championed building global companies in Canada despite structural barriers.

The evening also unveiled the Montréal Startup Guide, a resource for the city’s startup community, aiming to foster collaboration and growth.

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

Human in Motion Shines at CES with XoMotion Exoskeleton

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Vancouver-based robotics firm Human in Motion (HMR) showcased its XoMotion exoskeleton at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), earning a CES Innovations Award. XoMotion, the world’s most advanced medical exoskeleton, offers hands-free, self-balancing support to mimic natural human movement, aiding individuals with mobility impairments caused by spinal cord injuries, strokes, and other neurological conditions.

HMR co-founder and CEO Siamak Arzanpour highlighted the device’s dual benefits for patients and therapists. Backed by $10M raised in 2023 and Health Canada approval, XoMotion is already in use at Queen’s Park Care Centre in New Westminster.

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