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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Shopify’s AI Store Builder Aims to Simplify E-Commerce

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Shopify has introduced a new AI-powered tool that enables merchants to quickly set up and design their online stores. Announced by Shopify President Harley Finkelstein, the feature allows users to input business descriptions, generating up to three free custom themes instantly. The update aims to lower the barrier for entrepreneurs entering e-commerce.

Meanwhile, Shopify’s latest SEC filings have fueled speculation about a potential U.S. redomicile. The company voluntarily filed a 10-K form—a move that suggests deeper financial alignment with U.S. markets. Shopify has not confirmed whether relocation is planned.

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

Turing Award Recognizes Canadian AI Leader

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Andrew Barto and Richard Sutton have received the 2024 ACM A.M. Turing Award for their foundational work in reinforcement learning, a major pillar of artificial intelligence. Their research, dating back to the 1980s, introduced key algorithms such as temporal difference learning.

Sutton, a University of Alberta professor and former DeepMind scientist, and Barto, a professor emeritus at the University of Massachusetts, co-authored Reinforcement Learning: An Introduction, the field’s definitive text. While widely celebrated, Sutton remains skeptical of AI’s current trajectory, arguing that today’s systems mimic intelligence but fail to learn from experience.

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

Developers Embrace AI: 96% See Positive Change in Their Field

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A Salesforce report finds over 90% of developers are excited about AI’s impact on their careers, with 96% expecting AI to improve development. The survey of 2,000+ software leaders and 250 U.S. developers reveals agentic AI is set to transform the field, with four in five leaders believing AI agents will be as vital as traditional tools.

Developers see AI increasing efficiency, automation, and career growth, though many seek more training and resources. AI agents are reshaping development, says Salesforce EVP Alice Steinglass, shifting focus from manual coding to high-level strategy.

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

Vantage Group Unveils Venture Arm for Aviation Innovation

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Vantage Group has launched Vantage Futures, a corporate venture arm investing in early-stage aviation and mobility startups. Focused on sustainability, connected infrastructure, and mobility, the initiative seeks to advance carbon-neutral technologies and operational efficiency.

Vantage Futures’ first investment is in Opfyx, an AI-powered airport operations platform. The startup, backed by Zero Infinity Partners, will debut its technology at JFK Terminal 7 before a potential expansion to Terminal 6. Vantage, which served 80 million travelers in 2024, aims to scale its impact through VC partnerships and corporate collaborations.

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

New Fintech Transforms Rent Payments into Credit Scores

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Toronto-based Karla Rent has emerged from stealth mode with a credit-building rental payment platform designed to help credit unions compete with big banks. The fintech offers secure, financial wellness tools that integrate directly with institutions, ensuring renters’ on-time payments boost credit scores.

BCU Financial is among the first adopters, offering Ukrainian newcomers a way to establish credit. LeasesThatLift, Karla Rent’s broader initiative, expands financial inclusion beyond banking. Co-founders Robin Gray and Basil Eleftheriades emphasize that rental payments should count toward financial progress, with open banking solutions on the horizon.

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

U.S. Slaps Tariffs on Canada, Tech Leaders Push Back

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The U.S. has imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and 10% on energy imports, breaking a 30-day trade truce. Canada retaliated with tariffs on $30 billion in U.S. goods, with potential escalation to $155 billion. Canadian tech leaders and business groups condemned the move, calling for economic diversification and government support.

Startup founders report soaring costs, with Healthybud paying triple shipping fees and SRTX laying off 40% of staff. Despite challenges, some Canadian businesses are seeing increased domestic demand, with Costco Canada and Tre’Dish prioritizing homegrown products. The trade war’s full impact remains to be seen.

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

Calgary Challenges Vancouver for Western Tech Supremacy

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The battle for Western Canada’s tech crown is heating up as Calgary gains ground on Vancouver. Alberta’s low taxes, affordable housing, and aggressive recruitment through the “Alberta is Calling” campaign have drawn skilled workers away from B.C. Venture capital in Alberta outpaced B.C.’s for the first time in early 2024, though Vancouver still leads in deal value and established tech firms.

Experts warn B.C. risks losing its edge due to high taxes and business costs, while Calgary still lacks anchor tech firms to cement its rise. The West’s tech power dynamic is shifting.

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

Canada Launches First AI Strategy for Federal Government

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The Government of Canada has unveiled its first AI Strategy for the federal public service, aimed at enhancing operations, improving digital services, and ensuring responsible AI use. Announced by Treasury Board President Ginette Petitpas Taylor at the University of Waterloo, the Strategy focuses on four key areas: an AI Centre of Expertise, security and accountability, talent development, and public transparency.

The initiative seeks to remove barriers to AI adoption, modernize legacy systems, and drive interdepartmental collaboration. The federal government aims to position Canada as a leader in AI innovation while ensuring ethical and secure implementation.

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

Calgary’s PurposeMed Raises New Capital for U.S. Expansion

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Calgary-based PurposeMed has secured growth investment led by True North Fund, with backing from BDC and Panache Ventures, to expand its digital healthcare services. Ranked Canada’s second-fastest-growing tech company, PurposeMed provides telehealth solutions for underserved communities through its platforms Freddie, Frida, and Foria.

Its work in HIV prevention, gender-affirming care, and behavioral health has led to $200 million in annual healthcare savings. CEO Dr. Husein Moloo says the funding will scale operations as the company enters the U.S. market. True North Fund calls PurposeMed a leader in reimagining care delivery.

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

Vancouver Fintech Unveils API GPT Assistant for Developers

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Vancouver-based VoPay has launched API GPT Assistant, an AI-driven tool designed to streamline payment solution integration for developers and product teams. Built on GPT technology, the assistant enables coding support, real-time troubleshooting, and API call generation across multiple programming languages, including Python, JavaScript, C#, and PHP.

It also assists in building front-end financial UI components, such as payment forms and compliance dashboards. CEO Hamed Arbabi highlighted its role in reducing fintech integration friction, while VP Faizal Karim called it a 24/7 expert for developers, ensuring faster and more accurate deployments.

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