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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Legal LLMs Could Redefine the Practice of Law

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AI won’t replace lawyers—but legal-specific AI might. That’s the message from Alistair Vigier, CEO of Caseway, who argues the real disruption is coming not from tools like ChatGPT, but from legal LLMs—models trained solely on law.

Caseway is developing what it claims will be the industry’s first legal LLM, capable of understanding binding precedent, drafting enforceable contracts, and transforming legal research. Vigier says traditional AI lacks the depth for serious legal work. With specialized data, a legal LLM could reshape firms’ workflows, reduce costs, and democratize access to law—changing legal practice forever.

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

Alberta Women Founders Raise $116M in 2024

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Alberta’s female founders raised $116 million across 14 funding rounds in 2024, according to new Start Alberta Deal Flow data. These rounds, spotlighted during International Women’s Day, include Calgary-led ventures such as Orpyx Medical Technologies ($20M, Breanne Everett), CruxOCM ($17M, Vicki Knott), and Artificial.Agency ($16M, Alex Kearney).

Startups span health tech, energy, real estate, AI, and pet tech. The funding showcases Alberta’s growing innovation ecosystem, increasingly shaped by women entrepreneurs. Calgary.tech has chronicled many of these founders’ stories—each helping push Alberta to the forefront of Canada’s startup landscape.

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

Tiny Acquires Majority Stake in DJ Software Leader Serato

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Victoria-based Tiny, known for acquiring profitable niche tech companies, is entering the music tech sector with a 66% stake in Serato, a globally recognized DJ software firm. The USD $66 million deal, a mix of cash and stock, is set to close in Q2 2025.

Founded over 25 years ago, Auckland-based Serato has $42.4M in annualized revenue—62% of it recurring—and a 34% EBITDA margin. Tiny expects the acquisition to lift recurring revenue by 45% and EBITDA by 30%. Serato’s co-founders and leadership, including CEO Young Ly, will remain in place to steer continued growth.

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

Siemens Invests $150M in Canada for Global Battery R&D Hub

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Siemens will invest $150 million over five years to launch a Global AI Manufacturing Technologies R&D Center in Canada, focused on EV and battery production innovation. Headquartered in Oakville with extensions in Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo, the initiative is expected to create up to 90 high-paying jobs.

The center will develop AI-powered manufacturing tools to improve battery quality, reduce waste, and boost recycling. Federal and provincial leaders hailed the move as proof of confidence in Canada’s EV strategy. The investment includes support from both Ottawa and Queen’s Park, and aligns with Canada’s broader clean energy transition goals.

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

Hut 8 Trades Bitcoin Assets for Stake in Trump-Linked Firm

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Hut 8, formerly a Toronto-based bitcoin miner with operations in Ontario and B.C., has exchanged most of its mining operations for an 80% stake in American Data Centers, a company tied to Eric and Donald Trump Jr. The company will rebrand as American Bitcoin, marking the Trump family’s third venture into digital assets.

The move follows criticism over potential conflicts of interest, given the Trump administration’s pro-crypto policies. Matt Prusak, ex-Hut 8, will be CEO, while Eric Trump assumes the role of chief strategy officer. Hut 8 merged with US Bitcoin and moved its HQ to Miami in 2023.

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

CoolIT Expansion Fuels Alberta’s Data Centre Surge

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Calgary-based CoolIT Systems, a global leader in liquid cooling technology, is driving Alberta’s emergence as a data centre and tech hub. Chief Operating Officer Patrick McGinn credits Alberta’s abundant resources, skilled workforce, and favourable business climate for attracting firms like AWS and Microsoft.

With Colliers’ support, CoolIT is expanding its headquarters and Liquid Lab™, boosting manufacturing by 25X and creating hundreds of jobs. Their energy-saving technology cuts cooling energy by over 90% and enables heat recycling. McGinn sees Alberta’s future shaped by data centre growth, sustainability, and talent development, positioning the province for long-term global leadership.

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

AI-Powered Platform Tackles Real Estate Document Confusion

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StrataReports, a Vancouver-based startup founded by brothers Ashkan and Arash Tavassoli in 2023, is simplifying strata document reviews using AI technology. Designed for homebuyers and realtors, the platform customizes GPT-style models to analyze and summarize condo documents, addressing a major challenge in B.C. and Alberta’s real estate markets.

Since its public debut in March 2024, StrataReports has experienced record monthly growth and strong early feedback, with a 2.73/3 average report rating. Focused initially on realtors, the company plans to expand across the transaction process, targeting buyers, sellers, and brokerages with AI-powered due diligence tools.

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

Vancouver CEO Showcases Quantum Robot at Bezos’ MARS Summit

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At Jeff Bezos’ exclusive MARS summit in Florida, Vancouver deep tech CEO Dr. Suzanne Gildert of Nirvanic AI presented a live demo of “KitCat,” a quadruped robot powered by real-time quantum computing from Burnaby’s D-Wave. Gildert’s keynote on quantum consciousness in robotics explored if adaptive, agency-driven machines can be developed for future applications—including space.

Gildert also met Bezos and notable figures like physicist Stephen Wolfram and director Ron Howard. Nirvanic’s research could pioneer self-aware AI, with upcoming presentations in New York and Barcelona. The company’s ultimate aim: to advance understanding of machine and human consciousness.

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

RBC and Canadian Tire Forge Loyalty Partnership

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Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC) have announced a long-term strategic partnership linking Avion Rewards with Triangle Rewards, two of Canada’s most prominent loyalty programs. Starting in 2026, eligible RBC cardholders will earn Canadian Tire Money faster when shopping at CTC banners like SportChek, Mark’s, and Canadian Tire, while unlocking exclusive offers through Avion.

The collaboration aims to grow Triangle Rewards’ 12 million-member base and drive retail sales. Executives from both companies say the alliance creates a “loyalty powerhouse,” offering Canadians enhanced rewards, savings, and daily value across both platforms.

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

Edmonton’s Nanoprecise Raises $38M to Scale Predictive AI Tech

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Nanoprecise Sci Corp, an Edmonton-based cleantech company, has secured $38 million in Series C funding, co-led by Yaletown Partners and BDC’s Industrial Innovation Venture Fund. Backers include EDC, BMO Capital Partners, and CIBC Innovation Banking. Nanoprecise uses AI and wireless sensors to monitor industrial machinery and predict failures before they occur.

The funding will scale its AI-driven predictive maintenance platform, boosting efficiency and sustainability for global manufacturers. CEO Sunil Vedula says the company aims to help teams make data-informed, proactive decisions. New executive hires include Param Desai as CPO and Kevin Clark as Chief Evangelist.

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