Decoder.ca

Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Former Rogers CEO Tapped for Shopify Board Amid Leadership Shift

by

Shopify has nominated former Rogers CEO Joe Natale for election to its board at its June 17 AGM. If approved, Natale will succeed outgoing lead independent director Robert Ashe. Currently an adviser at Altas Partners, Natale brings decades of Canadian telecom experience. His 2021 departure from Rogers followed a high-profile boardroom dispute.

Shopify’s board has recently added leaders from U.S. tech giants and high-profile startups. The company also disclosed that CEO Tobi Lütke’s total compensation rose to US$150 million in 2024—mostly in stock options—up sharply from US$20 million the year before.

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

Maple Scan App Helps Canadians Shop Local With AI

by

University of Calgary alum Sasha Ivanov is changing how Canadians shop with Maple Scan, an AI-powered app that identifies local ties to scanned products. Launched in just one week, the app has already surpassed 490,000 scans and 2,000 reviews.

Maple Scan now includes city-specific alternatives and supports the Buy Canadian movement amid tariff concerns. Ivanov credits the Hunter Hub’s Summer Accelerator for early guidance. The app will be showcased at Web Summit Vancouver, alongside nine other UCalgary ventures supported by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking.

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

TD Bank Emerges as Global Leader in AI Talent Race

by

A new report from AI intelligence firm Evident shows TD Bank is outpacing global peers in AI hiring. The April 2025 AI Talent Report reveals TD grew its AI team by over 17% in six months, surpassing the 12.6% global average.

TD now ranks among a select group of “banks to watch,” including BNY and Lloyds, closing in on the top 10 globally. With strong AI research staffing and cloud-driven innovation, TD’s efforts reflect Canada’s growing influence in financial AI. In banking, talent is strategy—and TD is quietly pulling ahead.

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

BASF and University of Waterloo Partner to Advance AI Innovation

by

BASF and the University of Waterloo’s Data and Artificial Intelligence Institute (Waterloo.AI) have signed a three-year research agreement to develop advanced AI applications from 2025 to 2028. The partnership will focus on root cause analysis, optimization, and forecasting to improve BASF’s global operations.

Waterloo students and researchers will contribute to AI advancements while gaining hands-on industry experience. The BASF AI Innovation Center will serve as the collaboration hub, aligning research with real-world challenges across production, R&D, and supply chain management. The initiative also supports Canada’s role as a leader in digital and AI innovation.

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

Carbon Removal Canada Urges Government to Prioritize Clean Growth

by

Canada has a rare opportunity to lead the global clean economy, writes Tim Bushman of Carbon Removal Canada. He argues that with the re-election of the Carney-led Liberal government, Canada must accelerate investment in low-carbon industries—like critical minerals, geothermal energy, and carbon removal.

Bushman warns of rising climate-related costs and lost GDP if inaction continues, but sees economic promise in clean exports and emissions trading systems. With global trade shifting, Canada’s clean products could offer competitive advantages. The moment calls for bold leadership—and a commitment to decarbonization as a national economic strategy.

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

DailyPay Launches Earned Wage Access in Canada

by

DailyPay, a U.S.-based pioneer in Earned Wage Access (EWA), is launching operations in Canada this May, following its U.K. debut in 2024. The platform enables workers to access wages in real-time, promoting financial stability and reducing reliance on credit. Early Canadian clients include Hotel Equities, Sekure Payment Experts, Bamford Produce, Kids & Company, and HGS.

DailyPay says EWA improves retention and productivity, with U.S. employers reporting high satisfaction. As 56% of Canadians live paycheck to paycheck, DailyPay aims to offer a timely solution for financial wellness and workforce engagement across the country.

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

Canada’s Equity Crowdfunding Market Hits Milestone Year

by

FrontFundr raised $68.3 million through 66 campaigns in 2024, more than doubling its 2023 performance, according to its newly released Community Capital Report. Since 2015, the platform has facilitated $258 million in capital from nearly 28,000 investors and holds 93% of Canada’s crowdfunding market under NI 45-110. Notable 2024 campaigns include Blossom Social and Edison Motors.

New features, a partnership with StartEngine, and increased retail investor engagement fueled growth. Women made up 26% of investors; Ontario led regional participation. With 87% of funded companies still active, FrontFundr is reshaping Canada’s private investing landscape.

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

Waterloo’s VueReal Targets Auto, Consumer Tech with New RDKs

by

Waterloo-based VueReal has announced new vertical Reference Design Kits (RDKs) tailored for automotive and consumer electronics, debuting at Display Week 2025 in San Jose. Built on its patented MicroSolid Printing™ platform, the RDKs promise faster product development, lower risk, and direct integration into real-world applications.

The kits feature high-yield, application-specific microLED displays for AR, wearables, infotainment systems, and more. VueReal aims to accelerate adoption of microLEDs in a market projected to hit $30B by 2030. The bundles support sustainable scaling without costly capital outlay and offer unmatched throughput and yield.

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

Meton AI Launches Platform to Accelerate Affordable Housing

by

Vancouver-based Meton AI has launched UNLOCKLAND, an AI-powered platform aimed at revolutionizing affordable housing delivery. By cutting site evaluation times from 10 weeks to 10 minutes, the platform helps smaller developers compete with industry giants. CEO Stephen Wong says UNLOCKLAND simulates expert development teams using multi-agent AI to assess zoning, risk, and financials.

The tool supports municipal planning and aims to bridge policy and real-world housing. Vancouver’s planning department is testing it to streamline approvals. With over 35,000 sites analyzed in Canada, Meton plans to expand to the U.S. and Australia.

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

Edmonton’s IronSight Acquired by Norway’s Kabal

by

Edmonton-based IronSight has been acquired by Kabal, a Norway-based global leader in offshore energy logistics. Financial terms were not disclosed. Founded in 2018, IronSight developed a SaaS platform simplifying field logistics for onshore operations. By combining IronSight’s agile software with Kabal’s offshore expertise, the companies will offer the first fully integrated logistics solution for the energy sector.

IronSight’s Shawn Martens and Kabal’s Jan Inge Pedersen emphasized the opportunity to improve efficiency, sustainability, and supply chain control for energy operators worldwide. IronSight will now operate under the Kabal brand to scale its global impact.

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