Decoder.ca

Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Shopify CEO, Palihapitiya Debate AI’s Limits and Promise

by

At Toronto Tech Week’s Homecoming panel, Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke and Social Capital’s Chamath Palihapitiya discussed artificial intelligence’s promise and pitfalls. Lütke warned companies against clinging to tools instead of focusing on core problems. “Fall in love with problems,” he said, urging flexible thinking in AI use.

Palihapitiya called AI “transformational,” capable of rebuilding society, but downplayed “vibe coding” as ineffective. Both stressed infrastructure challenges ahead, from energy to silicon. Lütke rejected claims that STEM degrees were devalued by AI, labeling it a “dangerous narrative.” The panel, hosted by Satish Kanwar, offered both optimism and caution for AI’s next frontier.

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

BlackBerry Stock Jumps 13% After Surprise Profit

by

BlackBerry shares surged 13% Wednesday after the company posted its first quarterly profit since 2022. The Waterloo-based tech firm reported a US$1.9 million profit in Q1, surprising analysts who projected a US$10 million loss, according to Visible Alpha. Revenue reached USD $121.7 million, topping expectations of USD $112.6 million.

The rebound comes as BlackBerry restructures operations, including a revamp of its QNX division and the sale of a major cybersecurity unit. Additionally, it gained approval to provide its AtHoc secure communications software to U.S. federal agencies. The earnings report marks a potential turning point in the company’s ongoing transformation.

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

EarthDaily Launches First Satellite in AI-Ready Constellation

by


Vancouver-based EarthDaily Analytics has launched the first satellite in its ten-satellite EarthDaily Constellation, signaling a breakthrough in Earth Observation. Initial telemetry confirms a successful deployment, with power-positive status and solar arrays extended. Designed for daily, high-resolution, AI-ready imaging, the constellation will support agriculture, mining, climate monitoring, and defense.

CEO Don Osborne emphasized the system’s predictive capabilities and industry readiness. The remaining satellites will launch by 2026. Backed by Antarctica Capital, EarthDaily aims to provide unmatched global change detection through calibrated, multi-sensor data. This milestone marks a pivotal step in delivering precision Earth intelligence at scale.

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

Dentons to Co-Develop AI Legal Startups with AXL

by

Dentons Canada and venture studio AXL have forged a strategic partnership to reshape the legal industry through artificial intelligence. Dentons will serve as AXL’s exclusive legal partner and preferred counsel for its AI startup portfolio. Led by Dr. Daniel Wigdor, AXL aims to launch 50 AI-driven firms, merging University of Toronto research with market needs.

Dentons joins AXL’s Catalyst think tank, contributing legal insight from day one of venture formation. CEO Tim Haney and Partner Mike Hollinger emphasized Dentons’ role in redefining legal services. Together, the partners intend to deliver practical AI tools, transforming law through innovation.

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

Entropy Acquires Carbon Hubs in $35M Deal

by

Entropy, a Calgary-based subsidiary of Advantage Energy, will expand its carbon capture and storage operations through a $35 million acquisition of three Western Canadian carbon hubs. The definitive agreement includes Belle Plaine and North Battleford hubs in Saskatchewan and a 50% stake in Alberta’s Rolling Hills hub.

    The $20 million cash transaction includes $15 million in milestone payments and is expected to close in July. TD Securities advised the unnamed seller. Funding is via Entropy’s $500 million backing from Brookfield and the Canada Growth Fund. CEO Sanjay Bishnoi called it a milestone in commercial CCS growth.

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

    Alexi Debuts Private AI Cloud for Law Firms

    by

    Toronto-based legaltech startup Alexi has launched Alexi Private Cloud, a fully-isolated AI deployment for law firms seeking tighter control over data and infrastructure.

    The platform enables legal teams to run Alexi’s AI tools within their own secure environment—supporting custom workflows, full IP ownership, and enterprise-grade compliance. “A law firm’s proprietary AI is now a critical source of competitive advantage,” said Alexi CEO Mark Doble. The new product is available in all U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions and supports scalable rollout across entire firms.

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

    Branded Call Display Aims to Restore Trust in Phone Calls

    by

    TELUS and TransUnion have launched Branded Call Display in Canada, a new service that allows participating businesses to show their name, logo, and call reason on recipients’ mobile phones. Aimed at reducing fraud and improving call engagement, the service authenticates calls in real time, helping Canadians distinguish legitimate communication from spoofed numbers.

    A recent TransUnion survey found 70% of Canadians are more likely to answer verified calls. TELUS says the initiative builds on efforts to modernize voice communications, including previous work with STIR/SHAKEN protocols to fight robocalls and scams.

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

    Canadian Farm Tech Brings Hope to War-Stricken Moldova

    by

    A Canadian-designed hydroponic farm is now operating in Rîșcova, Moldova, providing fresh produce to refugees and local families year-round. Developed by Just Vertical and GlobalMedic, the initiative marks the first use of indoor farming for humanitarian aid in the region.

    Moldova, burdened by harsh winters and war-related supply disruptions, struggles with food security—an issue intensified by over 127,000 Ukrainian refugees. The farm grows over 1,000 plants at once, producing culturally relevant crops without relying on soil or stable weather. A documentary on the project, “Moldova Feeds,” recently won Best Short Documentary at the 2025 Niagara Canada International Film Festival.

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

    KPMG: Low AI Literacy Holding Canada Back

    by

    Canada ranks near the bottom globally in AI literacy and trust, according to new research from KPMG and the University of Melbourne. Among 47 countries studied, Canada ranked 44th for AI literacy and 42nd for trust. Only 24% of Canadians have received AI training, and just 34% trust information from AI systems.

    Despite low exposure to harms, concern remains high—especially around cybersecurity and privacy. Experts warn Canada risks falling behind economically unless education, regulation, and adoption improve. Stronger governance and more public-private collaboration could build the trust needed to unlock AI’s economic potential.

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

    Conquest Planning Raises $100M to Scale Financial AI

    by

    Winnipeg-based Conquest Planning has raised $100 million in Series B funding to expand its AI-driven financial planning platform. Led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, the round includes new investors Canapi Ventures, BDC Capital, Citi Ventures, TIAA Ventures, and USAA, with continued support from BNY and Portage.

    Conquest’s Strategic Advice Manager (SAM) uses AI to deliver personalized, real-time financial recommendations. Already adopted by over 1,000 institutions—including RBC and Manulife—Conquest supports 60% of Canadian advisors and is expanding in the U.S. and U.K. The firm also unveiled SAM Bytes to support individuals not yet working with advisors.

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