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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Lumenix AI Slashes Hospital Infections by 90%

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Ottawa-based Lumenix is quietly revolutionizing hospital hygiene. Its AI-powered system, AIMS, uses ceiling-mounted sensors to monitor and improve handwashing in real time. At The Ottawa Hospital’s Civic campus, the system boosted hygiene compliance by 41% and cut hospital-acquired infections by over 90%.

CEO Scott Delaney says McGill University Health Centre is next. As public handwashing habits slide post-pandemic, experts like microbiologist Jason Tetro warn of complacency. Surveys show fewer than half of adults wash hands after visiting stores or coughing. But in hospitals, where it counts most, AI may be keeping the soap flowing—and lives safe.

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

Spexi Elevates Canada’s Aerial Imaging Game

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Faced with aging infrastructure and climate risk, Canada’s demand for fast, accurate geospatial data is growing. Vancouver-based Spexi, led by imaging veteran Bill Lakeland, is meeting the challenge. The firm operates the world’s largest drone imaging network, capturing real-time aerial data for emergency planning, AI, and smart cities.

With a decentralized pilot network and a platform built for speed, Spexi outpaces satellites and aircraft in delivering timely insights. Municipalities, insurers, and researchers increasingly rely on its data to mitigate risks. Lakeland believes Canada’s regulatory edge and AI expertise position it to lead globally.

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

Bell Unveils Canada’s Largest AI Compute Project

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At Web Summit Vancouver, Bell Canada unveiled its most ambitious tech initiative yet: Bell AI Fabric, a national AI computing network powered by 500 MW of hydroelectric energy. The project begins with a Kamloops-based data centre coming online this June, developed in partnership with AI firm Groq.

By 2027, six AI facilities—including one at Thompson Rivers University—will offer sovereign, eco-conscious AI compute. CEO Mirko Bibic called it “transformational” for Canada’s AI future. Bell’s move arrives amid growing AI infrastructure competition, notably following TELUS’s recent $70 billion announcement.

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

Web Summit Debuts in Vancouver with Global Crowd

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Web Summit’s debut in Vancouver drew a global crowd of 15,727 from 117 nations, marking a record-setting launch. Over 1,100 startups from 64 countries are exhibiting, with 44% women-founded—a strong signal of inclusive entrepreneurship. Major partners like Microsoft, Mastercard, and IBM joined 681 investors from Thiel Capital and 500 Global.

Fifty trade delegations, including South Korea and Nigeria, arrived to network and explore investment. The event features 345 speakers and 88 curated meetups tailored through Summit Engine software. With 550 journalists from outlets including The Guardian and CTV reporting on-site, Vancouver took centre stage on tech’s global circuit.

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

Moment Energy Builds First Second-Life Battery Gigafactory

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Vancouver-based Moment Energy is pioneering a global first: a gigafactory repurposing electric vehicle batteries for sustainable energy storage. Co-founded by Sumreen Rattan, the company addresses a looming gap between storage demand and battery supply, with retired EV batteries offering a circular, cost-effective solution.

Backed by US$15 million in Series A funding and a US$20.3 million U.S. Department of Energy award, the startup is expanding operations in Canada and the U.S. With pilot projects like Vancouver International Airport, Moment is reshaping how businesses stabilize grids, cut emissions, and save costs.

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

Jane Software Hits $1.8B Valuation in Secondary Deal

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North Vancouver’s Jane Software is now among Canada’s most valuable private tech firms. A $500-million secondary share sale led by TCV, with participation from JMI Equity and Tidemark, values Jane at approximately $1.8 billion. Founded in 2012, Jane provides practice management tools for over 200,000 healthcare practitioners.

Co-founders Alison Taylor and Trevor Johnston built Jane with less than $10 million in primary capital, achieving profitability early and growing steadily. With 650 employees and nearly US$100 million in annual revenue, Jane is expanding its platform with AI features like an automated scribe tool.

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

KPMG Acquires LlamaZOO to Boost Digital Twin Tools

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Victoria-based LlamaZOO Interactive has been acquired by KPMG Canada, enhancing the consulting firm’s digital twin capabilities. The 3D visualization company filed for creditor protection in December 2024. KPMG finalized the acquisition on May 20, 2025. Founded over a decade ago, LlamaZOO developed software to convert complex datasets into interactive 2D and 3D digital twins.

Its team—including co-founders Charles Lavigne and Kevin Oke—has joined KPMG’s Victoria-based Digital Twin Centre of Excellence. The centre will support decision-making in sectors like infrastructure and energy. KPMG aims to integrate LlamaZOO’s AI and spatial intelligence into immersive, scenario-based planning tools.

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

Vancouver Startups Take Centre Stage at Web Summit

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Web Summit debuts in Canada this week, drawing global tech leaders to Vancouver. British Columbia’s innovation economy will shine, with startups from across the province showcasing new technologies. Standouts include 4AG Robotics’ autonomous mushroom harvester, Fuse’s EV-powered energy grid, and PharmaServ’s SaaS for life sciences.

Other local innovators include Favoland’s ethical beauty database, Hubjoy’s AI-driven RevOps platform, FutureTwin’s career-planning app, and Sigen AI’s privacy-first video data platform. With thousands expected at the Vancouver Convention Centre, Web Summit offers a global platform for B.C.’s startups to attract investment, customers, and collaborators.

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

Gary Vaynerchuk Urges Canada to Compete for Talent

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At a Calgary event, Gary Vaynerchuk urged Canada to prioritize talent attraction in the digital economy. Speaking with BetaKit CEO Siri Agrell, the entrepreneur praised Canada’s immigration model but warned that retaining top talent now demands bold policy. He proposed founder-focused tax holidays, tailored visas, and stronger global storytelling.

Vaynerchuk stressed that geography no longer limits innovation, and countries must act like startups—fast and competitive. “Every country is now a competitor,” he said. “Canada can’t just lean on being nice.” His call: invest in talent or risk falling behind.

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

Gary Vaynerchuk Tells Canadian Founders to Toughen Up

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Entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk delivered a pointed critique to Canadian founders during a fireside chat with BetaKit CEO Siri Agrell in Calgary. Calling out common startup grievances—from talent shortages to fundraising struggles—Vaynerchuk urged business leaders to stop making excuses and start solving problems.

He emphasized adaptability, AI adoption, and a return to profitability over pitch decks. “You chose this,” he said. “Stop complaining.” His remarks framed Canada as well-positioned, but warned that complacency, not capital, is the real risk. “You have everything you need. So what are you going to do about it?”

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