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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Ottawa Eyes Military Uses for EV Batteries

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Industry Minister Mélanie Joly says the federal government is exploring defence applications for Canadian-made EV batteries, suggesting they could power ships or submarines. She confirmed Ottawa will continue supporting EV battery plants while requiring manufacturers such as Volkswagen to use more Canadian steel and aluminum.

The announcement comes as Ottawa pauses penalties tied to its EV sales mandate, which automakers had criticized. Joly emphasized that subsidies for battery factories are performance-based, paid only when jobs are created and production begins. She said Canada’s resources and workforce give it a competitive edge as Ottawa develops a defence-focused industrial strategy.

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

Walter Expands Beyond Records to Legal AI Tools

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Vancouver entrepreneur Ryan Wilson has launched a new AI Agent for Walter, his legal technology platform designed to streamline collaboration between law firms and clients. Walter consolidates corporate records, cap tables, and minute books into a single source of truth, reducing inefficiencies Wilson once experienced as a founder.

The AI Agent integrates natively with Microsoft Word and Outlook, allowing lawyers to track changes, preserve formatting, and draft client emails with attachments. Already adopted by major global law firms, Wilson says the tool improves productivity without replacing lawyers, enabling them to focus on delivering higher-value expertise to their clients.

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

Vancouver Entrepreneur Behind Serve Robotics Plans Return

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Vancouver-born entrepreneur Ali Kashani, co-founder of Serve Robotics, is returning home after building one of the world’s largest autonomous delivery fleets in the U.S. Kashani, whose company operates in Miami, Dallas, Los Angeles and soon Atlanta, plans to move back to Vancouver next year while scaling Serve from 400 to 2,000 robots.

Listed on NASDAQ after a 2023 reverse takeover, Serve has raised $300 million and employs 300 staff. Kashani, who also co-founded Neurio Technology, believes AI and robotics are transformative forces and says he hopes to help strengthen Canada’s innovation ecosystem upon his full-time return.

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

Calgary’s ETC Foundation Expands With $10M Investment

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The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, together with PrairiesCan, Alberta Innovates, CIBC, Avatar Innovations, and Pathways Alliance, is committing more than $10 million to expand the ETC Foundation. The initiative includes a 17,000-square-foot downtown workspace and new programming to support clean energy innovation.

Over four years, ETC expects to train 60 individuals, support 30 companies, and incubate 10 ventures. Building on OCIF’s 2022 investment, the Foundation has already backed more than 60 startups that raised $500 million in capital. Leaders say the expansion reinforces Calgary’s role as Canada’s energy capital and positions Alberta to capture growth from the global energy transition.

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

Kardium Medtech Breakthrough Secures U.S. Market Entry

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Vancouver-based Kardium has secured U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for its Globe® Pulsed Field System, opening the American market to its atrial fibrillation treatment technology. The firm also received 510(k) clearance for its Globe Introducer sheath and mapping software.

The Globe System integrates high-density mapping and ablation, enabling both single-shot pulmonary vein isolation and targeted ablation through a single catheter. Results from the PULSAR study showed 78% freedom from arrhythmia at one year with no device-related safety events. The FDA approval follows Kardium’s US$250 million financing round, strengthening Canada’s position in the global medtech industry.

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

Two Canadian Startups Advance in NATO’s Defence Tech Accelerator

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Two Canadian startups have advanced to Phase 2 of NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). Reaction Dynamics of Longueuil, Quebec, and Ottawa-based Tactiql will each receive $482,000 to further develop dual-use technologies.

Reaction Dynamics, selected for DIANA’s critical infrastructure track, develops eco-friendly rocket engines and recently partnered with Maritime Launch Services to deploy satellites from Nova Scotia by 2028. Tactiql, chosen for data and information security, was founded by Canadian Forces veteran Michael Nelson and builds software to centralize data from ISR sensors. Just 15 companies worldwide advanced from 76 finalists and 2,600 proposals.

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

Google Cloud Study Shows Surge in Agentic AI Adoption

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Google Cloud has released its second annual ROI of AI Study, revealing accelerating adoption of agentic AI worldwide. Surveying 3,466 senior leaders across 24 countries, the report found 52% of organizations now use AI agents, with 39% deploying more than 10.

A group of “agentic AI early adopters,” representing 13% of respondents, dedicate at least half of their future AI budgets to agents and report stronger returns across customer service, marketing, cybersecurity, and software development. While 74% of organizations saw ROI within the first year of generative AI use, privacy, security, and integration remain top enterprise concerns.

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

Law Firm Celebrates Decade of Growth in B.C. Innovation

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Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is marking a decade of growth since opening its Vancouver office in 2015. From a small founding team, the firm now counts 130 professionals, including 65 lawyers, and has advised on landmark transactions such as Clio’s US$900-million Series F round and its US$1-billion acquisition of vLex.

Led locally by managing partner Mark Longo, Osler has become a fixture in B.C.’s innovation economy, working across the lifecycle of technology companies while supporting accelerators, cleantech ventures, and community programs. Industry leaders praised Osler’s role in scaling startups and strengthening British Columbia’s innovation ecosystem.

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

Lumenix AI Platform Targets Safer Patient Care

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Lumenix has entered a multi-year collaboration with the McGill University Health Centre to deploy its Artificially Intelligent Monitoring System (AIMS), an ambient sensing platform designed for clinical use. AIMS uses ceiling-embedded infrared 3D sensors to anonymously track human behaviour and positioning, providing real-time intelligence to prevent adverse events such as falls, patient wandering, and missed hand hygiene.

The project aligns with MUHC’s IMPACT Centre strategy to integrate AI-driven technologies into healthcare delivery. Clinically validated through federal trials, AIMS has already demonstrated improved compliance and reduced outbreaks. Leaders say the partnership highlights how innovation can transform patient safety.

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

Quebec Ends Northvolt Project After $510M Investment Loss

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Quebec’s government has pulled the plug on the $7-billion Northvolt battery plant project in Saint-Basile-le-Grand and McMasterville. Economy Minister Christine Fréchette announced the province will invest no further funds after the company failed to present a plan aligned with Quebec’s interests.

Quebec invested $510 million, including a $240-million loan guarantee and $270 million in Northvolt’s Swedish parent, which declared bankruptcy in March. The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec also lost $200 million. Once expected to create 3,000 jobs and make Quebec a battery powerhouse, the project has officially collapsed despite Northvolt’s pledge to find new buyers.

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