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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Shopify CEO Announces ‘Buy Local’ Features Amid Trade War

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Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke is rolling out “buy local” features on the Shop app following Canada’s response to new U.S. tariffs. The move comes after Lütke criticized both governments, arguing that retaliatory tariffs will harm Canadian businesses. The U.S. imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, prompting Canada to mirror the policy.

While Lütke claims Shopify remains unaffected, economists warn of broader economic fallout. Critics, including U of T professor Robert Gillezeau, accuse Lütke of undermining Canada’s stance. Shopify has not disclosed specifics on the new features, set to launch in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.

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Boomi Opens Vancouver Office, Creating Hundreds of Jobs

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Boomi, a leader in intelligent integration and automation, has opened its new Center of Excellence (CoE) in downtown Vancouver’s Bentall Centre. The facility will drive sales, expand strategic operations, and generate hundreds of jobs. Since entering Vancouver in 2023, Boomi has hired nearly 200 employees, with further growth expected.

CEO Steve Lucas highlighted the city’s skilled talent as a key factor in the expansion. Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim welcomed the move, calling it a boost to the local economy. Boomi continues its global expansion, with recent office openings in the U.S., India, Australia, Spain, and Japan.

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Canada Delays Capital Gains Tax Changes to 2026

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The federal government has deferred its proposed capital gains tax hike from June 2024 to January 2026, pushing the contentious policy onto the next administration. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc said the move ensures stability for Canadians, but critics argue it prolongs uncertainty.

Industry leaders, including the Council of Canadian Innovators and Canadian Venture Capital Association, warn the delay disrupts investment. Meanwhile, legal challenges are mounting against the CRA’s continued enforcement of an unlegislated tax. With an election looming, opposition parties vow to overturn the changes entirely, amplifying frustration among entrepreneurs and investors.

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Luxury Automaker Partners with Li-Cycle for Lithium Recycling

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Toronto’s Li-Cycle has signed an exclusive agreement with a luxury EV manufacturer to recycle lithium-ion battery scrap at its Germany Spoke facility. The automaker, which remains unnamed, will supply Li-Cycle directly from within Germany. CEO Ajay Kochhar emphasized that the deal strengthens Li-Cycle’s role as a preferred partner for sustainable battery recycling.

The company currently works with 13 EV manufacturers and 15 battery producers, reinforcing its industry presence. As EV adoption rises, Li-Cycle is expanding its Spoke & Hub model to support a circular economy and meet growing demand.

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82% of Canadian Firms Using AI in Finance, Beating Global Peers

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AI is transforming finance in Canada, with 82% of organizations integrating AI, outpacing the global average of 71%, according to KPMG’s latest survey. Nearly 70% report AI meets or exceeds ROI expectations. Canadian firms lead in AI adoption for tax management, but implementation remains slow.

A maturity framework identifies 25% of firms as AI leaders, with stronger investment and governance. Data security and talent shortages remain key barriers. As AI use grows, companies seek regulatory guidance, with over half expecting auditors to review AI governance. Experts stress the need for strategic AI adoption to drive enterprise-wide innovation.

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Knead Tech Raises $800K to Combat Food Waste and Insecurity

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Calgary-based Knead Tech has raised $800,000 in pre-seed funding to expand its technology-driven food rescue platform. The round, valuing the startup at $3.5 million, supports U.S. expansion and new partnerships.

Founded by Lourdes Juan, Knead Tech connects surplus food donors with non-profits to reduce waste and fight food insecurity. Backers include ScaleGood, UCEED Social Impact Fund, and BDC Thrive Lab. Since 2022, the startup has recovered over two million pounds of food, preventing 236 metric tons of CO₂ emissions. Knead Tech will also compete at SXSW 2025 in Austin.

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DeepSeek’s $6M AI Model Just Shook Up the Industry

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A small team of AI researchers has upended the belief that only billion-dollar tech firms can lead artificial intelligence innovation. DeepSeek R1, a foundation model reportedly built for under $6 million, is challenging industry giants OpenAI, Google, and Meta. This breakthrough disproves two key assumptions: that AI dominance requires massive budgets and that more hardware guarantees better models.

AI startup founders, like those at Caseway, see this as validation that efficiency and execution can surpass legacy players in legal tech and beyond. Industry leaders are now on notice—lean AI innovation is here to stay.

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Sound Blade Medical Secures $24M for Ultrasound Therapy

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Halifax-based Sound Blade Medical has raised $24 million in Series A funding, co-led by Amzak Health and Lumira Ventures, with participation from Invest Nova Scotia. The funds will advance clinical validation and regulatory approvals for its handheld ultrasound-guided histotripsy device.

Histotripsy is a non-invasive, non-thermal ultrasound technology that liquefies targeted tissue without surgery, reducing recovery times and complications. CEO Jeremy Brown, Ph.D., says the investment accelerates Sound Blade’s mission to bring this precision therapy to patients.

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Survey: 77% of Canadian Students Use AI for Studying

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A 2025 Canadian Student Wellbeing Survey by YouGov and Studiosity reveals that 77% of students use AI for academics, yet 74% feel stressed about it. Male students lead AI adoption at 84%, while over half believe universities aren’t adapting fast enough. Concerns include accuracy, ethical use, and cognitive offloading, with 65% doubting AI enhances learning.

“Fear of failing” ranks high among AI users, particularly lower-achieving students. Experts urge institutions to implement approved AI tools to ensure ethical and effective learning support.

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

VueReal Secures $40.5M to Scale MicroLED Production

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Waterloo-based VueReal has raised USD $40.5 million in Series C funding to expand its MicroSolid Printing™ technology, a breakthrough in microLED manufacturing. Led by Export Development Canada (EDC), the round included Cycle Capital, BDC Capital, and TDK Ventures.

VueReal’s technology enables cost-effective, high-volume microLED production for consumer electronics, automotive, and healthcare. CEO Dr. Reza Chaji said the funding will scale mass production and expand partnerships. EDC’s Lissa Bjerkelund emphasized VueReal’s global potential in micro semiconductor innovation.

The company continues advancing patents and supplier partnerships, reinforcing its leadership in microLED technology.

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