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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Carney Unveils Drone-Focused Defence Strategy in Halifax

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In a landmark announcement from Halifax’s Irving Shipyards, Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a sweeping military strategy centred on Canadian-made drones to defend the Arctic, borders, and undersea infrastructure. The plan includes new autonomous vehicles, submarines, and icebreakers, alongside expanded Coast Guard roles and defence manufacturing rooted in domestic supply chains.

Carney later visited The COVE, highlighting firms like International Submarine Engineering Ltd., a pioneer in autonomous underwater vehicles. The strategy commits to NATO’s 2% spending target by 2030, while addressing military recruitment and fostering global partnerships—notably with Australia on Arctic surveillance technology.

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

Hypercharge, XCharge Bring Next-Gen EV Chargers to Canada

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Vancouver-based Hypercharge Networks has partnered with XCharge North America to distribute GridLink EV chargers—bidirectional, battery-integrated fast chargers—across British Columbia and Ontario. The agreement enables Hypercharge to manage software and customer support, while XCharge NA will provide preventive hardware maintenance.

The scalable GridLink system, which integrates with solar and grid infrastructure, offers up to 430 kWh capacity and helps businesses avoid demand charges. As EV demand rises, especially in underserved areas, the partnership supports Canada’s broader push toward transportation electrification and energy resiliency, aligning with national climate and infrastructure goals.

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

Bell Launches Security-as-a-Service on Sovereign Cloud

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Bell Canada has launched its new Security-as-a-Service (SECaaS) offering, hosted on a Canadian sovereign cloud to meet local data privacy regulations. The solution enables public and private organizations to safeguard sensitive data within Canada, offering real-time threat detection and AI-powered analytics through Bell’s Cyber Intelligence Centre.

The SECaaS platform supports hybrid, cloud, and on-premise environments, ensuring regulatory compliance and 24/7 protection. John Menezes, CEO of Bell subsidiary Stratejm, said the launch addresses increasing cyber threats while offering resilient and scalable cybersecurity. The move underscores Bell’s commitment to leading-edge enterprise security solutions.

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

Video Game Workers Launch First Industry-Wide Union in North America

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A historic milestone for North America’s video game industry was marked this week with the launch of United Videogame Workers (UVW-CWA), the continent’s first-ever industry-wide union for game workers. Organizing with the Communications Workers of America, the direct-join model allows any game worker—freelance or full-time—to join, regardless of employer participation.

The union’s first campaign will target recent mass layoffs, with petitions circulated at GDC, where UVW-CWA will also host panels and a rally. This announcement follows years of organizing, including efforts by Game Workers Unite, and aligns with growing union momentum in countries like France, the UK, and Sweden.

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

Styx Intelligence Raises $2.7M to Combat AI-Powered Threats

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Vancouver-based cybersecurity startup Styx Intelligence has raised $2.7 million in an oversubscribed Seed round to expand its AI-driven digital threat detection platform. Led by BDC’s Seed Venture Fund, with support from FRAMEWORK Venture Partners, Top Down Ventures, and Sprout Fund, the funding will help Styx address emerging cyber risks linked to generative AI.

Co-founders Karim Ladha and Santosh Nair, industry veterans, aim to provide real-time external threat protection for enterprises. Investors praised Styx for combining technical sophistication with user-centric design, positioning it as a rising force in the Digital Risk Protection (DRP) market.

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

Proptech Leaders Warn of Rising Costs and Uncertainty

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As U.S.-Canada trade tensions escalate, Canadian proptech leaders are voicing concern over rising costs, reduced investment, and market instability. Tariffs on construction materials and shifting interest rates are driving up housing costs and dampening buyer confidence.

Startups like Hyyve, Zown, Ownright, Pine, and Bidmii say tech adoption is vital—enhancing transparency, enabling smarter sales, and supporting affordability through digital solutions. But leaders warn that without government deregulation and funding, Canada risks losing ground. With only 5% of founders viewing Canada as ideal for scaling, calls are mounting for a strategic response to support innovation and housing access.

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

Canada’s Fintech Sector Defies Economic Gloom

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Despite weak economic forecasts and record-low small business optimism, Canada’s fintech sector is defying the trend. Valuations are rising, and investor interest is rebounding, with US$9.5 billion invested in fintech last year. While GDP growth is expected to stall at 0.7%, fintechs are gaining traction by helping companies cut costs and automate operations.

International firms like the U.K.’s Revolut and Houston’s Zolve are eyeing Canada’s concentrated banking market. Regulatory advances, including open banking and Real-Time Rail, are also fueling confidence. Industry players see these developments as a foundation for continued momentum in 2024 and beyond.

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

Alberta Scraps Video Game Tax Credit Plans

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Alberta has abandoned plans to reinstate a tax credit for video game developers, officials confirmed. Premier Danielle Smith first proposed the measure in 2022 to compete with provinces like Ontario, Quebec, and B.C., which offer game development tax credits ranging from 17.5% to 40%.

Instead, the province will pursue strategic partnerships and investment funding, said Jonathan Gauthier, spokesperson for Innovation Minister Nate Glubish. Alberta’s previous 25% digital media credit, introduced by the NDP in 2018 and scrapped in 2019, briefly grew the industry to 1,310 workers—a figure that has since declined to 810.

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

FreshBooks Secures $125M from Morgan Stanley

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Toronto-based FreshBooks has secured $125 million in senior debt financing from Morgan Stanley Investment Management. The funds, managed by Expansion Capital and Private Credit arms, will be used to refinance existing debt and fuel growth across North America. FreshBooks’ cloud-based SaaS platform serves small and medium-sized businesses, offering tools for invoicing, payments, time tracking, and payroll.

CEO Shaheen Javadizadeh welcomed the partnership, citing shared commitment to empowering small business owners. Morgan Stanley executives highlighted the company’s strong market positioning amid growing demand for digital accounting and e-invoicing solutions. FreshBooks was founded in 2003.

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

Damon’s Electric Dreams Delayed Amid Funding Struggles

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Vancouver-based Damon, maker of the much-hyped HyperSport electric motorcycle, is facing mounting challenges as it seeks millions in new capital to stay afloat. Founded in 2017, Damon has yet to deliver its flagship product, first announced in 2019.

Production is now delayed until 2026, hindered by funding shortfalls, layoffs, and the departure of key personnel including CEO Jay Giraud and technical leader Derek Dorresteyn. A recent report from RideApart questions whether Damon can meet even its revised timeline. Shares of DMN have fallen 70% since the company’s Nasdaq debut in 2024.

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