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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Planetary Wins $1M XPRIZE for Climate Innovation

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Nova Scotia’s Planetary has won the $1 million XPRIZE Carbon Removal XFACTOR Award for its groundbreaking seawater restoration technology. Selected from over 1,300 global teams, Planetary’s method enhances the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon by rebalancing seawater chemistry.

CEO Mike Kelland emphasized the importance of collaboration and science-led solutions. Planetary partners with water treatment facilities, coastal communities, and researchers to ensure sustainable impact. The award will support the company’s efforts to scale operations, refine technologies, and advance climate action globally. Planetary aims to prove that ocean restoration can be a vital climate tool.

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

Brio Raises $3M to Streamline Venture Capital Operations

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Canadian fintech Brio has raised $3 million in a seed round led by Walter Global Asset Management and Canso Innovations, with participation from Brightspark Ventures. Founded by Émilie Parker Jones, Ab Fadel, and Audrey Ostiguy, Brio spun out of Brightspark earlier this year to serve venture capital and private equity firms.

Its white-label platform centralizes partner management and automates deal marketing and compliance. Brio plans to expand its product and sales teams and upgrade its technology stack. Brightspark, with over $500 billion in assets under management, retains a majority stake in the venture.

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

University of Calgary Startup Tackles Digital Loneliness

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Founded by Leon Pluns, Bondr is a new social discovery app that helps students and young professionals build real-world friendships through shared activities. Developed with support from the University of Calgary’s Hunter Hub, Bondr launched in April after extensive student-led focus groups.

The idea was born from Pluns’ experience in Germany, where a simple note led to new connections. Bondr aims to combat digital loneliness by moving interactions offline. The team, including Pablo Mugnaini and Carlos Andres Montoro, will showcase Bondr at Web Summit 2025 in Vancouver this May.

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

AI Robots Are Powering Your Next Delivery

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UniUni just took a giant leap into the future of delivery. The Richmond-based logistics startup has teamed up with Global Robotics Services to automate its parcel sortation. That means faster packages, fewer errors, and more happy customers.

GRS’s 3D and T-Sort systems use AI, sensors, and slick algorithms to hit 99.99% accuracy—and they integrate right into UniUni’s warehouse tech. CEO Peter Lu calls it a game-changer for last-mile logistics. With big scalability and minimal manual work, UniUni is now better equipped to crush volume spikes across North America.

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

Mark Carney Once Considered Top Role at Shopify

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Former Shopify CMO Craig Miller revealed that Prime Minister Mark Carney was offered the role of President at Shopify in 2020. Miller said Carney was “genuine, thoughtful, and wicked smart,” but ultimately chose Brookfield Asset Management to focus on climate and investing. The position later went to Harley Finkelstein.

Carney’s tech ties also include a board role at Stripe. As Canada votes, Shopify’s leadership has grown more politically vocal—CEO Tobi Lütke endorsed Carney’s character but criticized the Liberal platform. COO Kaz Nejatian publicly supported Pierre Poilievre.

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

Five Female Founders Secure Funding for Clean Energy Innovation

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The B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) has awarded $2.46 million to five women-led climate tech startups tackling decarbonization challenges. Selected from 58 applicants, winners include Agora Energy Technologies, Ayrton Energy, EnviCore, Gaia Refinery, and Seacork Studio. Their technologies target transportation, construction, and bio-industrial emissions.

CICE CEO Sarah Goodman emphasized that investing in women-led ventures strengthens Canada’s economy and innovation leadership. Beyond funding, CICE promotes diversity through programs like R2WS. To date, CICE has invested nearly $40 million in 65 projects worth over $264 million.

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

Waterloo Cancels Computing Competition Results After AI Cheating

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The University of Waterloo has canceled the release of 2025 Canadian Computing Competition results after widespread cheating using AI tools. Officials said many students submitted code they didn’t write themselves, violating contest rules. The CCC is crucial for admissions into Waterloo’s competitive STEM programs and for landing tech internships.

Students, including Juan Marulanda De Los Rios and Jayden Shin, said AI tools like GitHub Copilot made cheating easier. Waterloo plans tougher security for future contests. Grade 12 students face the toughest impact, losing a key credential for university and job applications.

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

Victoria Startup Adapts Sports Tracker for Dementia Care

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Victoria-based MeepMeep is applying its lightweight tracking technology, originally designed for sports, to healthcare. Partnering with Trillium Communities, the startup is piloting its locators at St. Charles Manor Memory Care Neighbourhood. Founder Eve Bennett says the solution eases caregiver workloads and reduces stress for dementia patients by quickly locating lost items like hearing aids.

Canada’s 800 private care homes represent a multimillion-dollar opportunity. MeepMeep’s pilot shows how technology can strengthen care, reduce agitation, and support early intervention. The company aims to expand its vision of accessible smart tracking across industries.

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

Banking Sector Dominates 2025 Brand Finance Report

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TD Bank remains Canada’s most valuable brand for the third consecutive year, according to the Brand Finance Canada 100 report. Despite a 10% dip, TD’s value stands at $23.4 billion, underscoring its strong consumer preference. The banking sector commands one-third of Canada’s total $342.1B brand value.

RBC ranked second, followed by Brookfield, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC. Crown Royal surged 78% to become Canada’s strongest brand. Retailer Circle K and insurers Canada Life and Manulife also posted notable gains. Rising economic uncertainty and trade tensions continue to impact forecasts.

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

HonestDoor Unveils AI Agent ‘Doora’

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Edmonton-based HonestDoor will launch Doora in 2025—an AI-powered real estate assistant offering 24/7 support to buyers and sellers. Doora delivers insights on home values, recent sales, and listings through conversational AI.

The company, already known for its HonestDoor Price tool, also introduced advanced Property Comparable Reports for $20, offering valuation data, projections, and visuals. HonestDoor operates as a licensed brokerage and serves provinces from B.C. to P.E.I., with nearly 1M monthly visitors expected in 2025. A preview of Doora is live now.

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