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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Canada Must Stay the Course on Carbon Removal

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Na’im Merchant of Carbon Removal Canada is calling for greater investment in direct air capture (DAC) as Alberta eyes leadership in carbon removal. With carbon dioxide lingering for up to 1,000 years, Merchant argues that DAC is vital for removing historical emissions and addressing hard-to-abate sectors.

Alberta’s new ACCIP incentive and Canada’s federal CCUS tax credit have drawn global attention. But with Climeworks downsizing and U.S. commitments wavering, Merchant warns that innovation must not stall. Comparing DAC to early solar tech, he urges continued research to ensure viable climate solutions emerge.

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

Untether AI Shuts Down, Team Acquired by AMD

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Toronto-based chipmaker Untether AI is shutting down operations and selling its engineering team to U.S. semiconductor giant AMD. In a statement, Untether VP Bob Beachler confirmed the firm “will no longer be supplying or supporting” its products. Founded in 2017, Untether specialized in chips for running AI models more efficiently.

AMD spokesperson Brandi Martina said the company is acquiring “a talented team of AI hardware and software engineers.” Financial terms were not disclosed. Untether had raised US$168 million from investors including CPP Investments and Intel Capital, but hadn’t closed a major round since 2021.

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

Toronto’s Portless Raises $18M to Rethink Retail Logistics

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Toronto-based Portless has raised $18 million USD in Series A funding to help retailers navigate rising import costs and U.S. tariff changes. Led by Commerce Ventures, the round closed in February amid growing trade tensions following U.S. President Trump’s new tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports. Portless offers direct-to-consumer shipping from China, allowing brands to defer duty payments until goods are sold and shipped.

The model—similar to that of Shein and Temu—has drawn hundreds of mid-sized brands and 300% year-over-year growth. Portless will use the funding to expand into Vietnam and India and enhance logistics operations.

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

Rails Raises $14M, Launches Crypto Platform in U.S.

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Canadian-founded crypto startup Rails has raised $14 million USD to support the U.S. launch of its hybrid trading platform. The Miami-headquartered firm, co-founded by Toronto entrepreneurs Satraj and Megha Bambra, aims to combine the speed of centralized exchanges with the security of decentralized platforms. Backers include Slow Ventures, Kraken, and Toronto’s Round13 Capital.

Despite retaining a strong engineering base in Toronto, Rails chose Miami for its crypto-friendly climate. CEO Satraj Bambra says Canada’s regulatory stance has deterred innovation. “We’ve lost that balance,” he said. Funds will be used to deepen liquidity, grow the team, and expand platform offerings.

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

Global Energy Show to Highlight Clean Tech Leaders

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The 2025 Global Energy Show Canada, running June 10–12 in Calgary, will spotlight over 500 exhibitors and welcome 30,000 attendees from 100+ countries. A focal point will be five Canadian clean energy firms featured in this year’s awards: Enaimco (offshore asset performance), Forefront Energy (zero-emissions generators), Greengate Power (solar mega-projects), GHGSat (satellite methane tracking), and VL Energy (AI-based emissions reduction).

The Energy Influencers conference, with speakers from AWS and Siemens, will address decarbonization and tech-led transformation. Together, these innovators showcase Canada’s growing role in sustainable energy development.

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

FNBC, BDC Launch $100M Indigenous Acquisition Fund

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The First Nations Bank of Canada (FNBC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) have launched a $100-million joint initiative to help Indigenous communities finance business acquisitions. The loans, issued by FNBC and guaranteed by BDC, aim to support Indigenous-led purchases of established companies as a wave of small business owners prepare to retire.

BDC President Isabelle Hudon called the fund a step toward economic reconciliation. FNBC CEO Bill Lomax highlighted the opportunity for Indigenous ownership to increase competitiveness, particularly through procurement advantages. The fund is part of BDC’s broader Community Banking strategy.

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

Balsillie-Backed Think Tank Taps New Leaders

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A new think tank funded by former BlackBerry co-CEO Jim Balsillie has appointed ex-Sonos CEO Patrick Spence as chair and policy expert Vass Bednar as managing director. The Canadian Shield Institute, launched with a $10-million donation through the Council for Canadian Innovators, will focus on shaping Canada’s economic and defence policies.

Though affiliated with CCI, Bednar says Shield has a distinct mandate, aiming to influence innovation, infrastructure, tax reform, and strategic sectors like mining and health. Board members include CCI leaders Benjamin Bergen and John Ruffolo. Shield aims to fill a policy vacuum for Canada’s digital economy.

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

B.C.’s Hydrogen Cluster Gets Federal Boost

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British Columbia’s hydrogen sector received a $500,000 boost this week as PacifiCan invested in the Canadian Hydrogen Association to support global expansion efforts. B.C. is home to over half of Canada’s hydrogen and fuel cell companies, employing nearly 1,400 workers. The funding, delivered through the Regional Innovation Ecosystem program, will help attract investment, promote exports, and showcase B.C. innovation internationally.

Minister Gregor Robertson praised the sector’s role in advancing clean energy and job creation. Local leaders, including Ekona Power, continue to scale cutting-edge solutions in low-emission hydrogen production and decarbonization.

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

Google Launches $13M AI Fund in Canada

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Google Canada has launched a $13 million AI Opportunity Fund to upskill over two million Canadians in artificial intelligence. The initiative supports four organizations—Amii, First Nations Technology Council, Skills for Change, and the Toronto Public Library—to expand workforce training across diverse communities.

Amii will lead a national AI education consortium for students, while the First Nations Technology Council and Skills for Change focus on Indigenous and marginalized populations. The Toronto Public Library will offer free AI programs citywide. Google says the investment ensures Canadians are ready for an AI-powered economy, citing potential $230 billion in economic impact.

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

Canada’s Balatro Honoured by Apple for Game Design

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Canadian indie developer LocalThunk has won in the “Delight and Fun” category at the 2025 Apple Design Awards for Balatro, a hit digital card game blending poker, roguelike, and deck-building mechanics. Sharing the award with China’s CapWords, LocalThunk beat out nominees including Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia.

Based in Regina, LocalThunk remains pseudonymous and is represented by publisher Playstack. Balatro has sold over five million copies and previously won Game of the Year at the Game Developers Conference. Apple’s award precedes WWDC and highlights standout creative use of its platforms.

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