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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Women-Led BC Startups Shine at Web Summit

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At Web Summit Vancouver’s inaugural PITCH competition, three British Columbia-based startups led by women advanced to the final round. GlüxKind, Lite-1, and VodaSafe emerged from a field of global early-stage companies after two rounds of rigorous judging.

GlüxKind’s Ella stroller leverages AI for safer parenting. Lite-1, co-founded by Sarah Graham and Roya Aghighi, offers sustainable microbial dyes. VodaSafe’s AquaEye, created by Carlyn Loncaric, accelerates water rescues using handheld sonar. All three are BC Tech Association members, a key player in growing B.C.’s tech sector. The final takes place today as Web Summit concludes.

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

Financial Giant Vanguard Launches Toronto AI Lab

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Vanguard has launched a new AI research initiative in Canada in partnership with the University of Toronto’s Department of Computer Science, one of the world’s top-ranked programs. The collaboration will unite Vanguard’s local AI team with professors, post-doctoral fellows, and students to explore practical artificial intelligence applications in financial services.

The initiative will grow Vanguard’s Toronto-based AI team to 90, offer U of T internships, and address challenges like natural language understanding and autonomous decision-making. Leaders from both institutions praised the project’s potential to boost investor outcomes and strengthen Canada’s AI sector.

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

Smart Stroller Startup Rolls Away with $125K Prize

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Vancouver-based startup GlüxKind secured the top prize at the AWS x NVIDIA AI Pitch Competition, earning $125,000 for its AI-powered smart stroller. The company triumphed over five other emerging tech ventures in a high-profile showcase judged by leaders from AWS, NVIDIA, and prominent venture firms.

GlüxKind, a BC Tech Association member, was founded in 2020 by Kevin Huang and Anne Hunger after becoming parents. Their award-winning stroller uses robotics to support safer parenting. Previously recognized at CES 2023, GlüxKind’s victory marks a milestone in Canada’s AI innovation journey.

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

KPMG Powers Up AI Strategy from Within

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KPMG in Canada is doubling down on artificial intelligence, launching tools like its proprietary gen AI assistant Kleo and acquiring spatial data firm LlamaZOO. At Web Summit Vancouver, KPMG’s Walter Pela detailed the firm’s “Client Zero” strategy—testing AI internally to inform client-facing solutions.

KPMG’s investments include an Agentic AI Engine and digital twin technologies to improve productivity and decision-making. Pela advises Canadian organizations to define AI strategies, pilot solutions, and train staff while emphasizing ethics and trust. As automation and agentic intelligence rise, KPMG aims to help businesses lead, not follow.

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

From $0 to $3B: A Tech Triumph in Vancouver

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At Web Summit Vancouver, LayerZero CEO Bryan Pellegrino recounted his company’s rapid ascent—from startup to $3.2B valuation in just 18 months. Rooted in conviction, rigorous preparation, and in-person collaboration, the company’s success stems from a decade of teamwork among co-founders.

Pellegrino emphasized strategic restraint in fundraising, citing investor demand as a key driver. Eight term sheets in eight days led to backing from Sequoia and Andreessen Horowitz. With billions in assets flowing weekly, the Vancouver-based firm is now pursuing long-term growth. Mayor Ken Sim hailed LayerZero’s impact on the city’s economy and blockchain ecosystem.

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

Touch Card Enhances Payment Accessibility for Sight Loss

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Mastercard is advancing inclusive finance in Canada with Touch Card, a tactile payment solution for individuals with sight loss. Featuring notched edges—rounded for debit, square for credit, triangular for prepaid—the cards offer enhanced independence and security. CIBC is the first Canadian bank to issue Touch Card, underscoring its commitment to accessible banking.

Alongside this launch, CIBC also introduced CIBC AI, a generative artificial intelligence platform aimed at boosting productivity and supporting its client-focused strategy. The bank recently joined the Creative Destruction Lab’s AI program and pledged 200 new AI-related roles to strengthen its innovation capacity.

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

Data, Chemistry, and AI Lead Mining Innovation

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At Web Summit Vancouver, Canadian CEOs Mohammad Doostmohammadi (pH7 Technologies) and Steve de Jong (VRIFY) urged a tech-driven overhaul of mining. Doostmohammadi’s firm extracts critical metals using low-waste, on-site leaching, reducing emissions and boosting sovereignty for countries like Mongolia.

De Jong’s platform leverages geological data to uncover overlooked mineral reserves, such as a gold deposit near historic Quebec mines. Both see AI and automation enhancing global equity and safety while supporting clean energy needs. Their shared vision: a smarter, more sustainable mineral supply chain rooted in transparency, not exploitation.

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

    Lumenix AI Slashes Hospital Infections by 90%

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    Ottawa-based Lumenix is quietly revolutionizing hospital hygiene. Its AI-powered system, AIMS, uses ceiling-mounted sensors to monitor and improve handwashing in real time. At The Ottawa Hospital’s Civic campus, the system boosted hygiene compliance by 41% and cut hospital-acquired infections by over 90%.

    CEO Scott Delaney says McGill University Health Centre is next. As public handwashing habits slide post-pandemic, experts like microbiologist Jason Tetro warn of complacency. Surveys show fewer than half of adults wash hands after visiting stores or coughing. But in hospitals, where it counts most, AI may be keeping the soap flowing—and lives safe.

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

    Spexi Elevates Canada’s Aerial Imaging Game

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    Faced with aging infrastructure and climate risk, Canada’s demand for fast, accurate geospatial data is growing. Vancouver-based Spexi, led by imaging veteran Bill Lakeland, is meeting the challenge. The firm operates the world’s largest drone imaging network, capturing real-time aerial data for emergency planning, AI, and smart cities.

    With a decentralized pilot network and a platform built for speed, Spexi outpaces satellites and aircraft in delivering timely insights. Municipalities, insurers, and researchers increasingly rely on its data to mitigate risks. Lakeland believes Canada’s regulatory edge and AI expertise position it to lead globally.

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

    Bell Unveils Canada’s Largest AI Compute Project

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    At Web Summit Vancouver, Bell Canada unveiled its most ambitious tech initiative yet: Bell AI Fabric, a national AI computing network powered by 500 MW of hydroelectric energy. The project begins with a Kamloops-based data centre coming online this June, developed in partnership with AI firm Groq.

    By 2027, six AI facilities—including one at Thompson Rivers University—will offer sovereign, eco-conscious AI compute. CEO Mirko Bibic called it “transformational” for Canada’s AI future. Bell’s move arrives amid growing AI infrastructure competition, notably following TELUS’s recent $70 billion announcement.

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