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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Kardium Medtech Breakthrough Secures U.S. Market Entry

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Vancouver-based Kardium has secured U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for its Globe® Pulsed Field System, opening the American market to its atrial fibrillation treatment technology. The firm also received 510(k) clearance for its Globe Introducer sheath and mapping software.

The Globe System integrates high-density mapping and ablation, enabling both single-shot pulmonary vein isolation and targeted ablation through a single catheter. Results from the PULSAR study showed 78% freedom from arrhythmia at one year with no device-related safety events. The FDA approval follows Kardium’s US$250 million financing round, strengthening Canada’s position in the global medtech industry.

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

Two Canadian Startups Advance in NATO’s Defence Tech Accelerator

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Two Canadian startups have advanced to Phase 2 of NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). Reaction Dynamics of Longueuil, Quebec, and Ottawa-based Tactiql will each receive $482,000 to further develop dual-use technologies.

Reaction Dynamics, selected for DIANA’s critical infrastructure track, develops eco-friendly rocket engines and recently partnered with Maritime Launch Services to deploy satellites from Nova Scotia by 2028. Tactiql, chosen for data and information security, was founded by Canadian Forces veteran Michael Nelson and builds software to centralize data from ISR sensors. Just 15 companies worldwide advanced from 76 finalists and 2,600 proposals.

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

Google Cloud Study Shows Surge in Agentic AI Adoption

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Google Cloud has released its second annual ROI of AI Study, revealing accelerating adoption of agentic AI worldwide. Surveying 3,466 senior leaders across 24 countries, the report found 52% of organizations now use AI agents, with 39% deploying more than 10.

A group of “agentic AI early adopters,” representing 13% of respondents, dedicate at least half of their future AI budgets to agents and report stronger returns across customer service, marketing, cybersecurity, and software development. While 74% of organizations saw ROI within the first year of generative AI use, privacy, security, and integration remain top enterprise concerns.

Want to know more? Check out the source code here.

Law Firm Celebrates Decade of Growth in B.C. Innovation

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Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP is marking a decade of growth since opening its Vancouver office in 2015. From a small founding team, the firm now counts 130 professionals, including 65 lawyers, and has advised on landmark transactions such as Clio’s US$900-million Series F round and its US$1-billion acquisition of vLex.

Led locally by managing partner Mark Longo, Osler has become a fixture in B.C.’s innovation economy, working across the lifecycle of technology companies while supporting accelerators, cleantech ventures, and community programs. Industry leaders praised Osler’s role in scaling startups and strengthening British Columbia’s innovation ecosystem.

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

Lumenix AI Platform Targets Safer Patient Care

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Lumenix has entered a multi-year collaboration with the McGill University Health Centre to deploy its Artificially Intelligent Monitoring System (AIMS), an ambient sensing platform designed for clinical use. AIMS uses ceiling-embedded infrared 3D sensors to anonymously track human behaviour and positioning, providing real-time intelligence to prevent adverse events such as falls, patient wandering, and missed hand hygiene.

The project aligns with MUHC’s IMPACT Centre strategy to integrate AI-driven technologies into healthcare delivery. Clinically validated through federal trials, AIMS has already demonstrated improved compliance and reduced outbreaks. Leaders say the partnership highlights how innovation can transform patient safety.

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Quebec Ends Northvolt Project After $510M Investment Loss

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Quebec’s government has pulled the plug on the $7-billion Northvolt battery plant project in Saint-Basile-le-Grand and McMasterville. Economy Minister Christine Fréchette announced the province will invest no further funds after the company failed to present a plan aligned with Quebec’s interests.

Quebec invested $510 million, including a $240-million loan guarantee and $270 million in Northvolt’s Swedish parent, which declared bankruptcy in March. The Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec also lost $200 million. Once expected to create 3,000 jobs and make Quebec a battery powerhouse, the project has officially collapsed despite Northvolt’s pledge to find new buyers.

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

NorthX, Scotiabank Partner to Support Women in Climate Tech

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NorthX Climate Tech and Scotiabank, through Roynat Capital, have announced a new partnership to accelerate opportunities for women entrepreneurs advancing climate hard tech. The collaboration is supported by the Scotiabank Women Initiative and builds on NorthX’s mandate to fund scalable decarbonization technologies.

NorthX CEO Sarah Goodman said the effort unites innovators with financial experts to expand growth opportunities. Earlier this year, NorthX committed $2.46 million to five women-led climate tech ventures. Scotiabank executive David Rozin said the agreement reflects a commitment to diversity in Canada’s climate economy, ensuring women innovators help drive sustainable growth and climate resilience.

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

Alphabet Shares Jump as Court Spares Chrome, Android

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Alphabet shares rose 8% in extended trading after a U.S. District Court declined to impose the harshest remedies in Google’s antitrust case. Judge Amit Mehta ruled last year that Google held an illegal monopoly in internet search but rejected Department of Justice proposals to force divestitures of Chrome or Android.

Instead, Google will face limits on service distribution and be required to share search data with rivals. The final judgment is expected after a September 10 meeting. The trial began in 2023, culminating in a 2024 decision that Google violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act.

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

Alberta’s AI Data Centre Levy Prompts Calls for Clarity

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Alberta’s new two per cent levy on data centre hardware has sparked concern from industry players seeking clarity on its implementation. Announced by the provincial government last week, the levy will apply to centres of 75 megawatts or more connected to the grid by late 2026.

Executives warn the measure could delay investment, particularly for AI facilities with high-value hardware. “Things like this cause people to press ‘pause’,” said eStruxture CEO Todd Coleman, whose firm is building a 90-megawatt Calgary site. Amazon Web Services and Sovereign Digital Infrastructure also confirmed they are awaiting details before proceeding.

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

Telus to Reacquire Telus Digital in $539M Deal

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Telus is buying back full control of Telus Digital after raising its offer by 32 percent, the Vancouver-based telecom confirmed. The company will now pay US$4.50 per share—up from US$3.40—spending a total of US$539 million. Telus Digital, spun out in a 2021 IPO that raised US$1.06 billion, provides outsourcing and technology services, including AI datasets and call centres.

CEO Darren Entwistle said the reacquisition restores “closer operational proximity” to key digital expertise. With minority shareholder EQT supporting the deal, Telus expects the transaction to close by year’s end, bringing the unit fully back under parent company ownership.

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