Major tech sectors in cities and provinces across the country saw growth in venture capital investment in the first quarter of this year, but all the sectors face challenges attracting and retaining a workforce given the global competition for tech talent.
Topic: tech startups
The Short Report – March 23, 2022: Ottawa set to issue green bond, Ontario’s first-ever critical minerals strategy, $66 million for on-farm climate action projects, and more
Canada prepares to issue its inaugural green bond; Ontario positions itself as a critical minerals leader to support its plans for an EV supply chain; Prairie farmers get a boost to adopt sustainable management practices, and GOC and Maritime provinces invest in patient research.
Superclusters’ focus on collaboration is reaping benefits for Canadian SMEs
Small and medium companies are hiring more employees, partnering with larger firms and expanding into new markets as a result of their participation in Canada’s superclusters.
Calgary wants MaRS to complement its innovation ecosystem, not add competition
Toronto-based MaRS Discovery District has proposed expanding some of its innovation components to Calgary. However, key players involved in exploratory talks say the $60-million “MaRS West” initiative will need to complement, not compete with, Calgary’s existing innovation entities and ecosystem.
The Short Report – July 29, 2020: Facebook Canada moves against online hate, Alberta rediscovers R&D grants, and more
FedDev Ontario will give $4.8 million to Trent University to create the Trent Enterprise Centre (TEC) in its upcoming Cleantech Commons; less than a year after slashing R&D tax credits and grants, Alberta’s United Conservative Party government has reversed course; Gerald Butts helps Eurasia Group with global climate policy, sustainable finance, and artificial intelligence; and more.
Canada’s innovation sector secures new federal emergency support for startups
The federal government is providing $1.2 billion in emergency funding to help startups and rural businesses survive the COVID-19 crisis. Participants in Canada’s innovation sector say government could also help by providing tax incentives, matching funding and loans for angel investment.
Edmonton and Calgary launch “Alberta Innovation Corridor” to grow startups
Alberta’s two largest cities are teaming up to multiply their tech startups. Through the new innovation corridor, they will coordinate programs and services, collaborate on marketing and policy recommendations, and focus on securing early-stage funding for startups.