Calgary's Innovation Ecosystem

-Al Del Degan

Calgary, located in the province of Alberta, Canada, is quickly becoming a hub for innovation and technological advancements. With a thriving startup scene, an abundance of resources, and a supportive ecosystem, Calgary has positioned itself to be a leader in the adoption and development of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.

Innovation Ecosystem in Calgary

The innovation ecosystem in Calgary is comprised of various stakeholders, including government organizations, academic institutions, venture capitalists, and startups. Together, they work towards creating an environment that fosters innovation, encourages experimentation, and supports entrepreneurship.

The Government of Alberta has been actively involved in promoting innovation in the province through various initiatives and programs. The Alberta Innovates program provides funding and support to innovative companies, while the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) is a research institute that specializes in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Academic institutions, such as the University of Calgary, play a crucial role in the innovation ecosystem by providing access to research facilities, fostering partnerships with industry, and training the next generation of innovators.

Startups are the driving force behind innovation, and Calgary has a thriving startup scene. The city has over 200 tech startups, with a focus on industries such as energy, agriculture, and healthcare. These startups benefit from access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities through incubators such as Platform Calgary and Innovate Calgary.

Artificial Intelligence in Calgary

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a game-changer for industries worldwide, and Calgary is no exception. AI has the potential to transform industries such as energy, healthcare, and agriculture, all of which are vital to the economy of Calgary.

Calgary is home to the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii), a world-renowned research institute that specializes in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Amii's research is focused on advancing AI applications and solving real-world problems through collaborations with industry partners.

AI is being used in the energy industry to optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve safety. For example, companies such as Suncor Energy and Canadian Natural Resources are using AI to optimize their drilling operations, leading to increased efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

In healthcare, AI is being used to develop predictive models for diseases, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs. Calgarybased healthtech startups, such as Circle Cardiovascular Imaging, are using AI to analyze medical images and provide physicians with faster and more accurate diagnoses.

Blockchain in Calgary

Blockchain is another technology that is transforming industries, and Calgary is at the forefront of its adoption. Blockchain is a decentralized ledger technology that allows for secure, transparent, and tamper-proof transactions.

The Alberta government is exploring the use of blockchain in industries such as agriculture and energy. For example, the Alberta Wheat Commission is using blockchain to trace the origin of wheat from farm to table, ensuring food safety and quality.

Blockchain is also being used in the energy industry to track the production and distribution of renewable energy. Calgary-based blockchain startup, GridWatch, is using blockchain to create a platform that tracks the production and consumption of renewable energy in real-time, providing a transparent and secure system for energy trading.

A Strong Future

Calgary's innovation ecosystem is thriving, and the adoption of new technologies such as AI and blockchain is setting the city up for a bright future. With a supportive ecosystem, access to funding, and a focus on industries such as energy, agriculture, and healthcare, Calgary is well-positioned to be a leader in innovation and technological advancement. The potential for these technologies to transform industries and create new opportunities is immense, and Calgary is at the forefront of this exciting new era of innovation.

References:

• Alberta Innovates: https://albertainnovates.ca/

• Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute: https://www.amii.ca/

• University of Calgary: https://www.ucalgary.ca/

• Platform Calgary: https://platformcalgary.com/

• Innovate Calgary: https://innovatecalgary.com/

• Suncor Energy: https://www.suncor.com/

• Canadian Natural Resources: https://www.cnrl.com/

• Circle Cardiovascular Imaging: https://www.circlecvi.com/

• Alberta Wheat Commission: https://www.albertawheatbarley.com/