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On previous SHIFT conversations, we have learned that one of the major gaps to commercializing the hydrogen market is the lack of government policy. What is our current state and what should our elected officials consider when moving this promising industry along?
Joining us today is Heather Campbell Executive Director of Clean Technology at Alberta Innovates and Dr. Sara Hastings-Simon, Assistant Professor at School of Public Policy and Director of the Sustainable Energy Development Program at the University of Calgary.
Join us as we explore the role policy plays in helping to create a hydrogen economy, the myth of the free market, and much more!
Bios
Dr. Sara Hastings-Simon
Sara is an assistant professor in the department of physics and astronomy and school of public policy at the University of Calgary where she directs the Masters of Science in Sustainable Energy Development. She is a macro energy system researcher and her work is focused on understanding how low-carbon energy transitions happen within different sectors of the economy, and how policy responses can improve outcomes. She explores the role of incumbents and governments in development and deployment of new clean technologies, particularly within high carbon economies; the markets and policy structures that enable decarbonisation of electricity systems; and the response of firms to climate policy.
Sara is co-founder and co-host of Energy vs Climate a webinar and podcast that explores the energy transition in Alberta, Canada, and beyond. She is a Global Fellow at the Smart Prosperity Institute at the University of Ottawa. She is also the chair of the panel for Clean Growth with the Canadian Climate Choices Institute and a member of the board of directors of Emissions Reduction Alberta and the Pembina Institute.
Her previous roles include Director of Clean Economy at the Pembina Institute, founder of Business Renewable Centre Canada, and practice manager for Clean Technologies at McKinsey & Company. Dr. Hastings-Simon holds a PhD in physics from the University of Geneva.
Heather Campbell, B.E.Sc., LL.M., P.Eng.
Heather has had a diverse twenty-five year energy career with technical, policy, and business roles in a full range of energy industries. She is the Executive Director, Clean Technology with Alberta Innovates.
She holds a Bachelor of Engineering Science degree in Biochemical and Chemical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario (Western University) in addition to a Master of Laws in Energy Law and Policy from the University of Dundee. She is a licensed Professional Engineer practicing in Alberta, Canada.
Heather is an engaged, lifelong community volunteer, actively sharing her talents, resources and time by participating and often leading a purposely diverse range of organizations. She is a board director with Calgary’s performing arts centre Arts Commons, is a member of the Advisory Council for Western Engineering, the People’s Warden at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Calgary, and a Commissioner with the Calgary Police Commission. She is the former co-chair of Alberta’s Anti-Racism Advisory Council.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
22 Feb 2022
Building synthetic cities with Myrna Bittner and Edmonton-based RUNWITHIT Synthetics
Remember Ian Malcolm, Jeff Goldblum's character from Jurassic Park? He's a scientist interested in an esoteric branch of mathematics called chaos theory, the study of unpredictable behaviour in systems governed by deterministic laws.
I'd like unpack that preceding paragraph into three points:
Chaos theory is legit form of math.
Jeff Golblum's character Malcolm was awesome and goes onto appear in two sequels.
Unpredictably is what makes the future complicated.
Today's podcast focuses primarily on this third point.
If we knew what would happen when we introduce change we'd always make better decisions. We don't, however, always know what the repercussions will be.
Or do we?
Myrna Bittner and her company RUNWITHIT Synthetics have devised a way to construct synthetic cities for the express purpose of gaining a better understanding of how the introduction of "unpredictable behaviour in systems governed by deterministic laws" impacts the whole.
To quote Bittner, "we do that all using what we call synthetic modeling, which is like SimCity except for real, for real cities, for real populations, for climate events."
BAM. Prepare to have your mind blown.
Bio
Myrna Bittner
Myrna is the CEO and Co-Founder of RUNWITHIT Synthetics, an advanced data modelling and visualization company designing decarbonization, sustainability, equity, resilience, and growth initiatives globally. Myrna is passionate about connecting today's technology, policy, and infrastructure choices to data about the impacts and outcomes for people and our planet.
Last year, seven years after incorporation, the growing RUNWITHIT team celebrated numerous international awards, including the United Nation’s Global Call for Decarbonization, Taiwan’s Top Technology Gold Medal, Toyota Mobility Foundation’s City Architecture of Tomorrow Challenge, NATO’s Space Awareness, USAF’s AFWERX Showcase, Airbus Defence “Beyond Net-Zero," along with the “Most Edmonton” YEG Startup Company.
RUNWITHIT is a women-led, Certified Aboriginal Business, with a GBA+ Certified team of diverse and talented 3D animators, designers, and scientists in social, data, computing, and engineering disciplines.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
As a special Shift segment on Inventures, we're presenting an episode for each of the track being featured at this year's event.
This episode is on Cultivating Agtech and features an interview with Adam Brown, Strategic Initiatives Lead at Wyvern Inc., and Edmonton-based space data company redesigning the satellite to enable a sustainable future for humanity.
Cultivating AgTech
By 2050, the global population is estimated to reach 9 billion people. This is already creating unprecedented demand for food, water, and fibre. Innovations are vital to reduce food waste, maximize productivity of agriculture-rich regions and processes, while preserving precious land and natural resources. Enter an arsenal of technologies – from AI, to air and water sensors to robotics and biomimicry – addressing humanity’s growing needs.
Adam Brown, Strategic Initiatives Lead, Wyvern Inc.
Adam was the former CEO at Nanolog Audio, where he oversaw the commercialization of Nanolog’s quantum semiconductor technology for audio and photosensor applications. During his time at Nanolog, he was recognized as a Top 10 Finalist for the NASA iTech Challenge and was a Top 30 finalist for the Korean Startup Grand Challenge. Prior to Nanolog, Adam was the drummer in Striker, a Juno winning band, where he helped build an international brand and bring Canadian music to the global stage. He received his MBA (’18) and BComm (’12) from the University of Alberta, and was recognized as one of Edmonton’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2019. Most recently, Adam ran as a candidate in the 2021 Canadian election in Edmonton West and received his PMP certification.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
11 Mar 2022
The hydrogen market push for an entrepreneur with Leland Oberst CEO of Innovative Fuel Systems
What does the hydrogen market push look like for an entrepreneur? What about bridge technologies as we move to net zero? Is net zero even possible? Joining us today is Leland Oberst, President and CEO of Innovative Fuel Systems to give his thoughts on what the move to a hydrogen economy could look like for entrepreneurs.
Innovative Fuel Systems (IFS) is an Alberta company that has developed a proprietary technology for heavy duty trucks that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and leads to significant fuel savings. This non-intrusive technology provides up to 55% substitution of diesel fuel in heavy duty diesel engines with cleaner burning alternative fuels such as clean natural gas and hydrogen.
Leland Oberst – President & CEO
Leland was a Deloitte Edmonton Partner from 2002 until 2016 and the Managing Partner from May 2012 until November 2016. He obtained his CA (CPA) designation in 1993. Leland currently is also an executive advisor to APX Hotels Group and the VETS Group; he also sits on the YPO Alberta Chapter board and the U of Alberta Business School’s Advisory board.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
InnoTech Alberta recently received a $1.85 million grant from the Clean Resource Innovation Network.
The grant, which was part of the network's reducing environmental footprint technology competition is being used to look at alternative technologies for well remediation, closure and to prevent methane leakage from abandoned well bores.
Estimates suggest there are over 90, 000 inactive wells in Alberta alone, with approximately 54,000 wells leaking methane into the atmosphere in Alberta and Canada. In addition, there are close to 258,000 wells that will be inactive within the next 10 years that need sub surface closure activity before the wells can then be remediated at surface and the facilities can be taken out.
We talk with Bonnie Drozdowski, director of environmental services and Fred Wassmuth, manager of Institute Recovery about this project. We also dive into other projects InnoTech Alberta are working on.
Bios
Bonnie Drozdowski
Bonnie has ten years of experience managing and participating in multifaceted projects including integrating business and science to generate creative practical solutions and business opportunities in the environmental industry in Canada in various different industries including, upstream oil and gas, mineable and in-situ oil sands, coal mining, sand and gravel, diamond mining, forestry, pulp and paper and waste management.
Her key areas of interest include: soil and water conservation; waste and soil management; reclamation and remediation; & emerging technologies applicable to the environmental industry. She is primarily interested in opportunities that will allow her to use her strong technical background in environmental sciences while focusing on a high performance culture and innovative and effective project execution.
Fred Wassmuth
Fred has a broad background in investigating unconventional oil recovery, in particular improved waterflooding heavy oil, enhanced tight oil recovery and the application of conformance control technologies.
He's been involved with traditional chemical flooding methods such as polymer and various surfactant processes, and focused his efforts on several field projects to demonstrate the commercial application of improved water flooding heavy oils in Western Canada. More recently, he started a joint industry research program on improving oil recovery from tight reservoirs. His team includes engineers, geologists, chemists, and physicists with the objective to develop enhanced oil recovery processes. The team has devised a set of sequential evaluations that move the technology from concept to the field application.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
As a part of a special Shift series on Inventures 2022, we're presenting an episode for each of the seven content tracks featured at this year's event.
This episode highlights Mission-Critical Moonshots and features an interview with Cole Rosentreter, founder and CEO of Pegasus Imagery. Pegasus builds and deploys autonomous drones to provides aerial data collection at scale, using AI systems to enable real-time data analytics.
Mission-Critical Moonshots
The 1960s race for the moon spurred an explosion of technologies for everyday life. The moonshot mindset is motivating teams to achieve breakthroughs in quantum computing, fuel and propulsion, AI/ML, drones, logistics, data diagnostics and communications technologies. These extraordinary and everyday advancements are generating applications to make life on earth more sustainable, and life in space more possible.
A major driving force enabling innovators to tackle moonshots is the incredible advancement in data science and AI. Human progress depends on the collection and analysis of data, which is becoming the new global currency.
Learn from the creators and entrepreneurs who are on the forefront of disruptive innovation as part of the Mission-Critical Moonshots knowledge track at Inventures 2022.
Bio
Cole Rosentreter, Founder and CEO, Pegasus Imagery
Cole is the founder and CEO of Pegasus Imagery. Prior to Pegasus, Cole served 15 years in the Canadian Military with Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry as a paratrooper. In 2018, he founded Pegasus to develop intelligence-driven solutions capable of transforming complex challenges like wildfire management. Cole is also a graduate of Draper University, a 2020 NASA iTech semi-finalist, and a 2021 EY Entrepreneur of the Year finalist.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
As a part of a special Shift series on Inventures 2022, we're presenting an episode for each of the seven content tracks featured at this year's event.
This episode focuses on the track Futurecasting Work and features an interview with Jackson McDonough, co-founder and CEO of Upwardly Careers. Upwardly is upping the recruiting game by matching high-performing talent in Calgary with high-potential companies in the tech, finance, real estate, and energy sectors. Their process involves curated assessments for both candidates and clients to generate insightful data and make better decisions about fit and potential.
Futurecasting Work
The future of work is now. Digitization and the rapid advancement and adoption of technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and robotics, have sparked radical shifts in how we live and work. The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated these trends beyond what anyone could have imagined.
The pandemic has allowed workers to rethink their careers, work conditions and long-term goals, contributing to the “Great Resignation” trend. Capital follows talent, and talent is prioritizing purpose, diversity and inclusion. As myriad options for digital nomads emerge, so are radical innovations in technologies, communication systems and the nature of work itself. The ability to transform corporate culture and the ‘experience of work’ is becoming essential for survival and success.
Explore the new world of work and learn from the innovators and thought leaders who are redefining the workplace at Inventures 2022.
Bio
Jackson McDonough, Co-founder and CEO, Upwardly Careers
Jackson is the Co-founder and CEO of Upwardly Careers, a new startup based out of Calgary. After graduating from St. Francis Xavier University with a finance degree, Jackson moved to Austin, Texas where he worked for a successful software company that went public on the NYSE. In April 2021, he launched Upwardly, a next-generation talent recruiting agency. With his past experience in tech and business, Jackson is motivated to bring Calgary communities and businesses together.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
As a part of a special Shift series on Inventures 2022, we're presenting an episode for each of the seven content tracks featured at this year's event.
This episode puts a spotlight on the track Redefining Capitalism and features an interview with Ayo Aiyeleye, Director for Capital Access at Alberta Innovates, and Shelley Kuipers, Co-founder and CEO of The51.
Alberta Innovates is the province’s largest research and innovation agency. From funding to commercialization, we are Alberta’s innovation engine. We are working to solve today’s challenges, create new opportunities and forge a healthy, sustainable and prosperous future for Albertans today and for generations to come.
The51 is a Financial Feminist™ platform where investors, entrepreneurs and those who aspire to be, come together for democratized access to women-led capital for women-led businesses. By uniting Canada’s untapped women’s wealth, The51 is creating a new critical mass of women investors, making Canada the centre for women-powered capital.
Redefining Capitalism
Over the past two centuries, capitalism has fueled the industrial, technological and green revolutions, and shaped the global economic landscape. It has lifted millions of people out of poverty, significantly increased standards of living, and resulted in innovations that have radically improved human well-being.
As we journey through the Fourth Industrial Revolution, reinventing capitalism with a focus on ‘true value’ will lead to a world where more companies innovate in ways that contribute to society, and capital markets properly value and reward inclusive, sustainable business practices. Economies that work better for everyone recognize value beyond sticker price.
Hear from the innovators and thought leaders who are reinventing the systems that underpin the global financial services industry as part of the Redefining Capitalism track at Inventures 2022.
Bios
Shelley Kuipers, Co-founder and CEO, The51
An activist in business, entrepreneurship and investment, Shelley Kuipers is building the world she wants to live in. Discovering that the role of “Co-founder” really suits her, Shelley currently co-founds The51, consumer participation company IOVIA and family office Adventure Capital. She also designs clothing through yet another business she’s co-founded, 100% sustainable direct to consumer, House Kuipers. Shelley is also a serial private investor of companies, startups and entrepreneurs who embody the type of future she wants to see across the economic universe: namely, those that are sustainable, feminist, purpose-driven and unafraid to disrupt old systems.
Ayo Aiyeleye, Director, Capital Access, Alberta Innovates
Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs with successful business ventures, Ayo Aiyeleye has extensive experience building and scaling businesses. He is an emerging tech enthusiast with a passion for solving real world problems through innovation. Ayo’s professional experience spans various roles in the Finance industry including Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, Capital Markets, and Business Transformation. As the Director, Capital Access at Alberta Innovates, he oversees a portfolio of non-dilutive funding programs in the Entrepreneurial Investments area. He’s also responsible for driving access to private capital by the companies that participate in Alberta Innovates’ funding programs and are seeking follow-on external funding from the private capital community.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
As a part of a special Shift series on Inventures 2022, we're presenting an episode for each of the seven content tracks featured at this year's event.
This episode focuses on the track Gamechanging Health and features an interview with Julie Xu, Senior Product Manager at DrugBank. DrugBank is the world’s first intelligent and comprehensive drug knowledge platform. With the help of artificial intelligence, their expert team authors, verifies, and structures all of the latest biomedical information so that it can be used to its fullest potential.
Gamechanging Health
Leaps in medical science mean people enjoy longer, healthier lives and someone born today will likely live to 150 years. Health professionals, support services and policy makers are rejecting orthodoxy to reimagine and transform lifelong care networks.
New solutions are forging the creation of a more affordable, accessible and higher-quality healthcare system. Technologies that put the person at the centre of the solution are radically transforming how healthcare is designed, delivered and received.
Join the innovators who are transforming the global healthcare space as they explore the latest breakthroughs in the Gamechanging Health track at Inventures 2022.
Bio
Julie Xu, Senior Product Manager, DrugBank
Julie Xu is an experienced product manager, specializing in healthcare technology startups and scaleups. Her passion for modernizing healthcare through technology led her to a Bioengineering degree from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as multiple disruptive companies in the EMR, population health, value-based care, insurance, and pharmaceutical industries across North America.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
As part of a special Shift series on Inventures 2022, we’re presenting an episode for each of the seven content tracks featured at this year’s event.
This episode puts a spotlight on the track Taming Urban Jungles and features an interview with Ben Hildebrant, a principal investigator with SAIT’s Green Building Technologies Access Centre. Green Building Technologies’ researchers work with industry partners and students to help small-to-medium sized enterprises develop new technologies and processes, enhancing the commercializing of green technologies in Canada.
One of their pilot projects is The Confluence, a residential home striving for full certification under the most rigorous green building standard in the world, the Living Building Challenge. Learn more about the house and see pictures at theconfluence.ca.
Taming Urban Jungles
The built environment—including building operations, as well as building materials and construction—generates roughly 40% of the world’s CO2 emissions.
The Canadian government has set a goal that all new buildings will be built to net-zero ready energy standards by 2030, meaning they are designed to produce as much clean energy as they consume, once renewable energy components—like solar panels—are installed. Net-zero energy buildings are expected to be at least 80% more energy efficient than those being constructed today.
To meet that objective, researchers, technology developers and construction companies are coming together to develop new technologies and techniques that will make the buildings of tomorrow possible.
Hear from the innovators and thought leaders who are shaping the future of community life, functionally, economically and culturally as part of the Taming Urban Jungles track at Inventures 2022.
Bio
Ben Hildebrant is a principal investigator with the Green Building Technologies Access Centre at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Ben received an Architectural Technologies diploma from SAIT in 2013 with a focus in Building Development Technologies and has worked for several years as a building science technologist.
During that time, he diagnosed and oversaw the repair of building envelope issues in single and multi-family buildings. He has also served as a building envelope consultant on multiple multi-family and commercial construction projects in Calgary and Fort McMurray. Ben’s mechanical and troubleshooting strengths stem from his background as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer.
Today, Ben’s focus with Green Building Technologies at SAIT is to oversee building and material science related research. He also supports the development of educational curriculum to help increase the adoption of green, high performance building design and construction concepts.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
As part of a special Shift series on Inventures 2022, we’re presenting an episode for each of the seven content tracks featured at this year’s event.
This episode puts a spotlight on the track Navigating to Net-Zero and features an interview with Alison Thompson, CEO of Borealis Geothermal, Director at Kitselas Geothermal, and Chair of the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association. Alison is working to forge a future for geothermal energy, which has enormous potential as a net-zero source of heat and energy for Canadians.
Navigating To Net-Zero
In 2021, Canada passed the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability act, committing the country to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Despite the growing push towards renewable energy sources, non-renewable resources will continue to be a major part of the energy mix for the foreseeable future. New technologies—and new applications for existing ones—are required to expand our capacity for renewable energy production, to cut greenhouse gas emissions, and to commercialize new low-carbon products and materials.
But Alberta already has everything it needs to succeed: enormous reserves of renewable energy resources, skilled workers who already have the technical expertise required to develop them, and the ingenuity to innovate.
Hear from the innovators and thought leaders who are shaping the future of energy as part of the Navigating to Net-Zero track at Inventures 2022.
Bio
Alison Thompson, Borealis Geothermal CEO, Kitselas Geothermal Director, Canadian Geothermal Energy Association Chair and Managing Director
Having held several positions at a coal utility in the US and hydrocarbon giants in Canada and now as CEO at Borealis and Director at Kitselas Geothermal, Alison has stood on both sides of what sometimes seems like a deep divide between renewable and fossil fuel energy. As an engineer she brings a depth of understanding of the technology behind energy production. Through her diversity of experience, she has developed an intimate understanding of the political landscape and business culture of energy in Canada and beyond. She has dedicated a substantial part of her career to demonstrating that Canada doesn't have to choose between the economy and environment.
Her sustainability and ESG thought leadership is equally as diverse as her career experience. She is APEGA’s 2020 Centennial Leadership Award recipient and 2021 nominee for Engineers Canada Gold Medal Award. Borealis became the inaugural (2020) BC CleanTech Transformation Advocate winner. A Clean50 Top Project Award for the “Fuel for Reconciliation” project was shared between Borealis and Kitselas Geothermal. Remarkably, both the Borealis (Sustainaville) and Kitselas (Fuel for Reconciliation) projects were included on The Future of Good's Canada’s Top 100 Recovery Projects list for their COVID economic recovery potential. Nationally, she is the Chair and a Founder of the Canadian Geothermal Energy Association. Globally, she was a director of the International Geothermal Association and was a long-time member of a committee crafting geothermal resource specifications for the United Nations.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
Inventures 2022 took place June 1 through 3 at the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary, Alberta. Attended by over 3000 people, the event brought together investors, innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs for three days of deal making and demonstrating. Over seven thematic tracks and over 200 programs fleshing out everything from doing business with artificial intelligence to pitch competitions.
The following was Shift on the floor at Inventures talking to only a handful of the businesses and initiatives on site discussing their offering.
Enjoy!
For a short time only you can buy your tickets for Inventures 2023 at a greatly reduced rate, Visit us online for more!
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
27 Jun 2022
What are Non-Fungible Tokens? For artist and advocate Cowboy Smithx they're game changers.
We joined Cowboy Smithx backstage at Inventures 2022 just prior to his panel #T7NFT Building Community in the Arts: Utilizing Blockchain Technology to Boost the Creative Economies.
The #T7NFT (Treaty 7 Non-Fungible Token) program is a project led by NexusVerseYYC, who Cowboy was onsite representing.
Cowboy also took the opportunity to talk about the role of identity understanding and the role of Indigenous culture in Alberta's innovation ecosystem.
"So going all the way back to that inception story, one thing that I don't see enough Treaty 7 people or Treaty 6, if it's Edmonton, I don't see people owning that identity, flexing the spirit and intent of that treaty, which was in our language is [listen to recording]. In Cree, up in Treaty 6, it's [listen to recording] and it's this coming together and innovating and coming up with resources, knowledge, understanding of the land and understanding of the landscape and projecting into the future. Coming up with an alignment of intention that will help us carve identity and help every sector thrive. And if I can get all these tech sectors and agriculture, oil and gas, on that same page, that's one of my life's missions. We're going to do everything we can, including, make NFTS. "
Bio Cowboy Smithx is a Blackfoot filmmaker from the Piikani Nation and Kainai Nation in Southern Alberta. He has acted in, co-produced, and directed short films and music videos. His best known work is a full feature documentary co-produced with Chris Hsiung called, Elder in the Making, a film about reconciliation between non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal Peoples in Canada.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
It began with his career on a mixed farm in Alberta, and he's since gone onto found and invest in many companies in the agricultural sector ranging from farming in Uganda, cattle, ag retail, fertilizer manufacturing, distribution, marketing, consulting, data, ag tech, robotics and now serves as CEO of AGvisorPRO, a connectivity and resource platform for agriculture.
Robert is an author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur and thought leader. He was recognized as the 2006 Agrologist of the Year and the 2014 Canadian Agri-Marketer of the Year.
Our conversation was bookended by Robert's interest in space and took us across the plains of Alberta to Uganda, Africa, and the challenges and opportunities we have, as a global civilization, to feed the world.
Welcome to Shift!
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
We met with Dr. David Bressler while at Inventures on June 2, 2022. We spoke to him about his work converting lipids into hydrocarbons (biofuel), his role with Forge Hydrocarbons and about what an event like Inventures means for Alberta researchers and innovators.
Bio Dr. David Bressler, Professor, Associate Dean (Research) at the University of Alberta
Dr. Bressler is appointed with the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences where he is a Full Professor and the Associate Dean (Research). He earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Cell Biotechnology from the University of Alberta. Following his studies, David held a two-year Research Manager position, under Dr. Murray Gray. The position, which included the instruction of two senior courses per year in Chemical and Materials Engineering (University of Alberta), also included an office and weekly participation at Syncrude Research.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
15 Jul 2022
Legal Solutions for Startups with Goodlawyer's Joshua Weinberger
Goodlawyer is an Alberta-based interactive, online service that provides legal solutions for startups.
When company CEO and founder Brett Colvin was working at one of Canada's largest law firms as a corporate lawyer, he saw first hand every day that most people can't afford the legal help they need. The typical firm rates are simply out of reach, so he teamed up with a developer and a designer, left the firm, and started Goodlawyer.
On this episode, Joshua Weinberger, COO, walks our cohost Katie Dean through how Goodlawyer, an interactive online service, delivers on its promise to make it faster and easier for clients to find and hire legal help to help them succeed.
Bio Joshua Weinberger, Chief Operating Officer at Goodlawyer
Josh is committed to empowering entrepreneurs with legal knowledge to fuel their business growth. From his experience working at Canada's largest law firm, Josh understands how legal protections and legal problems can make or break a business.
In his role with Goodlawyer, Josh shares his insights and expertise to level the playing field and help founders benefit from the legal strategies large companies use to win. Josh's unique approach to law stems from his belief in the power of teams and helping those around you. (write up taken from Josh's LinkedIn profile)
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
27 Jul 2022
Digital health isn't only for humans - Sylvester AI helps diagnose an ailing animal
Cats are 10, 000 years less domesticated than dogs, so they don't always tell us the truth with their body language and sweet little purrs.
Enter Sylvester ai, a Calgary-based company that unveiled Tably, a digital health platform designed to assess a cat's visual cues based on pictures you take of your cat.
Tably's AI compares those photos with a database of veterinarian photos it's been trained to analyze and compare to then make an assessment of whether your cat is having a good day or a bad day. An understanding of bad days over time can then help cat owners to more proactively seek help from vet before something minor becomes major.
Sylvester ai and Tably have been featured in a number of publications and are taking the pet world by storm. Listen to our interview with Susan and learn more about this fascinating technology she imagines will have application's beyond cats in the years to come.
Bio
Susan Groeneveld Susan is an entrepreneur, co-founder of WS Marketing with Soul, Cat Healthy and sylvester.ai. She's a problem solver with over 20 yrs experience shaping growth marketing approaches for mid-large size companies. Customer centric approach in the food economy from growers to consumers; as well as pet care. Predicting audience behavior based on aggregated data and experience is her super power.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
07 Sep 2022
A Thursday Night Tradition that's making an impact across the prairies
Zack Storms and Tim Lynn are the co-founders of Startup TNT, which is a community of entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, innovators and startup supporters that gathers every week to have fun, share stories, and build great companies.
Since its launch in 2019, Startup TNT has raised over $7M+ for 50 local companies across the Prairies, and aims to raise another $1M+ this fall, with Summit VI.
Are you located in Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina or Winnipeg? If so, and I highly encourage you to, check out their Thursday Night Tradition in your town!
Interested in learn more about their Investment Summit VI? Visit them online!
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
Alberta has a lot to boast about when it comes to female tech leaders, and our next guest is no exception. Catherine Warren leads the newly-rebranded Edmonton Unlimited as a vital cog in Alberta's tech entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Dive in and join us as we do a deep dive to learn more about Edmonton Unlimited, their leader and Edmonton Startup Week that they're spearheading the week of October 17 to 22.
Bio
Catherine Warren, CEO Edmonton Unlimited
Living and working in Canada, the US, UK and Europe, Warren has served as a C-suite executive for publicly-traded companies, academic institutions and government-business enterprises.
Most recently, as Chief Executive Officer of Vancouver Economic Commission, she led the team in attracting $3B in foreign direct investment to the region, with a portfolio including the Vancouver Film Commission, the world’s largest animation and visual effects sector, smart cities technologies such as AI, 5G and quantum computing and the green and impact economies.
In more than two decades as a tech advisor, Warren’s track-record includes mergers and acquisitions for digital distribution and digital IP, raising capital and liquidity events for tech companies, consulting to national media funds, hedge funds, crowdfunds and coaching executives on strategic growth and monetization. Earlier in her career, she was the start-up COO of a broadcast software company that she and her partners took to the Nasdaq and grew to a $300M market cap.
Warren has a bachelor’s degree in physics from Reed College in Portland, Oregon, with a focus on climate change, and a master’s degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in New York, where she did her original thesis work onsite at MIT covering the launch of its digital Media Lab.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
18 Oct 2022
Conquering uncertainty or at least getting comfortable with it: Shift talks with James Keirstead
Welcome to part two of our Edmonton Startup Week podcast series.
On today's episode I had the great pleasure of sitting down with James Keirstead from Levven Electronics to talk about a host of topics that should resonate with every entrepreneur as well as inspire those who may be considering entrepreneurialism.
James is a tireless advocate for entrepreneurs in Edmonton and Alberta, and this candid interview really sheds light on his approach to business and life.
Bio James is responsible for managing the vision and growth of Levven Electronics, developing and executing long-term corporate strategies, and building relationships with partners, stakeholders and investors.
Levven has a vision of making intelligent buildings available to everyone. Focused on delivering technology and products to advantage new construction, Levven’s promise is mobile device access and control of building infrastructure that lowers building costs, speeds construction and conserves building materials.
He is a life-long entrepreneur with a commitment to innovation, excellence and enhancing people’s lives. Prior to founding Levven, James and his partners founded Blue Falls Manufacturing, makers of Arctic Spas and expanded its footprint to over 30 countries.
James is an active member and contributor to several entrepreneur organizations including Entrepreneurs’ Organization, the A100, Edmonton Regional Innovation Network, and Rainforest Alberta.
When he isn’t focused on the business, you can find him on Edmonton mountain bike trails or hanging out with his family.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
19 Oct 2022
Everything communicates: Shift talks with Andrew Goldner from GrowthX
Welcome to the third and final installment of our Edmonton Startup Week podcast series.
On today's episode I sat down with the mind-expanding Andrew Goldner from GrowthX to learn about the work he and his partners are doing to help build innovation and venture capital opportunities in Alberta and beyond. (You'll learn more about the Alberta Innovates Revenue Accelerator in our interview.)
GrowthX is an early-stage venture capital fund, but they do things differently.
They've sequenced the path to product-market fit to help founders reduce the time it takes to get investment-ready. By working with founders, GrowthX then generates reliable insights that earns them the opportunity to invest.
A few of our many stops along the way include a discussion around what Andrew calls the signal to noise ratio and how founders need to protect their time, the importance of humility and the need to learn from our mistakes, and his mantra that everything communicates.
Welcome to Shift!
Bio
Andrew Goldner is a Founding Partner of GrowthX, an pre-Series A venture fund that he started in Silicon Valley with three other go-to-market experts.
Andrew has been in the technology sector since 1998, based in New York City, Hong Kong, Singapore, Palo Alto and Nashville.
Andrew began his career in technology as a lawyer for the early Internet pioneers in Search (Alta Vista and Yahoo), AdTech (DoubleClick), SaaS (Salesforce) and others while practicing law. He left private practice at Skadden Arps to join DoubleClick leading up to the Google acquisition and then co-founded a financial news business at Thomson Financial leading to the Reuters acquisition. He then served as Publisher of Reuters News and then Co-Founder and Managing Director of the company’s legal media business in Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
In Silicon Valley, Andrew was early at Guidespark, an employee communication SaaS startup, and BrightTalk, a content marketing SaaS startup. He then co-founded GoodMoney to democratize high-performance, values-based investing. During that “wonderful learning opportunity,” Andrew met his current partners and co-founded GrowthX.
Andrew is a Kauffman Fellow, Regional Board Member of Venture for America, and a Mentor at Endeavor, Alchemist Accelerator and Galvanize. Andrew is a visiting lecturer at Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management where he teaches two popular multi-day seminars: Entreprenurial Sales and Venture Capital. Andrew received his undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati and his law degree from Georgetown University.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
06 Feb 2023
Alberta clean tech crushes the status quo: Kelly Krahulic from Summit Nanotech
Summit Nanotech has been on fire for the last little while. Company founder and CEO Amanda Hall was the $1 Million grand prize winner of the Women in Cleantech Challenge in 2021. They took first place in the smart cities, vibrant communities category at Inventure$ 2020. They were named one of the 50 most investable clean teach companies at the of 2022, and they started 2023 by raising CDN $67 MIllion for lithium extraction technology to support the energy transition to net zero.
We sat down with the company's Vice President of Technology & Innovation and technology co-developer, Dr. Kelly Krahulic to learn a little more about Summit Nanotech, where the ideas came from, where the company's headed and a whole lot more!
Welcome to Shift.
Bio
Kelly Krahulic, Vice President, Technology & Innovation, Summit Nanotech
Kelly is a PhD chemist (University of Calgary) with broad expertise in catalyst design, air-sensitive synthetic chemistry, and technical communication. In addition to her deep technical knowledge, she has experience facilitating the smart growth of start-ups through technology development, grant discovery, strategic business development planning, marketing, and management.
Since 2018, Kelly has been the leader of technology development at Summit Nanotech, working to develop a direct method of lithium extraction with a focus on improving speed of extraction, reducing environmental impact, and unlocking the lithium supply required to expedite the electromobility transition.
Kelly is passionate about the potential of green technology to provide economic and environmental sustainability for current and future generations. In her spare time, you can find her with her kids, most likely in the mountains.
Summit Nanotech
Summit Nanotech is a cleantech organization transforming how the world accesses lithium for the global energy transition. Through their patented and sustainable direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, Summit Nanotech is conserving natural resources and optimizing operations for lithium producers in Chile and Argentina. Established in 2018 and headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Summit Nanotech has been awarded to the 2022 Future 50 for fastest growing sustainability companies in Canada, the Foresight 50 for most investable cleantech venture, and the Solar Impulse Foundation's Efficient Solutions Label. Learn more at summitnanotech.com
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
10 Feb 2023
From making money to making a difference: Charles Buchanan from Technology Helps
Charles Buchanan is a man on a mission to build community and help end technology poverty for non-profit social entreprises. Through his company Technology Helps, Charles and his team take a unique approach to assessing the technology needs of a social enterprise. They always start with asking why. Why does the enterprise exist, what are its goals and how can technology help them to achieve their goals?
Arguably a non-traditional IT approach, but isn't that how it is with innovation? It's not status quo.
Sit back and settle in. Learn more about Charles, his company, his mentorship of aspiring black entrepreneurs and support for black-run charity and the paths he's taken to get to where he is.
Welcome to Shift!
Bio
Charles Buchanan
Charles is the Founder and CEO of Technology Helps. As an innovator and visionary, he has a distinguished history in corporate technology leadership (including Suncor Energy, Deloitte, Oracle, MNP, and Royal LePage), management consulting, and entrepreneurship. Charles has a has founded and worked with numerous technology companies in diverse areas such as online gaming, fintech, environmental protection, and more. He continues to be an authority in the tech space and has provided expert advice and implemented large-scale technology solutions for enterprise clients.
He's a passionate contributor to the community and has served on various non-profit boards for the past 20 years, including his role as Board Chair at Centre for Newcomers. He currently serves on several boards: Calgary Black Chambers (co-founder); The Common Approach to Impact Measurement; Momentum (finance committee); Black Business and Professional Association. He also serves on the grant committee at Calgary Foundation and an entrepreneur mentor at Venture Mentors Service of Alberta (VMSA). Charles is a founder and advisory board member of UpRising Academy helping talented at-risk youth in Jamaica in STEM and sports.
He holds an MBA from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University and a B.Sc. (Hons) in electrical and computer engineering. When recharging, Charles can be found on the golf course or hiking in the beautiful mountains near his home in Calgary and spending meaningful time with his family.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
21 Feb 2023
Working in the chaos - How PK Sound is changing the sound industry
Since the inception of line arrays (the big speakers you see stage left and right at major events) there hasn't been much innovation in the realm of sound reinforcement. Until PK Sound came along, and introduced their Trinity speaker systems, the industry’s first robotically controlled line source.
James Oliver sat down with me to discuss how their innovation is changing the industry and creating a line array that is multi-faceted, and constantly adaptable. Gone are the days where speakers are hung and sound people hope for the best.
Grab a coffee, settle in and get ready to learn about the people who make the shows we go to sound good!
Bio
James Oliver
James is the Chief Strategy Officer with PK Sound, the robotic line array company. James joined PK in April 2020 following a 10-year stint with Adamson Systems Engineering where, as Director of Sales and Marketing, he oversaw a period of 400% growth and the establishment of 45 international distributors. He has been instrumental in building out PK Sound’s 5-year product roadmap, go-to-market strategy, and marketing plan.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
06 Mar 2023
From doctor to entrepreneur - Oliver Bathe from Qualisure Diagnostics
Calgary-based Qualisure Diagnostics is making some serious inroads with the introduction of their flagship cancer diagnostic tool Thyroid Guide Px.
The company uses machine intelligence to create molecular tests that enhance cancer care by identifying features that help oncologists personalize treatment. By knowing which cancers are most aggressive, and which ones are more likely to respond to certain treatments oncologists can more effectively create a personalized treatment strategy for patients.
Sit back and settle in as I talk with Dr. Oliver Bathe not only about his company's innovation but the work he's done to transition from being a medical practitioner to a full-time entrepreneur.
Bio
Oliver Bathe, Chief Executive Officer
Oliver is a surgical oncologist with over 25 years of clinical experience. He has an excellent understanding of the challenges that patients and clinicians face during their cancer journey. His research has mostly been translational in nature, applying cutting edge technological solutions to real clinical problems.
In 2004, he founded a large tumor bank that currently houses over 23,000 samples from over 4,000 patients. His involvement in The Cancer Genome Atlas Project and his leadership in the Clinical Proteomic Analysis Consortium have spurred his interest in systems biology and bioinformatics.
He also has experience in clinical trials, serving in leadership positions on several national and international clinical trial groups. He has directed a research program, attracting over $2 million to research related to several technologies, the majority of which have been transferred to Qualisure.
Adapted from company bio.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
11 Apr 2023
Shift teases Inventures' panels - critical thinking to mitigate risk in a chaotic information economy
Welcome to the first in our series of Inventures teaser episodes leading up to our event on May 31.
My guests on this initial episode are Christine Maligec from Marsh Canada and Ron Markowski from the NAIT School of Business . Representing the industry and academic perspectives, respectively, they join me for a brief look at their panel topic on critical thinking entitled "Critical thinking to mitigate risk in a chaotic information economy."
Really it could have been called "Get ready to learn critical thinking skills to help you avoid analysis by paralysis."
Ron and Christine are engaging, knowledgeable and great speakers. This episode only gives you a shallow look (a teaser!) at what their panel on May 31 at 10am will be all about, but I think it gives enough to whet your appetite!
I hope you'll enjoy this episode as much as I did. AND I can't wait for their panel!
I hope to see you at Inventures and welcome to Shift!
Bios
Christine Maligec, Vice President of Enterprise Risk Service, Marsh Canada
Christine has 20 years of combined insurance as well as 15 years of risk management experience. She has a diverse background of experience in the public sector including education, health and municipalities as well in the private sector.
Christine also gives back by contributing time to her local Risk & Insurance Management Society Chapter and is a Public Member for the Alberta College of Pharmacy.
Dr. Ron Markowski, Program Coordinator/instructor, Critical Thinking, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, School of Business
Ron is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, and international keynote speaker.
He's worked extensively with public and private sector organizations, and has helped entities ranging from start-ups, to large multinationals. In addition, his extensive research has demystified Critical Thinking into a simple four-quadrant model that can be easily understand and quickly applied by individual, teams, and organizations alike. This model has proven to be particularly effective in data-driven environments that require diagnostic and analytical thinking to quickly identify and respond to emerging threats or opportunities.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
24 Apr 2023
Shift teases Inventures' panels - Scale your Everest: How to be a Resilient Entrepreneur
Welcome to the second in our series of Inventures teaser episodes leading up to our event starting on May 31.
My guest this episode is Erik Severinghaus. Erik joins me for brief discussion to set the stage for his talk entitled "Everest to Entrepreneurship: How to Scale YOUR Everest" on May 31 at 10:15 am.
Resilience isn't taught in class. It's lived experience, but Erik will inspire you to think differently about it and he'll work to give some tools and means to conquer the challenges you may be face as an entrepreneur.
Join me for this great, and candid, conversation about how Erik faced obstacles, suffered defeats, but persisted and built his resilience to achieve satisfying personal and business successes.
BIO
Erik Severinghaus, Co-Founder / Co-CEO, Bloomfilter
Erik Severinghaus has summited the highest peaks of both the business world – selling four companies for hundreds of millions of dollars – and the physical world – successfully climbing Mt. Everest in 2018. He is proudest not of the trophies on his wall memorializing these accomplishments, but of the scars he has accumulated overcoming both the external obstacles and internal trap of self-doubt along the way. Erik released his first book in 2021, Scale Your Everest, a guidebook for mental health, resilience and entrepreneurship. Erik has an MBA from Kellogg School of Business and an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina. He lives with his wife and daughter in Chicago.
He'll be joining us at Inventures to present his talk "Everest to Entrepreneurship: How to Scale YOUR Everest " on May 31, 10:15 am
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
On this episode we're teasing another of our Inventures speakers: Lia Garvin. Lia is engaging, insightful and an absolute pleasurer to talk with. She takes years of experience working for some big companies and distils her learnings into useable knowledge that entrepreneurs can easily deploy in the startups.
Lia is a master business consultant that will describe how to reframe the workplace and do more with less, and how to become unstuck from business ruts many of us get stuck in.
Welcome to Shift!
Bio
Lia Garvin
Lia is the best selling author of Unstuck, TEDx speaker, and organizational effectiveness consultant and coach with experience leading team operations across Google, Microsoft, Apple and Bank of America. She uses the lens of “disruption without destruction” to equip innovative organizations of any size and industry with the tools to cultivate inclusive, motivated, high performing teams. She is a sought after expert in the media, featured in Inc, FastCompany, ABC News, CNN Business, US News & World Report, HBR, Yahoo and TV News.
She'll be joining us at Inventures to present her talk "Doing More With A Smaller Team" on June 01, 10:15 am
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
08 May 2023
Why building great ecosystems is even more important today with Chris Heivly
There's no one playbook that defines the path to startup success. For Chris Heivly, it's a mindset.
My conversation with Chris touches on his new book, Building the Fort, what people can expect to take away from his talk at Inventures, and he gives listeners some great insight how to pitch.
Welcome to Shift!
Inventures sessions
Startup Pitch Event – The Metaverse – June 01, 9:15 am Why Building Great Ecosystems Is Even More Important Today – June 02, 10:15 am
Bio Chris Heivly, Managing Director, Build The Fort
Chris is one of the nation’s leading experts on launching startups. He co-founded MapQuest, is an investor (angel, corporate VC, 2 micro funds ~ directed over $75M) and was SVP Innovation with Techstars. Today he is focused on startup community building enabling city leaders to create the right environment for entrepreneurs.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
17 May 2023
Tonya Wolfe and Red Deer Polytechnic: supporting entrepreneurs across Alberta
Nestled in central Alberta, Red Deer Polytechnic is a post secondary institution with major aspirations--and some serious clout. With lots of connections through the regional innovation networks across the province and the Technology Access Centres in Alberta and across the country, they're built to support students AND entrepreneurs.
In this discussion with Tonya Wolfe, the director of RDP's two centres of innovation, we learn about how the school gets power, touch base on what the tech access centres are, learn about their role with the Regional Innovation Networks, and generally plumb the depths of what she oversees and how the school supports innovation in Alberta.
Welcome to Shift!
Bio
Tonya Wolfe, PhD P.Eng, Director, Centres for Manufacturing and Energy Innovation at Red Deer Polytechnic, and adjunct professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Alberta.
Tonya is a recognized leader in Alberta’s innovation space, Tonya is never satisfied with the status quo. Her areas of expertise include metallurgy, materials design, additive manufacturing, welding, wear resistant materials, steelmaking, biomedical engineering, and process modeling, and she enjoys sharing her knowledge in order to facilitate the growth of innovation for SMEs.
Tonya has a professional engineering designation, a Bachelor of Applied Science from Queen’s University, and graduate degrees from the University of Alberta. Her MSc investigated the use of biomaterials for prosthetic applications and her PhD studied composite overlays deposited by plasma-transferred arc welding.
Prior to arriving at Red Deer Polytechnic in 2020 as the CIM-TAC Manager, Tonya spent more than two decades building connections and working to advance technologies and innovation with Alberta’s manufacturers.
She is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (www.apega.ca), the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society, and a founding member of the Alberta Additive Manufacturing Network.
In her spare time, Tonya competes as a Masters Synchronized Swimmer and is a leader with the Girl Guides of Canada, an organization she has been a member of for over 40 years.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
23 May 2023
Alberta IoT - growing and supporting Alberta's digital entrepreneurs and startups
Alberta IoT is a member-based non-profit organization working to build connections and support for Alberta-based digital companies with a focus on the Internet of Things.
I had a chance to sit down with Brenda Beckedorf, Alberta IoT's Executive Director to talk about her organization's growth since its inception and the direction their boldly charting as they continue to function as a vital player in building Alberta as a centre for digital-based businesses.
We discuss a number of their programs, from the Fast Track Accelerator and their Start-Up Visa for new Canadians who are working to establish themselves as tech entrepreneurs to the Science Park, Alberta IoT's newest initiative to tie industry with post-secondary to create a space for connection, collaboration and innovation to support the growth of all things digital, and much more!
Buckle up and welcome to Shift!
Bio
Brenda Beckedorf is the Executive Director of Alberta IoT. In her role as Executive Director, Brenda’s focus is to bring our community together to provide a common voice in advancing the knowledge, adoption, and growth of the Internet of Things industry within the province of Alberta and throughout the world.
Prior to Alberta IoT, Brenda started her career in technology with Graycon Group as Director of Business Development. She is a current Director of The Calgary Innovation Coalition (CIC--part of Alberta Innovates group of eight Regional Innovation Networks), a group of organizations in the Calgary region that support innovation-driven entrepreneurs, startups, and enterprises.
Brenda is also Director for Alberta Women Entrepreneur, who supports women in business through business advising, business skills development, financing, and providing networking opportunities.
Brenda is a 2020 winner of the Universal Women Network Mentorship Award. Brenda previously served as Vice President of Calgary Women in Energy and until recently as Regional Director for AIoT Canada.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
23 May 2023
Shift - my conversation with Susan Divers from LRN about building solid ethics into your business
Ethics and values: two words that provide a solid foundation to any and all companies. Ignore at your own peril.
Ethics and values provide guide posts for all of your business decisions. They help to direct all members of a company into doing what that business holds as a key value.
In this era of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the growth is substantial and quick. The need for ethical guidelines when it comes to growth using AI is significant.
Join me as I talk to Susan Divers from LRN about her upcoming session at Inventures entitles: Business Ethics – What’s Your Plan?
Welcome to #ShiftbyAI
Bio
Susan Divers, Director of Thought Leadership and Best Practices, LRN
Susan brings 35+ years’ accomplishments and experience in the ethics and compliance area to LRN, a leading provider of solutions in the ethics and compliance area. She is a frequent speaker at events and conferences on ethics and compliance topics. Prior to joining LRN in 2015, she served as AECOM’s Assistant General for Global Ethics & Compliance and Chief Ethics & Compliance Officer. Under her leadership, AECOM’s ethics and compliance program garnered six external awards in recognition of its effectiveness and her thought leadership in the ethics field. In 2011, Susan received the AECOM CEO Award of Excellence. She is qualified as a solicitor the the High Court of England and Wales and admitted to the DC Bar.
TRACKS: ACCELERATING GROWTH
SESSION: Business Ethics – What’s Your Plan? – June 01, 9:15 am
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
26 May 2023
The Metaverse primer - my conversation with Mike McCready from Lethbridge College
The Metaverse. What were people saying about the Internet before it became commonplace? To me, it feels like a similar thing.
Thankfully we have people like Mike McCready to help us navigate and understand what a tool like the Metaverse is and can become.
To paraphrase both Mike AND Inventures keynote, Matthew Ball, it's key for us to educate ourselves on what this technology means for us and how it will impact us. Understand it before you HAVE to understand it.
In our conversation Mike not only mentions how people attending Inventures can experience and learn about the Metaverse, but how people not able to attend can participate in the Inventures Metaverse Experience.
The INVENTURES Metaverse Experience – presented by Lethbridge College
Experience first-hand what metaverse technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR), motion capture, and more can offer industry. Listen to global leaders share insights on various topics, ideate and collaborate together, and meet new people – all within a virtual representation of the main floor of the TELUS Convention Centre. Explore some of the advanced technologies that the Lethbridge College START Centre offers which enable industry to digitize the physical world, experience the virtual world, and blend the two together. These hardware demonstrations will be live-streamed into the INVENTURES Metaverse Experience.
How to participate physically at INVENTURES
You can join sessions or demo advanced spatial technologies hardware by visiting rooms TELUS 101-103 on May 31 between 10:15am and 4:30pm and on June 1 between 9:15am and 4:30pm.
How to participate virtually in INVENTURES
You can join sessions using the ENGAGE platform. Instructions on how to download ENGAGE, create an account, and join sessions can be found here (opens a .pdf).
Bio
Mike McCready, Industry Liaison and Research Advisor Spatial Technologies Applied Research and Training (START) Centre Lethbridge College
Mike is an educator and researcher with a focus on immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality. He has over 23 years of development experience and is driven to explore new technologies and understand their application within business and society. He introduced one of the first VR development courses at Lethbridge College in 2016. One of Mike’s focuses is the social interactions made possible with VR and has planned and facilitated numerous social VR activities that have garnered national and international attention, including the world’s first full-day conference held in VR – Merging Realities.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
16 Jun 2023
Talking Smart Agriculture with Joy Agnew and Lorna Baird from Olds College
As demand for food and the urgency for sustainable crop and animal production increases, our need for better tools increases: artificially intelligent, mechanized, data-driven tools.
With this, however, come challenges: how do we help get these, so called, "smart" tools into the hands of those who will be using them on the frontlines? And opportunities: how do we start to understand each farm is different and localized data will help to increase sustainable production?
In this episode, we talk with Joy Agnew and Lorna Baird from Olds College of Agriculture and Technology about smart farming, how the College uses its Smart Farm to support famers to use the tools, and how it teaches the next generation of food producers and entrepreneurs to use, develop and test these tools in the field.
We also talk about the Pan Canadian Smart Farm Network that's spreading across the country, with the various locations sharing data and learnings to increase overall knowledge, and the support the College provides entrepreneurs through its Centre for Innovation, as well as partnerships with Alberta's Regional Innovation Networks and the Technology Access Centres.
This is an inspiring episode. Welcome to Shift.
Bios
Joy Agnew
Joy grew up on a grain farm near Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and earned her Ph.D. in Ag/Bio Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. At Olds College of Agriculture and Technology, Joy oversees the applied research portfolio and smart farm operations.
Applied research at Olds College is focused on crop and livestock production with a specialty in environmental stewardship, technology integration and data utilization to improve productivity and sustainability of food production. Joy also has a leadership role in the development of the College's Smart Ag Ecosystem, bringing together the academic programming, applied research, strategic partnerships, smart farm operations, and extension & communication activities to help the College meet its goal to be a leader in Smart Agriculture. In 2021, Joy was named one of Canada’s top 50 most influential people in Canadian Ag by Canadian Western Agribition.
Lorna Baird
Lorna is the Manager of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Olds College Centre for Innovation where she helps people with new business ideas and small to medium-sized businesses access networks of people, organizations and programs that can help them develop their entrepreneurship journey. Lorna also supports Business Development for the Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production at the College where she continues to help those same individuals and businesses develop, validate and demonstrate new technologies or innovative techniques.
Lorna also co-chairs the Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network, one of eight Regional Innovation Networks across the province that are supported by Alberta Innovates. The networks work collaboratively and share ideas and noteworthy practices.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
28 Jun 2023
Large animal veterinary medicine - a small field ripe for innovation. My talk with Dr. Ben Schultz
I had a chance to sit down and talk with Dr. Ben Schultz at this recent Inventures 2023. Ben is a large animal vet and recent graduate of the Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network's Catalyst Incubator.
Large animal veterinary medicine is a fascinating practice that Ben describes as being a fertile ground for innovation.
I hope you enjoy our talk. Welcome to Shift!
Bio
Dr. Ben Schultz
Ben founded Maverick Large Animal Veterinary Service in 2012. He is also a founding partner of Momentum Equine Veterinary Specialists in Sherwood Park, and a partner at Uncas Veterinary Clinic in Uncas, Alberta.
In addition, he is the founder of Emergion Technologies, creators of TREATURE, a web based animal health protocol app designed for veterinarians, livestock owners, and veterinary pharmacies.
Ben has a professional interest in cow/calf and small feedlot and backgrounding, and is keenly interested in the economics and sustainability of the beef production industry as a whole. Ben is particularly interested in the application of new technology to address challenges facing rural veterinarians and their clients.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
14 Jul 2023
Talking artificial intelligence with ATB's Ian Hargreaves
Artificial intelligence has taken the public imagination by storm and things are moving quickly.
At Inventures 2023 in Calgary we had Ian Beacraft and Timnit Gebru dedicate their keynotes to it, and a panel featuring representatives from Microsoft, Enmax and the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute discussing it from an industry perspective.
Today, we're featuring my discussion with Ian Hargreaves from ATB.
Ian and I dive in and build off a previous discussion he had on Tyler Chisolm's podcast Collision YYC (I encourage you to give it a listen) to further explore the implications, considerations and what keeps him up at night as far as artificial intelligence goes. Again, things have been moving fast and we'll talk about some of the changes that have occurred between his and Tyler's interview and his and mine.
One of Ian's big messages is that it's critical for us, ALL of US, to stay on top of AI developments and specifically business exploring the use of AI to understand the role and implications of the incoming federal Act C-27.
Bio
Ian Hargreaves, Fellow, Artificial Intelligence at ATB
As Fellow of Artificial Intelligence at ATB, Ian is responsible for taking AI out of the lab. This means creating secure, scalable and transparent platforms that deliver on core AI capabilities like computer vision or personalization. His mission is to weave a thread of AI through all digital experiences at ATB - whether it’s tools used by ATB team members, or experiences that directly benefit customers. By rethinking how teams build, support and deliver AI capabilities, Ian and his team believe that they can truly reimagine banking by surrounding all Albertans with a network of intelligent services designed to grow their wealth, however they define it.
After an academic career using neuroimaging and predictive models to understand how people make decisions, Ian graduated from the University of Calgary with a PhD in Brain and Cognitive Sciences. Ian has developed both highly valuable intellectual property and also the foundations of a data science practice within business operations. Ian has managed numerous proofs of concept, and in scaling those quickly learned that the impact of AI is ultimately limited by trust: trust in the algorithm, trust in the team that designed it, and trust in the overall strategy. Ian has co-authored one patent and has 20 academic publications.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
28 Jul 2023
Madala Software - optimizing oil production, a conversation with Damien Hocking
I met and interviewed my guest at Inventures 2023 in Calgary this past May. He had a wee break in his schedule and was kind enough to join me onsite to discuss the work he and his company are doing optimize oil production on Alberta well sites.
It's fascinating to learn that his company's technology helps the onsite production engineers understand and adjust variables related to each well in real time. Evidence to this point has shown that sites using the technology are up to ten percent more productive. Over the course of many wells and many sites this number adds up to become quite impressive.
Pour yourself a cup of your favourite wake-up elixir and settle in to learn more about this made-in-Alberta oil & gas optimization tool.
Welcome to Shift.
Bio
Dr. Damien Hocking - Chief Technology Officer for Madala Software
Damien has a diverse career in solving complex problems through technical software development. He is an expert in hydraulics, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and both steady state and transient simulation. He has held key technology roles at Hyprotech, Aspentech, KBC, and Computer Modeling Group. Additionally, he's worked for MEG Energy and HTRI.
In addition to Madala Software Inc, Dr. Hocking founded Corelium Inc. which provides a scalable simulation platform. He's the co-author of six patents in the heavy oil industry and holds a Bachelor in Engineering and PhD in Chemical Engineering both from the University of Adelaide.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
At Edmonton's recent KDays event, Alberta Innovates had the opportunity to participate as in-kind sponsors for the Innovation Zone led by Explore Edmonton. This was a great opportunity to meet and feature some Edmonton-based entrepreneurs, businesses and students on the Shift podcast.
This is the third episode and it features my brief chat with Krishna Panchal from the University of Alberta's Future Creators.
Future Creators is a University of Alberta Engineering student group and nonprofit organization that inspires future engineers and technology innovators by providing youth with the mentors, knowledge, and resources to bring their own technology projects to life.
They partner with schools to provide a weekly afterschool program to students in grades 7-12.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
10 Aug 2023
Design that elevates the human experience - Shift talks with Nick Kazakoff from OneTwoSix Design
I met Nick Kazakoff onsite at Inventures 2023. His company OneTwoSix Design had generously offered the use of one of their Loop Phone Booths for me to feature to interview guests for the podcast while we were in Calgary for the event.
coming soon, Ian Beacraft from Chicago-based Signal & Cipher.
OneTwoSix Design
Founded by Industrial Designers Nick Kazakoff and Brendan Gallagher, Onetwosix is an award winning design agency and team of artists, researchers, designers and builders working to give form to ideas.
Based in Western Canada, they regularly work with clients across Canada and the USA. From businesses in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, and San Francisco to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and New York - they turn great ideas into beautiful and functional products that can be manufactured efficiently and cost effectively.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
10 Aug 2023
I talk the science of light with Ken and Kathy from Wilson Analytical
Welcome to episode two of our KDays Innovation Zone retrospective!
Alberta Innovates had the opportunity to participate as in-kind sponsors for the Innovation Zone led by Explore Edmonton. This was a great opportunity to meet and feature some Edmonton-based entrepreneurs, businesses and students on the Shift podcast.
This second episode is my discussion with Kathy Janzen and Ken Schmidt from Wilson Analytical Services. We dive into the work they're doing in the area of spectroscopy.
Krishna Panchal from the University of Alberta's Future Creators, and
Joe Callahan from Correct AI.
Bios
Ken Schmidt, President and founder
Ken is an Alberta based Professional Chemist and entrepreneur. He completed his PhD in Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Calgary in 1990. Over the last 25 years, he has worked with universities and the mining and energy industries to solve industry specific problems in sulfur chemistry, catalysis, ceramics, chemical vapour deposition (CVD) coatings and spectroscopy. His expertise is in industrial analytical chemistry, process laboratories for industry, instrument design, manufacturing, sales and technical support.
He has been involved in several high tech start-ups, including Wilson Analytical (which he co-founded in 2003). He is also President of Canadian Tool, a Montreal firm specializing in machining and manufacturing. Ken's key role at Wilson is technical development and customer relations.
Kathy Janzen, Vice President and founder
Kathy is a professional Chemist with twenty-five years of experience with the RCMP as a forensic scientist, followed by two years as one of the principles of the analytical services side of Wilson Analytical. She was also involved in several high tech start-ups, and worked with entrepreneurs at the Northern Alberta Business Incubator (NABI).
Kathy served 10 years as the Executive Director of the Association of the Chemical Profession of Alberta (ACPA) and was also the former council chair of the Federation of Canada’s Professional Chemists. Kathy's main role with Wilson is financial and strategic planning, sales, and human resources. Together, Ken and Kathy make all company business decisions.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
10 Aug 2023
Solving the student housing crisis: my talk with Jean Bruce Koua from Elev Homes.
Welcome to episode one of our KDays Innovation Zone retrospective!
Alberta Innovates had the opportunity to participate as in-kind sponsors for the Innovation Zone led by Explore Edmonton. This was a great opportunity to meet and feature some Edmonton-based entrepreneurs, businesses and students on the Shift podcast.
Other KDays Innovation Zone interviews include:
Krishna Panchal from the University of Alberta's Future Creators,
This third episode is my discussion with Jean Bruce Koua from Elev Homes. Born from the shared struggles of three university students - Jean Bruce, and his partners Kevin Mpunga and Kwasi Boateng - Elev started as a side project but quickly turned into a mission.
These three weren't just sympathetic observers of the student housing struggle - they were in the thick of it themselves. Their drive to find a solution came from firsthand experience; they knew that by fixing this issue for others, they'd be fixing it for their own lives too.
Bio Dubbed the "Master of Making Things Happen," Jean Bruce Koua is one of Elev's founders. His first 'student home' in Canada was a budget hotel room.
Jean Bruce believes challenges are the greatest form of learning opportunities, and once overcome, can help efficiently address other sets of obstacles. As the co-founder of Elev, he is able to provide tools to help students facing challenges navigating the off campus housing market, an experience he endured as an International student studying in Canada.
Having worked in both the public sector with the Federal Government of Canada, and the private sector with the Alberta Investment Management Corporation, he is able to provide strategic input in the growth of Elev. Being able to merge his economics and problem solving skills allow him to make informed and calculated decisions that are key to the success of the startup.
Jean Bruce Koua believes that learning from one another is very important and looks forward to connecting with great minded people in the community! (LinkedIn profile)
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
14 Sep 2023
Into the unknown - first generation farmer Ryan Greir speaks about his passion for agriculture
I met Ryan Greir from Whispering Cedars Ranch while I was at the Olds College of Agriculture and Technology AgSmart event in early August.
Ryan and his wife Janna are first generation Alberta farmers originally from British Columbia. I walked impressed with how these two are embracing and engaging a lifestyle that's not for everyone but one that everyone depends on.
On their farm, Whispering Cedars Ranch, they strive to raise Alberta lamb and provide the industry with healthy and proven purebred replacement breeding stock. As entrepreneurs they're constantly looking for ways to diversify their income as they continue to grow sustainable farming in the province.
Sit back and settle in as Ryan sheds light on his experience and the joy he and his family derive from farming in Alberta.
I had a chance to sit down with Ian Beacraft, an engaging, energetic and creative visual presenter, while at Inventures recently. Ian had flown in from Chicago and was providing one of the keynotes the day we got to chat.
Ian is very well versed in artificial intelligence. He understands the nuances, the concerns and the opportunities. He was willing to go down any rabbit hole I wanted to explore and I feel it made for a great conversation.
Don't take my word for it, though. Dive in for yourself!
Welcome to Shift.
Bio Ian Beacraft, CEO and Chief Futurist, Signal and Cipher
Considered one of the top voices in emerging technologies, Ian Beacraft is a trusted advisor to the world's most innovative companies. The founder and chief futurist of Signal and Cipher, Ian leads a strategic foresight agency that guides companies through the rapidly changing technology landscape and finds meaningful routes to innovation that impact the bottom line, inspire cultural change, and create new products and services.
Previously responsible for P&Ls and innovation departments at the largest agencies in the world, Ian is known for making bleeding-edge technology understandable and monetizable. Brands he has advised over the last decade include Samsung, Intel, Coca-Cola, Google, Microsoft, Nike, and dozens more.
Ian has pioneered a digitally immersive presentation style that brings artificial intelligence and extended reality to life so audiences can understand the future of technology in actionable ways. Ian is also the co-owner of a production studio designing virtual worlds and the first person ever to host a news segment as a synthetic human, streaming to over 100 million devices around the world.
A classically trained musician, Ian understands the magnitude of AI's coming impact on human creativity. As a strategist and speaker, he strives to educate stakeholders on the real-world implications of emerging technologies so they can make informed decisions that positively shape our world and advance humanity. In a rapidly evolving world that some consider dystopian, Ian remains a steadfast optimist and offers what everyone needs now: hope.
Taken from Ian's LinkedIn profile.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
26 Sep 2023
Shift talks Sacred Science with Alvin First Rider, Brett Purdy, and Emily Herdman
Sacred Science brings together Indigenous knowledge and western science to create opportunities for new solutions to environmental challenges, including issues that are important to Indigenous People.
For this edition of Shift, I had the chance to sit with Alvin First Rider and talk about the Blood Tribe's Buffalo Restoration Project. We were joined by Emily Herdman from InnoTech Alberta and Brett Purdy from Alberta Innovates.
Alvin is a member of the Káínawa, or Blood Tribe, in southern Alberta. Extending into US territory, these lands form the traditional territory of the Blackfoot Confederacy. Alvin speaks about his nation's use western science alongside Indigenous Knowledge to bring buffalo back to their historical plains.
We discuss the importance of restoring this iconic animal as part of an intertribal effort to restore the great plains ecosystem and to reclaim the traditions of the Indigenous peoples who have occupied these lands since time immemorial.
The Sacred Science video series, developed in collaboration with Indigenous communities in Alberta, Alberta Innovates and InnoTech Alberta, tells the stories of how these communities are leveraging Indigenous knowledge in tandem with western science to tackle complex conservation and land management challenges that impact all of us and to preserve their cultures.
These videos demonstrate successful collaboration between Indigenous communities and natural scientists that create meaningful impact and demonstrate our commitment to reconciliation, particularly in the natural sciences.
Alvin First Rider, Environmental Technician, Blood Tribe Land Management
Alvin is a member of the Blood Tribe of Southern Alberta and a descendant of the Blackfeet Nation in Montana both of the Blackfoot Confederacy. Alvin works as a environmental technician with Blood Tribe Land management.
He's been an advocate for the voiceless flora and fauna of Blackfoot Territory, and for traditional use land management practice such as bison, cultural burning, beaver restoration from a Blackfoot perspective.
Emily Herdman, Technical Lead, InnoTech Alberta
Emily is the Supervisor of Integration and Sector Alignment for the Environmental Services division at InnoTech Alberta. She supports project development and implementation in Environmental Impacts and Biodiversity Monitoring, while also nurturing strong relationships with key partners and progressing strategic planning for priority areas.
Bringing the right people together to solve complex client problems is what Emily enjoys most about her job. Her projects have included Indigenous communities, industry, academic, government, and regulators, reflecting her broad network and focus on collaborative approaches to achieve meaningful outcomes.
Brett Purdy, Executive Director of Environmental Innovation, Alberta Innovates
Brett is the Executive Director of Environmental Innovation at Alberta Innovates. In this position, Brett works with a talented team responsible for a supporting research and innovation in the areas of integrated land management, restoration and reclamation, climate adaptation and sustainable water resource management.
Brett has worked in government and academic institutions as a reclamation research scientist, and has conducted research in reclamation, forest ecology, conservation biology, and popul
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
02 Oct 2023
Shift talks with Calgary-based Nanotess about nanotechnology innovations and entrepreneurialism
I had the chance to talk with co-founders Megan Leslie and Julian Mulia about their work with Nanotess and their entrepreneurial journey while we are at Inventures 2023 this past May.
We dive into Nanotess 101, what it means and what they do and then we're right into discussing how Nanotess became certified as a manufacturer of medical devices with subsequent approval from Health Canada in an incredible two year time span.
Megan and Julian are very easy to talk to and are open in explaining their experiences as a young couple running an innovative company. We speak about using values and communication to guide the company in making decisions and much more!
Welcome to Shift!
Bios Megan Leslie – Co-Founder & CEO of NanoTess Inc
Megan holds two degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Finance. At NanoTess, Megan has led the company to achieve numerous critical milestones. Notably, oversubscribing NanoTess’ pre-seed and seed financing rounds, winning several pitch competitions and awards including Startup Canada’s global pitch competition in the scale up category, REHAB i2c pitch competition and the Start Alberta A100 One to Watch, securing funding from federal, provincial, and military sources, completing a successful project with the Canadian Department of National Defense, certifying NanoTess’ ISO13485/MDSAP quality management system for medical device manufacturing, and obtaining Health Canada approval for NanoTess’ flagship product - NANOSALV Catalytic Advanced Wound Care Treatment Matrix.
Julian Mulia – Co-Founder & COO of NanoTess Inc
As an engineer by training, Julian has worked as a management consultant, advising Fortune 500 C-Suite clients on Strategy, Operations, and establishing their innovation ecosystems and intrapreneurship practices. As a co-founder of NanoTess, Julian has led several critical milestones including securing dilutive and non-dilutive funding, establishing both an R&D laboratory and a production facility for NanoTess, developing scalable supply chain partnerships for equipment and materials to avoid delays associated with scaling production quickly, and securing several key business development partnerships with clinicians, health care organizations, and multi-national companies to help grow and scale NanoTess and its technology.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
18 Mar 2024
Exploring Inventures 2024 with Erik Bitmanis from Canarie
As with past Inventures, our goal is to deliver a global experience showcasing Alberta's innovation ecosystem. Exhibits, demonstrations, dozens of panel sessions, talks, networking and more! This can't-miss-event is ideally suited for entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, students, industry and more to come together to explore innovation at its finest.
Welcome to Shift
We've taken a wee break from Shift over the past few months, but we're back! Our next few episodes are going to help provide some sense making and way finding by shining a light on only a handful of this year's Inventures participants.
On today's episode we're talking with Erik Bitmanis from Canarie, a national non-profit organization who provides a unique service to Canadian entrepreneurs through its DAIR Cloud Program.
This program helps Canadian tech innovators to accelerate new product and service development by providing them with free cloud resources and access to expertise in next generation technologies, giving Canadian start-ups and small & medium enterprises a boost toward commercialization.
Welcome to Shift!
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
25 Mar 2024
Exploring Inventures 2024 with Gail Powley from Technology Alberta
On this episode sit down with Gail Powley to tease some of the fascinating stories that have woven the fabric of Alberta's innovation landscape, from the Nobel Prize laureates who trace their roots to small towns like Medicine Hat to the cutting-edge developments that have shaped industries far and wide. As we explore the pivotal contributions of the Regional Innovation Networks, we uncover how these cornerstones of progress ensure that Alberta's entire expanse shares in the success of technological evolution.
Gail is the president of Technology Alberta and the executive director the ASTech Awards—Alberta's award of innovation recognition—celebrating 35 years of scientific and technological advancement.
This episode gives you some insights on the power of networking within Alberta's entrepreneurial scene. We talk about how the importance of having a compelling pitch and showing up with a giving spirit are essential currencies in our tech ecosystem, and we further explore the magic that happens at a technology and business convergence point like Inventures where you can pack 20 meetings into a day that would normally take you much longer.
We hope you come away with an appreciation for the strong bonds that form the backbone of the tech community in Alberta, and the profound impact a culture of support and collaboration has on driving innovation to new heights.
Welcome to Shift!
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
02 Apr 2024
Exploring Inventures 2024: Unleashing Alberta's entrepreneurial spirit and innovation on a global stage
Inventures isn't just any conference; it's a global gathering that puts Alberta's incredible pool of resources and talent under the spotlight. Whether you're an entrepreneur itching to make waves, a startup on the brink of breakthrough, or an international company eyeing Alberta as your next big venture, you'll find that Inventures is the ultimate stage for forging business connections and showcasing the province as a hotbed for innovation and growth.
In our brief discussion Marlene Arana, the director of Inventures, paints a vivid picture of an event that transcends the typical conference bounds, promising a holistic experience that melds technology, business, entertainment, and a taste of Alberta culture.
If you're curious about what the future holds, from digital health to clean tech, or if you're an institution aiming to commercialize cutting-edge research, this episode is your invitation to explore the rich tapestry of opportunity that Inventures weaves. Prepare to be inspired and to create impactful connections, for Alberta's innovative spirit is ready to dazzle on the global stage, and Inventures 2024 is where it all happens.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
Meet Hunter Cardinal, a man whose roots spread across a rich tapestry of Cree, Métis, Polish, French, and Russian heritage. Hunter will be joining us May 29 through 31st as our MC for Inventures 2024.
Our conversation rounds all sorts of corners as we talk about the roles of preparation and spontaneity in practicing for his role. He explains what he refers to as the 'drywall effect' where creating the perfect atmosphere is as essential as the nitty-gritty of scripts and technical coordination.
The role of an MC comes into sharp focus as we discuss how Hunter's presence at the helm can ensure an event's success by seamlessly knitting together speakers, technicians, and the audience into an unforgettable experience.
In something I found to be particularly meaningful, Hunter describes his role as MC as oskâpêwis, or Cree for helper.
Tune in and learn about the potent blend of meticulous planning and the ability to pivot gracefully - the secret ingredients for maintaining control in a world brimming with uncertainties.
Welcome to Shift!
Bio
Hunter, alongside his sister Jacquelyn, are the proud owners of Naheyawin, a social enterprise they built to promote reconciliation and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Naheyawin takes a unique approach to Indigenous consulting and creates impactful training and unforgettable cultural experiences to help organizations unlock the transformative power of Indigenous ways of knowing and being, enhancing their diversity and inclusion strategies. Naheyawin has worked with various organizations, including for-profit businesses, non-profits, and government agencies.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
11 Apr 2024
Unlocking the power of health data: privacy, policy, and progress
Mark Korthuis, President and CEO of the Glenrose Hospital Foundation recently sat down with me to discuss a panel he'll be moderating at Inventures 2024 called Rethinking Approaches to Unlocking Health Data.
In our discussion, Mark sets the stage for what the panel will focus on: navigating the terrain between privacy concerns and opportunities that, if missed, could set health systems back as the world embraces the ubiquity of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other technologies we've yet to imagine.
Mark provides invaluable insights into the transformative potential of collective governance and the imperative for a fluid exchange of health data across care settings.
Our conversation is only a teaser for the panel that should be a beacon for clinicians, patients, entrepreneurs, policy makers and anyone interested in data and healthcare innovation, seeking to understand the intricate balance of data accessibility and patient care.
In addition to listening to the podcast, check out the Interoperability Saves Lives report on the Alberta Virtual Care website.
Welcome to Shift!
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
03 May 2024
Unleashing Entrepreneurship in Alberta: Dr. Tonya Wolfe on the innovative Resource Roundup at Inventures 2024
Get ready to discover a revolutionary approach to entrepreneurship in Alberta with our guest, Dr. Tonya Wolfe of Red Deer Polytechnic. In this thrilling conversation, we dive into the Resource Roundup, an innovative event at Inventures 2024 that's flipping the script on networking and support for startups.
Imagine an environment where entrepreneurs aren't just chasing dollars but rather, forming powerful connections with a community eager to propel their growth with a diverse range of services. Dr. Wolfe gives us an insider's look at how this platform is designed to streamline the way companies present their needs and challenges, ensuring they leave with more than just potential - they leave with a plan.
The buzz around Inventures 2024 is palpable as we discuss the nitty-gritty of Resource Roundup's unique three-slide presentation structure with Dr. Wolfe. In a space fit for 20-24 vibrant companies, entrepreneurs will master the art of precise communication, laying out their roadblocks and resource needs to an audience ready to lend their expertise.
This moderated event not only keeps the energy high but also guarantees that every participant leaves with concrete leads and solutions. It's a session that exemplifies the supportive innovation ecosystem Alberta is nurturing, leaving listeners eager to witness the synergies that will unfold.
Join us and be part of the movement changing the face of entrepreneurship one connection at a time.
Applications to be part of the Resource Roundup close May 10, 2014. Apply NOW!
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
11 Jun 2024
Unlocking $350,000 in credits and expert mentorship: Inside Google for Startups Accelerator Programs with Iran Karimian
Iran Karimian is the Head of Accelerator & Startup Ecosystem at Google Canada. In her role, she brings the best of Google's people, programs, products and technology through Google for Startups Accelerator programs.
I had a chance to sit down with Iran during a break at Inventures 2024 to discuss the Google program and what it means for participating companies.
Listen for more and heads up: applications are now open for the fifth Google for Startups Accelerator Canada cohort until July 31st. This cohort will kick off in early October 2024.
Join the following Alberta companies who've participated in past cohorts:
Can interdisciplinary research transform Alberta's innovation landscape? Join us as we uncover the inspiring journey of Dr. Mike Mahon, interim CEO at Alberta Innovates. With a career spanning from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to leading roles at the University of Manitoba and the University of Alberta, Dr. Mahon shares his insights into fostering collaboration across diverse sectors like health, energy, environment, and agriculture. Learn how his vision aims to integrate these areas to build a more innovative and resilient Alberta.
We dive deep into the power of teamwork and interdisciplinary collaboration, highlighting an extraordinary example from the University of Lethbridge where a cell biologist and a physicist collaborated to make groundbreaking advancements in cancer research. Alberta Innovates stands at the forefront of these efforts, acting as a connector between researchers and startups. Mike explains how sustained support, along with Alberta's pioneering spirit, is crucial for maintaining leadership in science and innovation. Our conversation also touches on the vital role inventors play in driving forward-thinking solutions and partnerships throughout the province.
Supporting Alberta's entrepreneurial ecosystem is no small feat, and in this episode, we address the challenges entrepreneurs and researchers face in turning innovative ideas into viable businesses.
Listen in as we also explore innovative uses of bitumen, advancements in hydrogen energy, and transformative healthcare innovations, underscoring the importance of ethical frameworks and breaking down silos for greater collaboration. Wrapping up with a lively chat, we celebrate the spirit of teamwork and continuous improvement essential for driving Alberta’s innovation forward.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
What does it take to build a thriving innovation ecosystem? Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of Robert Lai, Alberta Innovates’ new VP of Investment. With a stellar background in telecom and a pivotal role in the groundbreaking SuperNet project, Robert shares his vision for propelling Alberta’s tech community to new heights. You'll get an inside look at his responsibilities, from nurturing startups through the Accelerator Programs to fostering cutting-edge research at post-secondary institutes. This episode offers a treasure trove of insights into the future of Alberta's economic growth and technological advancement.
Discover how Alberta’s universities are becoming hotbeds of innovation, developing groundbreaking technologies ready for commercialization. Robert Lai sheds light on the crucial role of identifying future trends like AI and quantum computing and how a vibrant research environment is key to attracting global talent. We also discuss the hurdles of adopting new technologies in Canada and how Alberta Innovates is tackling these challenges head-on with programs like the Product Demonstration Program. Learn about the “find, educate, connect” strategy designed to prepare startups for investment and the indispensable guidance provided by Technology Development Advisors. Don't miss this essential conversation for anyone passionate about innovation and economic growth.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
Can quantum technology reshape the world as we know it? Join me in a captivating discussion with Katanya Kuntz, Megan Lee, and Chris Cassin as we explore this groundbreaking field. From the evolution of Quantum 1.0 technologies like MRI machines to the transformative potential of Quantum 2.0, we unpack the mysteries of qubits and the quest for fault-tolerant quantum computers. Discover how these advancements promise to revolutionize computing power and cybersecurity in the near future.
Alberta is on its way to becoming a global quantum innovation powerhouse, and Megan Lee from Quantum City explains how. With a rich history in quantum research and collaborative efforts beginning through Quantum Alberta and others, the region is fostering a burgeoning ecosystem of startups and academic experts. Learn about the initiatives that are driving this growth, and how these efforts are connecting quantum solution creators with industry users to build a thriving quantum economy.
The conversation doesn't stop there. Chris Cassin from Zero Point Cryogenics delves into the fascinating world of ultra-low temperature systems and the mysterious quantum phenomena they encounter. We touch on the critical importance of adopting quantum technology to protect sensitive data and solve global challenges.
If you're curious about the future of quantum tech and its far-reaching implications, this episode is a must-listen. Plus, get practical advice on how you can become part of this exciting industry and contribute to its growth.
You'll be able to find all three of our guests at qConnect 2024 in Calgary October 2 and 3.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
14 Oct 2024
Alberta's Innovation Ecosystem: Fostering Tech, Community, and Entrepreneurship
Discover the shimmering opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship in Alberta as we welcome insights from our guests, Tracy Stroud from APEX Alberta, Terry Rock from Platform Calgary, and Tom Viinikka from Edmonton Unlimited.
Tom Viinikka, CEO of Edmonton Unlimited, walks us through he and his team's groundbreaking mission to nurture tech innovation and community building in Edmonton.
And make no mistake, these events are for EVERYONE.
Expect to be inspired by the stories these three leaders share, as they work to redefine the landscape of entrepreneurship by creating vibrant spaces for networking, learning and support for Alberta's tech entrepreneurs and job seekers.
Join us as we explore how Alberta is a hotbed for tech and knowledge-based innovation, from ideation to commercialization. Tracy Stroud of Apex Alberta shares incredible insights into the province's regional strengths, highlighting aerospace and drone innovation. Meanwhile, Terry Rock from Platform Calgary talks about Calgary as a thriving hub for tech entrepreneurs.
We discuss the role of community events and reverse trade shows that connect service providers with entrepreneurs, exemplifying Alberta's commitment to collaboration and growth in both urban and rural settings.
As we wrap up, the conversation shifts to the importance of community and networking in fostering entrepreneurial success. Hear about Alberta's burgeoning venture capital scene and how it's positioning the province as a leading contender for entrepreneurs in Canada. The conversation emphasizes the significance of industry leadership, long-term investments, and the efforts to support rural entrepreneurs in high-potential sectors.
Finally, listen to Terry, Tom and Tracy pitch each of these extraordinary events:
In this episode we talk with Alberta Innovates' Sean DeWitt about health innovation in the province. We focus on the launch of the eXtended Reality Health Economic Acceleration and Development (xR HEAD) program, and discuss the role of data in health care and Alberta Innovates' role as a convener in Alberta's innovation ecosystem.
Sean's bio
Sean is the Senior Business Partner with Alberta Innovates, who oversees the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Health System program.
He has an undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences with a Business minor and an MBA – both from the University of Alberta. He has worked in operations and manufacturing with Afexa Life Sciences (makers of COLD-FX®), as well as in sales with Novartis and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Sean joined Alberta Innovates from Alberta Health Services where he worked with family physicians to enhance primary care governance and operations in Alberta.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
05 Feb 2020
Shift talks with Bryan Helfenbaum from Alberta Innovates
In this episode we talk with Bryan Helfenbaum about the value-add of using the bitumen in Alberta's oil sands for things other than fuel, and introduces us to the newly-launched Carbon Fibre Grand Challenge.
Bryan's bio
Bryan is the Executive Director of Advanced Hydrocarbons at Alberta Innovates, responsible for programs such as Recovery Technologies, Partial Upgrading, Digital Oilfield, and Bitumen Beyond Combustion.
Prior to joining Alberta Innovates, he spent 20 years in a wide variety of technical, business, and innovation roles in industry, most recently as Technology Manager at Devon Energy.
Bryan’s passion for innovation extends outside the office, where he teaches a course at the University of Calgary and has worked on innovative community residential development projects.
Bryan has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from the University of Waterloo and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, with a specialization in Global Energy Management & Sustainability, from the University of Calgary.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
19 Feb 2020
Shift talks with Dawn Trautman from Alberta Innovates
Dawn is a manager of Smart Agriculture and Food Innovation with Alberta Innovates. Her work involves designing programs and building relationships with the agri-food industry and scientific community to create a sustainable future for the industry.
She was recently chosen as one of four 2020 Scholars for Nuffield Canada. Her topic of interest is the adoption of smart technologies in agriculture to sustainably produce more with less. This includes identifying and investigating opportunities to bring traditional agricultural operations into the digital age
She grew up on a mixed beef-crop operation west of Edmonton, and was inspired at an early age to work in the agricultural industry. She has degrees in biology (BSc), agricultural economics (MSc), and business (MBA) at the University of Alberta.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
04 Mar 2020
Shift talks with Mark Diner from the Alberta Data Institute
In this episode we talk with Mark Diner, director of the Alberta Data Institute, about the importance of data-enabled innovation and how the Institute is positioning itself to help Alberta companies and others succeed in using artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve products and outcomes.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
18 Mar 2020
Shift talks with David Almond about information technology
In this episode we talk with David Almond, Executive Director of Information Technology at Alberta Innovates. Our discussion has many touch points, but the central theme is about using technology to solve business issues. We also talk about his vision of IT as a business partner rather than just a service, and the role Information Technology can play in Alberta's broader innovation ecosystem.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
COVID 19 has swept the globe and has left our Albertan innovation ecosystem in a state of fear and uncertainty. Businesses are struggling to handle the immediate pressure of balancing resources while maintaining revenue and the livelihood of their employees.
Alberta Innovates remains committed to ensuring the viability of the innovation ecosystem through our coaching, community and capital investment support. These are extraordinary circumstances and we are working quickly to support Alberta business during this critical time.
This episode features a round table discussion with Terry Rock, President and CEO of Platform Calgary; Lan Tan, Director of Entrepreneur Development at TEC Edmonton, and and Lindsay Spadavecchia, Technology Development Advisor with Alberta Innovates. The group discusses the current innovation ecosystem and how our communities are responding.
Discussion topics included:
The resources available for businesses and entrepreneurs
Thoughts on maintaining your mental and physical health as a entrepreneur
Ways to leverage the ecosystem to keep things moving forward
Tips on best way to stay connected during times of isolation
Tips on preparing for recovery
Together, we have the fortitude and capacity to emerge from this challenge stronger and better.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
08 Apr 2020
Shift talks with Timothy Caulfield about science misinformation
In his book The Demon-Haunted World - Science as a Candle in the Dark, writer and scientist Carl Sagan said, "if we're desperate enough, we become all too willing to abandon what may be perceived as the heavy burden of skepticism."
In this age where pseudoscience and its spurious claims are seeing widespread promotion, the heavy burden of skepticism is one we should all shoulder just a bit more.
In this episode, we talk with writer, tv host, and University of Alberta professor of health law and science policy Timothy Caulfield about misinformation in science, its roots, impacts, and his latest research project to develop tools to combat its spread.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
30 Apr 2020
Shift talks with ATB's Todd Hirsch and AI's Laura Kilcrease
This episode of Shift is brought to you by Inventures Unbound, the ultimate platform for innovators, investors and industry to share, inspire and interconnect virtually.
If you have a pass to Inventures 2020, you already have access to all of Unbound’s goodies. If you’d like access to just Unbound, there’s a pass for that at Inventures Canada Get your pass today!
Todd's bio Todd Hirsch is the Vice President and Chief Economist for ATB Financial. For over 20 years, he’s worked as an economist at numerous organizations including the Canada West Foundation and the Bank of Canada.
Laura's bio Laura Kilcrease leads Alberta Innovates as its Chief Executive Officer. Recruited from Austin, Texas, she is recognized as a significant motivator in shaping Austin’s economic revitalization. Laura influenced the creation of the Austin Technology Council and founded the Austin Technology Incubator, where companies have raised over $3 billion to date.
With over 25 years’ experience in commercializing technology, Laura is sharing her enthusiasm and entrepreneurial expertise to create innovation coalitions that leverage the talent and spirit of Alberta. Prior to becoming Alberta Innovates’ CEO, Laura was a seven-year member of the Alberta Research and Innovation Advisory Committee.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
22 May 2020
Shift talks with entrepreneur Connie Stacey from Growing Greener Innovations
In this episode we talk with Edmonton-based entrepreneur Connie Stacey about her company Growing Greener Innovations, their flagship product the Grengine, and her journey to become a successful female entrepreneur in the male-dominated space of deep tech.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
04 Jun 2020
Shift talks with Inventures 2019 student pitch winner
In this episode we talk with Nermin Zukic, the Chair of Business from Keyano College, Said el Mejdani, Computer Science teacher from Westwood Community High School, and Sarptashi Bhattacherya, one of the student pitch winners from Inventures 2019.
We discuss how Nermin, through Keyano College, worked with Said from Westwood Community High School to get, at the time, grade 10 student, Sarptashi Bhattacherya and two of his fellow classmates to Inventures 2019 to pitch their innovations before seasoned judges. In the end, Sarptashi was one of the three winners along with two others from Edmonton.
Even though the story revolves primarily around Sarptashi, it goes beyond just him. There's something special going on up in Fort McMurray. Teachers from post-secondary and secondary schools are working together with passion and with students to deliver exceptional results in terms of innovation and achievement.
Bios
Saptarshi Bhattacherya is a grade 11 student at Westwood Community High School in Fort McMurray. He loves to learn and is fascinated by the ability of computer science to unite people to solve the problems humanity faces today, and strives to share this fascination with others in his community.
Said el Mejdani Is the computer science instructor at Westwood High School. He has a passion for disruptive technology and innovation. He embraces students either interested or uninterested in academics and provides an avenue for them to experience success. He knows every student can thrive when they drive their own learning, so he coaches students to think critically to reach their goals.
Nermin Zukić is the Chair of Business at Keyano College in Fort McMurray. He has a diverse business background with professional roles in international economic development, private equity, business process consulting, as well as postsecondary education. Nermin believes in aligning local economic development and post secondary education.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
22 Jun 2020
Shift talks with Melinda Emerson and Craig Elias about starting a small business
In this episode we take a deep dive into starting a business with Innovation Rodeo keynote speaker and best selling author Melinda Emerson and Bow Valley College's Chiu School of Business Entrepreneur-in-Residence Craig Elias.
Melinda and Craig will share their insights on business: how to start one, pitch one, build networks/supports and move toward success.
Melinda, “SmallBizLady” is America’s #1 Small Business Expert. Sheis an internationally renowned keynote speaker on small business development, social media and content marketing. Melinda is also the president of the Quintessence Group, an award-winning marketing consulting firm based in Philadelphia, PA, serving Fortune 500 brands who target small business market. LinkedIn named her a Top Voice for 2019 in Small Business and Entrepreneurship. In addition to being a former NY Times columnist, she is frequently quoted by media organizations including The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, MSNBC, CNBC and Fox News. She is the host of #Smallbizchat LIVE and The SmallBizChat Podcast. Forbes magazine named her the #1 woman for entrepreneurs to follow on Twitter. A prolific writer, Melinda has published more than 5000 articles on her blog www.succeedasyourownboss.com. Her small business advice is widely read reaching more than 3 million entrepreneurs each week online. She is the bestselling author of Become Your Own Boss in 12 Months, 2nd Edition, the ebook How to Become a Social Media Ninja and her latest book is Fix Your Business, a 90 Day Plan to Get Back Your Life and Reduce Chaos in Your Business. She is graduate of Virginia Tech and received her Executive MBA from Drexel University.
Melinda is speaking at this year's Innovation Rodeo, Monday, July 6 at 3:15. Buy your ticket now!
Craig’s first startup won a global billion-dollar pitch idea competition and was twice chosen by Dow Jones as one of the 50 most promising startups in North America. Craig is now a Startup Mentor for the, B2B focused, Alchemist Accelerator, a Scaleup Mentor for the GrowthX Academy, on an advisory board for SXSW and is the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Bow Valley College in downtown Calgary.
Craig is also the lead organizer for the Innovation Rodeo, a five day (mornings) entrepreneurial extravaganza featuring an array of speakers and presenters running July 6-10, 2020. Alberta Innovates is proud to be a founding partner of the Innovation Rodeo.
We dive into the importance of basing decisions on data, Amos's W3 methodology for increasing the likelihood of repeatability in terms of business success, chat about how rock climbing is a good analogy for starting a business, and how impostor syndrome sometimes creeps in!
Bio
Amos was born in the Bronx, NY and grew up in Fort Lee NJ. At a young age, Amos started seeking adventure and pushing limits. While attending college at the UMASS, Amos fell in love with rock climbing which brought him to Northern California in 1993 and eventually a job packing boxes for Shoreline Mountain Project. While there Amos helped turn an old school mail-order company into one of the first e-commerce companies which launched his career into the startup world. Shoreline later sold to Mountain Gear.
In 2015, he moved over to the investor side as Managing Director of Techstars in Austin. Now after over 70 seed stage investments including Scalefactor, Chowbotics, Storyfit, VanRobotics, Skipper, Helpberbees, Convey, Docstation and Allstacks, Amos has become one of the more active early stage investors, via Techstars Austin in all of Texas.
Amos is also the author of Sell More Faster - The Ultimate Sales Playbook for Startups. Amos wrote this book using his experience and network to create a guide to help every founder and startup sales leader in their quest to build a big and meaningful business.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
23 Jul 2020
Shift talks with Harry Sharma from the Conference Board of Canada about innovation
Based on a methodology with benchmark statistics from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and other sources, the Conference Board of Canada (CBoC) gave Alberta a D grade in terms of Innovation and placed Canada 14th out of 15 countries in their recent innovation report card.
We discuss how Alberta and Canada traditionally do well in terms of creating startups, but we struggle as a province and a nation at turning these into globally successful products/services withsustainable growth. According to an article Harry wrote for the CBoC's website, "while we produce almost 4% of the world’s research output and rank relatively high on creation of start-ups, Canada has had a mixed record on sustaining successful innovative companies."
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Harry Sharma as we talk about the grading, what we can do to improve as a province and a nation, and the Capabilities-Centred Innovation Framework for Canada that he's put forward.
Bio
Harry Sharma, Director, Innovation and Technology
Harry Sharma joined the Conference Board of Canada in May 2019 and brings with him over 15 years of experience in innovation, science and technology related areas. Harry has worked in multitude of roles in small and large organizations and dealt with impact analysis, strategy development, program evaluations and development. As a leader, Harry has worked with government, private and non-for-profits sectors to initiate new funding programs in support of Canadian technology start-ups as well as to address skills development challenges internationally.Harry earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering with Honours from the Rochester Institute of Technology and Master of Engineering in Engineering management from the University of Ottawa.
Harry is leading the efforts to develop and implement the new Capabilities-Centred Innovation Framework for Canada. Alberta Innovates is one of the four partners in this endeavour and represents a West Canadian provincial perspective.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
12 Aug 2020
Shift talks with Neil Gruninger from Calgary-based Kidoodle.TV about child safety online and growing a business
Starting a company with the goal of creating an over-the-top media service for kids where parents can feel confident their children are watching appropriate shows is no easy task. Couple that with YouTube being one of your main competitors and the task almost seems impossible. Well, that's what Neil Gruninger and his partner Michael Lowe did when they created Kidoodle.TV.
The online service has boomed in recent years, and we sit down to chat with Neil, the company's chief product officer, to get a better sense of how and why this Calgary-based company is achieving huge success.
BIO Neil was trained as a user interface designer with a fine arts degree in New Media. He and company CEO Michael Lowe founded Kidoodle.TV in 2012.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
26 Aug 2020
Shift talks with Karen MacKenzie about the role Indigenous female entrepreneurs can play in building new economies
2020 is the word we use for for perfect vision, but as with the year and how it's gone so far, we have to start seeing things in a new way. Today's guest, Karen MacKenzie, helps us to explore and understand the role Indigenous culture and practices play in contributing to building those new economies. We talk about female Indigenous entrepreneurs, building genuine relationships in business and how she works as a mentor to help other women grow as entrepreneurs.
BIO Karen MacKenzie is a proud Cree-Métis woman and the co-founder and President of MacKintosh Canada, an Indigenous owned, international consulting company.
Karen brings her traditional knowledge of indigenous ways into the contemporary workplace as this wisdom and way of being reflect “wise practices of high performance organizations”.
As an international professional speaker, Karen inspires audiences to find their inner passion and to move forward in the direction of their dreams. She challenges individuals to recognize their own gifts, talents and genius and to “let it all out”.
She is passionate about supporting the dreams and aspirations of the people, organizations and communities. Karen is a member of the Edmonton Police Commission and the Circle of Elders for Edmonton Catholic Schools, heralded as a wise practice across Canada enabling greater success rates for First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners.
Karen is a Senior Advisory for the Indigenous Women in Community Leadership (IWCL), Coady Institute, St.Francis Xavier University along with her advisory role to IdeaConnector an online community supporting Indigenous women entrepreneurs.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
09 Sep 2020
Shift talks with Dr. Elizabeth Cannon about women in STEM and the role mentoring plays
As lead up to the September 15, 2020 Women Leading Innovation event presented byInventures Unbound and SHEinnovates, our guest today is Dr. Elizabeth Cannon. Elizabeth talks with us about women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics; what it takes to succeed and to be a true leader; her goal of supporting women-led business and the important role she feels mentorship plays in helping one another succeed.
BIO
Dr. Elizabeth Cannon is former president and vice chancellor of the University of Calgary. She is a professional engineer and previously served as Dean of the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary. Her technical expertise is in positioning and navigation systems with a particular focus on Global Positioning Systems.
Elizabeth is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, Canadian Academy of Engineering as well as an elected foreign associate of the National Academy of Engineering. She served as co-chair of the Business-Higher Education Roundtable and is a past chair of Universities Canada. Previously, she was a member of the federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development’s Science, Technology and Innovation Council in addition to many other boards and advisory councils.
In 1998, Dr. Cannon was selected as one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 and in 2006 was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network. Dr. Cannon holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in mathematics from Acadia University as well as a BSc, MSc and PhD in geomatics engineering from the University of Calgary, and has received honorary degrees from the University of Ottawa, Acadia University, the Université de Montréal and SAIT.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
23 Sep 2020
Shift talks with John Carle from the Alberta Cannabis Council and Dr. Sunil Rajput about cannabis
The legalization of cannabis is not without its hurdles. Science is seeking to fill the knowledge gaps when it comes to the implications and uses of medical cannabis, and the impact cannabis can have on recreational users. Cannabis entrepreneurs are looking to create long-term sustainable growth for this new industry they feel can help diversify Alberta's economy, all while wrestling with black market purveyors of questionable quality and other obstacles.
Today on Shift we explore both perspectives with John Carle from the Alberta Cannabis Council, and Dr. Sunil Rajput from Alberta Innovates.
And if you listen intently you may even hear a challenge to partner...
BIO
John Carle is the executive director of the Alberta Cannabis Council, a non-profit organization with the goal of bringing growers, producers, and retailers together to identify how this new business can reach its potential in a ethical and organized manner.
Dr. Sunil Rajput is a senior business partner with Alberta Innovates, and is the lead for the mCannabis program and the soon-to-launch mCannabisRWE (real world evaluation) program.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
16 Oct 2020
Shift talks about the value of failure in innovation
We're Shifting speeds this episode and talking with local writer, Scott Lilwall, who sat down with people in Alberta's innovation community to talk about the value of failure and the lessons it can teach us.
Scott Lilwall is an Edmonton-based freelance writer and podcast producer. His writing has been featured on CBC, Alberta Innovates and many others. For this episode, he reached out and chatted with Alberta Innovates CEO Laura Kilcrease, Jessica Doody, lead program manager from Startup Edmonton, and entrepreneur Bradley Poulette to talk about the role of failure in innovation, and what it's taught them about success.
This is a special episode of Shift we recorded for Small Business Week in Alberta called Learn how to build a gazelle.
In this case, we're not talking about the four-legged variety. In this context, a gazelle is a young, very fast-growing company. This type of company maintains consistent and rapid expansion of both employment and turnover.
Join the Alberta Innovates Entrepreneurial Investment team as they lead you through an entrepreneur's journey of innovation from discovery to use.
Learn how we can help you with coaching, community, and capital.
Hear from:
Sandra Candie - Director, Global Partnerships
Mike Riou - Technology Development Advisor
Dana Smits - Director, Capital Access & Major Transactions
Presented by the Hosts of Shift by Alberta Innovates
This was a YouTube LIVE event. You can access the link here: https://youtu.be/Rq44eaNMObg
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
03 Nov 2020
Shift talks with Brenda Beckedorf, Executive Director of the Alberta IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) describes a network of devices and systems that are embedded with sensors and other technologies that are connected over the Internet for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems.
IoT is a multi-billion dollar global industry.
On this episode we talk with Brenda Beckedorf, the executive director of the Alberta IoT, about her organization's role in representing a unified voice for Alberta-based SMEs working in the field of IoT
The Alberta IoT is a nonprofit consisting of organizations with a vested interest in the success of the Internet of Things in Alberta. Their mission is to position Alberta as the worldwide center of excellence for the Internet of Things technology.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
19 Nov 2020
Shift talks with Alberta's Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, Doug Schweitzer; and Alberta Innovates CEO Laura Kilcrease about diversification and Alberta's economy
This episode we're talking with Alberta's Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, Doug Schweitzer; and Alberta Innovates CEO Laura Kilcrease about diversification and Alberta's economy and more.
BIOS
Doug Schweitzer
Minister Doug Schweitzer was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta on April 16, 2019, as the MLA for Calgary-Elbow.
A dedicated husband, father of 2 young girls and a long-serving community volunteer, Schweitzer has a strong record of public service, including previously raising funds for military families and serving as Vice Chair of the Calgary Drug Treatment Court. He is passionate about restoring Alberta's promise – an Alberta in which, no matter where you came from, if you worked hard, you could succeed.
Schweitzer was a partner at a leading Alberta law firm as a restructuring and bankruptcy lawyer. This experience gave him a first-hand view of the staggering impacts of failed policies that have led to job losses, economic stagnation and a loss of hope.
Doug Schweitzer was appointed as Alberta’s Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation on August 25, 2020. Schweitzer will oversee the implementation of Alberta’s Recovery Plan, its sector strategies and Alberta’s growth agenda.
Schweitzer previously held the position of Alberta’s Minister of Justice and Solicitor General where he made important progress tackling rural crime, advancing aspects of the fair deal panel report recommendations, and creating a faster, fairer and more responsible justice system. (Minister Schweitzer's bio was taken from the GoA's website.)
Laura Kilcrease
Laura Kilcrease is the Chief Executive Officer for Alberta Innovates, including its subsidiaries InnoTech Alberta and C-FER Technologies.
Recruited from Austin, Texas, Laura is the founder and former-managing director of the venture capital fund Triton Ventures, LP. She is widely recognized as one of the key figures in changing Austin’s economic landscape from one struggling with the economic ups and downs that come with oil dependence to a high-tech environment that is today recognized as one of the #1 Entrepreneur City and best place to live and work in the U.S.
She is the founder of the Austin Technology Incubator (ATI), one of the United States’ first technology business incubators, and co-founder of the Austin Technology Council, a premier networking organization that cultivated the growth of the Austin economy. Laura also launched Capital Network, one of the largest angel investor networks in the U.S. with over $150 million in completed transactions.
Laura has more than 25 years of hands-on experience in commercializing technology, and a deep understanding of how to identify and build new business opportunities. Prior to accepting the role as Alberta Innovates’ CEO, Laura was a seven-year member of the Alberta Research and Innovation Advisory Committee, which guided the former Alberta Innovates’ corporations.
In Austin, she gave her time and expertise to a number of non-profit boards, including the Women’s Leadership Advisory Board of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, the Beyster Institute, World Congress for Information Technology 2006, and the IC² Institute at The University of Texas at Austin, among many others.
Laura has often been recognized for her outstanding achievements. She has received numerous honors and awards, including the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Austin Business Journal’s Profiles in Power Award, and the University of Texas McCombs School of Business Women in
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
01 Dec 2020
Learn how to change the DNA of healthcare with Shift!
In this episode we talk with members of Alberta Innovates health innovation and platforms' team about digital health in Alberta.
We cover everything from the ethics of going digital to the programs being offered to entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators in the province.
Featuring:
Sean DeWitt, Senior Business Partner, Health Innovation Sunil Rajput, Senior Business Partner, Health Innovation Sandra Stabel, Senior Business Partner, Opportunity Development Tammy Mah-Fraser, Executive Director, Health Platforms
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
07 Dec 2020
Shift talks with Chris Holt from Phase Sensors and Professor John Davis from the University of Alberta about their collaboration
Phase Sensors is an Edmonton-based company that develops and builds high-performance custom micro-sensors for industrial monitoring in hostile high-temperature and high-pressure environments. (Read more here.)
In 2017, Phase Sensors worked with University of Alberta professor John Davis as part of a Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement grant to build and patent a new sensor, which has since attracted the attention of one of the world’s largest oil & gas companies.
In this podcast we learn more about their collaboration and how a post-secondary institution helped an Alberta SME with the assistance of an Alberta Innovates/NSERC partnership!
BIOS
Chris Holt, founder & CEO, Phase Sensors. Chris has published 24 journal manuscripts, six patent applications and two of these applications have become full US patents and licensed to a private corporation. He has a passion for building new microfabricated devices and figuring out challenging electronics problems.
John Davis is an associate professor in the Department of Physics at the University of Alberta. Professor Davis's research focuses on large scale quantum objects, in particular nanomechanical objects at low temperatures and superfluids in restricted geometries. This work combines precision nanofabrication, cryogenics, optomechanics, and quantum measurement protocols. He and his team are also interested in putting these devices to good use, especially in future quantum technologies.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
13 Jan 2021
Shift talks with Cam Linke about the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute and how they're helping Alberta businesses
As one of Canada’s three centres of AI excellence, as part of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute in Edmonton, Alberta boasts some serious powerhouses of the artificial intelligence and machine learning world.
People like Richard Sutton, who's widely regarded as the father of reinforcement learning, a branch of machine learning that focuses on how AI should take actions to achieve an end goal. Michael Bowling, who's work with DeepStack (the first AI to beat human professionals at heads-up no-limit Texas hold’em) showed the world that an algorithm can navigate its way through imperfect information to beat humans; Patrick Pilarski and his work with prosthetic limbs; and many many more.
And the team is now turning their heads toward helping Alberta businesses get the strategic advantage that artificial intelligence and machine learning can provide.
Join us for this first episode of the 2021 season. Welcome to Shift.
BIO
Cam Linke is the CEO of the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute in Edmonton, Alberta.
He is a longtime leader in Edmonton’s technology and startup community. Over the past 10 years, he has worked as a CEO, investor, community builder, product manager, software entrepreneur, academic, and developer.
Past roles include co-founder of Startup Edmonton, Founder of Flightpath Ventures, CEO of Touch Metric, Product Manager at Nexopia.com, and Founder of DemoCamp Edmonton. Linke is a sought-after speaker and mentor and has been recognized as Avenue Magazine Top 40 Under 40.
He is also an artificial intelligence researcher, currently studying under Dr. Richard Sutton and Dr. Adam White. His research, which focuses on AI adapting behaviours to improve their own self-learning, has been published at top conferences.
On this episode we speak with Dr. John Lewis from Edmonton-based ENTOS pharmaceuticals about their journey toward creating a made-in-Alberta vaccine for Covid-19.
John walks us through how he and his team's work on genetic medications as a treatment for metastatic cancer created an opportunity to develop a potential Covid vaccine using their proprietary Fusogenix genetic medicines delivery platform.
Along the way we discuss the steps within a clinical trial, how researchers from "competing" labs work together for everyone's benefit, the implications of the much used phrase "fast tracking" when it comes to the development of medical interventions, his work on something called tumor glue, and much more.
But don't our word for it. Grab seat, click play and learn more about the Journey to Conquer Covid.
BIO
John D. Lewis, Ph.D, founder, Chief Executive Officer of Entos Pharmaceuticals
John is the Frank and Carla Sojonky Chair in Prostate Cancer Research at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta.
A scientist and serial entrepreneur, his research interests lie in the areas of nanotechnology and imaging as they relate to the development of novel treatments for chronic diseases such as aging and cancer.
He has pioneered the use of intravital imaging to discover key therapeutic targets in cancer.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
10 Feb 2021
Timothy Caulfield on covid misinformation and the launch of #ScienceUpFirst
On this episode we speak with Timothy Caulfield about the battle against science misinformation, specifically information related to covid and the vaccines that are coming out.
This is a follow-up conversation with Tim as he appeared in our seventh-ever episode. Always engaging and ever-informative, we had a blast talking with Tim learning about his work and the new initiative #ScienceUpFirst that he's helping to co-lead.
Make sure to listen until the end when he reads excerpts of some of the mail he's received from "fans." (Please note the sarcasm...he tells us he receives plenty of hate mail...)
Enjoy!
Jon and Katie, your Shift buddies
BIO Timothy Caulfield is a Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy, a Professor in the Faculty of Law and the School of Public Health, and Research Director of the Health Law Institute at the University of Alberta. His interdisciplinary research on topics like stem cells, genetics, research ethics, the public representations of science and public health policy has allowed him to publish over 350 academic articles.
He has won numerous academic and writing awards and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.
He contributes frequently to the popular press and is the author of two national bestsellers:
The Cure for Everything: Untangling the Twisted Messages about Health, Fitness and Happiness (Penguin 2012) and
Is Gwyneth Paltrow Wrong About Everything?: When Celebrity Culture and Science Clash (Penguin 2015).
His most recent book is Relax, Dammit!: A User's Guide to the Age of Anxiety (Penguin Random House, 2020).
Caulfield is also the host and co-producer of the award winning documentary TV show, A User's Guide to Cheating Death, which has been shown in over 60 countries, including streaming on Netflix in North America.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
Silicon is one of the most common elements on the planet. It's benign, relatively easy to work with and Edmonton-based Applied Quantum Materials has it mastered.
In today's podcast we talk with company CEO David Antoniuk about a recent deal they signed with Alberta Health Services. The deal, which sees the company provide AHS's subsidiary Alberta Precision Laboratories with kits that use AQM’s proprietary MagDx™ technology, including magnetic silicon-based nanoparticles, provides a made-in-Alberta solution to a more secure supply of essential lab reagents needed to detect the disease in patients, lessening the reliance on foreign producers of the much needed reagent.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Join us to learn more...
BIO
Dr. David Antoniuk, CEO & Co-founder of Applied Quantum Materials
David has a Ph.D. in Engineering Physics from the University of Alberta and brings 30 years of business development, product marketing and executive management experience. He has extensive experience in technology commercialization and building strategic business relationships. Prior to forming AQM, he was Director of Business Development for TRLabs, Canada’s largest IT consortium; and Director, Nanotechnology where he formulated the strategy for creating a nanotechnology initiative for the Government of Alberta. David has co-founded several technology start-ups. He currently volunteers as the President of the nanoCluster Alberta Association.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
Building a robust digital health ecosystem in Alberta needs health delivery partners willing to challenge the status quo in clinical care, and partners that are willing to take the risk of implementing new technologies and involve the patients in the process.
In this episode we talk with Dr. Aly Nanji, CEO and founder of C-health, an Alberta-based healthcare organization. Aly provides insight into how C-health, one of Canada's largest multi-specialty practices, is innovating to improve patient care and create a multispecialty research facility.
BIO Dr. Alykhan Nanji started C-health as a single division, known as C-era Medical Clinic, about 16 years ago in Calgary, Alberta. Driven by a desire to make the maximum impact on society, Aly found himself drawn to the medical field in the form of Internal Medicine, building a career as a General Internal Medicine specialist.
Considering himself a “Health Care Entrepreneur,” Aly wanted to open a clinic that was solely focused on patient care and research. To do this, he got his MBA from Wharton Business School and Master of Public Health from Harvard. With those qualifications, his dream of building a successful patient-centered clinic was on its way.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
Hemp has the potential to play a significant role in the future of Alberta's agriculture industry. Shift by Alberta Innovates interviews Jan Slaski of InnoTech Alberta and Aaron Barr, CEO of Canadian Rockies Hemp Corp.
About Jan Slaski:
Over the last 17 years, Jan Slaski has been leading research aimed at introduction and breeding of hemp varieties that suit the needs of the fibre and food industries on the Prairies. To fully realize potential residing within this crop hemp and to assure whole crop utilization Jan assembled a program at InnoTech Alberta offering solutions from “seed to final product” that includes three domains: breeding and agronomy, fibre processing and product development. Since 2012, Jan has been serving hemp industry as a director of the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance. Jan’s research also focuses on the development of best management practices permitting sustainable production of staple (cereals, pulses, canola) and novel (flax, quinoa, Jerusalem artichoke) prairie crops under changing environmental conditions.
About Canadian Rockies Hemp Corp.:
Canadian Rockies Hemp Corporation (CRHC) is an Alberta-based agribusiness focusing on processing hemp at scale for industrial use outputs. Working to develop Alberta as the global hemp processing hub, CRHC is building a bio-refining processing plant in Bruderheim, AB.
Capable of processing 50,000 acres of hemp per year, producing 50,000 tonnes of fibre and 110,000 tonnes of hurd, CRHC is the largest hemp processing plant in North America.
Working with local Alberta farmers, CRHC contracts hemp acres, directly providing specific high-quality feedstock to the Bruderheim Plant.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
Prior to remediation, hazardous sites like tailings ponds require analysis, but they're perilous environments for people to go to take measurements. Robots, however, are immune to such perils. Edmonton-based Copperstone Technologies has created a series of autonomous robots that can traverse any terrain to perform site hazardous site investigations.
On this episode we talk with Craig Milne, CEO of Copperstone Technologies about the role the company plays in offering robots as a service to mining companies and others across the globe.
Copperstone helps companies manage liabilities and safety costs associated with hazardous locations including mine waste tailings ponds and infrastructure. They do this by building field robots that can access challenging locations in a way never before possible. Their robots bring sensors or sampling payloads to site, keeping people out of harms way, reducing costs and improving efficiencies for their clients.
Craig is the CEO of Copperstone Technologies, a company bridging robotics, artificial intelligence and the mining industry. He is a serial entrepreneur with extensive experience in technology-enabled companies, strategy, finance, and business development. Craig has a PhD in stem cell biology from the University of Toronto and an MBA in Finance from the University of Alberta.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
In this episode we talk with Fred Pels from Gaia Grow Corp, Usukuma Ekuere from Canna Stream Solutions, and Andre Sinclair from TruExtracts about their partnership around an innovation destined to shake up the hemp and cannabis industry.
Bios
Fred Pels, co-founder, president & director of Gaia Fred previously oversaw the establishment and expansion of the Green Room as a leader in medical cannabis supply, industry best practices and education about the cannabis industry itself.
Usukuma Ekuere, co-founder of Canna Stream Solutions Dr. Ekuere has a PhD in Plant Genetics and an MBA focused on Tech Commercialization.
Andre Sinclair, facilities operations manager at TruExtracts Andre manages the set up, licensing and operations of their Calgary and Regina extraction and processing facilities for Hemp/CBD and Cannabis/THC products and derivatives.
Company backgrounders
Gaia Grow Corp Gaia’s main business focus is farming Industrial Hemp for Medical Purposes on its owned land in Lamont County, AB and elsewhere.
Canna Stream Canna Stream has a patent pending on the chemical extraction and fractionation of Cannabinoids and monoterpenes from cannabis flower and biomass using a solvent system that is significantly more efficient than ethanol.
TruExtracts Laboratories Created for high capacity extraction to meet global demand, TruExtracts is one of Western Canada’s largest cannabis and hemp processors.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
15 Jun 2021
Laying the legal foundation when starting a business
Starting a business can be fun and rewarding. It's also challenging and not for the faint of heart. There are many matters that need to be taken into account. And legal considerations are amongst those. As our guest on today's episode, Paul Barbeau, puts it, "startups tend to be really cost-sensitive. And they certainly don't want to retain a legal firm that's going to engage in a real legal overkill. All that said though, there are some core principles that startups should really give some time to thinking through upfront and get some basic legal help when they go through that process and that'll lay the foundation for successful growth ."
So let's lay some foundation together. Welcome to Shift.
BIO
Paul Barbeau is a partner in the Calgary office of the Canadian law firm McMillan LLP. A significant part of his practice is focused on helping emerging companies from their initial organization to exit transactions. This includes: • Early stage organization • Founder and shareholder agreements • Capital raising, including angel and venture capital financing, and securities law compliance • Licensing arrangements and other strategic transactions • Acquisitions, mergers and sales transactions • Public offerings
He acts for clients in a range of industries, including technology, health-care, agritech, clean energy and natural resources. He has a law degree from the University of Toronto and an undergraduate degree in business from Brigham Young University.
Alberta Innovates doesn't recommend any particular firm when seeking legal advice when starting a business. Exercise due diligence and shop around for a lawyer that you feel is best for your circumstances.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
30 Jun 2021
Enhancing your cybersecurity to enhance and protect your business
Last episode we spoke about how startups can establish a solid legal foundation as they get things rolling; In this episode we talk with Nigel Russell from CyberSecure Canada about online security and the steps you can take right now to not only protect your business, but your entire supply chain, online.
CyberSecure Canada is the country's cybersecurity certification program for small and medium-sized organizations. Certification enhances your competitive advantage by letting your supply chain know you're a trusted business partner.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
14 Jul 2021
Creativity, research and being an entrepreneur: our talk with Jana Rieger from True Angle Medical Technologies
"Is there anything Jana doesn't do?" is a refrain I found myself pondering as this interview was happening.
A professor in the Faculty of Rehabilitation - Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta, Jana is a medical researcher, an entrepreneur, and a novelist.
On this episode we start by talking about her company True Angle Medical Technologies, Jana's journey from researcher to entrepreneur, and the help that she and her partners received as they grew. We bring in Alberta Innovates' technology development advisor Mike Riou, who's been working with Jana and True Angle, to discuss the role he played.
Along the way we tackle topics like the challenges of innovating in a health system that's, arguably, not built for speed; the need for system innovation, peer mentorship and celebrating the wins. We cap it off with a discussion around the importance of mental health amongst entrepreneurs and a brief foray into Jana's experience as a writer.
This really is a full episode you don't want to miss!
BIO
Jana's bio is coming soon!
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
09 Sep 2021
The 21st-Century Stethoscope: Portable Ultrasound Technology with MEDO.ai
Shift interviews David Quail, serial entrepreneur, and Co-Founder and Technology Strategist of MEDO.ai.
Established in 2018, MEDO was born from the idea that the combination of portable ultrasound with AI could make the 21st-century stethoscope, allowing users to peer into the human body and make important diagnoses accurately and reliably with the help of AI trained on thousands of previous cases.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
21 Oct 2021
Diversity, equity, and inclusion drive Calgary-based HelpSeeker Technologies
Monique Fry, VP of Community Success for Calgary-based HelpSeeker, a technology business that provides access to community, health, and social services to over 38 million individuals who make Canada home, joins us for this episode.
As a First Nations woman, Monique walks us through her experiences and the importance that HelpSeeker places on values that recognize a diverse clientele and partnership base.
BIO Monique is from the Xwchíyò:m First Nation on her grandfather’s side and from the shíshálh Nation on her grandmother’s side. Both Nations are located on territories that are currently known as the province of BC. She holds a Blackfoot name gifted by Elder Dr. Reg Crowshoe, which in English translates to “where the water meets the west shore spirit”.
Monique has 12+ years experience in cross-cultural communication and stakeholder relations with a focus on successful engagement and partnerships with Indigenous communities. She brings both a lived experience perspective as a First Nations woman as well as career and academic experience holding an MA in Communication and Culture from the University of Calgary.
She is recognized as a Cultural Mediator, and holds relationships with diverse Elders and Knowledge Keepers from across Turtle Island. Her work in Calgary has included the intersection of understanding and tackling poverty, homelessness, health, human rights, education, justice and employment of Indigenous peoples. One of her strengths is in relationship building and connections to community leaders, as well as those in non-profit, corporate and government.
Described as another tool in the toolbox for wetland ecologists, we find out in this episode's conversation with Jenet Dooley from the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute and Brian Eaton from InnoTech Alberta's Environmental Impacts team, it's more than that. It's an emerging technology that at its most basic level it's a process and technology for detecting animal species; but it's also the means to more effectively collect and contribute to a vast library of the DNA of the varied animals, elusive and common, that inhabit Alberta's wetlands.
As with most emerging technologies, all of the eDNA applications have yet to be determined. It's up to the entrepreneurs out there to see how it can be used!
Bios
Jenet Dooley Jenet has been the Wetland Ecologist at the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute since February 2019. Prior to working at ABMI, she worked as a consultant applying the Alberta Wetland Policy. She periodically teaches Freshwater Ecology and Management at the University of Alberta Augustana campus. She earned her doctorate at the University of Florida in 2016 and has a bachelors of environmental engineering from Miami University in Ohio. Her graduate studies focused on wetland ecology and the relationship between noise and land use intensity.
Brian Eaton Brian is an ecologist with research experience in terrestrial and aquatic systems, examining pure and applied questions across a wide array of taxa. He has 25+ years of experience in applied ecological research, including studies in oil and gas, forestry, and agricultural systems. Brian has worked in a variety of experimental venues, from aquaria to large-scale mesocosms to purely field-based research, including wetlands, lakes, streams, rivers, and a variety of terrestrial habitats. Most recently, Brian and his colleagues have been exploring the use of environmental DNA to detect species – including fish, amphibians, semi-aquatic mammals, and invertebrates - in aquatic systems in Alberta. Brian manages the Environmental Impacts Team at InnoTech Alberta.
With a worldwide market estimated to be worth over $2.5 trillion a year by 2050, experts are looking to hydrogen as a huge opportunity for Alberta. It's going to require a coordinated approach from all three levels of government, however, to do it.
In this episode we talk with David Van Den Assem from Alberta Innovates and Kirk Hamilton from C-FER Technologies about hydrogen and what it could mean for Alberta's economy. They also discuss what Alberta Innovates, C-FER Technologies, InnoTech Alberta and Emissions Reduction Alberta are doing to propel it, and much, much more!
Welcome to Shift.
Bios
David Van Den Assem David is a senior manager of clean technology at Alberta Innovates. He focuses on advancing innovative technologies from proof of concept through to field pilot stages in the field of carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS). The CCUS focus area is open to innovative next-generation technologies along the value chain within this area, including capture, compression, transport, mineralization, conversion, use, storage and measurement/monitoring/verification.
David also manages the hydrogen focus area and the critical minerals, mining and novel materials areas. These also are open to innovative technologies across the value chain and are aimed at building a low carbon hydrogen economy in Alberta, and advancing the extraction and use of critical minerals in Alberta to develop new industries, as well as developing high-tech materials to support energy storage, renewable energy development and other advanced materials such as carbon nanomaterials, etc.
David brings over 24 years of project management, business unit management and environmental leadership in several sectors, including power, oilsands, mining and real estate. His vision is to lead efforts to improve the ecological, social and economic footprint of these sectors, to improve our relationship with the natural environment.
Kirk Hamilton Kirk Hamilton is a Senior Engineering Advisor with 20 years of advanced applied research and development experience at C-FER Technologies in Edmonton, Canada on a wide range of upstream and midstream energy topics. In his current role, Kirk works on strategic and business planning for C-FER identifying, developing, and implementing C FER’s strategic diversification objectives.
His current scope is addressing the technical challenges faced by global stakeholders in the transition to a hydrogen-based economy, in particular around pipeline transportation and underground storage of hydrogen. As part of this scope of activities, Kirk is working closely with the Transition Accelerator to assist the Edmonton Region Hydrogen Hub in building up the hydrogen economy in the Edmonton area as one of the world’s first hydrogen energy hubs.
In addition to his work for C-FER, he is also an active member of a number of American Petroleum Institute (API), Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and International Standardization Organization (ISO) technical committees on equipment and materials codes and standards. Kirk obtained a BSc. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta in 2001.
On this episode we talk with Doug Holt and Simon Raby about a report Simon prepared for Alberta Innovates that identifies a scaleup gap in Alberta. Essentially, we're good at starting companies but not so good at growing them. Our discussion explores the scaleup gap and what those in the Alberta entrepreneurial ecosystem, like Alberta Innovates, are doing to address it.
BIOS Doug Holt, Associate Vice President of Investment at Alberta Innovates
Doug is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience in the fields of finance, technology and education. Over the course of the last decade Doug has helped Alberta based SMEs raise over $130M in growth capital, founded two companies and became a published author in his research efforts.
As a professional debt investor in the US high yield market, Doug was part of a small team that grew a publicly listed ETF on the NYSE from $80M (USD) in assets under management to over $1bn (USD). Doug also spent a decade as an educator teaching both domestically and internationally and earned his M.B.A. from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary in 2008.
Dr. Simon Raby, Associate Professor, Entrepreneurship
Simon is a 'pracademic' working as a Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Mount Royal University's Bissett School of Business and Co-Founder of Business Improvement and Growth (BIG) Associates Ltd. BIG identifies the drivers of growth, challenges convention and offers practical ways for ambitious business owners and their organizations to achieve sustained growth and performance.
Simon's research program is focused on uncovering the strategies, practices and methods of support that enable business growth, leadership transitions and people performathe Bissett Faculty nce. Most recently, Simon delivered a program of research on the growth of Alberta's Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to understand the drivers of growth, innovation and diversification for these firms. This research has since led to the creation of The Leader's Growth Mindset. (Taken from Mount Royal University's Bissett Faculty)
More reading for fun! Leading to Scale by Simon Raby et al. (opens a .pdf)
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
24 Jan 2022
Extracting lithium with Summit Nanotech CEO and Women in Cleantech Challenge winner Amanda Hall
Summit Nanotech is developing technology to tackle the world's most daunting energy and environmental challenges. And Amanda has recently won the Women in Cleantech Challenge funded by NRCan. Join us as we catch up with Amanda and get her insights on clean technology.
Bio Amanda Hall is a professional geophysicist and the CEO/Founder of Summit Nanotech, a company that developed direct lithium extraction technology for the growing lithium-ion battery sector. Amanda felt the market pull away from oil & gas and towards a clean energy, electromobility future and so she followed her gut into the clean tech industry.
She is a graduate from University of Toronto (Trinity College) with a BSc Biology major, Physics minor, English minor and from University of Calgary with a BSc Geophysics. She is on the Advisory Board for Canadian Energy & Climate Nexus (CECN), is a mentor for Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (CSEG) and is on the Board of Directors for Calgary Opera. Amanda is identified by the Canadian government as a leading female innovator and is the winner of the National Women in Cleantech challenge. She is a mother to three beautiful daughters, endorses diversity, equality and inclusion and loves getting lost in the mountains.
Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.
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