Shift by Alberta Innovates

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Today I'm sitting down with Zack Storms and Adrian Mitchell from Startup TNT. Zack is co-founder and Adrian is the Calgary lead. 

StartupTNT transformed their weekly happy hour meetups into becoming Canada's most active angel investment network, connecting founders with funders and reshaping prairie entrepreneurship one community at a time.

• Zack launched Startup TNT in Edmonton in 2019 with weekly happy hours to build better angel investor networks.
• Adrian joined in 2023.
• Now Canada's number one pre-seed investor by deal count, deploying millions across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and beyond. 
• Startup TNT lowers barriers to angel investing with $5,000 minimum investments instead of traditional $25,000-$50,000 cheques.
• Network effect enables 20-40% of local investments to come from outside each community.
• Alberta's startup ecosystem has grown from $200M annual investment to $600-$800M since TNT's founding.
• Regular Thursday happy hours (6-9pm) in each city create consistent community gathering spaces.
• Expanding nationally with specialized summits like their agri-food investment focus.
• Team partnering with Inventures 2024 for pitch showcase featuring Alberta's most promising startups.
• Newly hired executive director, CK Dhaliwal will allow founding team to focus on scaling across North America.

Visit InventuresCanada.com to get your ticket for Inventures and StartupTNT.com to learn more about their upcoming happy hours, investment summits, and how to participate as an entrepreneur or investor.

Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.

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What happens when a talent acquisition strategy evolves into a national movement connecting Canada's fragmented tech ecosystems? Philippe Burns, recently named one of Calgary's top innovators in Avenue Magazine, reveals the remarkable journey behind Tech Thursday—a grassroots event series that's become the beating heart of Alberta's innovation community.

From its humble beginnings as a Neo Financial recruitment initiative to its current status as an independent company hosting 175+ events with over 20,000 attendees, Tech Thursday represents a masterclass in community-building. The secret? Creating casual environments where meaningful connections happen organically, without the forced networking that plagues so many tech events.

Burns introduces us to the "flywheel effect"—the powerful cycle where successful tech companies spawn new ventures, creating self-reinforcing momentum that transforms entire regions. This pattern, witnessed in innovation hotspots worldwide, is emerging in Alberta's ecosystem, with Neo Financial (itself a Skip the Dishes offshoot) now catalyzing numerous startups.

Most compelling is Tech Thursday's mission to dissolve boundaries between traditionally isolated Canadian tech communities. Their expansion to Edmonton and Ottawa aims to facilitate crucial cross-city relationships between investors, founders, and talent. As Burns explains, "We're adding more cities, but we're also connecting investors, founders, maybe their first engineering hire between these cities as well, so we can build a stronger Canadian-wide tech hub."

For founders and community builders alike, this candid conversation offers invaluable insights into balancing ambition with authenticity, quantity with quality, and hype with genuine value. Ready to contribute to Alberta's innovation flywheel? Reach out to Philippe directly on LinkedIn with your ideas for speakers, topics, or feedback. 

Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.

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The challenge of plastic waste demands innovative solutions, especially when we confront the startling reality that only nine percent of plastics worldwide are currently being recycled. 

NAIT's Dr. Muhammad Arshad reveals how the Polytechnic's initiative Plastic Research in Action is tackling this problem, specifically through groundbreaking work on polymer blends in the Designing for Circularity: Development of polypropylene blends using post-consumer recycled plastic program.

For the past two years, Dr. Arshad's team has been working with their industry partners Heartland Polymers to develop and test formulations that combine virgin polypropylene with post-consumer recycled plastics. Their research delves into the complex realities of plastic recycling—how materials degrade through multiple processing cycles, why multi-layer packaging frustrates recycling efforts, and what formulations might maintain performance quality while incorporating recycled content. Now moving from bench testing to pilot scale, their partnership with Heartland Polymers shows promise for creating commercially viable solutions.

The conversation illuminates the entire lifecycle of plastic products, from petroleum-based production through consumer use to disposal and potential reuse. We discover why 100% recycled plastic products aren't always feasible for high-performance applications and how blending virgin and recycled materials offers a practical middle ground. Beyond the technical aspects, Dr. Arshad highlights NAIT's partnerships across diverse sectors—from industrial manufacturers to Alberta's beekeeping industry—showing how circular economy principles can be applied across our economy.

This interview with Dr. Arshad is related to the interview The circular economy unplugged with insights from Alberta Innovates' Mehr Nikoo.

Ready to support plastic sustainability? Choose reusable products over single-use items, select products containing recycled content, and ensure you're following proper recycling guidelines in your community. Listen now to understand how Alberta researchers are transforming what we've traditionally viewed as waste into valuable resources for our future.

Additional reading:

• Economic Study of the CANADIAN PLASTIC INDUSTRY, MARKETS AND WASTE (opens a pdf)
• Zero Plastic Waste

Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.

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What happens when you challenge Alberta's young minds to design earthquake-proof structures and precision farming equipment? Magic. For over 40 years, APEGA's Science Olympics has been transforming how students experience STEM education – moving beyond textbooks to tackle real-world problems with ingenuity and teamwork, and Alberta Innovates is a proud sponsor!

Mohamed El Daly, a civil engineer whose passion for education spans 25 years across three continents, takes us behind the scenes of this provincial-wide competition that's reaching thousands of students annually. "Students get an opportunity to take what they learn in the classroom or in a textbook and put it into an application," he explains, revealing how these challenges directly connect to Alberta's curriculum while mirroring problems that professional engineers tackle daily.

The Science Olympics stands apart from typical competitions through its innovative approach to scoring. Rather than pitting teams against each other, students compete against a transparent rubric where everyone can achieve gold if they meet the criteria. This profound shift teaches young innovators that success doesn't require others to fail – a lesson that resonates throughout STEM careers. The impact goes beyond technical skills, as participants are evaluated on teamwork, communication, creative thinking, and resilience when facing setbacks.

Perhaps most powerful are the stories of transformation, like former participants who return years later as engineering students to volunteer at the very event that sparked their career journey. "I didn't realize STEM is for me... but apparently it is," Mohamed recounts hearing from students who discover their potential through these challenges. With events throughout the year across major Alberta centers and opportunities for parents, teachers and STEM enthusiasts to get involved, the Science Olympics continues building the confidence of tomorrow's problem-solvers.

Want to witness this inspiration firsthand or volunteer? Visit apega.ca or email [email protected] to learn how you can support Alberta's next generation of innovators.

Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.

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Welcome to part two of our discussion around massive timber.  In this episode  we explore the rigorous testing processes that the experts at C-FER Technologies put Greencore's technology through in order to ensure that mass timber meets safety standards while revealing its strengths and potential weaknesses. 

Discover how sound engineering principles around fire safety and charring properties make mass timber not only efficient but also reliable. The conversation addresses critical factors contributing to modern construction challenges and the innovative approaches taken to reduce labour intensity through smarter manufacturing.

This episode also sheds light on the overarching goal of addressing the housing crisis with affordable and environmentally friendly building solutions. As we share insights into the future of housing, listeners are invited to reconsider the possibilities presented by mass timber technology. Transform the way you think about construction! Tune in now, and don’t forget to subscribe for more exciting discussions.

Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.

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Welcome to part one of two where we explore the cutting-edge world of mass timber technology and its revolutionary impact on the construction industry.

Join me as I talk with Brent Olund from GreenCore Structures and Wayne Klaczek from C-FER Technologies as they unveil the secrets behind this sustainable building phenomenon. 

Ever wonder how we can build towering structures with wood? Brent shares insights from his work on groundbreaking 18-story Brock Commons Tallwood House project, revealing how mass timber can create stronger, more efficient and seismically resilient buildings.

Learn how mass timber is not just about aesthetics but a powerful tool for sustainability and resilience. Brent and Wayne discuss how smaller, rapidly growing trees reduce carbon footprints while innovative designs ensure buildings remain functional post-earthquake. Say goodbye to traditional concrete cores and hello to flexible systems that absorb energy with springs and viscous pads. Wayne emphasizes the importance of rigorous testing to guarantee these systems' safety and reliability, offering a glimpse into the future of earthquake-resistant construction.

In a teaser for episode two, Brent alludes to one of the construction industry's most pressing challenges, the persistent issue of poor productivity. Brent shares his mission to enhance housing availability through faster and more efficient building processes. With productivity levels stuck in the past, what innovative solutions can bridge this gap? Join us as we explore how mass timber technology, with its promise of speed and sustainability, is reshaping the way we think about building for tomorrow.

Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.

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This episode centers on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on creativity and society, featuring insights from artist and entrepreneur David Usher. 

David discusses the importance of understanding AI, its ethical challenges, and how it can enhance or complicate human experiences, particularly in the arts and healthcare.

• The evolution of AI and its relevance to creativity 
• Importance of educating oneself about AI technologies 
• Concerns regarding intellectual property rights in AI 
• The focus of Reimagine AI on entertainment and healthcare 
• Addressing loneliness in the elderly through technology 
• Challenges and considerations in developing AI companions 
• The need for a balanced approach to AI integration 

Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.

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On this episode of Shift we begin to explore Alberta's innovative approach to sustainability through the lens of the circular economy. We explore concrete projects that transform waste into valuable resources and discuss how individuals and industries can contribute to systemic change.

• Defining circular economy and its relevance 
• Alberta's statistics on waste generation 
• Two critical pillars of circular economy 
• The importance of innovation in recycling technologies 
• Addressing built-in obsolescence in product design 
• The role the bioindustrial and circular innovation program plays 
• How individuals can participate in sustainability efforts 
• Future outlook for sustainable practices in Alberta 

Listen to find out how we can all play a role in shaping a more sustainable future!

Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.

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Join us on an enlightening journey into the world of entrepreneurship and mental health as we revisit an impactful conversation with Anthea Sargeaunt from 2S Water. Anthea opens up about her personal experiences and revelations during a CEO roundtable, where she discovered that issues like work-life imbalance and burnout are not just startup growing pains but persistent hurdles even for veteran leaders. Our discussion sheds light on the often-neglected mental health challenges faced by entrepreneurs and offers invaluable insights into fostering mental resilience and sustainable work habits.

Anthea shares her strategies at 2S Water for maintaining healthy boundaries, especially within a remote team setup. Discover her approach to leading by example, ensuring team members prioritize their well-being to prevent burnout and maintain productivity. As resources often stretch thin in startups, Anthea underscores the crucial role mental health plays as the bedrock of success for any business leader. 

Tune in to gain essential takeaways that challenge the traditional hustle culture and advocate for a balanced and fulfilling entrepreneurial journey.

Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.

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Discover a hidden engine powering Alberta's tech innovation as we sit down with Ken Doyle, Executive Director of Tech-Access Canada. Uncover the world of Technology Access Centres (TACs), where Alberta's entrepreneurs transform bold ideas into tangible advancements. Ken shares how these specialized R&D hubs offer invaluable support to small and medium-sized enterprises, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise that help refine prototypes and boost productivity. Get an insider's look at how TACs are crucial in overcoming Canada's productivity hurdles, emphasizing the need for expanded capacity to sustain Alberta's edge in the competitive tech landscape.

From their exponential growth to 67 centers in a decade to their collaborative efforts with Alberta's Regional Innovation Networks and Colleges and Polytechnics, Technology Access Centres operate within Technology Readiness Levels four to eight, bridging critical gaps in applied R&D. Ken highlights inspiring stories of companies that have excelled with TAC support, like those enhancing solar panel efficiency and pioneering nanobubble disinfectant systems. These examples showcase the bespoke nature of TAC engagements and their vital role in enabling tech entrepreneurs to compete globally.

Explore Canada's road to technological leadership and the trends that will shape its future. Our discussion highlights the critical need to lower innovation barriers, bridging the commercialization "valley of death." From AI to renewable energy, Ken emphasizes the promise of Canada's unique industrial landscape in leading value-added processes. The conversation also brings to light the importance of sustainability and the circular economy, drawing lessons from Quebec's pioneering efforts. This episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of tech innovation and the pivotal role TACs play in driving national and provincial competitiveness.

Shift by Alberta Innovates focuses on the people, businesses and organizations that are contributing to Alberta's strong tech ecosystem.