Shift by Alberta Innovates

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Can Alberta's gaming sector truly double its impact by 2026? Join us as we unpack this bold ambition with Adam Brown from Alberta Innovates, alongside gaming visionaries Matt Toner of Shred Capital and Michael Liebe from Booster Space. 

Together, we illuminate a strategy to capture a significant share of Canada's $7 billion gaming market, and the innovative approaches fueling this growth. From nurturing tech talent to fostering a collaboration-driven ecosystem through initiatives like Scaffold Program, Alberta is setting a new standard for the gaming industry.

Listeners will discover cutting-edge funding strategies designed to empower creative minds and small studios. Our episode delves into the pivotal role of weekly master classes and alternative financing options like Kickstarter. Hear directly from industry leaders on how to build impactful companies and craft high-quality Kickstarter campaigns that resonate with audiences. As these professionals share their expertise, we explore how Alberta's gaming ecosystem balances creativity with the professionalization of developing entrepreneurial skill, fundraising and marketing to ensure both individual and communal success.

As the conversation unfolds, you'll witness the crucial role of networking and ecosystem development in Alberta's gaming scene. Through strategic partnerships and global outreach, Alberta is building a resilient groundwork for long-term success. Discover how Alberta's game developers, bolstered by a 65 percent success rate with the Canada Media Fund, are navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. By embracing entrepreneurial education and community-building, Alberta is not only enhancing its own gaming industry but positioning itself as a formidable player on the international stage.

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

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Unlock the secrets of storytelling in Alberta's tech scene with insights from Leah Sarich, head of story at Thin Air Labs and host of the podcast, The Founder Mindset, and startup marketing consultant Kira Kelsie from Kasm Consulting.

Explore how compelling narratives can transform public perceptions of complex innovations, fostering a culture of engagement and support throughout the province. Leah and Kira share their expertise on crafting stories that resonate broadly, bridging the gap between high-tech concepts and everyday Albertans, and creating a unified narrative spanning startups to industry giants.

Discover the challenges and strategies involved in making intricate technologies relatable and accessible. Leah draws upon her journalism background to illustrate how plain language storytelling can highlight the human impact of innovations, while Kira sheds light on the common struggle founders face in simplifying their messages. Together, they offer practical tips for startups to connect with their audience, particularly in the clean tech sector, where skepticism is often a hurdle. Our discussion underscores the paramount importance of building trust and credibility through effective and authentic storytelling.

Dive into ChatGPT: yay or nay? Our guests weigh in. Kira discusses AI-driven marketing strategies that prioritize authenticity and collaboration, while sharing a humorous story about the pitfalls of over-reliance on technology.

Our conversation also emphasizes the importance of community, encouraging founders to share their stories at networking opportunities, open houses, and coffee meetups at places like Platform Calgary, Edmonton Unlimited and any of the Regional Innovation Networks:

Calgary – Calgary Innovation Coalition
Central AB – Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network
Edmonton – Edmonton Regional Innovation Network
East Central AB – East Central Alberta Regional Innovation Network
Northeast AB – Wood Buffalo Regional Innovation Network
Northwest AB – Grande Prairie Regional Innovation Network
Southeast AB – APEX: Southeast Alberta Regional Innovation Network
Southern AB – The Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta

Finally, your call to action: just start small.

We encourage founders just like you to take part in spotlighting Alberta's amazing tech ecosystem by contributing a short story about your business on LinkedIn. Start small and build your story telling muscle. You never know who will be listening! 

Whether you're a founder, entrepreneur, or tech enthusiast, this episode promises to enrich your understanding of storytelling's pivotal role in driving innovation and engagement. 

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 interview in this episode was done by Joshua McCutcheon of the Alberta Health Services i4 podcast, Insights. Thanks for the great work, Joshua!
 
 Unlock the secrets to transforming Alberta's healthcare system through innovation, as we bring you insights from Nancy Walter and Muna Sabouny of Alberta Innovates. As the creative force behind Alberta's research and innovation, this crown corporation under the Ministry of Technology and Innovation spearheads groundbreaking advancements in digital health, clean resources, and artificial intelligence. With a century-long legacy, Alberta Innovates orchestrates a diverse portfolio of projects, converting cutting-edge research into practical solutions that prioritize sustainable, human-centered care.
 
The conversation dives into the power of strategic partnerships with initiatives like the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Health System (PRIHS) and the Digital4Health program. Nancy and Muna describe how these collaborations between researchers, clinicians, tech providers, and health service delivery partners are pivotal in enhancing patient well-being and optimizing the health system. By aligning goals and fostering open communication, these programs bridge knowledge gaps and generate impactful, patient-centered outcomes within the health ecosystem.
 
In a compelling narrative, they spotlight Dr. Darren Lau's work on improving diabetes care for rural First Nations and Indigenous communities through the innovative LINK project. By harnessing digital health solutions, his team aims to elevate care quality and accessibility. The conversation also tackles "wicked challenges," leveraging rich health data and collaborative efforts to revolutionize healthcare. Alberta's potential to lead health system transformation shines as they explore the pursuit of improving care experiences, workforce well-being, health equity, cost efficiency, and overall population health.

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 for an insightful exploration into the profound influence of culture on human behavior, featuring the brilliant Dr. Marcus Collins, a professor at the University of Michigan and esteemed author of "For the Culture." 

Discover how cultural artifacts act as mirrors to our internal beliefs and dictate how we interact with the world. Together with Dr. Collins, we unpack the concept of legitimation, where communities decide what deviations from norms are acceptable, and why understanding goes far beyond mere data when it comes to truly connecting with people. We challenge the reliance on demographics, highlighting the risks of stereotyping based on surface-level traits.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we delve into the role media and subcultures play in shaping our perceptions, with sneakerheads serving as a prime example of trendsetting fueled by authentic passion. We navigate the intricate dance of public discourse in revealing truth in an era of disinformation and acknowledge the growing acceptance of mental health discussions. Reflecting on a life devoted to service through writing and teaching, the episode underscores the incredible power of cultural exchange and personal stories in shaping how we see the world. Don't miss this enlightening discussion that reveals culture's pervasive impact on every aspect of our lives.

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 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. 

We're spotlighting captivating events like Startup Week in Edmonton, Innovation Week in Calgary, and the Small Business Week activities like APEX Alberta's Business Growth Tradeshow happening across the province that are fueling Alberta's entrepreneurial spirit. 

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:

• Startup Week in Edmonton from October 15 to 19,  
• Small Business Week from October 20 to 25 featuring the Business Growth Tradeshow in Medicine Hat on October 23, and 
• Innovation Week in Calgary from November 13 to 21.

Don’t miss the chance to connect with visionaries who are helping to shape Alberta's future in driving our ecosystem forward.

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

Send us a text

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.

Send us a text

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.

Send us a text

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.

Send us a text

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:

Clavis Studio   
IrisCX 
Livestock Water Recycling 
OpenHouse.AI 
Virtuo   
Monark 
Nimble Science
Fillip
Helcim
OraQ 

Welcome to Shift!

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

Send us a text

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.