Digital Journal

Simon Bullard, founder and CEO of moovez (move easy), joined Digital Journal during Launch Party at #InnovationWeekYYC to discuss how his company is changing the moving industry. Described as “Uber for moving,” moovez connects customers with vetted operators to transport bulky items more efficiently. Whether it’s optimizing cargo routes or streamlining booking processes, Simon shares how moovez is solving longstanding inefficiencies in the moving sector. In the interview, Simon also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey from Beijing’s fast-paced tech scene to Calgary’s supportive startup ecosystem, highlighting the role of organizations like Alberta Innovates and Platform Calgary in helping companies scale. Watch the full interview to learn: • How moovez is addressing challenges in the moving industry • The importance of Calgary’s innovation ecosystem in fostering growth • Simon’s vision for the future of logistics innovation Discover how moovez is driving change in logistics ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g7U7pkHb

Jennifer Jensen, outgoing executive director of the Calgary Innovation Coalition (CIC), joined Digital Journal during the Launch Party at Innovation Week YYC to share insights into Calgary’s growing innovation ecosystem. In the interview, Jensen highlights Calgary’s inclusion in Startup Genome’s top 30 emerging ecosystems and discusses the challenges of breaking down silos and addressing the scale-up gap. She also explains the importance of collaboration across Alberta’s Regional Innovation Networks (RINs) and how opportunities for industries like energy and agriculture to work with start-ups to drive innovation. Watch the full interview to learn: ▪️ How Calgary is working to support 1,027 tech startups by 2031 ▪️ What the CIC is doing to address gaps in scaling resources, talent, and leadership ▪️ The role of regional collaboration and cross-sector partnerships in building a thriving innovation community Click here to watch the interview and gain insights into the future of Calgary’s innovation ecosystem: https://lnkd.in/ghbG8TJ9

What started as a YouTube channel exploring cloud-native technologies has grown into something much bigger. Kevin Evans☁️, Microsoft’s cloud-native leader, has launched Code To Cloud Days — a new series of events designed to bridge Alberta’s tech ecosystem and bring cloud innovation to the forefront. Why is Alberta the focus? And how does this initiative aim to tackle the region’s skills gap while elevating its global tech presence? Find out more about Evans’ vision and how Code to Cloud Days is set to shape the future of cloud technology in Alberta in this interview and article by Jennifer Friesen. Read the full article here ⤵️ https://lnkd.in/gFpQeQ6Y

Imad Jebara Jebra, CEO of Boast, sat down with Chris Hogg from Digital Journal during the Launch Party at #InnovationWeekYYC to share how Boast empowers entrepreneurs across Canada and the U.S. Jebara highlights the importance of simplifying R&D claims through Canada’s Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program, enabling innovators to focus on solving big problems and growing their businesses. He also explores the competitive landscape of global innovation funding and why Canada is well-positioned to support startups and established companies. Watch the interview to learn more about: ⚫ How Boast simplifies R&D claims for entrepreneurs ⚫ Why global innovation funding is growing, and what it means for businesses ⚫ Key trends shaping the future of entrepreneurship Discover how Boast is supporting the next generation of innovators: https://lnkd.in/gtPqJ_3F #InnovationWeekYYC #Entrepreneurship #InnovationEcosystem 

Ian Macdonald, Business Innovation Leader at KPMG Canada, joined Digital Journal during Launch Party at #InnovationWeekYYC to share insights on Calgary’s thriving tech and innovation landscape. Key takeaways from the conversation: • Calgary is now the fastest-growing tech ecosystem in North America, contributing $8.1 billion to the economy in the last five years. • Industries like cleantech, agtech, and proptech are leading the charge, with companies like ResVR transforming processes in home building and real estate. • Bridging the gap between startups, scale-ups, and corporates is critical to sustaining momentum. Macdonald’s call to action is clear: Get involved. Get engaged. Attend events, explore local solutions, and ask: “How can we innovate?” Watch the full interview to hear Ian’s insights on collaboration, community engagement, and what’s next for Calgary’s innovation ecosystem: https://lnkd.in/gc2nZnRD

Tina Mathas BA. MSc., co-founder of Flow Factory, joined Chris Hogg during #InnovationWeekYYC to break down the complexities of innovation and what kind of people should work on innovation projects. Key highlights from the conversation: • The three types of innovation: core, adjacent, and transformative. • Why transformative projects need independent thinkers—“pirates”—to succeed. • The importance of starting small, failing fast, and generating value at every stage. • How companies can mitigate risk while still pursuing bold innovation initiatives. As Tina says, “You have to be generating value all along the way.” 👉 Watch the full interview to learn how your organization can embrace innovation and manage risk effectively: https://lnkd.in/gtBcdsqG

Naheed Nenshi, leader of the Alberta NDP and former mayor of Calgary, sat down with Chris Hogg from Digital Journal during the #InnovationWeekYYC Launch Party to discuss how Alberta can unlock its full innovation potential. In this conversation, Nenshi reflects on the evolution of Alberta’s innovation ecosystem, why he believes the province is at an "inflection point," and how collaboration between governments can drive economic growth. 💡 Highlights include: ▪️ The story behind how a single tax policy change brought HBO’s The Last of Us to Calgary and created a media boom. ▪️ Shared challenges Alberta and Canada face, including financing for innovators and shifting perceptions of technology. ▪️ Nenshi’s vision for how Alberta can lead the way in industries like life sciences, energy, and ag-tech. How can Alberta tackle these challenges and build a stronger innovation economy? 👉 Watch the full interview to hear Naheed Nenshi’s insights: https://lnkd.in/gPuJsmkf

Quantum technologies are reshaping the future — is your business ready? Katanya B. Kuntz, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Qubo Consulting Corp. and a quantum physicist, joined Digital Journal during the Launch Party at #InnovationWeekYYC to share insights into the revolutionary potential of quantum computing, sensors, and communication systems. From solving complex problems faster than ever to transforming industries like transportation, healthcare, and logistics, quantum technologies are poised to redefine what’s possible. As Kuntz explained, “We are now in the second revolution of quantum, where we can actually use atoms, tiny little particles, to do the computing, the sensing, even the communication.” When will full-scale quantum computing arrive? What steps can businesses take today to prepare for the quantum era? Don’t miss this fascinating conversation to learn how your organization can stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape. 👉 Watch the video now: https://lnkd.in/gsj4_a9X

Calgary is no stranger to innovation, but now the city is setting its sights even higher. In an exclusive conversation during #InnovationWeekYYC, Brad Parry, CEO of Calgary Economic Development, and Terry Rock, CEO of Platform Calgary, joined Chris Hogg to discuss the bold steps Calgary is taking to become Canada’s innovation capital. From the pivotal lessons of Amazon HQ2 to the thriving startup ecosystem built on collaboration and reinvestment, Parry and Rock unpack how Calgary is redefining itself in ways that will surprise many. 📢 What’s Calgary doing differently? What challenges remain? And what does it mean for the city’s entrepreneurs? 👉 Click here to watch the full interview: https://lnkd.in/gumjnbmt #Innovation #Calgary #TechEcosystem #DigitalJournal

Plans for a $70-billion project to build the world’s largest artificial intelligence (AI) data centre were unveiled today, marking a bold step in Alberta’s push to become a global leader in AI innovation. Dubbed “Wonder Valley,” the proposed data centre is set to be built in the Municipal District of Greenview, an area south and east of Grande Prairie. The ambitious initiative led by O'Leary Ventures in collaboration with the Municipal District of Greenview No. 16, aims to position Alberta as a hub for advanced AI infrastructure and innovation. While details are not yet known on which companies are involved in the project, CSV Midstream Solutions stated late Monday night it had collaborated with O’Leary Ventures. The announcement follows Alberta’s recent strategy, “Powering the Future of Artificial Intelligence,” unveiled last week by the province's Technology and Innovation Minister, Nate Glubish, to establish the province as North America’s premier AI data centre hub. Learn more ⤵️