Innovate Calgary

We're hiring for the position of Program Manager for the Founder Matching Program at UCeed Investment Funds. If you're passionate about startups, entrepreneurship, and the venture capital ecosystem, this is your chance to lead a unique program connecting top-tier founders and high-potential ventures. - Hands-on experience in VC   - Build relationships with early-stage entrepreneurs   - Help shape the future of innovation Apply by April 30, 2025: https://lnkd.in/gpXEqaqi

✈️💡What if your idea could shape the future of air travel? We're looking for innovators, disruptors, and forward-thinkers who believe that travel can—and should—be better. Whether you're working on smarter baggage systems, seamless check-ins, or something totally out-of-the-box, this is your chance to test your solution in a real airport environment and work directly with Innovate Calgary, WestJet and The Calgary Airport Authority. Here's what you get: ✅ Direct access to industry experts and mentors   ✅ Real-world testing at one of Canada's busiest airports   ✅ A six-month accelerator program at the Aerospace Innovation Hub   ✅ A chance to connect with customers, refine your tech, and launch something meaningful You don't need to have it all figured out. You just need a bold idea and the drive to explore it. 👉 Take a look. Consider applying. See where it takes you.   🔗 https://lnkd.in/guD8_7Ee #AerospaceInnovation #StartupChallenge #AviationTech

This month for the Social Innovator Breakfast Club, we're thrilled to welcome Justin Zhou for a behind-the-scenes look at Western Mechatronics — a nonprofit on a mission to make robotics and STEM education accessible, inclusive, and exciting for youth across Alberta. Whether you're passionate about youth education, STEM, or social impact, this session is not to be missed. Register: https://lnkd.in/gd3c4USN

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the Inclusive Innovation Showcase at the Social Innovation Hub to celebrate the incredible entrepreneurs and changemakers in our portfolio. Since November 2022, we've had the honour of working alongside diverse founders—supporting their journeys, navigating challenges together, and helping bring their bold ideas to life. The event was a powerful reminder of what's possible when we build an innovation ecosystem that's truly inclusive. A heartfelt thank you to Prairies Economic Development Canada I Développement économique Canada pour les Prairies and MindFuel.ca Foundation. This event and the work behind it wouldn't be possible without your support.

Exciting opportunity for researchers looking to explore the commercial potential of their work--applications for Lab2Market Validate Fall 2025 are now open!

Andrea Oh, CEO and co-founder of Savvy Knowledge, went from athlete to innovator, and now she's helping guide the next generation of founders. She sees the current innovation ecosystem as a uniquely collaborative and authentic place to build and believes supporting early-stage founders is key to long-term success.  "Alberta is taking a chance on us," she says. "And we need to come up big on the other side." Read her story: https://lnkd.in/gmdb82sX

My Normative, a UCeed-funded startup founded by #UCalgary alum Danika Kelly, is transforming health research by addressing the gender data gap across the health industry https://bit.ly/4hJQ4Wr

Founders and entrepreneurs—looking to navigate the world of venture capital with clarity? On April 24 at Platform Calgary, Brice Scheschuk, CPA, CA, Managing Partner at Globalive Capital and Co-Founder & CFO of WIND Mobile, will share insights drawn from 30 years in tech and VC investing. This session will explore:   ✔ When VC makes sense and when it doesn't   ✔ Alternative funding options beyond venture capital   ✔ The "Mighty Middle" - businesses that thrive between VC-backed and lifestyle companies   ✔ Real-life deal examples and key financial decisions for founders If you're a founder weighing your capital options, this event is a great opportunity to gain expert insights and expand your network! For full details and registration, visit: https://lnkd.in/gjBtyneU

On March 20th, we came together for Meeting the Moment: Social Innovation Hub Report to Community, an event that wasn’t just about reflection—it was about action.  A huge thank you to our main panel, featuring: 🔹 Bibiana Cala Matiz (she/her) – Newcomers Entrepreneurship Training Program Coordinator, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society  🔹 Derek Manns – Founder and CEO, Stagehand   🔹 Derek Armstrong – Director, The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund   🔹 Karen Benzies – Director of Social Innovation, Office of the Vice President, University of Calgary  Their insights sparked important conversations on what’s next for Calgary’s innovation ecosystem—how we can continue to support founders, scale social enterprises, and tackle pressing challenges like housing and food insecurity.  A common theme that resonated throughout the event was just how special the Innovate Calgary hubs are for entrepreneurs—with many attendees emphasizing that the Social Innovation Hub is at “another level” when it comes to access, collaboration, and community support.    If you missed the event or want to dive deeper into our vision, check out Meeting the Moment: Social Innovation Hub Report to Community 👉 Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/e-xg-YSv  Thank you to all who attended!

🚨 Last Chance to Register! 🚨  The Inclusive Innovation Showcase is happening March 25, from 5 PM - 8 PM at the Social Innovation Hub—and you don’t want to miss it!  Join us for an evening of founder showcases, networking, and celebration as we highlight the incredible entrepreneurs driving impact through Innovate Calgary’s Inclusive Innovation Portfolio.  What to Expect:   🚀 Meet inspiring founders and explore their ventures   💡 Learn about the portfolio’s impact from 2022-2025   🤝 Connect with funders, investors, and ecosystem partners   🎉 Celebrate inclusive innovation and its role in shaping Alberta’s future  📢 Spots are limited—register now to secure yours! 👉 https://lnkd.in/gH9xm9d2 This event is made possible with the support of Prairies Economic Development Canada I Développement économique Canada pour les Prairies and MindFuel.ca. See you there!