Calgary Unveils Top 10 Startups for Innovation Week 2025

Calgary has announced its Top 10 startups for the upcoming Innovation Week 2025, which will take place from November 3-6. The selected companies will be featured at the Launch Party, highlighting innovative solutions across various sectors, particularly in health care, accessibility, and artificial intelligence.

This year’s lineup showcases a diverse range of challenges being addressed through technology. Innovations include tools that assist in cardiovascular health, brain-computer interfaces designed for users with limited mobility, and advanced wheelchair seating systems that significantly reduce delivery times.

Artificial intelligence plays a central role in many of these startups, streamlining processes in construction bidding, monitoring industrial emissions, and enhancing educational experiences. Other notable technologies include real-time sensors aimed at preventing oilfield pump failures and recyclable materials in manufacturing.

Showcasing Innovation and Growth

The Launch Party, now in its 15th year, will be hosted at the Platform Innovation Centre, marking a significant event for the local tech ecosystem. Digital Journal returns as the official media partner for this year’s festivities, underscoring the ongoing growth of Calgary’s technology sector. Since 2021, Calgary’s tech workforce has surged by 61%, reaching 64,600 jobs, which now constitutes 7.9% of the local economy.

According to the CBRE, Calgary ranks 17th in North America’s 2025 Scoring Tech Talent report, while the Startup Genome places the city among the top 50 emerging ecosystems globally.

The following startups will be showcased at the Launch Party:

1. **DAYY Photonics** – This company specializes in advanced light sources for critical industries such as defence, semiconductors, and medical applications. Their light-based devices are designed for high performance and reliability, essential for applications in laser systems and optical sensing.

2. **HazTrack** – HazTrack focuses on real-time monitoring solutions for industrial operations. Its HazTracker system automates the tracking of tanks and pumps, providing vital data that helps oilfield chemical companies respond to equipment issues more swiftly, thus minimizing costly downtime.

3. **PataBid** – With a focus on the construction sector, PataBid has developed an AI-driven platform called Quantify. This software simplifies the bidding process for contractors by automating tasks like takeoffs and cost estimates, which helps reduce errors and save valuable time.

4. **Possibility Neurotechnologies** – This startup aims to empower individuals with physical disabilities through technology that interprets brain signals. Their app, Think2Switch, allows users to control devices solely through thought, enhancing accessibility for those with limited mobility.

5. **Symbiotic AI** – This innovative company develops digital tools that enhance cardiovascular care. By integrating medical research with artificial intelligence, Symbiotic AI’s software aids clinicians in making timely, informed decisions, which can be crucial in treating heart conditions.

6. **Tarkka Manufacturing Solutions** – Tarkka has created a cutting-edge wheelchair seating system that allows for custom adjustments during a single bedside session. This innovation significantly reduces the waiting time for wheelchair users, addressing critical health and comfort needs.

7. **Taste the City** – This platform offers guided tasting routes to help users explore local restaurants. By simplifying the dining experience, Taste the City promotes local culture and supports community engagement while enhancing culinary discovery.

8. **Tutred** – Tutred utilizes artificial intelligence to streamline the tutoring process. By automating administrative tasks, the platform enables quicker connections between students and tutors, making educational support more accessible.

9. **VRCORE Education** – This company provides virtual reality experiences that allow entire classrooms to embark on field trips without leaving the school. Collaborations with organizations like NASA enhance the educational content available to students.

10. **VL Energy** – VL Energy offers a software solution for monitoring industrial emissions, utilizing real-time data and machine learning. This approach simplifies compliance with environmental regulations, making it easier for industries to track and reduce their emissions.

As Calgary prepares for Innovation Week, these startups exemplify the city’s commitment to fostering innovation and addressing modern challenges through technology. The Launch Party promises to be a vibrant showcase of creativity and entrepreneurship, reflecting the dynamic spirit of Calgary’s growing tech landscape.