Provincial and Municipal Funding for Platform Innovation Centre

Through the Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy, Alberta’s government continues to support the development and attraction of talent, business and job-creating investment.

The technology and innovation sector is a key player in the diversification of Alberta’s economy. The sector is growing year over year and in the first quarter of 2022 attracted a record $466 million in venture capital investment.

Alberta’s government is committed to further tech sector growth. Through strategic investments in accelerators, which help mentor and educate early entrepreneurs and startups, the Alberta Enterprise Corporation and Regional Innovation Networks, the government is capitalizing on the entrepreneurial spirit of Albertans.

The Alberta Technology and Innovation Strategy is focused on growing the sector and helping to create 20,000 jobs and increase tech company revenue to $5 billion by 2030.

To help fulfil this goal, Alberta’s government will provide $1.8 million in operational funding over three years to Platform Calgary for the Innovation Centre. The funding will provide entrepreneurs access to programs, advice and connections, and foster innovation in the technology sector under one roof.

The Platform Innovation Centre, which will open June 6, will usher in a dedicated tech district in Calgary. The centre is home to more than 70 local, national and international partners dedicated to connecting innovators with the resources they need to develop ideas, launch and scale their ventures.

Platform Calgary anticipates it will host more than 750 events, classes and workshops, and make more than 1,000 connections or referrals for entrepreneurs in its first three years of operation. This work is part of its focus to make all parts of Calgary’s startup ecosystem better resourced, connected and prominent.

Quotes

“Investments like this are critical to ensure that we have a strong economic future in Alberta. We are doubling down on entrepreneurs who will define the future of our province. These risk-takers will diversify our economy by creating new companies and jobs while attracting investment and more talent.”

Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation

“The funding from the Government of Alberta will help Platform Calgary create a purpose-built hub where innovators can connect and collaborate. When an entrepreneur with an idea or a question walks through the door of the Platform Innovation Centre, they will get support and access to everything they need to achieve success and, in doing so, promote technology-focused economic diversification, job creation and increased prosperity in Calgary, Alberta and across Canada.”

Terry Rock, President and CEO, Platform Calgary

“This investment supports the development of local entrepreneurs and startups. I am thrilled to see the East Village evolve into a tech hub that makes critical resources more accessible for people to develop their businesses, grow locally and connecting within a thriving ecosystem. Spaces like Platform help to attract more workers downtown and retain top talent in Calgary.”

Terry Wong, Ward 7 Councillor, City of Calgary

“The Platform Innovation Centre serves as a nexus for all of the doers and the innovators in Calgary. It’s timely and requisite for the city to rise as a global innovation hub. The innovation centre adds a depth to the Calgary tech scene that will enable companies like ours to grow faster by providing connections to the local talent pool from which to grow our teams, and by building a network of localized founders to expand solutions into global markets and attract investment.”

Rena Tabata, CEO and co-founder, ShareSmart

Quick facts

• Platform Calgary was launched in 2018 and was previously known as Calgary Technologies Inc.
• All three levels of government have recognized the value of Platform Calgary in the technology and innovation space.
• The City of Calgary is providing $1.5 million in funding.
• The Government of Canada has provided $2 million in funding.
• Partners include:
• Alberta Enterprise Corporation
• Innovate Calgary
• SAIT School for Advanced Digital Technology
• University of Calgary Hunter Hub and Hunter Centre
• Mount Royal University
• Bow Valley College
• Inception U

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