Alberta pioneers AI and healthcare to spark Canada’s innovation surge

Alberta’s Vision: Technology as the Future of Every Industry

Nate Glubish, Alberta’s Minister of Technology and Innovation, shared a bold strategy with Digital Journal’s Chris Hogg during Innovation Week in Calgary.

Technology: The Catalyst for Industrial Growth

Glubish emphasized that technology is more than an industry—it is the foundation for every sector’s future. He described the province’s initiative to “inspire every industry in Alberta to adopt technology aggressively,” addressing Canada’s ongoing productivity crisis.

Alberta’s Position as an Innovation Powerhouse

The minister highlighted Alberta’s commitment to becoming a premier destination for tech entrepreneurs and investors.

• • Algorythm: Venture Capital at its Core – The province has launched the Alberta Enterprise Corporation (AEC), a government‑backed venture capital fund.
• • Investment Milestone – Recent funding totals $350 million, requiring recipient companies to maintain operations within Alberta.

Impact of Alberta’s Venture Capital Program

Glubish underscored a significant surge in venture capital investment:

• • 2017 – $30 million in Alberta tech sector.
• • 2023 – More than $700 million.

For every dollar invested in the AEC funds, the program returns five dollars to Alberta tech companies, reflecting the province’s competitive tax environment, low cost of living, and business‑friendly climate.

Alberta: Canada’s Premier Market for Tech Companies

Glubish stated, “There’s no better place in Canada to sell your company than Alberta, because you’re going to keep the majority of what you make.” He cited the success of Neo Financial, an Alberta‑born fintech firm that recently raised $360 million, as concrete evidence of the province’s capacity to foster substantial growth for local startups.

Alberta’s Innovation Vision: Transforming Traditional Industries

Bridging Startups and Established Sectors

Nate Glubish, Alberta’s Minister of Technology and Innovation, emphasized that the province’s tech strategy goes beyond fostering new ventures. He highlighted the government’s commitment to partnering with traditional industries—such as agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare—to integrate modern technologies and enhance productivity.

Collaborative Partnerships

• Amlii (Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute) is a key partner in bringing artificial intelligence solutions to diverse sectors.
• Alberta’s focus includes education in high‑demand fields like computer science and AI to build a robust talent pipeline.

Addressing Canada’s Productivity Challenges

Glubish believes that Alberta’s innovation‑driven approach will not only boost the province’s economic growth but also serve as a win for Canada as a whole. He stated that adopting new technologies universally raises productivity and improves the standard of living for all Canadians.

Future Talent Development

The province is committed to doubling down on talent development to meet future demand in tech fields. Glubish noted that Alberta hosts some of the world’s leading academics in computer science and AI, strengthening Canada’s global competitiveness.

Potential VC Investment Focus

Glubish shared his perspective on investment sectors if he were still a venture capitalist: healthcare. He highlighted the importance of diagnostics imaging tools and precision medicine, where AI can accelerate and refine diagnostics. These innovations are especially crucial as demand on the healthcare system grows.