As global geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions reshape economic landscapes, Calgary is doubling down on building its innovation ecosystem.
At Calgary Economic Development’s 2025 Report to the Community presented by WestJet and TELUS Business, it released a comprehensive innovation strategy to bolster the region’s economic resilience.
Innovation drives economic growth by expanding key industries, improving productivity and creating high value jobs. In the Blue Sky City, innovation isn’t confined — it’s connected.
Calgary’s innovation strategy designed to remove barriers
Unveiled on April 2 with over 1,100 members of Calgary’s business community, Calgary’s Innovation Strategy outlines four goals that will position Calgary as the innovation capital of Canada.
The framework aims to establish sector-specific innovation nodes across the city, launch an innovation roadmap, enhance the impact of our innovation ecosystem and build alignment to share Calgary’s story locally, nationally and internationally.
The impact? Successful implementation of the strategy is projected to add up to 187,000 jobs and contribute over $28 billion to Calgary's economic activity by 2034.
“While we’re facing unprecedented levels of economic uncertainty due to tariffs and the ongoing trade dispute with the U.S., we need to focus on what’s within our control. Now is the time to double down on innovation and continue building a resilient economy for Calgary,” said Brad Parry, President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development and CEO of the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF).
“With implementation of the innovation strategy, Calgary has the potential to be a globally recognized city of innovation, and the innovation capital of Canada.”
Development of the innovation strategy was facilitated Calgary Economic Development in close collaboration with key players in the city’s innovation ecosystem. The strategy builds on data from CED’s 2021 Innovation District Scoping Study, which examined how global innovation districts thrive by clustering talent, investors, accelerators and startups.
With a skilled talent pool and established innovation organizations, Calgary is uniquely positioned to expand beyond the traditional innovation model seen in most leading cities. Much of the work has already started with the creation of the Life Sciences Innovation Hub, the Energy Transition Centre and the Aerospace Innovation Hub.
“These last few years have tested all of us with global economic shocks, with housing pressures and with political polarization, and Calgary has responded, not with hesitation, but with firm action,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek.
“Together, we have tackled several challenges that I would call generational in their scale, and because we were able to be nimble, responsive and we seized opportunities, I believe Calgary is entering its most exciting chapter yet.”
What’s a node in Calgary’s innovation ecosystem?
Unique to Calgary, the idea of creating nodes is a central goal behind Calgary’s Innovation Strategy. A node is not a single building, but a dense concentration of sector-specific supports that centralizes vital infrastructure, resources and collaboration opportunities for emerging businesses.
These nodes are interconnected, creating a network that enhances cross-sector collaboration and resource sharing.
By building a cohesive, more connected innovation ecosystem, this strategy advances key priorities outlined in Calgary’s economic action plan, Uplook, ensuring the city remains a top destination for companies, capital and talent.
Entrepreneurs will find their gateway to the innovation scene through Platform Calgary, which remains a central access point for startups and new ventures.
“Calgary is a resilient city where game-changers can turn big ideas into new solutions, and with Calgary’s Innovation Strategy, we’re taking a strategic step forward to enhance vibrancy and economic prosperity in our community,” said Terry Rock, President and CEO of Platform Calgary.
"As a community of 850+ member companies and partners, Platform Calgary will be a central resource facilitating crucial links and providing essential support for startups, investors, talent and enterprises focused on launching and scaling to drive growth within Calgary's innovation ecosystem."
Local innovators optimistic about Calgary’s future
That spirit of optimism and collaboration was on full display during a fireside chat featuring Rock, Parry and four local innovators from across sectors. Each presenter offered a snapshot of their industry and shared a common message — Calgary’s future depends on working together.
“Because the global energy industry is morphing so fast, Calgary has an opportunity to connect and become competitive through collaboration between our other strong sectors like the ag industry, aerospace industry and tech industry,” said Kevin Krausert, the CEO and co-founder of Avatar Innovations.
Ben Graham, President of AdFarm, also emphasized the value of cross-sector collaboration to drive innovation.
“If you look at the opportunity that we have to be a global leader in agtech and innovation, there's nothing that holds us back,” said Graham.
“When we look at where we can go tomorrow, you can't even begin to imagine the innovation that is going to come when we inject the innovation that is coming from across sectors.”
Kimberley Van Vliet, Founder & CEO of WaVv and ConvergX and Director of the Aerospace Innovation Hub, pointed to Calgary’s growing reputation in her sector, noting the city is becoming a “Canadian aerospace powerhouse.”
“We're getting noticed all across the country as to what we can do here, due to our strategic location, our innovative ecosystem and global connectivity,” said Van Vliet.
Hanif Joshaghani, Co-Founder & CEO of Symend Inc., noted the widespread integration of artificial intelligence across Calgary’s industries.
“I've advised a whole bunch of management teams around the energy sector, real estate, asset management, private equity — every single one of these companies wants somebody to help them and advise them on ‘How do I future proof my business given how fast this thing is moving?’,” said Joshaghani.
Calgary’s 2024 highlights
In addition to the new strategy, Parry also shared several highlights from the past year, highlighting the impact CED's focus on innovation has already had on the city:
- CED created or retained more than 7,400 jobs and attracted $719 million in investments.
- CED has generated more than 3,200 work-integrated learning opportunities and engaged almost 1,500 companies across Calgary.
- Through the Trade Accelerator Program (TAP), over 130 Calgary small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) explored 17 markets, resulting in 42 trade deals and generating over $11 million in revenue.
- Every dollar of the $86 million invested by OCIF since 2018 has generated $11 in economic activity, amounting to a $925 million impact. The fund has helped scale nearly 900 companies and create or retain close to 3,000 jobs.
- Calgary was a top destination for venture capital investment, closing $630 million through 63 deals in 2024.
As he prepares to conclude his term as CED’s Board Chair this May, Joe Lougheed reflected on six years of service marked by collaboration, progress and deep civic pride. Lougheed shared heartfelt thanks with the many partners, colleagues and champions he’s worked alongside during his tenure, as well as the event’s sponsors and longtime supporters of CED through the Team Calgary program.
“Many of our sponsors are Team Calgary partners. Our Team Calgary partner initiative was designed to create a team approach to economic development for our community,” said Lougheed.
“We now have almost 90 Team Calgary members that are supporting our community to build economic prosperity for our city. And that's why all of you are here today, too.”
Report to the Community was made possible by presenting sponsors WestJet and TELUS Business, Gold sponsors Aspen Properties, Calgary Herald, Calgary Hotel Association and the University of Calgary, and Silver sponsors Alberta Blue Cross, Calgary Arts Development, Calgary TELUS Convention Centre, Mount Royal University and Stone-Olafson.
For more insights from Report to the Community, watch it in full in the coming days on our YouTube channel.