Calgary’s growing tech sector is a driver of economic diversification and employment with global companies like gaming and 3D content platform leader Unity Technologies expanding its footprint in the city. Unity unveiled its 25,000 sq. ft. Innovation Centre located in Brookfield Place – a space for creative collisions and industry collaboration.
“Unity opening this Calgary innovation centre is truly the embodiment of the vision for Calgary to be the city for people and companies who want to use innovative thinking and advanced technology to help solve global challenges,” said Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development.
With the support of OCIF, Finger Food Advanced Technology Group – acquired by Unity in May 2020 – was approved to receive up to $3.5 million over three years to open its advanced technology centre in Calgary. The new space helps accelerate the incubation of new digital technologies in Calgary and create high skill tech jobs to further develop the local tech and innovation ecosystem.
“Working with our partners at OCIF, our goal was to create a space where local entrepreneurs can come to be inspired and our local business partners can collaborate to express creativity and apply technology to their different industries,” said Ryan Peterson, vice-president of Accelerate Solutions, Unity, and co-founder of Finger Food.
Unity’s acquisition of Finger Food allowed it to build on its foundation in gaming to accelerate growth in diverse industries and attract global clients eager to take advantage of real-time 3D technologies, artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, and robotics.
“As much as Unity plays in the virtual world, these physical spaces matter. Building relationships and having a place for people to convene is key,” said Mark Blackwell, OCIF Board Chair. “My hope is in the coming months we will fill this space with Calgary talent.”
Calgary companies are projected to lead the $20 billion spend on digital transformation in Alberta from 2021 to 2024.
For more information on OCIF, visit www.opportunitycalgary.com. Head to our Live Tech Love Life webpage for stories about forward-thinking tech companies, career opportunities and resources.
