Calgary’s Position as a Global Tech Leader
Calgary’s tech sector is gaining international recognition, and for good reason. With strengths in energy, agriculture, cleantech, and fintech, the city is emerging as a major player in innovation.
Yet, as Terry Rock (Platform Calgary) highlights, there’s a lot to celebrate and some challenges to address. Let’s dive into “the good, the bad, and the missed” of Calgary’s tech ecosystem and its global positioning.
The Good: Calgary’s Rising Tech Power
Calgary’s transformation over the last five years is impressive. According to Terry, Calgary’s tech startups have collectively generated over $8.1 billion in ecosystem value—a massive leap from $2.7 billion just a few years ago. This progress has landed Calgary in the top 50 emerging global tech hubs, with aspirations to break into the top 10.
Key strengths include:
Cleantech Leadership: Calgary is ranked as a top 30 city globally for cleantech innovation. With its energy expertise, the city is solving major challenges like sustainability and the transition to net zero.
Fintech Growth: Terry pointed out the surprise emergence of Calgary’s fintech sector, which has rapidly expanded, driven by local expertise in financial services and transactions.
Global Talent and Capital: Calgary’s engineering talent, high concentration of head offices, and willingness to invest in innovation are unmatched.
“We are a place where there’s capital, great quality of life, and people solving some of the world’s toughest problems,” Terry emphasized.
The Bad: Inclusion and Accessibility
Despite the successes, Calgary has work to do in fostering inclusion. Founders from diverse backgrounds face barriers to funding and networks. “We need to replicate privilege,” Terry explains, “to ensure everyone has access to resources, not just those born with advantages.”
Initiatives like the National Bank Investor Hub aim to close these gaps by offering targeted support for underrepresented entrepreneurs and encouraging diversity in investments.
The Missed: Telling Calgary’s Tech Story
Calgary’s tech ecosystem is often misunderstood or underestimated, even by locals. “The true story of tech is being missed,” Terry shared, adding that many still associate Calgary solely with oil and gas.
Integration Across Industries: Tech in Calgary is not a separate sector; it’s woven into everything from energy to agriculture to health sciences.
Untapped Awareness: Many people are unaware of resources like Platform Calgary and the vibrant community it supports.
“We need to make this narrative louder. Calgary’s potential to transform its economy and diversify its industries is massive, but it needs to be recognized more widely,” Terry added.
Key Takeaway
Calgary is positioned to become a global tech leader, thanks to its talent, innovation, and unique industry mix. However, for the city to fully realize its potential, it must address inclusion gaps and amplify the story of its tech transformation.
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