Send us a text What happens when you challenge Alberta's young minds to design earthquake-proof structures and precision farming equipment? Magic. For over 40 years, APEGA's Science Olympics has been transforming how students experience STEM education – moving beyond textbooks to tackle real-world problems with ingenuity and teamwork. Mohamed El Daly, a civil engineer whose passion for education spans 25 years across three continents, takes us behind the scenes of this provincial-wide competition that's reaching thousands of students annually. "Students get an opportunity to take what they le ..read more

Send us a text Welcome to part two of our discussion around massive timber.  In this episode  we explore the rigorous testing processes that the experts at C-FER Technologies put Greencore's technology through in order to ensure that mass timber meets safety standards while revealing its strengths and potential weaknesses.  Discover how sound engineering principles around fire safety and charring properties make mass timber not only efficient but also reliable. The conversation addresses critical factors contributing to modern construction challenges and the innovative approache ..read more

Send us a text Welcome to part one of two where we explore the cutting-edge world of mass timber technology and its revolutionary impact on the construction industry. Join me as I talk with Brent Olund from GreenCore Structures and Wayne Klazek from C-FER Technologies as they unveil the secrets behind this sustainable building phenomenon.  Ever wonder how we can build towering structures with wood? Brent shares insights from his work on groundbreaking 18-story Brock Commons Tallwood House project, revealing how mass timber can create stronger, more efficient and seismically resilient buil ..read more

Send us a text This episode centers on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on creativity and society, featuring insights from artist and entrepreneur David Usher.  David discusses the importance of understanding AI, its ethical challenges, and how it can enhance or complicate human experiences, particularly in the arts and healthcare. • The evolution of AI and its relevance to creativity  • Importance of educating oneself about AI technologies  • Concerns regarding intellectual property rights in AI  • The focus of Reimagine AI on entertainment and healthc ..read more

Send us a text On this episode of Shift we begin to explore Alberta's innovative approach to sustainability through the lens of the circular economy. We explore concrete projects that transform waste into valuable resources and discuss how individuals and industries can contribute to systemic change. • Defining circular economy and its relevance  • Alberta's statistics on waste generation  • Two critical pillars of circular economy  • The importance of innovation in recycling technologies  • Addressing built-in obsolescence in product design  • The role the bioindustr ..read more

Send us a text Join us on an enlightening journey into the world of entrepreneurship and mental health as we revisit an impactful conversation with Anthea Sargeaunt from 2S Water. Anthea opens up about her personal experiences and revelations during a CEO roundtable, where she discovered that issues like work-life imbalance and burnout are not just startup growing pains but persistent hurdles even for veteran leaders. Our discussion sheds light on the often-neglected mental health challenges faced by entrepreneurs and offers invaluable insights into fostering mental resilience and sustainable ..read more

Send us a text Discover a hidden engine powering Alberta's tech innovation as we sit down with Ken Doyle, Executive Director of Tech-Access Canada. Uncover the world of Technology Access Centres (TACs), where Alberta's entrepreneurs transform bold ideas into tangible advancements. Ken shares how these specialized R&D hubs offer invaluable support to small and medium-sized enterprises, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise that help refine prototypes and boost productivity. Get an insider's look at how TACs are crucial in overcoming Canada's productivity hurdles, emp ..read more

Send us a text Can Alberta's gaming sector truly double its impact by 2026? Join us as we unpack this bold ambition with Adam Brown from Alberta Innovates, alongside gaming visionaries Matt Toner of Shred Capital and Michael Liebe from Booster Space.  Together, we illuminate a strategy to capture a significant share of Canada's $7 billion gaming market, and the innovative approaches fueling this growth. From nurturing tech talent to fostering a collaboration-driven ecosystem through initiatives like Scaffold Program, Alberta is setting a new standard for the gaming industry. Listeners w ..read more

Send us a text I had the chance to talk with  co-founders Megan Leslie and Julian Mulia about their work with Nanotess and their entrepreneurial journey while we are at Inventures 2023 this past May. We dive into Nanotess 101, what it means and what they do and then we're right into discussing how Nanotess became certified as a manufacturer of medical devices with subsequent approval from Health Canada in an incredible two year time span. Megan and Julian are very easy to talk to and are open in explaining their experiences as a young couple running an innovative company. We speak about ..read more

Send us a text The Metaverse. What were people saying about the Internet before it became commonplace? To me, it feels like a similar thing. Thankfully we have people like Mike McCready to help us navigate and understand what a tool like the Metaverse is and can become. To paraphrase both Mike AND Inventures keynote, Matthew Ball, it's  key for us to educate ourselves on what this technology means for us and how it will impact us. Understand it before you HAVE to understand it. In our conversation Mike not only mentions how people attending Inventures can experience and learn about the ..read more