Send us a Text Message. Iran Karimian is the Head of Accelerator & Startup Ecosystem at Google Canada. In her role, she brings the best of Google's people, programs, products and technology through Google for Startups Accelerator programs. I had a chance to sit down with Iran during a break at Inventures 2024 to discuss the Google program and what it means for participating companies. Listen for more and heads up: applications are now open for the fifth Google for Startups Accelerator Canada cohort until July 31st. This cohort will kick off in early October 2024. Join the following Albe ..read more

Get ready to discover a revolutionary approach to entrepreneurship in Alberta with our guest, Dr. Tonya Wolfe of Red Deer Polytechnic. In this thrilling conversation, we dive into the Resource Roundup, an innovative event at Inventures 2024 that's flipping the script on networking and support for startups. Imagine an environment where entrepreneurs aren't just chasing dollars but rather, forming powerful connections with a community eager to propel their growth with a diverse range of services. Dr. Wolfe gives us an insider's look at how this platform is designed to streamline the way compani ..read more

Mark Korthuis, President and CEO of the Glenrose Hospital Foundation recently sat down with me to discuss a panel he'll be moderating at Inventures 2024 called Rethinking Approaches to Unlocking Health Data. In our discussion, Mark sets the stage for what the panel will focus on: navigating the terrain between privacy concerns and opportunities that, if missed, could set health systems back as the world embraces the ubiquity of artificial intelligence, quantum computing and other technologies we've yet to imagine. Mark provides invaluable insights into the transformative potential of collect ..read more

Meet Hunter Cardinal, a man whose roots spread across a rich tapestry of Cree, Métis, Polish, French, and Russian heritage. Hunter will be joining us May 29 through 31st as our MC for Inventures 2024. Our conversation rounds all sorts of corners as we talk about the roles of preparation and spontaneity in practicing for his role. He explains what he refers to as the 'drywall effect' where creating the perfect atmosphere is as essential as the nitty-gritty of scripts and technical coordination. The role of an MC comes into sharp focus as we discuss how Hunter's presence at the helm can ensure ..read more

On this episode  sit down with Gail Powley to tease some of the fascinating stories that have woven the fabric of Alberta's innovation landscape, from the Nobel Prize laureates who trace their roots to small towns like Medicine Hat to the cutting-edge developments that have shaped industries far and wide. As we explore the pivotal contributions of the Regional Innovation Networks, we uncover how these cornerstones of progress ensure that Alberta's entire expanse shares in the success of technological evolution. Gail is the president of Technology Alberta and the executive director the AS ..read more

Inventures 2024 is almost here! As with past Inventures, our goal is to deliver a global experience showcasing Alberta's innovation ecosystem. Exhibits, demonstrations, dozens of panel sessions, talks, networking and more! This can't-miss-event is ideally suited for entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, students, industry and more to come together to explore innovation at its finest. Welcome to Shift We've taken a wee break from Shift over the past few months, but we're back! Our next few episodes are going to help provide some sense making and way finding by shining a light on only a hand ..read more

Sacred Science brings together Indigenous knowledge and western science to create opportunities for new solutions to environmental challenges, including issues that are important to Indigenous People. For this edition of Shift, I had the chance to sit with Alvin First Rider and talk about the Blood Tribe's Buffalo Restoration Project. We were joined by Emily Herdman from InnoTech Alberta and Brett Purdy from Alberta Innovates. Alvin is a member of the Káínawa, or Blood Tribe,  in southern Alberta. Extending into US territory, these lands form the traditional territory of the Blackfoot C ..read more

I met Ryan Greir from Whispering Cedars Ranch while I was at the Olds College of Agriculture and Technology AgSmart event in early August. Ryan and his wife Janna are first generation Alberta farmers originally from British Columbia. I walked impressed with how these two are embracing and engaging a lifestyle that's not for everyone but one that everyone depends on. On their farm, Whispering Cedars Ranch, they strive to raise Alberta lamb and provide the industry with healthy and proven purebred replacement breeding stock.  As entrepreneurs they're constantly challenged to look for ways ..read more

I had a chance to sit down with Ian Beacraft, an engaging, energetic and creative visual presenter, while at Inventures recently. Ian had flown in from Chicago and was providing one of the keynotes the day we got to chat. Ian is very well versed in artificial intelligence. He understands the nuances, the concerns and the opportunities. He was willing to go down any rabbit hole I wanted to explore and I feel it made for a great conversation. Don't take my word for it, though. Dive in for yourself! Welcome to Shift. Bio Ian Beacraft, CEO and Chief Futurist, Signal and Cipher  Considere ..read more

I met Ryan Grier from Whispering Cedars Ranch while I was at the Olds College of Agriculture and Technology AgSmart event in early August. Ryan and his wife Janna are first generation Alberta farmers originally from British Columbia. I walked impressed with how these two are embracing and engaging a lifestyle that's not for everyone but one that everyone depends on. On their farm, Whispering Cedars Ranch, they strive to raise Alberta lamb and provide the industry with healthy and proven purebred replacement breeding stock.  As entrepreneurs they're constantly challenged to look for ways ..read more