Collisions YYC

In this episode, learn about Prairies Economic Development Canada, the federal government’s boots on the ground in the prairies, from Derek Armstrong, Manager of Innovation Ecosystems. Derek explains how they operate as a funding agency to support the innovation around us. By helping to grow, scale and diversify the economy, Derek has plenty of valuable insights into the ecosystem and our challeng...

In this episode, hear from the President of IO-Aerospace and Partner of GNO-SYS Technology Ltd., Jon Neufeld, about the innovative world of geographic information system mapping (GIS). Jon is an expert in developing and commercializing innovative technology to solve interesting problems. You’ll gain an understanding of the Canadian roots of GIS and how it has evolved from simple mapping to technol...

In this episode, hear from innovative CEO Clark Lai of Motiv Innovation Group. The organization works with its clients to help them identify innovation opportunities and create new value through digital technology. Clark explains his perspective of innovation and how Motiv uses its Digital Innovation Model Framework to drive value for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500s. Whether you’re...

In this episode, learn about the risks and opportunities of AI with Ian Hargreaves, Data Science Fellow at ATB Financial. His role is to advise ATB Financial and its data science teams to think about how AI can solve problems for its own business and its clients. As we collectively take part in the world’s biggest AI experiment by using tools like ChatGPT or Midjourney, it’s critical to take a str...

In this episode, learn how Lauren pivoted her career goals from becoming a therapist to working with robots, thanks to a fateful conversation with a professor during her Master’s studies. Now, Lauren is the Academic Chair for Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence at the School for Advanced Digital Technology at SAIT. She articulates the requirement to get students familiar with tech to ensure...

In this episode, learn about the Alberta Cancer Foundation from its CEO, Wendy Beauchesne. Wendy’s career spans decades in health, deploying hundreds of millions of capital into transformational campaigns, and she’s thrilled to bring her expertise to her CEO role. Wendy shares the optimistic stories of how the Alberta Cancer Foundation supports Albertans across the province in the face of a cancer...

In this episode, Geri Greenall, CFO of Spartan Delta Corp. and EPAC board member, shares her insights on how the energy industry can showcase its positive impact on communities. Geri is leading an initiative to encourage energy companies to partner with Classroom Champions and provide financial support to drive positive change in the rural classrooms where energy workers live and raise their famil...

In this episode, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Givesome, Jay Whitelaw, explains the power of being allowed to see the real difference generosity and giving can make. Jay shares the a-ha moment he experienced while teaching in Namibia that helped him realize what’s missing from the generosity journey - seeing the impact. He explains how generosity can be crucial to employee and customer enga...

In this episode, we chat about event management with Sheri Moore, Partner and Creative Director at Moore Carlyle Consulting & MCC Destination Management. Sheri is a self-proclaimed “event geek” and an original founder of the renowned mesh conference. After taking some time off, mesh is now bringing the conference to Western Canada, and Sheri gives us an inside look at what goes into planning a...

In this episode, hear from ViVent Bioprocesses Co-Founders Troy Temple and Griffin Smith, who share their valuable experience of building their start-up with the support of Avatar Innovations. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, their insights and advice will resonate with you. They discuss everything from understanding your intention in building a business or produ...

In this episode, dive into the cutting-edge ways that Thin Air Labs supports Alberta’s thriving innovation ecosystem. It’s no secret that our province needs a tailored approach that isn’t simply a replica of the Bay Area or Toronto. We’re joined by Andrew Browne, Partner and Funding Catalyst Lead at Thin Air Labs, to shed some light on this topic. Andrew’s background as an entrepreneur and funding...

In this episode, you’ll be reminded about the joys of recess and play with PlayCity Founder & CEO, Hafiz Mitha. After exiting a role and moving back to Calgary, Hafiz stared at tennis courts outside of his condo day after day, pining for a partner to play with. But he didn’t know anyone and felt some anxiety about showing up and standing around, hoping someone might play tennis with him. Aroun...

In this episode, learn how four friends in a basement created a business based on the idea that sustainability should be easier, not harder. Alex Todorovic, CEO of Arbor, explains how they leverage first-party and shared data to help companies map out their supply chain and emissions so they can greet changing regulations with a game plan to be compliant. Alex will help you understand the complex...

In this episode, get an insider’s look at product development with Katie Underwood, Product Traction Lead at Thin Air Labs. She explains how Thin Air Labs is purpose-built to help start-ups grow — whether they’re already enjoying in-market success and need a little push or a scrappy start-up that needs to de-risk product ideas before anything gets built. You’ll understand how product managers fit...

In this episode, the President of Sabi Mind, Philippe Lucas, shares insights on a common analgesic’s potential in treating mental health issues. He explains how it can help reduce trauma responses, suicidal ideation, anxiety, lack of connectedness, and depression. Sabi Mind is expanding from Calgary to Edmonton and Victoria to provide access to communities with limited exposure to psychedelic medi...

Join us for the first episode in Sustainable Matters and learn about emissions management with Jessica Shumlich, CEO and Co-Founder of Highwood Emissions Management. Jessica, a trained engineer, brings a wealth of experience from working in heavy industry in North America and Europe, which has contributed to her holistic expertise in greenhouse gas emissions management. As Western Canada aims to b...

In this episode, hear from Wilson Acton about the first exciting year of building Tall Grass Ventures, a fund he co-created in 2022 to fill the pre-series funding gap while helping founders address their specific challenges in building better businesses. Wilson shares how Tall Grass went from just starting in April 2022 to operating a $20M fund with significant demand, despite softening markets. W...

In this episode, discover the insights of Pascal St-Jean, President at 3iQ Corporation, as he explores the exciting world of digital assets. 3iQ is a leading innovator in the financial industry and was one of the first companies to work directly with regulators to bring secure, quality financial products to institutional and retail investors in a safe, efficient way. Join Pascal as he highlights t...

In this episode, join us as we delve into the exciting virtual and augmented reality world with the Co-Founders of Red Iron Labs, Rosalinda Hernandez and Lloyd Summers. They share their journey from a gaming company leveraging virtual and augmented reality to a pivot to help other industries unlock their potential. Explore the possibilities and limits of this cutting-edge technology, learn about t...

In this episode, hear from Matthew Burgoyne, Partner at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP.  Learn all about the legalities of cryptocurrencies and how Matthew used marketing techniques to become a sought-after crypto expert with the nickname “Bitcoin Burgoyne.” Matthew first gained interest in the intersection of law and non-FIAT currencies during the Occupy Wall Street crisis of 2008, when trust p...

In recent decades, Bruce has observed a change in product development in Alberta. The entrepreneurial province has moved away from traditional methods and embraced the Lean Startup approach. This iterative method allows for failure, giving companies that use it a cultural advantage. Bruce also shares four straightforward product development questions he has distilled throughout his career. These q...

Every business must have three elements for success: a problem to solve, a product to address it, and people to bring it all to life. However, many businesses offer what they think the customer needs rather than what they know they need. Will reveals how technology can assist home builders in gaining a precise comprehension of each customer’s individual motivations, psychology, and requirements, l...

Aviation has a 120-year history, while drones have only been around for 60 years, with just 30 years of commercial use. The rapid advancement of drone technology is exciting, and the possibilities for its various applications are even more thrilling. Jordon shares what Aerium is building, including a robotic bird drone that flaps its wings. He also discusses how Artificial Intelligence and Machine...

Since 2014, the energy sector has undergone significant changes. Many workers moved on to new opportunities, but those who stayed had a stronger position due to increased demand for energy security, higher commodity prices, and relentless innovation. Furthermore, a significant decrease in energy exploration and production companies occurred, moving from around 450 in 2010 to 135 in 2022, leading t...

As Linestar’s business expands from a local to a national level, CEO Brian embraces the challenge with determination. With a deep understanding of the utility industry and confidence in Linestar’s offerings, he has expertly navigated strategic partnerships to stay ahead of the competition in this rapidly evolving field. Learn the strategies and tactics Brian has employed to establish Linestar as a...