The history of Platform Calgary traces back to 1981 through Calgary Technologies Inc., but Platform as people know it today started in March 2019. Platform helps entrepreneurs bring their innovative ideas to life. Core services, like access to the Platform Calgary Innovation Centre, mentoring opportunities and community events, are free or low-cost. Membership options and paid programs are offered, too. The Platform Incubator helps high-potential startups grow over 12 months through structured guidance, coaching, peer learning and industry connections. Additional programs provide various stages of startups and founders with business know-how, connections and resources to scale up operations and access funding opportunities.
“The number of social connections that an entrepreneur has can predict how big, and how fast, they can grow,” says Platform Calgary president and CEO Terry Rock . “Simply, more connectivity is better for someone who’s building something.”
Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund
Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) is a $100-million publicly funded entity established in 2018 by The City of Calgary and managed by Calgary Economic Development (CED). OCIF identifies and supports economic opportunities that benefit Calgary’s long-term economic future through investment, job creation and training opportunities in the private, non-profit and public sectors.
OCIF implements a “very strong metric” for receiving capital once a company is approved for funding, says Brad Parry, president and CEO of CED and CEO of OCIF. Applicants must show evidence of the business’ scalability and potential economic impact before funding can be released.
“Whether its job creation or ecosystem development, funds are milestone-based,” says Parry.
Calgary receives $9 back for every dollar invested by the fund, and OCIF activities have helped propel $800 million in economic activity.
Alberta Innovates
Alberta Innovates is a provincially funded agency that funds projects in industries like agriculture and forestry, emerging technologies, data science and clean tech. It also offers programs that aid entrepreneurs, like the Micro Voucher Program, Industry Commercialization Associates Program and the Scaleup Growth Accelerator Program.
Alberta Innovates also supports scientific research by providing applied research and testing services through InnoTech Alberta and C-FER Technologies’ labs. Clients can find out if services are available that would support testing and validating their technologies, such as high-pressure testing facilities, energy system simulations, carbon capture and storage validation, or agricultural technology.
“By having InnoTech and C-FER working within the industry, we have an end-to-end platform that’s complementary to the entire innovation ecosystem,” says Doug Holt, former associate vice-president of capital development at Alberta Innovates.
More Innovation Organizations
Creative Destruction Labs Rockies
Creative Destruction Labs Rockies helps startups raise capital and provides mentorship.
The 51 Ventures Inc.
The 51 Ventures Inc. helps women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs access capital.
Rainforest Alberta
Rainforest Alberta promotes an inclusive culture of innovation.
The A100
The A100 connects members to a community of knowledgeable entrepreneurs.
MRU Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
MRU Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship delivers community-engaged learning experiences to students.