Calgary’s innovation community will step toward a concerted effort to aid the evolution of the city’s early-stage entrepreneurs.
Two of the ecosystem’s champions – Startup Calgary and Platform Calgary – will join forces starting January 1, 2021. Previously, Startup Calgary was operated as a part of Calgary Economic Development.
Information provided by the two groups said this will better align programs and resources for Calgary’s startup community. They’ve been working closely over the past year on collaborative events.
With the anticipated 2021 opening of the 50,000 square foot Platform Innovation Centre on 9 Avenue, it was a prime chance to bring the two together.
“2021 promises to be a powerful year for Calgary’s tech and innovation sector,” said Dr. Terry Rock, President and CEO of Platform Calgary.
“As we open the Platform Innovation Centre, we continue to bring together the resources and partners of Calgary’s tech startup ecosystem to create shared prosperity that will benefit all Calgarians. Startup Calgary is a critical part of our ecosystem; by coming together, we form an even more powerful champion for startups.”
Startup Calgary launched in 2010 as a grassroots initiative to build support for Calgary’s entrepreneurs. They’ve been instrumental in ushering in Calgary’s innovation economy.
It joined Calgary Economic Development in 2017.
“Startup Calgary was able to expand its ambitions for what it could do to help early-stage entrepreneurs while at Calgary Economic Development,” said Alice Reimer, a cofounder of Startup Calgary and a successful technology entrepreneur who is Site Lead for CDL-Rockies.
“The move to Platform Calgary will enhance their reach within the community to support more startups and founders.”
