The tech industry in Alberta is making tangible impacts across different sectors, and platforms like Alberta IoT are fostering collaboration and innovation.
In the latest episode of Launchcast, our CRO Robbie Butchart hosts Alberta IoT Executive Director Brenda Beckedorf and our CEO Alberio Bathory-Frota in an insightful conversation about the growing tech sector in Alberta. Brenda talks about various Alberta IoT initiatives that help bridge the gap between the industry, researchers and students, including Science Parks and Fast Track.
Introduction
In recent years, Alberta's technology sector has been rapidly transforming, evolving from a nascent industry to a powerhouse of innovation.
Once primarily known for its oil and gas industry, the province is now embracing a vibrant tech ecosystem.
This dynamic shift was the central theme of a recent in-depth podcast featuring Alberta IoT Executive Director Brenda Beckedorf, our CEO Alberio Bathory-Frota and our CRO, Robbie Butchart.
Each provided insightful experiences and observations about Alberta's tech industry, painting a promising picture of its future.
Alberta: An emerging tech powerhouse
Alberio's experiences reflect the evolution of Alberta's tech landscape. He recalls that when his company first set up its office in Calgary in 2011, finding local tech talent was a considerable challenge.
"It was hard to find people back then. A lot of the graduates from universities...wouldn't even go out east or down," he says.
However, over the past decade, this scenario has changed significantly.
The shift became apparent in the composition of participants at career fairs. Initially, tech company booths were few, dwarfed by those from the resources industry.
As time passed, the number of tech companies gradually increased.
"The last one I was at about three years ago, there were way more tech companies than any other industry," Alberio observes, signifying a crucial transition in Alberta's industrial landscape.
Changing perceptions: Embracing technology in Alberta
Brenda shares an interesting anecdote that illustrates changing attitudes toward the tech industry in Alberta.
When her organization decided to participate in a trade show at a university, they were astounded by the enthusiastic response.
"In 48 hours, we had 25 companies take all the booths," she says.
This indicates the surge in tech companies and their readiness to participate actively in industry-related events.
Moreover, she notices the growing presence of tech companies at traditionally non-tech events like the Calgary Stampede.
A tech company's participation in the Stampede's tarp auctions – traditionally an oil and gas affair – suggests a shift in perception, with technology making inroads into established domains.
Impact of technology across sectors
The tech industry's influence in Alberta isn't restricted to boosting the province's economy. It's also making tangible impacts across different sectors.
Robbie highlights the contribution of Ignite Technologies in revolutionizing healthcare.
"Look what technology can do to help someone living in their home," Brenda adds, emphasizing how technology is transforming everyday life and improving individual well-being.
Building a tech community: The role of Alberta IoT
Among the many initiatives that foster Alberta's tech industry, Alberta IoT stands out.
It serves as a community and platform for more than 220 tech companies, facilitating innovation and collaboration. Brenda encourages people to explore the community: "We'd love to have more people join us."
She believes that Alberta IoT provides a rich insight into the diverse tech companies contributing to Alberta's growing tech industry.
The road ahead for Alberta's tech industry
Given the ongoing developments, it's clear that Alberta's tech industry has transformed from an outlier to a core pillar of its economy.
Embracing technology has diversified Alberta's industrial landscape and made the province an attractive destination for tech talent from across the globe.
Alberio echoes these sentiments as he expresses his vision for Alberta's tech industry.
"If Calgary can be a vibrant tech ecosystem, not just in organizations and associations, but the actual talent pool itself, it would be phenomenal."
His words encapsulate the aspirations of Alberta's burgeoning tech industry.
Conclusion
With its rapidly evolving tech industry, Alberta has set itself on a trajectory of innovation and growth.
As attitudes towards technology change, as tech talent floods into the province, and as the tech industry's impacts broaden, Alberta's tech industry promises a future filled with innovation and potential.
In this transformative journey, the role of platforms like Alberta IoT and the pioneering efforts of tech companies remain crucial.
The conversation between Alberio, Brenda, and Robbie underscored this exciting evolution, providing a comprehensive look at Alberta's changing tech landscape and promising future.
