PrairiesCan puts nearly $1 million behind SK Startup Institute for entrepreneur training and mentorship
Money comes through PrairiesCan’s Regional Innovation Ecosystem Program.
Govt
Boreal Ventures launches second seed fund with $43-million first close
Ex-Lightspeed head JD Saint-Martin takes over as co-managing partner as Montréal VC aims to raise $60 million.
Feds commit nearly $225 million to advance Canada’s sovereign space launch capabilities
Ottawa bets on Canadian rocket launches with $200-million Canso spaceport deal and more for new grants.
Paving the way for a Canadian defence-tech boom
Plus: BetaKit Most Ambitious returns on May 25.
Manitoba launches AI consultations as it weighs tougher privacy and youth protections
Minister Mike Moroz says new policy could include opt-in consent rules and possible age limits for AI access.
Canada could still win the AI race
AI experts argue the country’s structural advantages are finally becoming urgent strategic assets.
BDC expands Defence Platform to $6 billion and names a StrongNorth Fund leader
Feds inject $1.2 billion more into BDC’s strategy to help SMBs seize defence opportunities.
Xanadu in talks with government over potential $390 million for domestic quantum manufacturing
Project OPTIMISM would “significantly advance” company’s roadmap toward utility-scale quantum computing.
MDA Space seeks $300 million USD through IPO on New York Stock Exchange
Firm will keep TSX listing as it raises capital for growth and potential debt paydown.
Feds say TikTok can continue Canadian operations, but under new rules
After national security review, government reverses course on proposed ban of company’s Canadian operations.
Ottawa gives NRC $900 million for drone innovation hub and defence-focused IRAP stream
Commitment comes through $6.6-billion Defence Industrial Strategy.
Dominion Dynamics says it will invest $50 million to build a “sovereign autonomous wingman”
Uncrewed aircraft will be designed to fly alongside crewed fighters.
Alberta’s technology minister continues data centre courtship at Digital Innovation Forum
Nate Glubish pitches province’s energy, low taxes, and cool climate.
OpenAI sets new safety standards following Solomon meeting and pressure over Tumbler Ridge response
After meeting with Sam Altman, Canada’s AI minister says OpenAI is taking “immediate actions.”
CVCA and NACO offer competing visions for feds’ $750-million venture envelope
NACO points to early-stage gaps, while CVCA wants capital committed to growth.