Innovate Calgary

Catalyzing the innovation ecosystem since 1986
Innovate Calgary has been the innovation transfer and business incubator centre for the University of Calgary for over 30 years, fostering entrepreneurship and bringing new technological discoveries to the world.

Our mission

• Guide entrepreneurs in building innovation-driven enterprises
• Create value for academic and industry partners
• Support the innovation economy at home and abroad

Our Story

Looking back
When Innovate Calgary was founded back in 1986 to support the University of Calgary’s innovation community, we knew we could drive impact. But we couldn’t have imagined the scope of opportunity that existed.

We started out close to home, predominantly serving faculty, researchers, and students at the university, helping guide them through the tech transfer and commercialization process. But the more we saw our community’s entrepreneurs succeed, the more we realized we could play a larger role in the innovation ecosystem.

Over the last decade, Innovate Calgary has expanded its ambition, offerings, and audiences. In parallel, the University of Calgary positioned itself as Canada’s most entrepreneurial university. Together, we have helped hundreds of companies and entrepreneurs bring innovation to our city, province, country, and beyond.

Looking ahead
Many industries have endured disruption and reconfiguration – in part due to the global pandemic as well as the acceleration of technology and digital transformation – the opportunity for innovation has never been greater.

Climate change. Accessibility and inclusion. Health in developing nations. No domain is devoid of opportunity.

The world needs more inventors. We need more passionate, brilliant minds that are driven to create – not simply for the sake of it – but for real-world impact.

We exist for those minds. To support them and spur them on. To do everything we can to make sure they succeed and that the world benefits from their hard work and perseverance.

The innovation community in Calgary has begun what could be exponential growth – in startups, in breakthrough companies, in entrepreneurial opportunities, and in economic and social impact. We know it’s the full innovation ecosystem that creates the change we want to make in our city and the larger world, and our work incorporates that entire ecosystem.

Black Founders in Tech Pitch Competition

Are you a Black founder looking for an opportunity to grow your network and get the funding and support you need to drive your business forward? Join us for an evening of networking with the Calgary tech ecosystem and pitch your company for the chance to receive investments and services from some of the leading partners in the tech ecosystem.