Platform Calgary

This week at Tech Talent Tuesdays, the conversation focused on a shift many organizations are already experiencing: AI is changing how work gets done — and raising the bar for how value is created. Together with Kelsey Hahn from Monark and Jihoon Jung (JJ) from White Whale Analytics, we explored what AI adoption looks like in practice and how teams are adapting as technology becomes embedded into day-to-day workflows, decision-making, and operations. A few themes stood out: 🔹 AI is increasing productivity, but also raising expectations for talent and performance 🔹 Work is shifting from task execution to outcome ownership 🔹 Judgment, adaptability, communication, and continuous learning are becoming stronger differentiators 🔹 As technical execution becomes more accessible, problem definition and critical thinking matter more than ever 🔹 Smaller teams can move faster with AI-enabled workflows, but leadership, culture, and systems remain essential One idea surfaced throughout the discussion: The advantage isn't simply knowing how to use AI. It's knowing how to apply it to solve the right problems and create meaningful outcomes. Thank you to Kelsey and JJ for sharing practical insights from their work, and to everyone who joined us for another thoughtful conversation on the future of work in Calgary's innovation ecosystem. 🔜 Next up: June 9 — AgTech Career Showcase Technology is transforming one of Alberta's most important industries. From automation and AI to digital systems and supply chain innovation, agriculture and food production are evolving rapidly — creating new opportunities for talent across the sector. Join us as we explore how technology is reshaping agriculture, the workforce trends driving change, and the skills employers are increasingly looking for. We'll be joined by Jennifer Wright, Executive Director of the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC), who will share insights into the future of work across Canada's agriculture and agtech sectors. 🎟 Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q04jnPJM0 #TechTalentTuesdays #yycTech #FutureOfWork #AgTech #TechInYYC

Yesterday, Platform Calgary CEO Jennifer Lussier joined Telling It Like It Is  for a conversation about Calgary’s growing innovation ecosystem, the role of Platform Calgary, and what it takes to build a stronger future economy through entrepreneurship, technology, and community. The discussion touched on Jen’s journey into tech, the impact and evolution of Platform Calgary, the value of community and connections through our membership offering, and the opportunities emerging across Calgary and Alberta’s innovation economy. Thank you Jade Alberts for the thoughtful conversation and for spotlighting the people and organizations helping shape Calgary’s innovation future. Watch the replay here: https://lnkd.in/gg4Rp5P8 #yycTech #Innovation #TechinYYC #CalgaryTech

Start Something Summit brings together the top teams from four programs led by the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking - UCalgary. Each program takes a different path — from venture creation to tackling complex systems challenges — but they’re all rooted in entrepreneurial thinking. On June 5, the top two teams from Business Playbook, Launchpad, Evolve to Innovate (e2i), and Map the System will go head-to-head for a share of $40,000 in prizes. As the venue sponsor, Platform Calgary is proud to host this celebration of emerging innovators, founders, and changemakers at the Platform Innovation Centre. Learn more about the 8 teams competing at Start Something Summit: https://hubs.ly/Q04jcNSF0 #yycTech #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #StartupYYC #TechInYYC University of Calgary

🤠 Calgary’s innovation community doesn’t slow down for Stampede, it shows up louder. Tech Stampede Social isn’t your typical networking event. It’s where deals start, introductions happen, teams celebrate, and the ecosystem reconnects in true Calgary fashion. Whether you’re: ✔ Bringing your team for a summer celebration ✔ Hosting clients or visiting guests ✔ Reconnecting with the ecosystem ✔ Or looking to meet the people shaping Calgary’s tech sector — this is the room you want to be in. 🎟 Regular pricing is now live. Last year sold out, and tickets are already moving. https://hubs.ly/Q04j3k4q0 We’re grateful to have the support of our partners: Official Community Partner: UCalgary Faculty of Science Ecosystem Partner: Alberta Innovates #2026TechStampedeSocial #yycTech #CalgaryStampede #YYCEvents

🚨 Final week to recognize and support Calgary’s next generation of innovators. Nominations and student applications for the 10X Future Founders Scholarship close Thursday, May 28. Ten Grade 11 students will receive $1,000 scholarships and a unique opportunity to connect with Calgary’s innovation ecosystem through mentorship, networking, and hands-on exposure to entrepreneurship. Know a student with curiosity, initiative, and big ideas? It starts with a nomination. 🔗 Submit a nomination or student application today: https://lnkd.in/gr_GwY_x #yycTech #FutureFounders #Innovation #CalgaryStudents

Yesterday Platform Calgary CEO Jennifer Lussier was at Calgary City Hall with our Civic Partner colleagues to make our annual report to Calgary City Council. The numbers tell a clear story of Platform Calgary's contributions to our tech ecosystem: 📈 Calgary is the fastest growing market for tech talent in North America. 💸 Platform Calgary member companies have raised over $1B since 2018, with $330M raised in 2025 alone. 🤝 Platform Calgary has supported over 6,300 founders since 2022. 🥂 The Platform Innovation Centre has become the premier destination for the community, welcoming over 376,000 visitors since opening in June 2022. The work that we do would not be possible without the support of the City of Calgary. We look forward to continuing our work with Calgary City Council to align our essential work with their priorities for our city. Let’s take the next step together to establish Calgary as the tech capital of Canada! #yycTech #yyc

Introducing the Start Something Summit, presented by Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking - UCalgary. On June 5, join Calgary’s innovation community at the Platform Innovation Centre as ideas move beyond the classroom and into the spotlight. Watch top teams compete for a share of $40,000 in prizes while showcasing innovative solutions, research, and entrepreneurial thinking. Part live competition, part innovation showcase, and part community gathering, the Start Something Summit celebrates the next generation of founders, innovators, and changemakers emerging from the University of Calgary ecosystem. As the venue sponsor, Platform Calgary is proud to support opportunities that connect emerging innovators with Calgary’s broader entrepreneurial and technology community. The event is open to the UCalgary community, the innovation ecosystem, and anyone interested in entrepreneurship, research, and new ideas. 📅 June 5, 2026 📍 Platform Innovation Centre 🎟 Register today: https://hubs.ly/Q04hHHyp0 #yycTech #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #StartSomethingSummit #StartupYYC

AI isn't just changing the tools we use. It's changing what's expected of us at work. Across Calgary's tech ecosystem, organizations are rethinking how work gets done as AI becomes embedded into everyday workflows. Tasks that once took hours can now be completed in minutes. But as productivity increases, so do expectations. The conversation is no longer just about AI adoption. It's about how teams adapt, where human judgment creates value, and what skills matter most when work shifts from task execution to outcome ownership. Join us on May 26 for AI Reshaping the Workplace, a discussion grounded in real insights from employers navigating these changes today. You'll hear from: 🔹 Kelsey Hahn, CEO & Co-Founder of Monark Drawing on experience supporting more than 60 organizations and 20,000 leaders, Kelsey will share how AI is influencing performance, organizational effectiveness, and the future of work. 🔹 Jihoon Jung "JJ" , Systems Engineer at White Whale JJ will offer a practitioner's perspective on working inside an AI-forward company, including how teams are applying AI in real-world projects and why customer-centric thinking remains a critical advantage. We'll explore: ✔ How AI is shifting work from task execution to outcome ownership ✔ How organizations are adapting workflows and team structures ✔ Where productivity gains are real — and where they're often misunderstood ✔ What this means for individuals looking to stay relevant and create value in a changing workplace 🎟 Register today: https://hubs.ly/Q04hGqQl0 #TechTalentTuesdays #yycTech #FutureOfWork #TechInYYC

Today’s Community Connect pulled back the curtain on one of the most important, and often least discussed, aspects of building a company: the financial realities of scaling. A big thank you to Marjorie Junio-Read, CFA (Helcim) and Heather Campbell, CPA, CMA (Falkbuilt Ltd.) for sharing candid lessons from their experiences helping companies navigate growth, complexity, and key inflection points. Thank you as well to our own Jennifer Munro, CFO of Platform Calgary, for moderating the conversation and contributing her own perspectives from supporting founders and scaling organizations. A few themes that resonated throughout the discussion: 🔹 Early-stage companies often don't need a full-time CFO right away — but they do need strong bookkeeping, financial discipline, and access to trusted expertise when needed 🔹 Financial systems should evolve alongside the business. The earlier founders develop the habit of tracking and understanding their numbers, the stronger their foundation for future growth 🔹 Scaling isn't just about increasing revenue. Payroll, taxes, compliance, due diligence, and operational processes all become more important as a company grows 🔹 Hiring decisions should be guided by business goals and strategic priorities, not simply growth for growth's sake 🔹 A strong peer network can be invaluable. Learning from founders and operators who have faced similar challenges often helps companies avoid costly mistakes and move forward with greater confidence Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to another engaging Community Connect conversation. Community Connect is all about bringing Calgary's innovation community together to share practical insights, learn from one another, and strengthen the connections that help companies grow. #yycTech #CommunityConnect #StartupYYC #FounderSupport

We’re excited to welcome Amrop Rosin as Platform Calgary’s newest Corporate Partner. Amrop Rosin is a Canadian executive search and leadership advisory firm, and the Canadian member of the global Amrop Partnership. Amrop advises Boards, CEOs, and executive teams on senior leadership search, succession planning, and governance matters that shape long-term organizational success. Their work is grounded in trust, judgement, and a distinctly human approach. Every engagement is partner-led and tailored to the needs of each client and context. With deep local insight and global reach, they support organizations across Canada in leadership moments that define their future. “Amrop Rosin is excited to partner with Platform Calgary and support the founders, innovators, and technology companies helping shape Calgary’s future. We’re looking forward to contributing to the continued growth of one of North America’s most entrepreneurial and collaborative tech ecosystems.”  — Cameron McDonald, Partner, Amrop Rosin We’re proud to partner with organizations like Amrop Rosin who understand that strong leadership is foundational to building and scaling successful tech companies. Welcome to the community! Adam Pekarsky #NewPartner #yycTech #TechinYYC #PartnerAnnouncement