Calgary charts course to become Canada's Innovation Capital
Calgary Economic Development unveils a transformative Innovation Strategy aimed at creating 187,000 jobs and generating $28 billion in economic activity by 2034.
In response to global economic uncertainties, Calgary Economic Development (CED) has introduced a comprehensive Innovation Strategy designed to position Calgary as Canada's leading hub for innovation. The strategy anticipates the creation of up to 187,000 jobs and an infusion of over $28 billion into the economy within the next decade.
"While we're facing unprecedented levels of economic uncertainty due to tariffs and the ongoing trade dispute with the U.S., we need to focus on what's within our control. Now is the time to double down on innovation and continue building a resilient economy for Calgary," said Brad Parry, president and CEO of Calgary Economic Development and CEO of the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund.
The Innovation Strategy is built upon four key objectives:
Establishing sector-specific innovation nodes - creating interconnected hubs across the city to centralize resources and foster collaboration among academia, startups, and investors.
Launching an innovation roadmap - developing a clear plan to guide Calgary's journey toward becoming an innovation leader.
Enhancing ecosystem impact - strengthening the existing innovation infrastructure to support emerging businesses.
Building alignment to share Calgary's story - promoting Calgary's innovation narrative locally and globally.
"Calgary is a resilient city where game-changers can turn big ideas into new solutions, and with Calgary's Innovation Strategy, we're taking a strategic step forward to enhance vibrancy and economic prosperity in our community," said Terry Rock, president and CEO of Platform Calgary. "As a community of 850+ member companies and partners, Platform Calgary will be a central resource facilitating crucial links and providing essential support for startups, investors, talent, and enterprises focused on launching and scaling to drive growth within Calgary's innovation ecosystem."
Building on a strong foundation
Calgary's innovation landscape is already robust, with established centers like the Life Sciences Innovation Hub, the Energy Transition Centre and the Aerospace Innovation Hub. Since 2018, Calgary's annual venture capital investment has risen by 1,000 per cent, and the city's ecosystem valuation has increased by 235 per cent to $8.1 billion. A recent CBRE report also recognized Calgary as the fastest-growing tech talent hub in North America.
“Calgary is a leader in innovation, and as our City works together with Calgary Economic Development, we are making significant strides to future-proof the economic landscape,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “The Prairie Economic Gateway stands as a testament to our efforts, as it will dramatically change how we move goods, increase the manufacturing sector and tax base for the region, and improve supply chains. This singular strategic initiative is poised to channel over $7 billion in investment and create 30,000 jobs, and we're just getting started.”
The Innovation Strategy is also aligned with Calgary's "Blue Sky City" brand, introduced in 2024 to encapsulate the city's spirit of optimism, innovation and inclusivity.
