Confidence Building – By Working Together, Across the Province

Thank you to the Alberta Innovates and RIN Leaders – it was a pleasure to see you all this week!

Alberta Innovates leads and facilitates the in-person meeting of the Regional Innovation Network (RIN) leaders at one of the RIN locations annually, to connect with each other for future collaboration, and learn more about innovation opportunities available for their entrepreneurs by Alberta Innovates, NRC-IRAP, PrairiesCan and many others. It was Edmonton‘s turn to host, and the 3 days took the 50+ representatives to the Edmonton Research Park (Innotech and ATC facilities), NAIT, and the University of Alberta.

 – Technology Alberta was honored to host the first evening’s networking session – featuring local ATC entrepreneurs that are doing big things. Special thanks to these companies for sharing their stories, and offering their networks and advice: NTwist industrial automation; Nanospeed Diagnostics health sciences; umay healthcare devices; Intellimedia education software; Nanoprecise heavy equipment monitoring, and more. Without exception, these outstanding entrepreneurs regularly give back and mentor – including by taking on Alberta post-secondary students through programs such as FIRST Jobs.Regular ASTech Awards attendees will also recognize some of these companies.

So what was the high point of the 3 days for me?  Seeing Grande Prairie’s GP-RIN Leader proudly wearing the shirt of their local entrepreneur that works in robotics and farm equipment, RCFarmArm (a six-time Ag Innovations Award-winner for their wireless tractor control) in conversation with an University of Alberta engineering professor; and new Fort McMurray RIN Leaders mentioning that their local entrepreneur Kid-Drop is now opening offices across Alberta, including in Grande Prairie and Edmonton.. and oh yes, this company will also be on Dragon’s Den!

It is great when big things happen in big cities – as they do in both Calgary and Edmonton – but it is inspiring for us all – when we see that Alberta’s entrepreneurs from across the province and in the smaller cities are gaining ground. Confidence is growing within our innovators, and our innovation system – you can feel the momentum! More to come, and to be continued.. as we celebrate and share success at the ASTech Awards.

See you there everyone!