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AI and ML in Edmonton


Tech investor grows but faces challenges​

The original story: In 2024, OligomicsTx was the first of three Edmonton-based companies to win a StartUp TNT summit finale, which it did back in March. The maker of RNA-targeting therapies for rare neuromuscular disorders earned at least $155,000 in investment at the Life Sciences Summit, held at the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute. In June, SketchDeck.ai, which uses AI and machine learning to automate estimates in the construction industry, won at least $150,000 at Summit IX. Finally, The Fort Distillery also received at least $150,000 in investment at Summit X.

Then what? Startup TNT experienced both achievements and challenges throughout 2024. In February, the non-profit was recognized as the most active pre-seed and seed stage investor in Western Canada by the Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association. In April, Startup TNT launched in British Columbia, but then paused its Manitoba operations in July. In October, Startup TNT received a SABEX Award for community impact from the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce. Later that month, it shared a code of conduct that aims to protect its community members from harassment and discrimination. Its biggest update came in a December post, which said the organization needs to streamline its operations and layoff staff. The changes Startup TNT shared it will undertake include creating a greater emphasis on the independence of its regional chapters, restructuring some of its summits, and hiring a new executive director.

What’s next? The search for a new executive director for Startup TNT is underway. Recruitment is being led by Artemis Canada. The post calls for someone based in Western Canada (and “ideally Edmonton”) with operational expertise, financial leadership, and more. As far as summit events go, the December post said four summits will take place at some point this spring: Edmonton, Calgary, British Columbia, and Agri-Food. The Cleantech, Life Sciences, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba events “are being restructured for future Summits, some as early as Fall 2025,” the post said.
 
I fail to see the positive in “another tech exit for Edmonton.”
I get the impression the exit is a financial one, not the business physically leaving, but I understand the point.

On the one hand it is a sign of success to sell a business and says something about the quality of businesses started here, but in the long run it could be better if they continue to grow here rather than being taken over by a company from elsewhere.
 

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