Building a Startup in Alberta
As part of our ongoing series on the Warehouse Optimization Project, our team has touched on several related topics, including the benefits of working with key partners like Alberta Machine Intelligence and Scale AI.
In this blog, we’ll be touching on some of the benefits of being situated in Calgary, Alberta, and how the local tech, STEM, and entrepreneurial communities have benefited our organization.
Key Takeaways:
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Calgary is a large tech market, with over 50,000 tech jobs representing 6.9 percent of total employment, according to Calgary Economic Development.
- Organizations like AMII, Platform Calgary, and more, help draw and foster talent.
- A generation of new talent is emerging from schools like U of C, SAIT, MacEwan U, and more!
- Alberta's picturesque rocky mountains are perfect for those who like outdoor activities as part of their work-life balance.
Building a Startup in Alberta
As part of our ongoing series on the Warehouse Optimization Project, our team has touched on several related topics, including the benefits of working with key partners like Alberta Machine Intelligence and Scale AI.
In this blog, we’ll be touching on some of the benefits of being situated in Calgary, Alberta, and how the local tech, STEM, and entrepreneurial communities have benefited our organization.
A Strong STEM and Tech Ecosystem
Alberta has a strong amount of STEM talent: According to Calgary Economic Development, “In 2022, Calgary, Alberta, Canada officially transitioned from a small to a large tech market, with over 50,000 tech jobs representing 6.9 per cent of total employment. Calgary also became the second most concentrated tech talent market in North America for individuals in their thirties.”
Additionally, several organizations in the region also help draw, foster, and connect talent. “AMII is actually drawing the best of the best,” says Mike, “they have some of the biggest companies in the world coming here, actually drawing talent in.”
Others, such as Platform Calgary, help to foster and bring together tech talent through panels and events like Tech Talent Tuesday.
Education Partners
In addition to established tech workers who live in or move to the area, there is also a generation of new talent emerging from schools. We have offered practicum placements for students from SAIT, and also contributed to micro-credential courses for postsecondary institutions.
“We work with groups like MacEwan University, University of Calgary, U of A through AMII, U of C, and a number of others,” says Mike, “there's just this great feeder site for talent that is coming through the system.”
A Great Place to Work
In addition to being a hub for tech and innovation, Calgary is the ideal city for those who like the outdoors and are seeking a good work-life balance: it’s rated as one of the most liveable cities, and is within just a few hours of the Rocky Mountains.
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To sum up: we’re so proud to be part of the Calgary Tech community. “...you could technically build a tech business anywhere,” says Mike, “But when you look at where we are and the advantages we have here, it's like nowhere else would make sense.”
