Edmonton and Calgary Forge Collaboration for Startup Growth

Under bright stadium lights, RE/MAX Field transformed into a vibrant gathering for the launch of Edmonton Startup Week, where over 500 attendees celebrated the city’s flourishing tech community. During the event, executives from Edmonton Unlimited and Platform Calgary discussed their ongoing collaboration agreement, known as the Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC). This marked their first in-person meeting since Jennifer Lussier stepped in as interim CEO of Platform Calgary following the departure of Terry Rock to Alberta Innovates.

The MoC, initially announced by Tom Viinikka and Rock in May at the Inventures conference, signifies a pivotal moment for these two vital innovation hubs in Alberta. The agreement aims to align programming, foster talent development, and streamline investment support, thereby facilitating smoother transitions for entrepreneurs between the two cities.

Turning Vision into Action

The collaborative efforts began to take tangible shape during a recent meeting in Red Deer, where the leadership teams of both organizations brainstormed and mapped out actionable steps. Lussier emphasized that their discussions were productive, turning high-level intentions into concrete initiatives. The two organizations have a history of working together through the Alberta Catalyzer, a joint pre-accelerator program that has been running for over three years.

“Collaboration means identifying our first, second, and third steps,” Lussier noted. The teams outlined priorities across five key areas: mentorship, investment, programming, talent, and resources. They identified each city’s strengths, assigned responsibilities, and began integrating networks of investors, mentors, and subject matter experts.

Viinikka referred to the brainstorming sessions as a platform for “wild and crazy ideas,” which will help establish timelines for pilot programs. In a province known for the competitive spirit of the Battle of Alberta, both leaders highlighted that this partnership illustrates how collaboration can yield greater benefits for founders than fierce rivalry.

Strengthening Connections and Avoiding Duplication

The alignment of efforts was evident at the Launch Party, where founders from Calgary mingled with local entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem partners. Platform Calgary facilitated the transport of investors and startups to Edmonton, marking a significant step toward creating a seamless corridor for connections between the two cities.

“This collaboration has led to a formal embedding of our efforts within each other’s signature events,” Lussier stated. Future events, including Calgary Innovation Week in November, will continue to foster shared programming and investor engagement.

According to Viinikka, the focus now is on enhancing collaboration systems, sharing data, and simplifying the movement of founders between the two cities. Both organizations are working on a new joint program that is expected to be one of the first substantial outcomes of the MoC, with public announcements targeted for Q1 2026.

The partnership also aims to streamline operations with Alberta Innovates, which recently introduced a business plan aimed at simplifying access to provincial support for innovators. Viinikka clarified that the MoC will not alter Alberta Innovates’ role but will create joint opportunities appealing at a provincial level.

Lussier underscored the importance of in-person interactions in fostering trust and collaboration. “Even a little time together makes a huge difference,” she noted, emphasizing the value of building relationships among teams.

As both organizations move forward, their commitment to working together may ultimately redefine the innovation landscape in Alberta, proving that collaboration can indeed thrive in a competitive environment. Digital Journal is proud to be an official media partner of Edmonton Startup Week.