$3-million investment from the Government of Alberta and the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund will empower Canadian innovators to solve the world’s most pressing challenges
Calgary, AB – XPRIZE, an established global leader in designing and operating incentive competitions to solve humanity’s greatest challenges, has selected UCalgary as the home of its Canada Hub. UCalgary has received $1.5 million in funding from Alberta Technology and Innovation, and an additional $1.5 million from the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) contributing to a five-year initiative to operate the hub.
“Being chosen as XPRIZE’s Canada Hub is a testament to our leadership in innovation and entrepreneurial thinking in Canada. We’re excited to see the amazing world-changing ideas and innovations that will come from the hub at UCalgary.” - Dr. Ed McCauley, president and vice-chancellor, UCalgary
The XPRIZE Canada Hub at UCalgary is the Foundation’s first international hub to launch and will strengthen Canada’s leadership in global innovation by connecting Canadian innovators to opportunities within the XPRIZE network.
“As we aim to expand XPRIZE’s global impact, our Hubs will play a pivotal role in fostering connections with innovators worldwide to address the most urgent challenges facing humanity. The University of Calgary is the ideal premier partner for the XPRIZE Canada Hub with its strong commitment to research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Together we will build a strong startup ecosystem to build scalable solutions toward a better future for all.” - Anousheh Ansari, CEO XPRIZE
UCalgary’s leadership in research, innovation and entrepreneurship, along with its status as the top startup creator among Canadian universities over the past five years, were factors in the selection as the location for the XPRIZE Canada Hub.
“The establishment of the XPRIZE Canada Hub at the University of Calgary is a remarkable addition to Alberta's thriving tech sector. With our world-class researchers, vibrant startup community, and substantial venture capital investments, this hub will further accelerate innovation and solidify Alberta's position as a leader in technological advancements.” - Hon. Nate Glubish, Minister of Technology and Innovation of Alberta
“Calgary has always been a city of visionaries, a place where ideas turn into real-world solutions. Our partnership with XPRIZE Hub strengthens our international reputation as a city that is actively building a better future for everybody. By aligning with XPRIZE’s global mission, Calgary is showing what’s possible when innovation, ambition, and community come together.” - Mayor Jyoti Gondek, City of Calgary
The hub will expand the capacity of Canadian innovators by connecting, supporting and accelerating teams to engage in XPRIZE activities, that will help de-risk and validate new technologies for investment, adoption and implementation.
“Calgary is where bright minds and big ideas come together to solve global challenges, and the Canadian XPRIZE Hub is powerful proof of that. This partnership will bring world-class talent to Calgary to develop groundbreaking ideas that build economic resilience while putting our city on the map as a global innovation hub.” - Brad Parry, CEO of the Opportunity Investment Fund and Calgary Economic Development
The XPRIZE Canada Hub is a $10 million, five-year initiative and the first international hub to launch as part of XPRIZE’s mission to establish a physical global presence and deepen collaboration with innovators worldwide to drive exponential change. Each XPRIZE Hub will operate as a powerful nucleus of impact, attracting and convening cross-sector stakeholders to catalyze industries and contribute to the design and selection of prizes, engage top-tier innovators and competitors, and empower local and regional XPRIZE teams to deliver breakthrough solutions to the world’s greatest challenges.
About XPRIZE
XPRIZE is the recognized global leader in designing and executing large-scale competitions to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. For over 30 years, its unique model has democratized crowd-sourced innovation and scientifically scalable solutions that accelerate a more equitable and abundant future. Donate, learn more, and co-architect a world of abundance at xprize.org.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 37,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. UCalgary is the top start-up creator among Canadian universities over the past five years. Start something today at the University of Calgary.
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About Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund
Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) was created as a wholly owned subsidiary of The City of Calgary in 2018 to support catalytic investments within the city to help diversify and transform the economy. The fund is administered by Calgary Economic Development and has a volunteer Board of Directors. It is vital tool to achieve the goals of the economic strategy and diversify Calgary's economic future.