Technology in 2008 was marked by significant advancements, particularly in mobile technology. Apple and Google introduced their mobile app stores, and Amazon acquired Audible, expanding its digital offerings. This year also saw the emergence of Github, Airbnb, Asana, Spotify, and Shazam, catering to diverse tech needs.
In Alberta, two notable companies were launched, significantly contributing to the local tech community. Clio, founded by Jack Newton and Rian Gauvreau, introduced the first cloud-based practice management software for law firms. By 2021, Clio achieved unicorn status with a valuation of over $1.6 billion. Benevity, established in 2008, provides platforms for charitable donation management, volunteer management, and grant management. With a social impact of over $14 billion in donations, $16 billion in grants across 90 countries, and support for more than 470,000 non-profits, Benevity also became a unicorn following a majority stake sale in 2020 for $1.1 billion. Both Clio and Benevity maintain strong Alberta-based teams and continue to be key players in the local tech ecosystem.
On the ASTech front, there were 13 winners across various fields, including petrochemical and oil sands research, agriculture, medicine, and construction. Some highlights include:
DIRTT Environmental Solutions won the award for Outstanding Achievement in Applied Technology and Innovation. Their proprietary software, ICE®, revolutionizes office renovations with pre-engineered moveable walls that eliminate construction waste and allow for easy reconfiguration, promoting sustainability and individualized workspace design. Today, DIRTT is a global leader in industrialized interior construction, utilizing custom manufacturing and advanced digital tools. Their technology division, Ice Edge®, develops tools like ICE® software and ICEreality, enabling real-time virtual reality collaboration and feedback for industrialized construction systems. DIRTT is publicly traded on Nasdaq (DRTT) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (DRT).
Dr. John Wolfaardt and Dr. Gordon Wilkes, co-founders of the Institute of Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine (iRSM), received an ASTech Special Award. Their institute integrates bioengineering, science, and medicine to enhance the quality of life for patients through facial and neck reconstruction. This collaboration between the University of Alberta, Covenant Health (Edmonton), and Alberta Health Services has pioneered the use of digital modeling and 3D printing in reconstructive surgery and prosthetics. Their work has revolutionized the treatment of patients with head and neck impairments or defects due to cancer, injury, trauma, or congenital conditions.
Dr. Hong Zhang, a professor at the University of Alberta's Department of Computing Science, won the Innovation in Oil Sands Research award. In partnership with Syncrude and the University of Alberta, Dr. Zhang developed "the eye," a computer vision and image processing technology that monitors ore particulates during oil extraction. By identifying and measuring larger particles early in the process, this innovation allows operators to crush them before extraction, saving billions of dollars and reducing environmental waste.
This post is in partnership with Technology Alberta and the ASTech Awards, celebrating the impact of 35 years of innovation in Alberta, tying our past to our present. Our thanks to Lisa Carter and Neil Goud for their research and support.
Kommentare