The year 2010 marked a period of rapid technological advancement and innovation. It was a time when the pace of change seemed to accelerate, with new technologies emerging and companies expanding their reach. Notable advancements included Apple’s launch of the first iPad, the introduction of USB 3.0, and the debut of Google Authenticator. The year also saw the founding of influential companies such as Instagram, Pinterest, Stripe, and GoFundMe—names that have since become ubiquitous and are now integral to our digital landscape.
In Alberta, 2010 was a year of recovery and renewal following the 2008 financial crisis. The provincial government continued its investment in economic revitalization by merging the Alberta Research Council and the Heritage Foundations to create several Alberta Innovates organizations. These included AI Technology Futures, AI Health Solutions, AI Energy and Environment Solutions, and AI Bio Solutions. The Alberta Research and Innovation Act, effective January 2010, was enacted to ensure consistent management and strategic use of funding to align with government priorities in science, research, and innovation.
According to Start Alberta, over 40 new companies were launched in the province in 2010. Some notable examples include:
Metabolomic Technologies: This company focused on novel metabolomics-based diagnostics for healthcare, including PolypDx™, a pioneering urine-based test for detecting colorectal cancer.
Kudos: Based in Calgary, Kudos developed a cloud-based platform and mobile app designed to enhance company culture through peer-to-peer recognition and values reinforcement.
Orpyx Medical Technologies: Known for its Orpyx SI® Sensory Insoles, this company made significant strides in diabetes care by preventing diabetic foot ulcers, a serious complication of diabetes.
The ASTech Awards in 2010 celebrated exceptional achievements in various fields:
Oriented Structural Straw Board: This innovation won the Societal Impact Award for its contributions to sustainable building practices. The Oriented Structural Straw Board utilized agricultural waste from wheat crops to produce engineered straw panels. These panels provided an eco-friendly alternative to traditional building materials. The development of these panels was driven by Mr. Wayne Wasylciw, an Agricultural Engineer with expertise in agrifibre. His work at Alberta Innovates Technology Solutions (formerly Alberta Research Council) led to the creation of a cost-effective, sustainable solution for construction. The panels were initially explored as a solution for housing in rural China, addressing homelessness caused by natural disasters. The innovation’s impact extended to Alberta, where milling operations were based in Trochu and later expanded to Kneehill County with Great Plains MDF. This initiative not only offered a practical solution for building materials but also contributed significantly to job creation and economic development in rural Alberta.
Iunctus Geomatics Corp: Iunctus made groundbreaking strides in remote sensing technology with its TerraEngine. This sophisticated geospatial solution allowed for the efficient storage, processing, and transmission of extensive digital imagery datasets. TerraEngine played a critical role in Alberta’s land management strategies, providing valuable insights for agriculture, disaster response, and natural resource management. The technology enabled precise and informed decision-making, helping to optimize land use and manage environmental challenges. The innovation’s importance in these sectors was recognized with the Outstanding Achievement in Applied Technology and Innovation Award. Iunctus’s pioneering work in remote sensing caught the attention of Planet Labs, which acquired the company in 2015, further advancing the capabilities of satellite imagery and Earth observation technologies.
Dr. Robert Burrell: Dr. Burrell’s ActiCoat™ received the ASTech Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Technology Award for its transformative impact on medical care. ActiCoat™ was a novel prophylactic dressing utilizing nanotechnology to enhance wound healing. By coating bandages with silver nanomolecules, the dressing exhibited remarkable anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, significantly improving the recovery process for burn and wound patients. This innovation proved vital in major disaster scenarios, including the 9/11 attacks, where it provided critical care to survivors, and in other significant incidents such as the Rhode Island fire and the Bali nightclub bombing. Dr. Burrell’s work has not only advanced medical therapeutics but also established new standards in wound care. His career as a Canada Research Chair and Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Alberta has been marked by continued contributions to medical research and technology development.
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.
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