Deep-tech startups need persistence, specialized support

Assets such as the University of Alberta and the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute have helped Edmonton compete on the deep-tech stage, but unique supports are required to commercialize the breakthrough research emerging from such institutions, Sangeet Brar said after Edmonton Unlimited hosted its first Deep Tech Showcase on June 9. "If Edmonton wants to build a real advantage, we must understand those distinctions and connect founders to the right expertise, partners, and patient capital for the type of company they're actually building," posted Brar, who is the COO of Edmonton's innovation agency.

Deep tech startups operate in areas such as AI, health, energy, space, advanced manufacturing, and quantum computing. The showcase brought investors, founders, researchers, and ecosystem leaders together for a morning focused on what it takes to commercialize and scale science- and engineering-based ventures in Edmonton. "Unlike many software startups that can move quickly from idea to market, deep tech ventures often face longer development timelines, complex technical challenges, and significant capital requirements," said an Edmonton Unlimited piece based on a fireside chat with Wyvern co-founders Christopher Robson and Callie Lissinna, moderated by Arden Tse of Yaletown Partners. It's a challenge to stay focused when progress advances over years rather than months, the founders said.

For Edmonton Unlimited, the showcase was a signal indicating how local support may need to evolve. Brar told BetaKit that deep-tech founders are essential to the city but have not always had the right programs or expert support around them. The organization plans to use what it learned from the event to shape future programming, including a deeper focus during Edmonton Startup Week in October. Meanwhile, the showcase generated one-on-one meetings between 20 deep-tech companies and investors, several of which have reportedly led to follow-up conversations.