Calgary is where bright minds, and big ideas just reached a new level. With the launch of Canada’s first XPRIZE Hub, hosted by the University of Calgary, our city is solidifying its position as Canada’s innovation capital.
"Calgary has always been a city of visionaries, a place where ideas turn into real-world solutions,” said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. “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. “
Backed by the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund’s (OCIF) $1.5 million funding, XPRIZE and the University of Calgary will promote innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration to support the city’s economic resiliency and growth. This major investment in Calgary’s future drives international attention, attracts top-tier talent, and opens new doors for local companies to compete and thrive on the global stage.
As part of a four-year agreement with OCIF, XPRIZE and the University of Calgary are eligible to receiving funding by hitting milestones that include creating five permanent jobs, supporting 14 local companies, training 35 individuals and hosting three global events in Calgary.
The Canadian Hub will facilitate cross-sectoral collaboration among academia, industry, and government, enhancing both local and national engagement in tackling global challenges. Calgary was chosen as the home of the XPRIZE Canada Hub due to its thriving innovation ecosystem and strong support for entrepreneurs and proven ability to attract investment.
“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,” said Brad Parry, CEO of the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund and President and CEO of Calgary Economic Development.
For three decades, XPRIZE has fueled advancements that have reshaped industries and communities. Calgary places itself alongside powerhouses like Glasgow, UK and Geneva, Switzerland as XPRIZE Hubs’ alumni, further positioning the city as the innovation capital of Canada.
This initiative fosters groundbreaking research, breaking down commercialization barriers, and scaling new ventures, the Hub will be a driver for economic resilience and long-term growth.
The launch of the XPRIZE Canada Hub is a strategic investment in Calgary’s future — one that strengthens local economic growth while helping to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges.