The Calgary Innovation Coalition (CIC) is striving to create a healthy, inclusive, globally recognized innovation ecosystem supporting thriving ventures in the Calgary region. To accelerate the venture’s journey we leverage the connectivity, experience, and knowledge of our member network to identify and address ecosystem needs, enhance connections, and enable venture triaging. We are one of eight Regional Innovation Networks supported by Alberta Innovates.
What we do for our members:
- Facilitate networking
- Provide resources & toolkits (website) Research ecosystem challenges & opportunities
- Support program development
- Demonstrate collaboration and leadership in diversity, equity, and inclusion
Calgary is a rapidly growing ecosystem with the goal of achieving 1000 start-ups (less than 4 employees) by 2030. This requires the 45+ CIC members to collaborate while increasing the creation and velocity of technology entrepreneurs in Calgary. Through our efforts, each year the Calgary region will create 110 new innovation start-ups while supporting 36 start-ups to grow into junior tech companies (5-49 employees). Members of the CIC adhere to Rainforest Alberta’s social contract embracing diversity and trust as we work together.
The Calgary Innovation Coalition’s funded partners including Platform Calgary, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Venture Mentoring Service Alberta, and Rainforest Alberta deliver several programs designed to support the development and growth of innovation ventures in Calgary.
Calgary is a rapidly growing ecosystem with the goal of achieving 1000 start-ups (less than 4 employees) by 2030. This requires the 45+ CIC members to collaborate while increasing the creation and velocity of technology entrepreneurs in Calgary. Through our efforts, each year the Calgary region will create 110 new innovation start-ups while supporting 36 start-ups to grow into junior tech companies (5-49 employees). Members of the CIC adhere to Rainforest Alberta’s social contract embracing diversity and trust as we work together.
The Calgary Innovation Coalition’s funded partners including Platform Calgary, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Venture Mentoring Service Alberta, and Rainforest Alberta deliver several programs designed to support the development and growth of innovation ventures in Calgary.
PROACTIVE OUTREACH
The CIC conducts proactive outreach to the ‘entrepreneur curious’ (first time entrepreneur) and welcome them into Onboarding programs to spur their curiosity, introduce them to other start-ups in the ecosystem, and encourage them to take the first steps towards starting their own venture. Our efforts reach mid-career professionals, new Canadians and students with focused efforts to connect with youth, women, BIPOC and other under-represented communities.
ONBOARDING AND DISCOVERY PROGRAMING Prospective entrepreneurs, whether they find the CIC on their own or are drawn by the above Outreach activities, will be encouraged to undertake Onboarding and Discovery programming. These frequently offered short term sessions include:
- Startup 101 – Entrepreneurs are connected to the resources, networks, and tools to bring their idea to life.
- Customer 101 – Entrepreneurs learn about customer discovery and if their idea is something clients want or need.
- Discover – Entrepreneurs learn more about engaging with customers, testing their ideas, and measuring results.
ADVISORY SERVICES
Advisors can serve as an early entry point to Calgary’s innovation ecosystem while also providing ongoing support through the venture’s journey as they start and scale. Through one-on-one conversations advisors assess a venture’s current stage of growth, business goals, and challenges faced. Advisors provide guidance while also connecting venture’s to other services available in the ecosystem.
MENTORING SERVICES
The Venture Mentoring Service of Alberta supports founders at the scale-up stage by surrounding them with a team of mentors who provide volunteer and conflict-free coaching, guidance, and mentorship as they scale. Through a team-based coaching approach, the focus is on building leadership capacity, critical thinking, and the entrepreneurial mindset of the founder. Entrepreneurs are supported by a team of three senior business leaders who provide mentorship and act as a sounding board to the growth-stage founders.
INNOVATION is a new method, idea or product activated for new profits and growth. SUCCESS for the venture includes growth, pivoting and even understanding when to pull the plug.
INCUBATION SERVICES
Incubation Services is an 18-month program designed to provide high touch concierge mentoring and access to specialized support to selected entrepreneurs. Through the course of the program, founders will participate in a comprehensive curriculum to help them accelerate their progress towards product/market fit. Founders have access to one-on one sessions with assigned Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EiRs), curated workshops, peer-to-peer opportunities with other participants in the cohort, and support from the Incubation Services team. On average, incubator teams will engage in 2 to 4 hours of weekly tailored activities.
HARD-TECH PROTOTYPING SERVICES
This is support for hard-tech start-ups to design and build prototypes for their solution. This may include development and production of hardware, firmware, or manufacturing processes.
