Thankfully, 2012 did not signal the apocalypse as some interpretations of the Mayan calendar suggested. However, for some, the launch of Tinder in 2012 may have felt like an apocalypse for it’s impact on dating culture. Beyond the rise of Tinder, 2012 also saw the release of the Raspberry Pi—a low-cost computer designed to teach children coding, offering far more promise than the former. Meanwhile, Nord Security made waves by launching NordVPN, empowering users to protect their data—especially in those notoriously unsecure coffee shops.

In Alberta, several remarkable companies emerged, each contributing to local innovation:

• Showbie: An app transforming classrooms by enabling teachers to assign, collect, and review student work seamlessly. It ensures that both teachers and students are always up to date with the latest classwork and assignments.

• GeologicAI: Revolutionizing geological and mining decisions with its advanced core scanning technology and AI-powered analytical and modeling solutions.

• Osperity: Providing industrial companies with an intelligent visual monitoring platform, reducing operational costs, and mitigating environmental and safety risks through efficient camera management and AI-driven data analysis.

In 2012, ASTech Award winners continued to push the boundaries of innovation. Here are some of the standout honorees:

Dr. Breanne Everett, CEO and co-founder of Orpyx Medical Technologies Inc., was celebrated as one of the 2012 ASTech Leaders of Tomorrow. Combining her expertise in plastic and reconstructive surgery with entrepreneurial vision, Dr. Everett developed sensory insoles to combat diabetic ulcers. Her company, Orpyx, now utilizes cloud-based data to personalize patient care to address pressure offloading for foot ulcer prevention. The Orpyx Sensory Insole system is the only solution that can proactively enable patients to relieve areas of high pressure, preventing Diabetic foot ulcers which lead to 85% of amputations. Dr. Everett’s achievements have been widely recognized—she’s been inducted into the Alberta Business Hall of Fame, named one of Avenue Magazine’s Top 40 under 40, and honored as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. In 2016, she received the Governor General’s Innovation Award for her contributions to healthcare technology.

Drs. Seema and Rajan Gupta, co-founders of NanoSpeed Diagnostics Inc., were awarded the ASTech Outstanding Achievement in Applied Technology and Innovation. Their groundbreaking microchip prototype allows for the rapid analysis of biological markers, such as those indicating heart disease and hormone deficiencies. Their startup, based in Edmonton, has made health diagnostics more accessible with their lab-on-a-chip device which enables quick, affordable, and accurate health assessments that process tests for Vitamin D, thyroid hormones, and minerals like calcium and iron within 10 minutes. Their latest efforts involve integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning to further enhance diagnostic accuracy and accessibility.

Drader Manufacturing, another recipient of the ASTech Outstanding Achievement in Applied Technology and Innovation, has been recognized for their leadership in the plastic manufacturing industry. The Edmonton-based company has evolved from a traditional machine shop to a pioneer in custom plastic products, collaborating with the University of Alberta to integrate cutting-edge research into their product development.

GrowSafe Systems Ltd., honored with the ASTech Innovation in Agricultural Science Award, has transformed cattle farming with technology that optimizes feed efficiency and reduces environmental impact. Their patented system allows for real-time monitoring of individual animals, improving welfare and profitability. In 2020, GrowSafe expanded their impact by merging with Vytelle, a Kansas City-based company, to bring their innovations to an even larger market.

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.