By 2013, YouTube had already established itself as a major player, but the introduction of live streaming that year marked a significant shift in how content was consumed. This innovation allowed for real-time interaction between creators and their audiences, paving the way for the influencer culture we know today. In the same year, other groundbreaking platforms were launched: Slack revolutionized workplace communication with instant messaging, DoorDash catered to our cravings with on-demand food delivery, and Patreon provided content creators with a new avenue for financial support.
Meanwhile, in Alberta, our local entrepreneurs were harnessing emerging technologies to create innovative, market-ready solutions:
Samdesk offers a global monitoring tool that delivers rapid crisis alerts and situational awareness powered by AI.
Zugalu is an indie gaming company developing Thrive: Heavy Lies the Crown, a medieval survival city builder where every decision impacts the fate of your kingdom.
Wandering Shepherd tracks the temperature and location of livestock with unmatched accuracy, ensuring the well-being of large domesticated animals.
Carbon Upcycling Technologies is reducing the carbon footprint of cement while enhancing concrete performance, sequestering carbon in the process.
In 2013, the ASTech Awards recognized several outstanding Alberta innovators:
Orpyx Medical Technologies received the Outstanding Science and Technology Startup Award for its innovative approach to diabetes care. Founded by Dr. Breanne Everett in 2010, Orpyx developed the world’s first diabetic insole sensory substitution systems—SurroSense Rx™ and SurroGait Rx™—which help diabetic patients manage foot complications through wearable sensor technology. Today, Orpyx continues to lead in digital therapeutics, offering personalized remote care solutions with their flagship Orpyx® Sensory Insole.
AuroraWatch, led by Dr. Ian Mann, won the ASTech Award for Excellence in Science and Technology Public Awareness. By utilizing real-time satellite data and magnetic field monitoring, AuroraWatch issues alerts for aurora activity, attracting a global audience and positioning Alberta as a leader in space science research and Aurora tourism. With over 100,000 users worldwide, AuroraWatch has become a key player in the field, earning Dr. Mann a place in the Royal Society of Canada.
MRF Geosystems was honored with the Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology Award for its pioneering work in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Founded by Gary Zhang in 1992, MRF Geosystems has grown from a one-man operation into a global leader in GIS technologies, serving clients in over 40 countries. Their innovations, such as the digitization of paper maps and custom GIS applications, have significantly enhanced productivity and decision-making across industries.
HiFi Engineering Inc. received the Outstanding Achievement in Applied Technology and Innovation Award for its innovative use of fiber optics in detecting oil and gas leaks. Founded by John Hull in 2008, HiFi’s MiQro and MaQro systems offer unparalleled accuracy in leak detection, reducing environmental impact and lowering repair costs. HiFi continues to advance fiber optic monitoring technology, reinforcing its position as a leader in environmental protection and innovation.
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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