From Cowboys to Coders: What Ontario's Tech Ecosystem Can Learn from Alberta's Bold Frontier Spirit

As I prepare for my panel this upcoming Tuesday at the 2024 Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) Conference in Edmonton, Alberta, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what I’ve learned from Alberta’s tech sector—the wins, the missteps, and how Ontario’s own startup ecosystem can draw inspiration. There’s something truly unique about the entrepreneurial energy out here that’s worth taking a closer look at.

But first, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to City of Windsor Senior Economic Development Officer Vito Grammatico, MBA for inviting me to share our experience building a thriving ecosystem in Ontario and the YQG (Windsor-Essex) region. It’s an incredible opportunity to bring our journey to the national stage and contribute to the conversation on how Canada can continue to grow its innovation economy.

We will be joined by Tom Viinikka of Edmonton Unlimited and Derek Armstrong of Calgary Economic Development and I cannot wait to discuss the subject of connecting and building innovative ecosystems with these folks.

Alberta’s Risk-Taking Culture: From Cowboys to Coders

When you think of Alberta, what’s the first image that comes to mind? For many, it’s the rugged frontier—home to cowboys, wide-open spaces, and a culture of hard-earned resilience. And honestly, that’s a big part of what makes Alberta’s entrepreneurial spirit so compelling. Historically, Alberta has been Canada’s frontier, a place where taking risks was a way of life. It’s no surprise that this mentality has carried over into the tech scene.

Today, while the cowboy hats are still around, Alberta’s frontier spirit is driving a different kind of boldness. This time, it’s about embracing cutting-edge technology and proactively developing diversified sectors in innovation. In conversations with local entrepreneurs, it’s clear that there’s a hunger to push boundaries and take big swings—whether it’s in AI, blockchain, the energy sector, or biotech.

This culture of risk-taking, born out of Alberta’s early days of resource exploration, still runs deep. People here know that you can’t wait for someone else to innovate for you. And while that can lead to some stumbles along the way, it’s also the reason Alberta has seen some serious success stories. The willingness to dive headfirst into new challenges is an asset that Ontario could stand to learn from as we continue to build our own innovation ecosystem.

Challenges and Learning Moments: A Softer Look at Failures

Like any rapidly evolving ecosystem, Edmonton’s tech community has seen its share of growing pains. One story that comes up frequently is Darkhorse Analytics. Despite being a promising data analytics startup, they faced challenges finding a strong product-market fit and struggled to scale at the rate needed to keep up with competitors.

But here’s the thing—every startup ecosystem has its own version of Darkhorse. Failure, or the risk of it, is an inevitable part of the journey, and it’s not unique to Alberta. The folks I’ve spoken with in Edmonton are quick to emphasize that even these struggles are valuable learning experiences. What stands out here is the community’s ability to analyze those tough lessons and move forward with a renewed focus.

I’ve heard from many local entrepreneurs that funding, in particular, can be a hurdle. While Alberta’s venture capital scene is maturing, it’s not quite as developed as the networks we see in Ontario. This means startups sometimes face a longer runway to secure the capital they need to scale. But Alberta is working on it. The province is seeing more investment trickle in, and with time, these challenges could turn into opportunities as investors recognize the untapped potential of the region.

Alberta’s Success Stories: Tech Wins that Inspire

Now, let’s turn to the bright side—because Alberta has no shortage of tech success stories. One of the best examples is Jobber , which offers software solutions for service businesses like landscapers and electricians. With over $100 million USD in venture capital raised, Jobber is proof that Alberta companies can make it on the world stage. Their success, from what I’ve observed, comes from a deep focus on customer needs and smart hiring decisions that allowed them to scale while maintaining the agility of a startup.

Then there’s Showbie an edtech company that’s reshaped how teachers engage with students globally. Showbie leveraged local talent, but always had an international mindset, making them another prime example of how Alberta’s tech ecosystem is building companies that are just as comfortable in international markets as they are at home.

What Ontario Can Learn from Alberta’s Startup Ecosystem

So, what can we in Ontario take away from Alberta’s approach to innovation?

Embracing Frontier Boldness: Alberta’s risk-taking culture is deeply tied to its frontier roots. In the same way that the province’s early pioneers took risks to carve out opportunities in resource-rich landscapes, today’s entrepreneurs are pioneering new technologies and business models. In Ontario, we can tap into that same boldness—especially as we work to support founders in regions outside of the GTA like Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent, who are innovating in everything from mobility to Agri-tech.

Focus on the Customer: Jobber and Showbie aren’t just great because of their products—they’re great because they focus on solving real customer pain points. In Ontario, while we excel at building strong product-based companies, it’s always worth re-emphasizing the importance of listening to the customer. That’s something we focus on both coaching and putting into practice at WEtech Alliance , with multiple touch points and temperature checks throughout the year, we're obsessed with our customers problems. As a network though, I think that so much get's lost in translation, sometimes the burden of administration can get in the way of the "why." Organizations that are publicly funded can get so caught up in the eb and flow of funding cycles that it becomes hard to focus on who we ultimately exist to serve, something that I think isn't exclusive to our network, but certainly creates a challenge that I know colleagues across the province face.

Bridging the Funding Gap: How Alberta’s Collaborative Network is Fueling Innovation—and What Ontario Can Learn

Alberta’s initial challenges with securing steady and diversified funding have sparked a transformation, resulting in a powerful network effect that is now driving innovation across the province. At the heart of this shift are initiatives like the The Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund (OCIF) which has made Calgary one of Canada’s top cities for venture capital investment. The OCIF strategically deploys capital to high-potential startups, fostering job creation and innovation in sectors ranging from cleantech to AI.

However, this success story is not just about Calgary. Across Alberta, organizations like Platform Calgary , Edmonton Unlimited , and Alberta Innovates are working in tandem to create a collaborative environment that connects startups to resources, capital, and mentorship. Add to this the cutting-edge work of the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (Amii) in AI research and the targeted support from InnoTech Alberta and TECTERRA Inc. in emerging industries, and you have an ecosystem designed to address funding gaps while leveraging a network of support at every level.

For Ontario, Alberta’s approach serves as a powerful reminder: while our networks are robust—particularly in hubs like Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo—we must ensure that capital flows to startups in all regions. By embracing innovative funding strategies and fostering collaborative networks, we can build a more inclusive ecosystem where innovation thrives in every corner of the province. Expanding partnerships with Communitech , and Angel Investors Ontario can help us drive capital to where it’s needed most, ultimately creating more opportunities for startups to scale and strengthening the provincial economy.

What I'm bringing to the panel.

Heading into my panel at the EDAC Conference, I’m both excited and inspired. Ontario has a lot to be proud of when it comes to building a world-class startup ecosystem, but there’s always so much room to learn. Edmonton and Alberta's broader story—one of risk-taking, resilience, and success—offers a fresh perspective that we can all draw from.

So, Alberta, thank you for being the frontier once again. And to the rest of us? Let’s keep learning, keep innovating, and maybe—just maybe—start thinking a little more like we're part of this seasons cast of Little Startup on The Prairies.