Advertise on podcast: Ottawa Business Journal

Ottawa’s AI scene is evolving. Early momentum was created by companies such as Solink, founded by Mike Matta, which applied computer vision to retail analytics, and Ranovus, led by Hany Mussad, which develops the optical hardware necessary for high-capacity AI data centres. Subsequent growth was driven by firms such as MindBridge, co-founded by Solon Angel and Eli Fathi, and BluWave-ai, led by Devashish Paul, which targeted specific industrial applications in financial auditing and energy grid management. A new AI player is garnering international attention. Backboard.io is developing a memory-native API designed to manage long-term context in large language models. In January 2026, the company closed a pre-seed funding round led by Mistral Venture Partners, with participation from N49P, Garage Capital, and Developer Capital. In this episode of Techopia Live, OBJ publisher Michael Curran speaks to Rob Imbeault, the founder and CEO of Backboard.io. Having already co-founded tech unicorn Assent, Imbeault is now in the CEO seat and predicting big things to come. For more on Ottawa’s tech and innovation scene, visit https://obj.ca/techopia. Subscribe to Techopia’s weekly newsletter here: https://obj121.activehosted.com/f/5

For many business owners, the world of carbon offsets can feel abstract, complex, and disconnected from the bottom line. Canada’s Forest Trust Corporation is helping to change that sentiment. Based in Ottawa and founded by well-known entrepreneur and philanthropist Gary Zed, CFTC offers turnkey, customizable nature-based solutions that are practical and measurable. In fall 2025, CFTC partnered with the City of Ottawa on a campaign called “Let’s Get Growing!” In this podcast, OBJ publisher Michael Curran speaks to Zed about how other local business owners can join the campaign to help reforest Ottawa.

In the fast-paced tech sector, the prevailing question is this: who is the next big thing? In Ottawa, that distinction is determined, in part, by an awards program. In late fall 2025, the Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa Board of Trade organized the Best Ottawa Business Awards. One of the highlights of that awards program is called #NextBigThing. With the guidance of Invest Ottawa and RBC, three #NextBigThing recipients are recognized. In 2025, the honourees were Compose Health, Downpay and TACTIQL. In this episode of Techopia Live, OBJ publisher Michael Curran speaks with Nick Quain, vice-president of venture and entrepreneurship at Invest Ottawa, about the three recipient companies and his outlook for 2026. For more on Ottawa’s tech and innovation scene, visit https://obj.ca/techopia. Subscribe to Techopia’s weekly newsletter here: https://obj121.activehosted.com/f/5

AI is transforming industries and reshaping communities. This episode of Techopia Live takes viewers inside TechTuesday for a closer look at What AI Tinkering Reveals About the Future of Tech Innovation. Hosted by Riaz Sidi, the episode explores how a grassroots movement of builders and experimenters is influencing the trajectory of artificial intelligence in Ottawa and across Canada. The episode features Hai Nghiem, CEO and Co-founder of AGI Ventures Canada, and highlights the work of AGI Ventures Canada (formerly AI Tinkerers Ottawa), an emerging community of more than 1,550 developers and innovators advancing AI through meetups, hackathons, rapid prototyping, and collaborative experimentation. Their initiatives include monthly AI hackathons, AI solution development for clients ranging from Fortune 50 companies to fast-growing startups, and a six-week AI Accelerator delivered in partnership with Mistral VC that brings founders to San Francisco to connect with YC alumni, investors, and global AI networks. The discussion examines how small-scale experimentation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a practical builder-driven mindset are producing real-world breakthroughs and shaping the next phase of digital transformation. The session concludes with a fireside chat featuring moderator Veronica Farmer, Hai Nghiem, and Rami Alhamad, Co-Founder and CEO of Alma and an investor in the AGI Ventures Canada AI Accelerator. Their conversation explores how community-powered experimentation, hands-on innovation, and early-stage AI development are influencing the future of the sector. Additional interviews with TechTuesday attendees, including Andree Paige (The NEXT PaiGE), Suzanne Cyr (The Ottawa Education Group), Matthew Jerabek (Algonquin College), and Linda Kerbs (Nokia), capture the momentum, questions, and opportunities emerging across Ottawa’s AI ecosystem. This episode illustrates how innovation is increasingly emerging at the edges in community-led spaces, where people come together to tinker, test, connect, and build. For more on Ottawa’s tech and innovation scene, visit https://obj.ca/techopia. Subscribe to Techopia’s weekly newsletter here: https://obj121.activehosted.com/f/5

Kanata-based Fidus Systems is poised for aggressive expansion after agreeing to sell a majority stake to New York private equity firm Catchment Capital. While financial terms remain undisclosed, the company says the deal provides the “rocket fuel” needed to pursue strategic acquisitions and accelerate R&D. Fidus, a designer of complex embedded components for sectors like aerospace and autonomous vehicles, will retain its local headquarters and executive team. The partnership offers the capital to scale the 200-person company’s already rapid revenue growth while preserving its culture, emphasizing that operations remain unchanged ‒ just with deeper pockets for future innovation. In this special episode of Techopia Live, OBJ publisher Michael Curran talks with Scott Turnbull, chief technology officer of Fidus Systems, about the company’s new majority owner and what it might mean for its future. Looking for more information on Techopia? Visit https://obj.ca/techopia for regular updates on Ottawa’s technology sector. You can also sign up for Techopia’s weekly email newsletter: https://obj121.activehosted.com/f/

In this episode of Techopia Live, OBJ brought viewers to the November TechTuesday for an inside look at Kanata North, Canada’s largest tech park, and its role in making Ottawa a global tech hub. Hosted by Veronica Farmer, the discussion highlighted key investments, innovation, and partnerships that have driven Ottawa’s leadership in technology, defence, semiconductors, photonics, and clean tech. The panel featured Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, Councillor Cathy Curry, and Kelly Daize (Kanata North Business Association & Hub350). They shared insights on strategic planning, smart city initiatives, and programs that connected industry, academia, and government to strengthen Ottawa’s tech ecosystem. The episode also included interviews with Vicki Coughey (Fidus Systems Inc.), Shawn OReilly (Teldio), and Shoma Sinha (Carleton University), highlighting Canada North’s thriving community of over 700 companies generating $17 billion in GDP and 60,000 jobs and demonstrating how collaboration is positioning Ottawa as a globally competitive tech hub. This conversation offered entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers a front-row view of how Ottawa and Kanata North are shaping the future of innovation. For more on Ottawa’s tech and innovation scene, visit https://obj.ca/techopia. Subscribe to Techopia’s weekly newsletter here: https://obj121.activehosted.com/f/5

Techopia Live was on location at the 10th annual SaaS North Conference in Ottawa, where the city’s tech and business leaders gathered for an energizing two-day conference focused on Future-Proofing SaaS in the Age of AI. Hosted by Riaz Sidi, the event featured conversations with founders, investors, and innovators shaping Ottawa’s tech scene, including: Mark Stephenson (Cube Business Media Inc.), Sacha Gera (Healwell AI), Liz Ellwood (Sidi.io), Sara Rykov (Metcove), John Nelson (Carleton University), and Artem Abramov (EL8). From investor panels and startup showcases to real-time AI demos, the conference highlighted how Canadian founders are leveraging AI, building lean teams, and redefining the future of software. For more on Canada’s SaaS and tech ecosystem, visit https://obj.ca/techopia. Subscribe to Techopia’s weekly newsletter here: https://obj121.activehosted.com/f/5

Top global tech clusters have strong connections between private sector companies and universities, facilitating the conduct and commercialization of research, the transfer of knowledge, and the sourcing of talent. This vision is taking another step forward with the University of Ottawa’s expanding Kanata North campus. Not only has the campus moved to a larger space at 350 Legget Dr., but other university departments are increasingly delivering programs in Kanata North. In this special episode of Techopia Live, Ottawa Business Journal publisher Michael Curran speaks with Sean Geddes, the Director of Innovation and Partnerships for Kanata North. Special guests include Gregory Richards from the Telfer School of Management, which is launching a Digital Enterprise Centre, Paul Grenon from the uOttawa Professional Development Institute, which is launching a speakers series focused on government innovation, and Garrick Apollon from the uOttawa Faculty of Law, which is launching Startup Legal Clinics in Kanata North. For more on Ottawa’s entrepreneurial and tech scene, visit https://obj.ca/techopia. Subscribe to Techopia’s weekly newsletter here: https://obj121.activehosted.com/f/5

The future of money is digital, and it’s already here. In this episode of Techopia Live, we’re at TechTuesday exploring From Cash to Code: Finance at a Crossroads. Hosted by Riaz Sidi, this discussion dives into how digital currencies, stablecoins, and open banking are transforming the way money moves and how Canada’s financial system is adapting to this global fintech revolution. Moderated by Joshua Seerattan, Senior Investment Analyst at Wesley Clover International, the panel features Alex Vronces (Useful Digressions) and Marie-Chantal Leduc (Tetra Trust Company). Together, they share insights on fintech innovation, digital assets, and the future of banking, from regulation and infrastructure to business adoption and investment opportunities. The episode also includes additional interviews with attendees and community members, including Laura Walsh (Techstars), Dominic Scaletta (Myticas Consulting), and Thusha Agampodi (Fullscript). Whether you’re a founder, investor, or policymaker, this conversation reveals what’s at stake as Canada navigates the shift from traditional finance to digital financial ecosystems and how Ottawa is helping drive the next wave of fintech innovation. For more on Ottawa’s tech and innovation scene, visit https://obj.ca/techopia. Subscribe to Techopia’s weekly newsletter here: https://obj121.activehosted.com/f/5

Solon Angel, the godfather of AI in Ottawa and beyond, is rapidly scaling his latest venture by embracing the full potential of artificial intelligence. Angel’s latest venture, Remitian, has put AI at the centre of everything it does, from code development and operations to marketing. Remitian serves as a masterclass in building an AI-first business from the ground up. Founded in November 2023, Remitian is already shaking up the accounting world by offering hassle-free tax remittance solutions to firms, streamlining submissions for their clients. Angel, who is now working out of Miami while maintaining a footing in Ottawa, also discusses the dynamics of operating a cross-border business. In this episode of Techopia Live, Ottawa Business Journal publisher Michael Curran speaks with Angel about why Remitian might be his next home run. For more on Ottawa’s entrepreneurial and tech scene, visit https://obj.ca/techopia. Subscribe to Techopia’s weekly newsletter here: https://obj121.activehosted.com/f/5

Prime Minister Mark Carney's pledge to increase Canadian defence spending to two per cent of GDP could present considerable economic opportunities for Ottawa-based companies. The multi-billion dollar commitment goes beyond reinvigorating Canada’s Armed Forces; the Prime Minister aims to use military spending to bolster industrial policy, extending into high-growth areas like AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing and R&D. In this episode of Techopia Live, Ottawa Business Journal publisher Michael Curran speaks with Brian Kells, an associate lawyer with Perley-Robertson, Hill & McDougall LLP, who specializes in business law. Kells, who served in Canada’s infantry for nearly 15 years, including time in Afghanistan, reflects on the economic potential of new defence procurement and what entrepreneurs should consider when contemplating doing business with the military. The podcast dissects the new defence policy and identifies the specific business openings created by this massive modernization effort. This is essential viewing for Ottawa entrepreneurs and tech leaders seeking to understand how their companies can capitalize on the biggest defence tech boom in Canadian history. For more on Ottawa’s entrepreneurial and tech scene, visit https://obj.ca/techopia. Subscribe to Techopia’s weekly newsletter here: https://obj121.activehosted.com/f/5 #defence #canada #ottawa #ottawatech #canadianbusiness #militarytech

Techopia Live was on location at TechTuesday for a thought-provoking panel exploring Pulse Check: Technology’s Role in Healthcare Innovation. Moderated by Wesley Clover International’s Veronica Farmer, the session brought together Ottawa-based leaders who are reimagining how patient-centred care is delivered, scaled, and supported by technology. The conversation featured Bruce Ford of Celestra Health Systems, Danielle Manley of Carleton University’s School of Nursing, Kara Kitts of The Ottawa Hospital, and Kenneth Lawless of the Ottawa Health Innovation Hub. Together, they shared how smart diagnostics, AI-driven decision-making, hospital innovation labs, and cross-sector partnerships are reshaping healthcare in Ottawa and beyond. From embedding AI competencies in medical education to building a $300-million advanced medical research facility, panellists highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of integrating technology into front-line care. Their perspectives showcased how collaboration between research, technology, and healthcare delivery is creating the foundation for the next generation of patient care. For more on Ottawa’s entrepreneurial and tech scene, visit https://obj.ca/techopia. Subscribe to Techopia’s weekly newsletter here: https://obj121.activehosted.com/f/5

Every tech startup founder faces the same hurdle: funding. It's incredibly tough to grow a tech company when intense research and development come long before a paying customer. But what if there were a proven way to inject significant private capital into Ottawa's tech ecosystem? A dedicated group of Ottawa business leaders, Canada Flow Through Shares, thinks they have the answer. They're pushing for a tax policy inspired by Canada's mining industry, which has successfully used flow-through shares for decades to raise hundreds of millions. This innovative approach allows investors to directly deduct qualifying company expenses, making tech startups a far more attractive investment. In this episode of Techopia Live, Ottawa Business Journal publisher Michael Curran speaks with David Perry, the driving force behind Canada Flow Through Shares. David explains how this model has supercharged investment in other sectors and countries, and outlines the crucial next steps for getting this powerful policy into the federal budget. Don't miss this essential discussion on how flow-through shares could fundamentally transform tech funding in Canada's capital. Looking for more Techopia? 📰 Visit: https://obj.ca/techopia 📧 Sign up for the weekly Techopia newsletter: https://obj121.activehosted.com/f/5

Ongoing infrastructure improvement and property development are based on an underlying assumption: that Ottawa and Eastern Ontario can continue to rely on a reliable and environmentally friendly supply of electrical power. Is that a safe assumption? Following the launch of City Building 2025 magazine, Ottawa Business Journal publisher Michael Curran speaks with Bryce Conrad, President and CEO of Hydro Ottawa, about this assumption. What is Hydro Ottawa doing to build a modern and more resilient electric grid in the face of increasingly severe climate events? What projects are getting investment from Hydro Ottawa to ensure increased green energy? How can Hydro Ottawa prepare for increased energy demand triggered by electric vehicles and AI? These questions and more are answered in this special podcast to launch City Building 2025 magazine. The theme for this year’s magazine is “Projects in the Pipeline.” The magazine looks at major development projects that are planned or springing up in six areas of Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. To read the digital edition of City Building 2025, visit https://issuu.com/greatrivermedia/docs/city_building_2025?fr=xKAE9_zMzMw

Ottawa’s entrepreneurs, founders and investors gathered on June 12 for AccelerateOTT, the flagship event of Ottawa Innovation Week, organized by Invest Ottawa. The one-day conference brought together many of the city’s founders for a day of keynotes, networking, and critical conversations about scaling, resilience, and the road to global impact. The theme? “Legends in the Making.” In this episode of Techopia Live, Riaz Sidi hits the floor at AccelerateOTT to speak with notable leaders from Ottawa’s tech ecosystem, including Sonya Shorey (Invest Ottawa), Nick Quain (Invest Ottawa), Fahim Sheikh (Trellis Corporation), Erin Kelly (Advanced Symbolics), Firass Sleiman (Connectit Rogers), Michelle Scarborough (Thrive Venture Fund BDC Capital), and Mary Yazdani (reasonX). From bootstrapped journeys to venture-backed success stories, this episode highlights the spirit of innovation shaping Ottawa’s economy. Hot topics included: – The path from founder to legend – How Ottawa can scale and compete globally – Building a thriving tech ecosystem rooted in community – AI adoption in Canada vs. the U.S. Whether you’re a startup founder, an investor, or just curious about the next big thing coming out of Ottawa, this episode is for you. Looking for more Techopia? 📰 Visit: https://obj.ca/techopia 📧 Sign up for the weekly Techopia newsletter: https://obj121.activehosted.com/f/5 🔔 Subscribe for more Techopia Live episodes and Ottawa tech news.