Innovation in Action: Cohort 18’s Velocity Showcase Highlights
Cohort 18 of the Alberta Catalyzer Velocity program wrapped up their journey by taking the stage at our Showcase on December 3, sharing what they have built and the problems they are determined to solve. This latest group of founders is tackling challenges across a wide range of industries, including AI and data, logistics, edtech, consumer services, and more.
From first-time founders to fast-moving early-stage teams, the Velocity Showcase highlighted the grit, curiosity, and determination shaping Alberta’s next generation of startups. The room buzzed with energy as attendees celebrated our founders, their progress, and the continued growth of innovation across the province.
Velocity Cohort 18 Startups:
CoTravel • Discloezy • Draw a Fence • Exiride • Hitchmail • LaundryWell • Lavawall • Localoyalty • MOJISONS • Robin • Simple French With Hems • SpeakX AI • Sweet n Fresh • Taikohub • Tankfull • The Drive AI • Velora Labs • Weat Local Market
About the Velocity Showcase
The Velocity Showcase gives founders the opportunity to pitch their solutions live to peers, investors, and potential customers, helping them gain visibility and momentum in Alberta’s tech landscape. Attendees discover new ideas, learn about Alberta Catalyzer’s support for early-stage startups, and experience the energy of Alberta’s growing startup community. This year’s event also marked a special milestone as we celebrated four years of the Alberta Catalyzer program and its support for founders across the province.
The People's Choice: The Startup That Stole the Show
At every Showcase, attendees cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award, selecting the startup that inspired them most and that they believe is ready to make a big impact. The award is a special recognition of the founder that truly resonated with the room.
People’s Choice Award Sponsor
We're honoured to acknowledge the Platform Pillar Team partners who are passionately committed to empowering early-stage startups and their founders and whose generosity and expertise have elevated the People's Choice Award for Cohort 18. Through their support, the winner will gain access to a wealth of resources and knowledge from renowned partners KPMG.
KPMG equips early-stage startups in Velocity with vital insights for startup accounting and tax success. Participants explore the fundamentals of startup accounting and taxation, SR&ED intricacies, unlocking opportunities for government funding and incentives to fuel growth, and learn to manage changes seamlessly while optimizing financial processes. The goal is to empower founders with the tools and knowledge necessary to establish a strong foundation, leading them towards sustainable and long-term growth.
People’s Choice Award Winner🏆
Abdirahman Omar, Founder of Localoyalty
Strengthening Local Businesses, One Visit at a Time
LocaLoyalty is helping small businesses build stronger relationships with their customers through simple, easy-to-use digital loyalty programs. By making it effortless for shoppers to earn rewards and stay connected to their favourite local spots, LocaLoyalty empowers businesses to drive repeat visits and grow their community of loyal supporters.
Together, we are building a stronger, more dynamic future for Alberta’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and we are incredibly proud of the Cohort 18 founders and all they have accomplished. We can’t wait to see what these founders achieve next.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a night of inspiration, connection, and celebration.
About Alberta Catalyzer
Alberta Catalyzer is part of the Alberta Scaleup and Growth Accelerator Program, led by Alberta Innovates. The consortium, which also includes Jobs, Economy and Innovation, Edmonton Unlimited, the Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund, and Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan), allocated $35 million over three years to retain business accelerators. It's part of an overall government goal to help create 20,000 jobs and increase technology firm revenue to $5 billion by 2030.
