Calgary has been recognized as a leading city in North America for talent affordability, ranking in the Top 10, and is also in the Top 15 globally for its efficient startup ecosystems.

In contrast to a global decline in startup ecosystem value, Calgary's startup sector saw a remarkable 13% growth, defying the global average decline of 14%.

According to the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report released on June 12, Calgary ranks among the top 30 startup ecosystems in North America and the top 50 worldwide.

The Calgary Economic Development (CED) has launched a new innovation strategy aimed at establishing the city as Canada's innovation capital, with goals of creating 187,000 jobs and generating $28 billion in economic activity by 2034.

The city is emerging as a hub for artificial intelligence, with local startups like Attabotics and AltaML integrating AI into their business models.

Efforts to boost access to capital for startups have included the establishment of the National Bank Investor Hub, which has successfully raised over $5 million for local firms.

Calgary's startup sector is currently valued at approximately $6.7 billion and has raised $2.6 billion in venture capital over the past four years, demonstrating its growth potential.

The city boasts two unicorns and has experienced the fastest tech employment growth in North America, with a 78% increase from 2018 to 2023.

Terry Rock, President & CEO of Platform Calgary, noted the unique resilience of Calgary's tech ecosystem, which continues to thrive despite challenges faced by other regions.

The 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report highlights a significant contraction in startup ecosystems worldwide, with an overall Ecosystem Value drop of 31% globally and 18% in North America.

Calgary's affordability is bolstered by the lowest corporate tax rate in Canada at 8%, the absence of a provincial sales tax, and lower housing costs compared to major cities like Toronto and Vancouver.

Despite a decrease in ecosystem valuation from $8.1 billion to $6.7 billion due to updated methodologies, Calgary's startup scene continues to show organic growth and resilience.