News

Here's the latest from Taproot Edmonton

Six men in suits stand smiling around an architectural rendering of a new drug manufacturing facility

health region

Drug-manufacturing facility seen as catalyst for pharma development

The $80.5 million in federal money going into the Edmonton-based Canadian Critical Drug Initiative will do more than secure a domestic supply of crucial medications and support the commercialization of new drug discoveries, says the head of Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation (API).

March 31, 2023
By Karen Unland

A sample of dog toys for sale on the Preet website, shaped like an artichoke, a pizza, a lotus flower, a cookie, and a four-leaf mat

business technology

Startup founder shifts from snow removal to pet toys

After exiting from home services company Yardly, Sheldon Zhang has launched Preet, a marketplace to connect independent brands selling pet supplies with retailers looking for unique products.

March 30, 2023
By Stephanie Dubois

The Barber Ha shop floor, with three barbers cutting hair in front of mirrors, surrounded by bright white walls and framed posters.

business old strathcona

Barber Ha founder closes shop with sadness but few regrets

When Linda Ha looks back at what led her to decide to close her barbershop, she sees a series of small decisions that resulted in an inevitability. But she stands by the principles that guided her decisions.

March 29, 2023
By Colin Gallant

A female singer clad in bedazzled white western wear makes finger guns at the audience from the stage at 9910.

arts business

Moonlighting in cover bands helps musicians make ends meet

For musician Clint Frazier and his collaborators, cover shows like Twain Gretzky Overdrive are a way to achieve the ends of both art and commerce. They'll do it again on April 6 with YO ABBA ABBA!, a tribute to Swedish disco icons ABBA.

March 28, 2023
By Colin Gallant

A view of the Life Sciences Investment Summit stage from the back of the crowd

technology investment

Startup TNT makes it rain on the Prairies

Three Western Canadian startups will get tens of thousands of dollars in investment, and at least six more will get smaller cheques, after pitching at Startup TNT's three sector-specific summits on March 23.

March 24, 2023
By Karen Unland

A large group of entrepreneurs poses on a dirt-floor patio underneath a wooden roof

technology business

Tech delegation to SXSW a success, say participants

Tech entrepreneurs who attended SXSW with Alberta Innovates say they made important new connections to customers, investors, and partners.

March 23, 2023
By Colin Gallant

Four people cut a ribbon in front a CarbinX unit in a boiler room

climate non-profits

Alberta Ecotrust installs carbon-capture technology at non-profits

An assisted-living facility in central Edmonton is the first of four non-profit buildings across the province to be fitted with carbon-capture technology that aims to both reduce energy costs and decrease emissions.

March 22, 2023
By Colin Gallant

A portrait of Justin and Derrick Jones holding wine glasses in the courtyard at Take Care Café

food business

Darling shifts from pop-up to stay-up

After testing their idea with a pop-up at Take Care Café in 2021, the owners of Darling are looking forward to opening their own place on Whyte Avenue.

March 21, 2023
By Colin Gallant

Three members of the Community Outreach Transit Team wearing masks and uniforms in an LRT station

city council transit

On the agenda: Transit safety, community revitalization levies, and the Edmonton Research Park

This week, community and public services committee will meet on March 20, urban planning committee meets on March 21, and executive committee will meet on March 22. Recruitment for various boards and committees continues with a non-regular meeting of community and public services committee on March 24.

March 20, 2023
By Mack Male