Local startup awards to highlight success of tech industry

A recent report from Alberta Enterprise Corporation indicated that the number of tech companies in Edmonton more than doubled from 394 in 2018 to 918 in 2021. The region also saw more than $168 million invested in 35 tech companies in 2020.

The inaugural YEG Startup Community Awards will celebrate that growth and success on Thursday, May 20 — recognizing volunteers, students, mentors, service providers and companies through 12 award categories.

"Our city has undergone so much growth in the last decade, and to finally have a place where everyone from this diverse and growing community can come together to celebrate our shared successes is a big deal," said Bradley Poulette, one of the event's organizers.

The finalists include companies who have already experienced a slew of success this year, like Jobber and DrugBank, which are both up for Best Startup Workplace. Newer names in the startup scene like Copysmith, Areto Labs, and Agriolabs, are up for New Startup of the Year, while cheerleaders Zack Storms, Ashlyn Bernier, and Colin Christensen will battle it out for Community Champion of the Year.

Emily Rendell-Watson, managing editor of Taproot Edmonton, is hosting (that's me!). The list of presenters includes Mayor Don Iveson, who will present the Most Edmonton Startup Award to the company that best embodies the spirit of the city's startup community.

YEG Startup Community Awards

A taste of four of the 12 awards categories at the event. (Courtesy of YEG Startup Community Awards/Twitter)

"The organizing team has come together in a big way, and that's really going to show on the day of the event. I can't wait," said Poulette.

The event runs from 6pm to 7:30pm on May 20 on Remo, with free tickets still available.