Next week, the global tech community will descend on Vancouver for Web Summit, one of the world’s most influential technology conferences—and the University of Calgary’s Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking will be front and centre.
The Hunter Hub is showcasing 10 of UCalgary’s most promising startups at the event. These ventures—founded by students, researchers, and alumni—have been shaped by the Hub’s programs, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities. Each embodies the spirit of entrepreneurial thinking that defines UCalgary’s innovation ecosystem.
In the lead-up to the conference, Calgary.tech profiled seven standout ventures we’ll be cheering for at Web Summit Vancouver.
Bondr
Bondr is a social discovery app that helps students and young professionals form real-world connections through shared activities. Founded by Leon Pluns, the platform is designed to reduce digital loneliness by encouraging meaningful, offline interactions. Bondr facilitates lasting friendships by matching users based on mutual interests—making it easier to meet new people during life transitions.
Campus Buddy
Campus Buddy is a student-focused app designed to centralize campus life by connecting users with events, clubs, and peer communities. Founded by James Mtendamema, the platform offers personalized activity feeds and a secure marketplace for buying and selling goods. It also enables local businesses to engage students through targeted promotions, fostering stronger campus and community connections.
CraftXR
CraftXR Technologies uses extended reality and AI to help professionals build emotional intelligence through immersive, scenario-based training. Co-founded by Farzana Aktar and Hamza Afzaal, the platform targets allied health professionals with repeatable simulations and real-time feedback, enabling users to practice critical interpersonal skills. CraftXR is expanding its reach across industries where human interaction matters most.
Dev Search
Dev Search streamlines software development by helping engineers select the right components using AI-powered insights. Co-founded by Mahdi Ansari and Seyed Tauhid Ullah Shah, the platform analyzes real-world developer discussions to deliver data-driven recommendations. Dev Search reduces costly mistakes in early-stage development by simplifying the decision-making process for software teams.
Maple Scan
Maple Scan is an AI-powered app that helps Canadians identify local products by simply snapping a photo. Created by Sasha Ivanov, the app promotes informed, locally conscious shopping by revealing a product’s Canadian ties. With nearly 490,000 scans since launch, Maple Scan empowers consumers to support local businesses and the broader Buy Canadian movement.
MLCan
MLCan develops AI-powered smart flow meters that deliver real-time, multi-phase measurements for oil wells. By replacing expensive test separators with continuous, accurate monitoring, MLCan enables producers to make better data-driven decisions, reduce emissions, and lower operational costs. The technology is designed for widespread deployment, offering scalable efficiency across the oil and gas sector.
SyncMed
SyncMed Technologies is enhancing emergency healthcare communication with EMS2ED, an app that streamlines critical information transfer from paramedics to hospital staff. Co-founded by Kate Ewing, Brandon Blondeau, and Franci Sterzer, the platform improves patient safety through real-time data sharing, including images, voice notes, and ambient listening. SyncMed aims to set a new standard for emergency department communication.
If you’re attending Web Summit, be sure to stop by the Hunter Hub booth to meet these startups and experience UCalgary’s innovation culture firsthand.
Whether you’re a student, researcher, or curious innovator, the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking is your launchpad. Explore programs, community events, and mentorship that can turn your ideas into impact. Learn more and get involved at the Hunter Hub website.
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