Tech Thursday Expands to Ottawa, Launching National Footprint Across Four Canadian Tech Hubs

Tech Thursday Expands to Ottawa, Launching National Footprint Across Four Canadian Tech Hubs

Calgary, AB — April 21, 2025 — Tech Thursday, a weekly tech event series that hosts events in Winnipeg and Calgary, is proud to announce its expansion into Ottawa and Edmonton, on May 1st, 2025, and May 8th, 2025 respectively. With the addition of these new cities, Tech Thursday now operates in four markets — with a special one-off event slated for Toronto Tech Week on June 26th, 2025.

What began in 2022 as a grassroots initiative by Neo Financial to foster community among senior tech professionals has quickly evolved into a national platform for connection, collaboration, and insight-sharing. In July 2024, Tech Thursday spun out into an independent company to scale its mission of strengthening local ecosystems and bridging historically siloed tech communities across the country.

“It’s an honour to help bring Tech Thursday to Ottawa alongside an incredible group of local leaders.” said Darryl Bandoro, Principal at VU Venture Partners and Ottawa Tech Thursday Lead. “Our goal is to spark the collisions that drive innovation by creating a weekly forum where serendipity thrives, insights are shared, and connections turn into big ideas — all in a format that feels like a live podcast with the boldest minds in tech.”

“Tech Thursday has played a crucial role in fostering a vibrant tech community in both Calgary and Winnipeg,” said Amanda Broos, Chief People Officer at Neo Financial. “The events offer invaluable opportunities for tech professionals to connect, learn, and collaborate, all of which contribute to the development of world-class tech companies right here in Canada. We’re proud to support Tech Thursday and we’re thrilled to see their impact expand into new markets.”

The expansion to Ottawa and Edmonton is guided by influential local leaders committed to curating meaningful, community-rooted programming. In Ottawa, the first three events will take place at the Escape Manor, located at 292-A Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1M3. The steering committee in Ottawa that will guide the city’s launch features:

• Darryl Bandoro, Principal, Investor Relations at VU Venture Partners

• Liisa Johns, Strategic Biotech Consultant

• Dr. Paul Newton, Master Storyteller and Entrepreneur

• Jesse Card, Executive Director at Youth Ottawa

• Laurie Miggins, Digital Business Manager
   

In Edmonton, the chapter is led by Ken Bautista and Seanna Baxter of Edmonton Unlimited, with strategic guidance from Tessa Vriend, AVP of Engagement and Brand at API.

Each Thursday, events are hosted at premier local venues and revolve around four curated themes:

• Technical Deep Dives

• Local Trends

• Business Growth & Strategy

• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

“Winnipeg has seen firsthand what can happen to an ecosystem when you bring the tech community together on a regular cadence,” said Paul Card, CEO of Manitoba Innovates and Tech Thursday’s Winnipeg Lead. “Tech Thursday has significantly grown the ecosystem in Manitoba. People are choosing to keep their companies in Winnipeg, or are inspired to start companies because of the community that’s being built at the events.”

"We're excited to bring Tech Thursday to Edmonton as a weekly community gathering for meaningful dialogue on how technology and innovation is shaping our world," said Ken Bautista, VP, Venture & Community at Edmonton Unlimited. "By featuring diverse perspectives from local innovators and national thought leaders, we're creating a space that enriches important conversations and showcases Edmonton as a key hub in Canada’s tech network."

Whether you’re a marketer, product leader, investor, or founder, Tech Thursday offers a fresh, accessible format where insights are shared, connections are made, and Canada's tech future is shaped — every week.

About Tech Thursday
Tech Thursday is a weekly, in-person tech event series built to serve senior leaders in Canada’s innovation economy. Founded in Calgary in 2022, it now operates in Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, and Edmonton — and hosts thousands of tech leaders every month. For more information, visit www.techthursday.ca

For media inquiries, embargoed access, or interviews, please contact:

Philippe Burns
philippe.burns@techthursday.ca
8254312352