After three years of working alongside founders to learn, grow, and build a more inclusive innovation ecosystem, the Social Innovation Hub (SIH) at Innovate Calgary is preparing to conclude its operations. As we enter a transition period, the Hub will continue operating as usual until March 31, 2026, after which the SIH in its current form will close, including the wind down of programs, and closure of the physical space.
For more details on what’s changing, key dates, and what this means for members, please see our FAQ here: Social Innovation Hub Member FAQ
Since its inception in early 2023, the Social Innovation Hub has been a key resource for founders across industries looking to grow and create an impact in Calgary and beyond. With the goal of supporting social entrepreneurs, researchers, not-for-profits, and students to develop solutions to pressing social problems, the Hub has helped more than 400 ventures reach new heights through mentorship, expert advising, as well as connection to our creative studio, broader ecosystem resources, and a community of peers.
“Although the physical space is closing its doors, this phase of the Social Innovation Hub has been a significant success,” says John Wilson, President and CEO of Innovate Calgary. “This period was designed to test, learn, and inform what comes next. As funding comes to an end, we are carrying forward what we’ve learned to deploy in other areas of our mission, and will continue building a more inclusive innovation ecosystem and resilient economy.”
Some highlights from the last three years:
- Expanded participation in innovation: Supported 100+ BIPOC founders, 10+ rural founders, and 40+ nonprofits to build more sustainable, revenue-diverse ventures.
- Bridged research, talent, and impact: Helped 40+ researcher-led ventures move their ventures forward, and facilitated 25+ student placements with real-world, applied learning experiences.
- Built a connected impact community: Engaged 400+ community members through 60+ events, fostering connection, collaboration, and visibility for social impact entrepreneurs.
- Pioneered inclusive, founder-centred supports: Designed first-of-their-kind offerings, including 1-to-1 mental health support, a full-service creative studio, and an artist-in-residence program to strengthen founder and venture resilience, and spark creative collisions and collaborations.
- Catalyzed momentum and capital access: Deployed over $250K in prizes and awards and strengthened investment readiness, connecting founders to the UCeed Social Impact Fund, which has invested $3.2M+ in social startups.
The past three years of foundational work at the Social Innovation Hub would not have been possible without the collaboration of our partners. We thank them for their generosity and their support for social innovators and entrepreneurs tackling today’s complex challenges, including:
- The University of Calgary
- Prairie Economic Development Canada
- The Government of Alberta
- Alberta Innovates
- The City of Calgary
- Suncor Energy Foundation
- Flanagan Foundation
- United Way Calgary and Area
- All 70+ of our ecosystem programming and event partners over the last three years
We are deeply grateful to the founders, partners, and funders who made this work possible. Going forward, Innovate Calgary will seek to connect with stakeholders to explore the future of the important work of supporting social entrepreneurs.
For questions about this transition or to connect, please contact: socialinnovationhub@innovatecalgary.com.