Seen & Heard: Innovator Exchange on Alberta’s Intangible Economy

Alberta’s next phase of economic growth will depend not only on what the province produces, but on what it owns. As intangible assets like intellectual property, data, and patents become more central to competitiveness, the conversation around commercialization and domestic ownership is becoming increasingly important to the province’s innovation strategy.

Last week, the Council of Canadian Innovators, in partnership with Deloitte, hosted an Innovator Exchange in Calgary focused on Alberta’s intellectual property strategy and the establishment of a new Alberta IP Office through Alberta Innovates. The discussion brought together innovators, investors, and ecosystem leaders to explore how Alberta can support more domestic firms in owning and scaling the intangible assets they create.

Here’s what we heard from leaders in the room:

CCI Chief Executive Officer Patrick Searle opened the discussion by framing intellectual property ownership as a central issue for Alberta’s long-term prosperity.

“Alberta has always understood the value of owning and developing strategic assets. In today’s economy, intellectual property, data, and other intangible assets are increasingly where long-term value is created and captured. If Alberta wants more companies to scale globally from here, ownership has to be part of the strategy.”

The panel discussion was moderated by Mike Procee, Regional Market Lead for Deloitte’s Greenhouse Experience Program, and featured Dr. Terry Rock, Chief Operating Officer of Alberta Innovates, Alison Sunstrum, Founder and CEO of CNSRV-X, and Kevin Dahl of ElevateIP and Innovate Calgary.

Here’s what we heard from leaders in the room:

Dr. Terry Rock, Chief Operating Officer at Alberta Innovates, spoke about the importance of ensuring Alberta companies are positioned to retain and commercialize the value they create as the province builds out its innovation economy.

“Alberta has the talent, research capacity, and entrepreneurial ambition to compete globally. The opportunity now is making sure more of the intellectual property and long-term value generated here stays anchored in Alberta through stronger commercialization supports and clearer pathways to ownership.”

Alison Sunstrum, Founder and CEO, CNSRV-X, spoke about the importance of helping founders understand the strategic value of intellectual property early as they build and finance their companies.

“Too many companies still treat intellectual property as a legal exercise instead of a core business asset. Ownership matters because it shapes who captures value, who controls the future direction of technologies, and ultimately where long-term economic benefits stay.”

Kevin Dahl, representing ElevateIP and Innovate Calgary, focused on the practical supports founders need to better navigate commercialization, patenting, and scaling Canadian-built technologies.

“Founders are moving quickly, often with limited resources, and intellectual property can feel overwhelming or out of reach. Building stronger supports around education, strategy, and commercialization is critical if we want more Canadian companies scaling with ownership intact.”

The conversation made clear that Alberta has the building blocks to strengthen its position in the intangible economy, but long-term success will depend on helping more domestic firms retain ownership over the technologies and ideas they create.

This Innovator Exchange was made possible through the support of Deloitte. Special thanks to Deloitte and all of the speakers who contributed to a substantive discussion on Alberta’s innovation future.
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About the Council of Canadian Innovators

The Council of Canadian Innovators represents more than 170 of Canada’s fastest-growing technology companies. Founded in 2015, CCI advocates for policies that help Canadian innovators scale globally, create prosperity at home, and strengthen Canada’s economic sovereignty.