“What makes the CDL special? First of all, it is about the greater good. There is no hidden agenda and no vested interest. The CDL does not charge a fee to the companies. Everyone is a volunteer waiting to contribute. Unlike many funds, the CDL members actually roll up their sleeves. Not only contributing time and judgement, the mentors also contribute their vast network. They can open doors for young people. This is huge.”
Chen Fong CM, MD, FACR
Entrepreneur, community leader and radiologist
Honorary Founding Fellow, CDL-Rockies
As Alberta’s tech sector continues to develop and mature, organizations like the Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) have become instrumental contributors to the sector’s evolution, working alongside partners throughout the innovation ecosystem, contributing to the increase in quality of programming, resources, and talent available to startups in Alberta. Uniquely positioned amongst its ecosystem partners, CDL offers a mentorship-first program delivered over a nine-month term, where startups with novel technologies and the potential to scale have the opportunity to receive mentorship, guidance and advice from a top tier, global network of experienced mentors, leading academics, and scientists, as well as business development support from MBA students at top business schools.
Creative Destruction Lab - Rockies (CDL-Rockies) is housed within the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary, and has been supported by Viewpoint Foundation and other community organizations and business leaders since its inception in 2017. What began as a program with one cohort of 25 startups, CDL-Rockies has since grown its reach, admitting 75 startups annually. These startups are composed of founders dedicated to providing services and/or products that aim to disrupt and innovate a variety of industries, including (but not limited to) energy system transition and diversification, agricultural practices, food security and retail, health devices, and education.
Through its program, CDL-Rockies acts as a conduit for community and network building, job creation, and economic diversification. The program attracts startups, world-leading subject matter experts, and investors from all over the world to Alberta, allowing it to highlight opportunities within Alberta and across the Prairies. Additionally, the scale and reach of CDL’s network strengthens local startups to compete on a global scale.
“Having the buy-in from people who have built and invested in successful companies gives us moral support and confirmation of our vision. It makes it seem more achievable—like maybe this crazy stuff can work."
Antora Energy
CDL-Rockies Alumni Company (2019/20)
As a not-for-profit, the impact CDL-Rockies has made to the Alberta innovation ecosystem would not be possible without the support of public and private organizations as well as individual donors. Support from organizations like Viewpoint Foundation ensures CDL-Rockies will be able to sustainably continue their mission to accelerate the commercialization of science and technology for the betterment of humankind.