Canada’s startup scene is growing fast, with fresh ideas and smart solutions coming from every corner of the country. From clean tech and AI to fintech and digital health, these startups are not just solving local problems but also building tools the world is starting to notice. Many of them are using smart technology to make daily life easier, safer, or more efficient. Here are 20 Canadian startups that are quickly making a name for themselves and might shape the future.
Nesto – Simplifying the Mortgage Process
Canada’s fintech startup Nesto is reshaping mortgage lending by offering a fully digital and seamless experience. Founded in Montreal in 2018, it quickly evolved from a broker to become Canada’s first fully integrated digital mortgage lender. Nesto’s platform handles everything from application and underwriting to funding and client support, all in one place. The company also offers its technology to financial institutions through Nesto Mortgage Cloud. With a focus on low rates, transparency, and salaried advisors instead of commission-based sales, Nesto has helped over 400,000 Canadians.
Cohere – Accessible Large Language Models for Business
Cohere is a Toronto-based startup making large language models more accessible to businesses. It focuses on enterprise solutions, helping companies in areas like finance, healthcare, and government use AI safely and effectively. Cohere offers models that can be deployed securely with a focus on privacy and customization. It has gained global attention for its Command and Aya model families, designed to be fast, accurate, and efficient. The company also partners with major organisations to integrate AI into real-world operations. By putting control in the hands of businesses, Cohere is shaping the future of ethical and scalable AI technology.
Protexxa – AI‑Driven Cybersecurity Detection
Protexxa is a cybersecurity startup based in Toronto that was founded to help companies detect and manage digital threats using AI. Its platform scans for exposed credentials, assesses risk levels, and provides tailored solutions to improve cyber hygiene. Protexxa is designed for organisations that want to protect both employee data and overall system integrity. The platform also includes features like real-time alerts, training tools, and detailed response plans. With growing demand for smarter and faster cybersecurity, especially in regulated industries like healthcare and finance, Protexxa is emerging as a trusted tool for digital protection and awareness in the workplace.
MARZ – Algorithmic Visual Effects for Film and TV
MARZ, short for Monsters, Aliens, Robots, Zombies, is changing the visual effects industry with AI-powered tools. Based in Toronto, MARZ works on major film and TV productions, offering faster and more efficient post-production solutions. Its platform, Vanity AI, automates tasks like face touch-ups, de-aging, and background cleanup, which traditionally take days to complete. By using AI, MARZ helps studios save time and money while still delivering high-quality visuals. Known for its work on popular series and movies, MARZ combines creativity with smart automation, making it one of the most innovative VFX startups in Canada today.
Xanadu – Democratizing Quantum Computing Platforms
Xanadu is a Toronto-based quantum technology company founded in 2016. Its mission is to build quantum computers that are practical, affordable, and accessible to researchers, developers, and enterprises worldwide. The company develops photonic hardware that runs at room temperature and fits into standard server racks, making quantum computing more scalable and energy-efficient. Xanadu also offers PennyLane, an open-source software library that supports quantum machine learning and development across various platforms. In early 2024, the Canadian government provided $3.75 million in repayable funding through the Regional Quantum Initiative to help Xanadu commercialize its PennyLane platform and create over 20 new roles.
Waabi – Autonomous Trucking Trained in Virtual Environments
Waabi is an autonomous trucking startup founded in Toronto in 2021 by Raquel Urtasun, a former lead at Uber’s self-driving division. The company uses advanced artificial intelligence simulators to train self-driving trucks in virtual environments rather than relying on risky real-world testing. This simulation-first approach enables safer, faster, and more cost-effective development of autonomous systems. Waabi has raised over US$280 million from major investors such as Uber, Nvidia, and Khosla Ventures. It has also partnered with Volvo to integrate its self-driving software into Volvo’s autonomous trucking solutions.
Doodles – Blockchain-Based Digital Art Platform
Doodles began as a popular Ethereum NFT collection and has since evolved into a larger multimedia brand that blends digital art, animation, music, and merchandise. The project recently expanded its ecosystem by launching its token, $DOOD, on the Solana blockchain. This marks a shift toward community governance and decentralized decision-making. Led by the original artist known as “Burnt Toast,” Doodles continues to focus on transparency and reducing corporate control. The platform is now building an interactive and inclusive space where creators and fans can engage in new and meaningful ways, moving beyond speculative NFT trading into the realm of collaborative digital culture.
Bridgit – Workforce Planning Tools for Construction
Bridgit is a Kitchener-based startup that’s transforming workforce management in the construction industry. Founded by Mallorie Brodie and Lauren Lake, Bridgit developed “Bridgit Bench,” a cloud-based platform that helps general contractors plan, manage, and forecast their workforce needs. The tool allows teams to make smarter staffing decisions, reduce downtime, and improve productivity across projects. With integrations for project management tools and a user-friendly interface, Bridgit helps companies improve resource planning without the complexity of traditional spreadsheets.
KOHO – Transparent App‑Based Consumer Banking
KOHO is a Toronto-based fintech company offering app-based banking solutions that challenge traditional financial institutions. With a mission to make personal finance more transparent and user-friendly, KOHO provides no-fee spending and savings accounts, cashback rewards, and early payroll features through a sleek mobile app. Its services are designed for everyday Canadians seeking better control of their money without the usual banking fees. Backed by Power Corporation and other investors, KOHO continues expanding its suite of features while advocating for more equitable financial access across the country.
Felix Health – On‑Demand Digital Healthcare Services
Felix Health is a Canadian telehealth platform that provides fast, discreet access to medical treatments for a range of conditions, including mental health, sexual wellness, and skincare. Users can consult licensed healthcare professionals online and get prescriptions delivered directly to their door. With a fully digital experience, Felix aims to remove the barriers of time, stigma, and geography that often delay care. The platform emphasizes privacy, ease of use, and accessible pricing, making healthcare more convenient for modern lifestyles. Felix has quickly grown into one of Canada’s leading digital health startups.
Vessi – Sustainable Waterproof Footwear
Vessi is a Vancouver-based startup known for creating the world’s first 100% waterproof knit sneakers. Designed for everyday comfort and wet-weather durability, Vessi’s shoes are made using a patented Dyma-tex fabric that keeps water out while allowing airflow. The brand also prioritizes sustainability, producing its footwear with minimal water waste and eco-friendly materials. By selling directly to consumers online, Vessi keeps prices competitive while offering a unique blend of style, function, and sustainability.
Neo Financial – Next‑Generation Consumer Financial Services
Neo Financial is a Calgary-based fintech company reimagining how Canadians manage and spend money. Founded by two of the co-founders of SkipTheDishes, Neo offers a digital-first banking experience with credit cards, savings accounts, and investing tools—all within a modern, easy-to-use app. Neo partners with major retailers to offer personalized cashback rewards and aims to replace outdated traditional banking with more accessible, transparent, and rewarding services. The company is expanding rapidly and is positioned as one of Canada’s most promising alternatives to conventional banks.
ApplyBoard – Streamlining Global Student Applications
ApplyBoard is a Kitchener-Waterloo startup that helps international students apply to schools across Canada, the US, the UK, and beyond. Its platform simplifies the admissions process by guiding students through program selection, application requirements, and visa procedures, all in one place. By partnering with thousands of educational institutions and using AI to match students with the right opportunities, ApplyBoard removes the guesswork from global education planning. It’s now one of the fastest-growing edtech companies in the world, with a mission to make education more accessible to students everywhere.
Wealthsimple – Democratizing Investment and Savings
Wealthsimple is a Toronto-based fintech company making investing, saving, and financial planning more accessible to everyone. With easy-to-use platforms for automated investing, stock and crypto trading, and tax filing, Wealthsimple removes traditional barriers like high fees and minimum balances. It appeals especially to younger, tech-savvy users who want simple financial tools without the complexity of traditional banking. By focusing on user experience, transparency, and financial literacy, Wealthsimple has become one of Canada’s most trusted names in modern personal finance.
Borrowell – Free Credit Scores and Personal Loans Platform
Borrowell is helping Canadians take control of their credit health through free credit score access, financial product recommendations, and personal loans. Based in Toronto, the platform uses AI to match users with tailored financial solutions, including credit cards, mortgages, and insurance. Borrowell also provides budgeting tools and tips to improve credit over time. Making financial data accessible and actionable, it empowers users to make smarter financial decisions. Its growing user base reflects a shift toward more data-driven and personalized financial services.
Deep Sky – Scaling Direct Air Carbon Capture
Deep Sky is a Montreal-based climate tech startup focused on removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere using direct air capture technology. Its approach combines hardware, software, and infrastructure to capture CO₂ and store it permanently underground. The company collaborates with research institutions and engineers to accelerate deployment and scale up carbon removal efforts across Canada. As the demand for negative emissions solutions grows, Deep Sky is positioning itself at the forefront of climate innovation, helping the world meet its net-zero targets.
SensorUp – Methane Emissions Monitoring for Energy Sector
SensorUp is a Calgary-based startup developing advanced monitoring solutions for the energy and industrial sectors. Its platform uses geospatial AI and sensor data to track methane leaks and other emissions in real time. By detecting environmental risks early, SensorUp helps companies meet sustainability goals and comply with regulations. The technology integrates with existing infrastructure, offering a clear view of operations and environmental impact. With global attention on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, SensorUp is providing the tools needed for cleaner, more transparent industrial practices.
BlueDot – AI Surveillance for Epidemic Early Warning
BlueDot is a Toronto-based health tech company that uses artificial intelligence to monitor, track, and predict infectious disease outbreaks worldwide. Its system analyzes data from global news sources, airline routes, and public health records to detect early warning signs of epidemics. BlueDot gained international recognition for identifying the COVID-19 outbreak days before official alerts were issued. The platform is used by governments, airlines, and healthcare providers to improve response times and reduce risk. With public health becoming a global priority, BlueDot is leading the way in using data for early, accurate disease detection.
Novoloop – Turning Plastic Waste into High-Performance Materials
Novoloop is an advanced materials startup with a mission to turn plastic waste into valuable industrial products. Based in Vancouver, the company has developed a proprietary process that breaks down low-value plastics and converts them into high-performance thermoplastics used in footwear, electronics, and sports gear. This innovation not only reduces landfill waste but also lowers the carbon footprint of plastic manufacturing. Novoloop is proving that recycling can go beyond simple reuse by creating entirely new value chains from post-consumer materials. It’s a strong example of how circular economy thinking can drive both sustainability and industry innovation.
Quantigo AI – High-Quality Data Annotation for AI Development
Quantigo AI is a Canadian startup providing high-quality data annotation services that power machine learning and AI systems. With a focus on precision and scalability, the company works with industries like autonomous vehicles, retail, healthcare, and security. It offers services such as image labeling, video tagging, text classification, and audio transcription. What sets Quantigo apart is its hybrid model, which combines skilled human teams with advanced quality control tools. By delivering reliable training data, Quantigo AI helps global tech companies build smarter and more accurate AI solutions.
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