LETHBRIDGE, AB – April 7, 2025 – The High Level Innovation Conference (HLIC), Southern Alberta’s premier event
celebrating technology, Esports, and entrepreneurship, is back on May 2–3, 2025, at the Agri-Food Hub & Trade Centre. This dynamic event connects innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors to foster growth and collaboration while inspiring the next generation of leaders. It is also built to be youth and family-friendly with tons of fun and excitement and a focus on accessibility and community.
High Level Innovation Conference 2025 is a dynamic, youth- and family-friendly event that is open to the public and designed to inspire, connect, and ignite curiosity at every level. With hands-on experiences, interactive exhibits, and engaging programming for all ages, the conference invites everyone—from students and families to industry professionals and emerging entrepreneurs—to explore the possibilities of innovation right here in Southern Alberta. The main conference program features more than 40 sessions across two action-packed days, including keynotes, panels, and interactive workshops. Over 60 speakers and facilitators—from across Alberta and provinces like British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario—will be sharing their insights, expertise, and stories. Innovation themes span a wide range of industries and perspectives, including Entrepreneurship, Female-led Startups, Sales, Tourism, Transportation, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum Computing, just to name a few. Attendees can also explore over 60 exhibition booths, take part in networking opportunities tailored to all ages and experience levels, and experience firsthand how innovation is not just a concept, but a community-driven force rooted in our region. The event showcases how technology, entrepreneurship, and creativity are shaping new opportunities and career pathways for the next generation—right in our own backyard.
A key highlight of the conference is the Innovators & Investors Dinner, in collaboration with The51, set for Friday, May 2nd at the Garden Court Restaurant. This part of the conference program is geared towards business professionals and offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect with experienced investors and decision-makers to create alignments and collisions around venture capital in rural communities. Designed to spark meaningful connections and provide actionable insights into capital raising at the Pre-Seed through Series B stages, this experience brings together support organizations, industry leaders, and vibrant conversations—all while you network over a curated local dining experience. In partnership with The51, the event will also highlight how women-led ventures can approach investment opportunities in the market. The51’s Chief Growth Officer, Courtney Dragani mentioned how,“ The51 is proud to partner with the Innovators & Investors Dinner initiative at the High Level Innovation Conference to ensure that rural and underrepresented founders have equitable access to capital and mentorship. By bringing our community of investors and ecosystem builders to Lethbridge,
we’re not only expanding the reach of financial feminism but also creating pathways for founders outside major urban centers to thrive. This event embodies our mission to democratize access to capital and foster inclusive innovation.” Technology Alberta will also be making a presentation to the local 2024 winners of the 35th Annual ASTech Awards (the Alberta Science & Technology Leadership Awards) and will discuss upcoming plans for future ASTech Awards events. Technology Alberta will also be presenting a talent workshop earlier in the day, highlighting how initiatives like their TechBOOST program (supported by Alberta Innovates) helps tech companies grow, through the hiring of tech and business talent from Alberta post-secondaries.
“HLIC 2025 is designed to ignite innovation and create opportunities for businesses and individuals alike,” said Eyren Uggenti, Event Organizer with High Level Events. “This year, we’re adding even more interactive activities and expanding our accessibility to further benefit youth, newcomers, and the local business community to inspire the next wave of talent.”
“The Regional Innovation Network of Southern Alberta (RINSA) and Economic Development Lethbridge are proud to sponsor the Exhibition Zone once again at this year’s High Level Innovation Conference. This conference is rapidly becoming an anchor event for the region, solidifying Lethbridge’s position as a key Innovation Corridor in emerging technologies. By bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders from across Alberta, Canada, and beyond, this event not only highlights the ingenuity of local innovators but also amplifies our region’s growing reputation as a thriving hub for technology and innovation” — Renae Barlow, VP Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Economic Development Lethbridge
“We are looking forward to returning to Lethbridge and meeting with the many innovators – as well as feature the local and provincial achievements seen through 35 years of ASTech Awards, and recently in the participation of local companies in our TechBOOST and FIRST Jobs programs. With the long-term commitment to innovation shown by regional partners lead by RINSA, the tech sector continues to grow and benefit from the strength of collaborative members such as Lethbridge Polytechnic and University of Lethbridge, and their Work-Integrated-Learning and VR and emerging technologies programs. The High Level Innovation Conference is a centre point to bring community together to tell these stories, and accelerate the value – and promises to be an important annual innovation showcase” — Gail Powley, P.Eng Executive Director, ASTech Awards and President, Technology Alberta
“Staque is focused on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with quantum computing and AI. Our platforms, Super and Que, blend quantum and high-performance computing with AI to tackle some of the world’s most complex modeling and decision-making challenges—across healthcare, logistics, energy, and beyond. After Staque being featured among global quantum leaders at LEAP 2025 in Riyadh and Qubits 2025 in Arizona, we come to Southern Alberta recognizing it as a key contender on the quantum frontier. The High Level Innovation Conference is an exciting and timely platform to showcase this momentum and position the region as a serious contender in Canada’s growing deep tech landscape.” — Dr. Muhammad Ali Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Staque Solutions
New for 2025, the conference will feature the Battle of the Bridge, an open ESports tournament for both youth and adults. The tournament is powered by Galint Gaming (Battle of BC 7) where you can enjoy some of the best Super Smash Bros. Ultimate gameplay in Western Canada. Organizers have brought together amazing partnerships with Lethbridge School Division, who are helping to provide gaming systems, and adjacent local events like Geek Fest, who will be present in the Innovation Conference trade hall, and the Taco & Hot Sauce Festival Lethbridge which will be the go-to option for food and authentic Latin experiences and entertainment. You can get your Lethbridge Innovation & Taste pass which will give you access to all of these outstanding events alongside access to a fresh set of practical workshops, engaging panels, and expanded networking sessions. BIPOC Foundation’s Leths Vibe & Chill also takes place at The Cave 8pm to 1am on May 2nd.
In a move to empower future leaders, tickets for attendees under 18 are free, making this an unmissable opportunity for young innovators and adventurous families to experience the forefront of technology and entrepreneurship.
The two-day event will also include:
- Keynote Speakers: Industry leaders sharing insights on innovation and growth.
- Interactive Exhibits: Showcasing the latest advancements in Tech, Tourism, Esports, Creative Industries, and
Emerging Ideas - Networking Opportunities: Connecting businesses, investors, and innovators.
Tickets are available online and at the door on May 2 & 3. You’ll also see organizations like RINSA, BIPOC Foundation, Lethbridge Polytechnic, the University of Lethbridge, Advancerite Technologies, Riipen, Tourism Lethbridge, Vista Radio, High Level Studios, Lethbridge School Division, Career Transitions, The51, Technology Alberta and Staque Solutions when attending, as they are some of the key partners and community sponsors this year. Attending could be your next great idea in a string of many more to follow!
For more information or to register, visit:
www.highlevelinnovation.com or www.bit.ly/HLIC2025
