EEDC forges stronger ties to tech companies in San Francisco

Edmonton technology companies have access to free temporary office space in San Francisco under a deal announced Tuesday by the city’s economic development agency.

The Edmonton Economic Development Corp. (EEDC) is helping sponsor the Canadian Landing Pad, which provides four shared “co-working ” desks for firms hoping to do business in Silicon Valley, EEDC vice-president Cheryll Watson said.

Access to the desks, along with networking opportunities and events, is available for up to two weeks on a first-come, first-served basis.

The program, run by San Francisco company Connection Silicon Valley, is open to Canadian technology firms. which can be accommodated in community areas at the facility if more than four companies need desks.

Edmonton companies will have priority if there isn’t enough room.

“San Francisco has been home to technology companies for many years … There’s a lot for us to learn from that location,” Watson said.

The four-month trial project, which will cost EEDC $8,000, was launched on the same day Air Canada started direct, non-stop daily flights between Edmonton and San Francisco, viewed as another way to grow Edmonton’s burgeoning tech sector.

More than 100 government, community and business officials are marking the long-sought link Wednesday by flying to the California city to better understand how Edmonton and Alberta can benefit from easier access to the world’s leading technology hub.

Watson will tour the office space Friday with Alberta Trade Minister Deron Bilous and Mayor Don Iveson.

Air Canada announced the yearround flights last year, filling a void left when United Airlines cancelled its service to The City by the Bay in May 2016.

Iveson said the large delegation is a “show of force” and will help Edmonton-based players in fields such as artificial intelligence research and health and life sciences to establish or encourage connections to Silicon Valley.

The new flights have been a top priority for the Edmonton business community for a long time, Iveson said.

“For our entrepreneurs, it will mean access to capital because there is a lot of venture capital in the valley already invested in Edmonton.”

The easier access will allow businesses to grow more quickly and means higher productivity for people already connected to the U.S. tech hub, he said.