Why Calgary? 5 Key Factors Driving Its Tech Evolution
In May 2022, Godly Labs Inc. is in its formative months, making its mark in Calgary—a city that founder Eric Blum considers more than just a headquarters. For Eric, Calgary is home. Born and raised here, he’s witnessed the city’s transformation firsthand, watching it evolve into a dynamic metropolis that balances the advantages of urban living with accessibility and affordability. This unique combination of factors makes Calgary a catalyst for tech innovation. Here are five reasons why it stands out:
5 Key Factors Driving Its Tech Evolution
- Diverse Economy:
Calgary is shedding its reliance on oil and gas, embracing industries like technology, healthcare, and renewable energy to ensure economic stability. - Access to Talent:
With a high density of universities and research institutions, Calgary produces a steady stream of skilled professionals, fueling innovation in various sectors. - Affordable Living and Business Costs:
Compared to other major Canadian cities, Calgary offers lower housing prices and operational costs, making it a magnet for startups and entrepreneurs. - Supportive Ecosystem:
The city’s government and private initiatives actively foster innovation, with programs, grants, and networking opportunities tailored for tech companies. - Strategic Location:
Nestled in the heart of Canada’s west, Calgary is a gateway to the Pacific markets and a logistical hub for national and international trade.
A Legacy in Oil and Gas
Among these factors, Calgary’s energy sector holds a special place in Eric’s journey—not just as an economic driver but as part of his family’s legacy. Calgary’s energy sector is more than just an economic driver—it’s part of his family history. Coming from a family deeply rooted in oil and gas, Eric grew up immersed in the industry’s culture and challenges. His grandfather served as a senior geophysicist at Shell, his mother followed in his footsteps as a geophysicist, and his father worked on the technical side for TransCanada Pipelines.
“I’ve seen the oil and gas sector from the inside,” Eric reflects. “It’s an industry that has shaped not just Calgary’s economy but also the lives of so many people, including my own family.”
This intimate understanding of the energy industry lends a unique perspective to Eric’s views on Calgary’s diversification. “The cycles of boom and bust in oil and gas aren’t just numbers on a chart—they’re deeply personal. I’ve seen how they affect not only companies but also the people and communities tied to them.”
Calgary’s Shift Toward Diversification
Calgary’s historical association with oil and gas is undeniable, but the city is rapidly redefining itself as a hub for innovation and diversification. Calgary is recognized as a burgeoning tech hub, supported by initiatives like Calgary Economic Development. This shift, according to Eric, is not just a response to changing market dynamics but a natural evolution driven by the cyclical nature of the energy sector.
“The boom-and-bust cycles in oil and gas have been a defining feature of Calgary’s economy,” Eric explains. “Even medium-level cycles, unrelated to the commodity itself or capital expenditures, can lead to stagnation. I recall a period not too long ago—around 2020 or 2021—when Western Canadian Select was trading at $13 while Brent was around $50. How can oil and gas companies justify capital expenditures in an environment like that? And let’s not forget the doldrums of natural gas over the past decade.”
Eric sees these cycles as a natural catalyst for Calgary’s evolution. “The tighter and quicker the cycles in a sector, the less long-term investment becomes viable. Divestment in these scenarios isn’t a failure—it’s an adaptation,” he says. As Calgary moves away from a sole reliance on energy resources, it’s poised to grow in sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance. “It’s just natural progression,” Eric adds.
Will oil and gas experience another boom? “Probably,” Eric says with a smile. “But that’s a larger-term idea I call ‘The Boom-Out 80-Year Oil Cycle.’ It’s a fascinating topic for another time.”
Energy Beyond Oil and Gas
While Calgary’s energy sector has been its historical backbone, Eric emphasizes that the city’s real energy now lies in its human capital and imagination. “Calgary offers energy, but not just in the form of oil and gas. It’s the energy of ideas, ambition, and human potential,” he says.
As one of the most diverse cities on Earth, Calgary fosters open-mindedness and vibrant conversations, whether in community settings or professional conferences. “The diversity here is incredible,” Eric notes. “It fuels innovation by bringing together people with different perspectives and ideas. That’s the kind of energy that drives growth in tech, healthcare, and finance.”
For Eric, Calgary’s shift toward diversification is not just a necessity but an opportunity—a chance to build something lasting and meaningful in a city that’s ready to embrace its future.
Building the Future with Godly Labs
As Calgary continues to evolve, how does Eric see Godly Labs contributing to the city’s transformation into a tech hub? His answer is thoughtful and grounded. As highlighted in our journey, Godly Labs was founded with a vision for leveraging Calgary’s unique opportunities to drive innovation.
“I don’t know, to be honest,” Eric admits. “My purpose now is to become organized and continue to learn. Hypergrowth is not on the agenda for now, especially coming out of this pandemic. Time will tell, but my hope is that if I build a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding in technology, my imagination and execution skills will do the rest.”
This pragmatic approach reflects the ethos of Godly Labs: focusing on steady, intentional growth rather than rushing to scale. By prioritizing learning, adaptability, and a solid foundation, Eric aims to position Godly Labs not just as a participant in Calgary’s tech evolution but as a meaningful contributor to its long-term success.
The Role of Early Healthcare Contacts in Godly Labs’ Vision
As Godly Labs Inc. begins to carve out its space in Calgary’s tech ecosystem, its foundation is deeply rooted in the healthcare sector—a field that profoundly shaped its founder, Eric Blum. From personal experiences to professional collaborations, Eric’s early healthcare connections have been instrumental in defining the company’s mission and approach to innovation.
A Life-Changing Encounter with the Healthcare System
For Eric Blum, the complexities of healthcare are not abstract concepts but lived experiences. In 2007, a devastating rollover accident left Eric with severe, multifaceted injuries, requiring extensive care across nearly every healthcare facility in Calgary.
“The complexities of the healthcare system weren’t just theoretical for me—they were my reality,” Eric reflects. His recovery spanned almost five years, encompassing surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing self-maintenance. This experience offered Eric a firsthand view of the healthcare system’s strengths and weaknesses, instilling an understanding of its challenges that would later shape his career.
Building Clinics and Partnerships
After his recovery and time at the University of Calgary, Eric’s trajectory shifted when he was approached by internationally renowned sleep and psychiatry specialist, Dr. Adam Moscovitch. Tasked with helping Dr. Moscovitch reestablish his presence in Calgary, Eric applied his business acumen and determination to assist in creating a network of psychiatric-sleep clinics and research labs.
This venture introduced Eric to the operational side of healthcare, a perspective further enriched by his ongoing work with Dr. Hajiazim at the Sleep & Wake Clinic. These collaborations allowed Eric to engage directly with the intricacies of healthcare management and innovation.
“Both Dr. Moscovitch and Dr. Hajiazim challenged me in ways that pushed my personal and professional growth,” Eric explains. “Their mentorship expanded my understanding of healthcare and inspired me to think about how technology could bridge gaps and improve care. For that, I’ll always be grateful.”
The Pandemic and Telemedicine
The COVID-19 pandemic became a turning point for Eric’s healthcare journey, highlighting the critical role of technology in maintaining care during unprecedented times. Tasked with managing a fully operational clinic without in-person visits, Eric had to rapidly adapt to telemedicine solutions, navigate evolving regulations, and ensure patient care remained uncompromised.
“The healthcare sector had no choice but to adapt,” Eric says. “Innovation, protocols, security, and patient care had to evolve overnight. Technology was the answer.”
Eric also observed significant shifts in how policymakers in Alberta approached areas such as physician billing, privacy, and prescription distribution. These changes, though subtle, signaled the growing role of technology in shaping the healthcare landscape.
The experience underscored for Eric the importance of patient-centric innovation. “We learned that with the right protocols and design, technology can deliver care that’s both effective and empathetic,” he reflects.
Lessons from Daily Collaboration
Eric’s work in healthcare has been defined by countless day-to-day interactions with patients, providers, and third-party service companies. These moments, both small and monumental, have shaped his approach to problem-solving and innovation.
“Every day offered a new lesson,” Eric shares. “Whether it was about problem solving, documentation, policy protocols, or managing stakeholders, these moments combined to form a greater understanding of how to create meaningful solutions.”
This learning process continues to guide Eric’s approach at Godly Labs, emphasizing adaptability, thoughtful collaboration, and attention to detail in every endeavor.
Healthcare at the Core of Godly Labs
As Godly Labs grows, its ties to the healthcare sector remain unshakable. “They are at the core,” Eric says. “I will continue to work closely with clinics and high-level practitioners, regardless of the immediate direction Godly Labs takes.”
These relationships are not just partnerships—they are essential to how Eric approaches challenges and develops solutions. By staying connected to the realities of healthcare operations, Eric ensures that Godly Labs remains grounded in practical needs while striving for innovation.
“Working directly with those who navigate these challenges daily keeps my perspective sharp and ensures that our solutions are meaningful,” he explains.
As Calgary continues to evolve, how does Eric see Godly Labs contributing to the city’s transformation into a tech hub? His answer is thoughtful and grounded. Learn more about the mission and values that drive Godly Labs on our About page.
