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(Left to right): Wyvern co-founders Callie Lissinna, Kurtis Broda, Kristen Cote and Chris Robson.

From building satellites in the student club to orbiting the Earth every 97 minutes, Wyvern has become a world leader in hyperspectral satellite imaging — and a shining example of Alberta innovation. The Edmonton-based company was founded in 2018 by four U of A grads whose journey began with hands-on experience in AlbertaSat. Now, with $8.2 million to expand into the U.S. market, Wyvern’s trajectory continues — boosted by support from the 91³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏÍø .

Launched in October 2023, the U of A Innovation Fund is proving to be a powerful catalyst for Alberta-made innovation. Created to help turn cutting-edge research into market-ready ventures, the fund empowers U of A students, alumni and faculty to bring bold ideas to life — made possible by a community of donors who believe in the power of homegrown innovation.

Within just nine months, the fund engaged with 200-plus companies and invested $866,000 in five research-driven companies: RL Core Technologies, Nanostics Precision Health, PulseMedica, Areto Labs and Wyvern. These startups are advancing technologies in health, energy, artificial intelligence and agriculture. Alongside funding, the U of A Innovation Fund provides mentorship and access to global networks to help ventures grow faster and smarter in Alberta. This early momentum is only possible because of continued donor generosity. Every gift helps fuel the next wave of Alberta-born innovation, ensuring that bold new ideas have the support they need to thrive.

Wyvern, a shining example of that impact, is revolutionizing earth observation. Its satellites use hyperspectral imaging to detect environmental changes invisible to the human eye, with applications in agriculture, forestry, environmental monitoring and national security.

With support from the U of A Innovation Fund, Wyvern has launched its fourth satellite, introduced the world’s highest-resolution hyperspectral Open Data Program, and secured international partnerships with NUVIEW, Dhruva Space and Lemu. The fund also facilitated key introductions to government and industry partners, helping Wyvern expand into wildfire monitoring projects and assistance with security in Ukraine.

“The U of A Innovation Fund brought more than capital — they brought connections,” says Wyvern co-founder Callie Lissinna, ’21 BSc(MechEng). “Their support helped us reach key customers and grow our revenue at a critical time. As U of A grads, partnering with a fund that shares our values was the perfect match.”

Lead donor Alfred Sorensen, a proud U of A Business graduate, has supported the fund from the beginning. For him, the value is clear: this is an investment in Alberta’s future.

“I saw an opportunity to spark new possibilities — for students, for our province, and for the future of innovation in Alberta. The Innovation Fund is about more than funding ideas; it's about opening doors,” Sorensen says. “It creates meaningful pathways for students to explore fields like venture capital, gain hands-on experience, and build the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. It’s a chance to empower the next generation of Albertans to dream bigger and lead boldly.”

Beyond investments, the fund is shaping future innovators through experiential learning — one of the pillars of the U of A’s Shape the Future campaign. Shape the Future supports the fund’s Student Involvement Initiative, giving students hands-on experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship — practical learning that complements their studies and strengthens Alberta’s innovation pipeline. Several students have even joined the U of A Innovation Fund team full-time.

With almost $7 million in initial capital and growing momentum, the U of A Innovation Fund is reinforcing the U of A’s role as a leader in deep tech, job creation, and economic growth.

The success of Wyvern — and the fund itself — demonstrates the impact of donor support. As Wyvern grows on the global stage, it’s choosing to stay rooted in Alberta, creating jobs and opportunity right here at home. With each satellite launched and every breakthrough achieved, Wyvern is helping build Alberta’s future and showing the world that innovation truly begins here.