Innovation+ in the Plus 15: A new stage for Calgary’s innovation stories

Mike Procee of the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum. – Photo by Jennifer Friesen, Digital Journal

“Calgary is full of incredible innovation, but too often, we don’t talk about it,” says Mike Procee, who came up with the idea for Innovation+ in the Plus 15, an initiative that brings innovation stories directly to the public. “We wanted to create a way for companies to share what they’re proud of, and for people to walk away with an ‘aha’ moment about how technology is being used in ways they hadn’t considered.”

Produced by the Calgary Innovation Peer Forum in partnership with Digital Journal, the project transforms Calgary’s Plus 15 pedestrian network into a showcase of technology, problem-solving, and forward-thinking solutions. The project is supported by Calgary Economic Development, Platform Calgary, and the Calgary Innovation Coalition.

The Plus 15 is Calgary’s elevated pedestrian walkway system that connects more than 100 buildings across downtown. Spanning more than 16 kilometres, it allows people to move through the city while staying indoors, making it a key route for people coming to work, moving between meetings and heading home at the end of the day. Similar in function to Toronto’s underground PATH system or Montreal’s RESO, Calgary’s Plus 15 is unique in that it operates above street level, giving commuters a different perspective on the city.

For this initiative, pop-up banners featuring real-world innovation projects from Calgary-based companies will be placed throughout the Plus 15, allowing professionals, visitors, and passersby to engage with stories of AI, emerging technology, and business transformation. 

Each banner will also include a QR code leading to a Digital Journal-hosted digital twin, where people can explore the project in greater depth, discover related innovations, and connect with Calgary’s broader innovation ecosystem.

A personal connection to Calgary’s Plus 15

For Procee, this initiative is more than just a project. It reflects his deep connection to Calgary and its downtown core. Born in Quebec, he’s spent nearly his entire life in Calgary and has always been fascinated by the Plus 15 network.

“I didn’t really understand until I was older and started traveling to other cities that this wasn’t a common thing,” he says. “I assumed every city had a network like this, but then I realized just how unique it is to Calgary.”

Procee, who walks the Plus 15 daily, saw an opportunity to turn the space into something more than a corridor between buildings. Over lunch hours, the system is packed with people, creating a natural audience for something that could educate and inspire.

“There’s a ton of great innovation happening in Calgary, but people don’t talk about it and don’t share it,” he says. “This initiative is meant to change that. It gives people an easy way to see what their peers are working on and to start new conversations.”

How Digital Journal is bringing these stories to life

Innovation+ in the Plus 15 was designed to showcase innovation, and Digital Journal stepped in to expand the reach of the project and provide an interactive, story-driven experience. 

By capturing company insights, distilling them into easy-to-understand pop-up banners, and designing the visuals, Digital Journal is helping transform these innovations into engaging and accessible narratives.

“If you’re walking through the Plus 15 and suddenly see how a local company is using AI to solve a problem, that could spark an idea for your own business,” says Procee. “It’s about making innovation visible and useful to the broader community.”

Digital Journal ensures that every pop-up banner tells an impactful story. 

The focus is on helping other innovators learn by highlighting challenges, insights, and results. These banners do more than showcase technology — they provide a starting point for conversation, inviting others to ask questions and consider how similar approaches could work in their own industries.

An example of innovation in action

Each company featured in Innovation+ in the Plus 15 tells a story that goes beyond technology, tackling real-world challenges, lessons learned, and industry impact. 

One example that will be on display comes from CSV Midstream Solutions (CSV), a company that builds and operates natural gas processing facilities in Western Canada. Their story will focus on a water-sweetening technology the company developed to address a critical issue in oil and gas operations.

CSV’s process removes hydrogen sulfide from water generated during oil and gas operations, making it safe for reuse in fracking rather than disposing of it in underground wells. Unlike partial treatment methods, this system eliminates hydrogen sulfide entirely, ensuring the water can be repurposed while reducing the industry’s reliance on fresh water.

CSV worked closely with industry partners, tested the technology in pilot projects, and ensured it integrated seamlessly into existing operations. The result is a proven and commercially operational solution with cost advantages that benefit both businesses and the environment by reducing truck traffic, improving local water security, and aligning with evolving regulations.

In the Plus 15, this story will look like this:

Chris Dutcher, vice president of corporate development at CSV, sees this initiative as an opportunity to highlight innovation that often happens behind the scenes. 

“There’s a lot of great work being done in Alberta’s energy sector to improve sustainability and efficiency, and this gives us a chance to share how our innovative water sweetening technology creates shared value with a wider audience,” he says. “Being part of Innovation+ in the Plus 15 allows us to showcase how we’re solving real challenges while also learning from others in the city.”

Stories like this are what make Innovation+ in the Plus 15 valuable. By highlighting the challenges, insights, and impact behind Calgary’s innovation stories, the initiative creates a space for knowledge-sharing and inspiration.

Bringing innovation to life during Calgary’s biggest events

Innovation+ in the Plus 15 will officially launch during the mesh conference, taking place April 29-30, and the goal is to bring the banners out when other major innovation events happen in the city. Innovation stories will be added continuously leading up to mesh, and after. 

“This is something we want to activate every time there’s a big innovation event in Calgary,” says Procee. “We’re starting with mesh, but the goal is to make this a recurring part of the city’s ecosystem. Something that brings visibility to our innovation economy year-round.”

The route will take visitors through some of downtown Calgary’s most well-known buildings, with pop-up banners placed along the way:

How you can get involved

Companies interested in showcasing their projects can submit their stories to be transformed into pop-up banners featured along the route. Submissions are open to businesses working on AI, emerging technology, and other innovation-driven projects.

“If we can inspire people to see what’s possible and spark new ideas, this will be a huge success,” says Procee. “There is a ton of innovation happening in Calgary, and it’s time to make it more visible.”To submit a project or learn more, click here.

This article was created with the assistance of AI. Learn more about our AI ethics policy here.