Calgary’s 5G Discovery Zone - in collaboration with Rogers, Platform Calgary and Calgary Economic Development.
Connected Calgary
Connected Calgary is the newest stage of the Calgary 5G Discovery Zone (5GDZ), building on the success of its first two stages: Connect & Test and Themed Challenge (Network API Challenge). Connected Calgary features two cohorts, each anchored by an overarching problem statement. Participants can respond within three suggested focus areas or propose their own solution if it aligns with the challenge theme.
How might we leverage data and 5G connectivity to make cities safer, more sustainable, or more responsive?
The program focuses on three key areas, paving the way for smarter traffic, faster emergency response, and stronger environmental sustainability.
- Transportation and mobility
- Public safety
- Climate and environment
Connected Calgary structure
Cohort 1
Cohort 1 combines structured programming with a real-world challenge to accelerate solution development and align startup innovation with civic and industry needs. To support participants, one webinar will be hosted with cohort details and Q&A.
Application opens from September 8th to October 17th, 2025.
- Webinar: Sept. 18th 2025 [A recording will be available afterwards]
- Cohort 2: Cohort 2 application opens in December 2025, with more details to come.
Note: Solutions must be at a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 or higher. This means validated solutions ready for demonstration in a relevant environment are eligible. Early-stage concepts, prototypes without testing, or ideation-stage projects will not be accepted
Calgary 5G Discovery Zone highlights
Launched in 2024, the Calgary 5G Discovery Zone is Canada’s first downtown 5G test environment. It supports local and international innovators in developing, refining, and testing new applications and technologies that leverage the benefits of 5G networks. The program has three stages: Connect & Test, Themed Challenge (Network API Challenge) and Connected Calgary. Selected applicants gain access to Rogers’ 5G network, testing tools, mentorship, and resources to enhance product development and problem-solving.
The first two stages have already delivered strong outcomes, laying the foundation for Connected Calgary.
Connect & Test
The Connect & Test program opened applications in 2024, inviting companies to submit proposals for independent testing in the 5G Discovery Zone. One of the standout early participants was Sawback Technologies, a Calgary-based company testing its advanced near-surface sensors to help cities detect underground infrastructure issues, such as fluid leaks, environmental contamination or workers fatalities, before they become serious problems. With 5G connectivity, Sawback’s solution allows automatic cloud uploads, faster data processing, and real-time visualization of underground assets.
Themed challenge (Network API challenge)
Launched in April 2025, the 5G Discovery Zone Network API Challenge invited innovators from around the world to develop solutions using Network APIs in transportation, public safety, and climate. The challenge was judged by Don Annett, David Basto and Liselle Rego , and concluded with five finalists.
Ahmad El Bukhari
Ahmad El Bukhari
PhD Candidate, University of Calgary
Solution: TraffiCore: A real-time traffic management system using network APIs to reduce congestion, improve response times, and support smarter city planning.
Focus Area: Transportation & Mobility
Henrique Pereira
Henrique Pereira
Cloud Security Analyst
Solution: P3S: A field personnel safety tool that uses network APIs for secure logins, real-time tracking, and efficient team communication.
Focus Area: Public Safety
HOVR
HOVR
Toronto-based Rideshare Startup
Solution: TOPLink – A rideshare optimization platform that taps into network APIs to cut emissions, forecast demand, and boost transit access.
Focus Area: Transportation & Mobility
iSPARX
iSPARX
Immersive Media Agency (Calgary & New Zealand)
Solution: AR+ visualization platform using Network APIs to deliver real-time immersive environmental data.
Focus Area: Climate Change & Environment
Sharath Mysore Narasimhamurthy
Sharath Mysore Narasimhamurthy
Postdoc Associate in Traffic Engineering, University of Calgary
Solution: Real-time traffic monitoring using location APIs and edge compute for congestion and emissions reduction via CityPulse platform.
Focus Area: Transportation & Mobility
Frequently asked questions
What is Calgary’s 5G Discovery Zone?
Calgary’s 5G Discovery Zone (5GDZ), Canada’s first downtown 5G test environment, is a collaboration between The City of Calgary, Rogers Communications, Platform Calgary, and Calgary Economic Development. Its goal is to create a 5G-enabled test environment in downtown Calgary where innovators can pilot technologies, explore 5G’s capabilities, and develop real-world solutions.
What is Connected Calgary?
Connected Calgary is the newest stage of the 5GDZ, building on the earlier Connect & Test and Themed Challenges (Network API Challenge) stages. It introduces a two-cohort model, with each cohort anchored by an overarching problem statement. Participants can respond through suggested focus areas or propose their own ideas that align with the program theme.Academia, researchers, start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and innovators are encouraged to participate in Calgary’s 5G Discovery Zone to explore the potential of 5G networks.
What is the application timeline, and can applicants apply to both cohorts?
- Cohort 1: Applications open September 2025 and close October 2025. Selected teams will be announced in November 2025 during Platform Innovation Week. Demo Day will be held in February 2026.
- Cohort 2: Applications open December 2025 and close January 2026. Selected teams begin in March 2026, with Demo Day in May 2026.
- The review process usually takes about 3-4 weeks. If you are not selected for the first cohort, you are welcome to re-apply for the second cohort.
Who can apply to Connected Calgary, is there a cost, and how many teams will be selected?
- It is open to local and international academia, researchers, start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and innovators (solutions must be TRL 6+).
- No cost to participate.
- Cohort 1 will select 3–4 applicants, and Cohort 2 may select 3-6 selected applicants.
What challenge will each cohort address, and what support will applicants receive?
- Cohort 1 is anchored by an overarching problem statement: How might we leverage data and 5G connectivity to make cities safer, more sustainable, or more responsive?
- Participants are encouraged to propose solutions in public safety, transportation and mobility, and climate and environment. Other ideas are welcome if they align with the overall theme.
- Webinars will be offered before each cohort to explain program details, answer questions, and guide applicants through the process. Recordings will also be available.
How can applicants benefit from participation?
Participants will gain:
- Access to Calgary’s 5G testbed with Rogers connectivity tools (devices, SIMs, and network access)
- Technical mentorship from Rogers engineers and technical teams
- Business mentorship and programming support through Platform Calgary (TBD)
- Access to Calgary Economic Development resources (TBD)
- Introductions to customers and partners through curated connections and Demo Day
- Public exposure through Demo Day, media outreach, and partner promotion
Will funding be provided, and who owns the solutions developed?
- No funding will be provided.
- All solutions remain the property of the applicants. The City of Calgary and program partners do not claim ownership of any ideas, solution, or technologies developed through the program.
Where can I find the application form and how will applications be evaluated?
- Applicants can access the Connected Calgary application form through either the City of Calgary’s webpage or Rogers’ webpage. [Insert links]
- Applications will be assessed by The City of Calgary and its partners on:
- Alignment with the challenge theme and focus areas
- Innovation and effective use of 5G
- Impact for Calgarians and the innovation ecosystem
What happens at Demo Day?
Demo Day is when each cohort showcases their solutions. Teams present to civic leaders, industry partners, and potential funders, gaining recognition, visibility, and future collaboration.
What has the 5G Discovery Zone achieved so far?
The 5G Discovery Zone has completed two successful stages before launching Connected Calgary:
- Stage 1: Connect & Test (2024) – Invited companies to pilot their technologies in a real-world 5G environment. A highlight was Calgary-based Sawback Technologies, which tested advanced near-surface sensors to detect underground infrastructure risks. With 5G connectivity, their solution enabled automatic cloud uploads, faster data processing, and real-time visualization of underground assets.
- Stage 2: Network API Challenge (2025) – Launched in April 2025, this international challenge invited innovators to develop solutions using Network APIs in transportation, public safety, and climate. Judged by Don Annett, David Basto, and Liselle Rego, the challenge concluded with five finalists presenting their ideas.
Together, these stages laid the foundation for Connected Calgary, building momentum to support larger, more structured cohorts of innovators.
Contacts
- If you are an experimenter or interested in the program, please contact:
innovationchallenge@rci.rogers.com
- If you have questions for The City of Calgary, please contact:
5GDiscoveryZone@Calgary.ca
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