In just five years, UCeed has redefined how universities fuel innovation and drive economic growth in Canada.
What started as a bold idea to accelerate research from lab to market has grown into Canada's largest university-based investment fund of its kind, powered by philanthropy and rooted in UCalgary's culture of entrepreneurial thinking.
Launched with two funds, UCeed has expanded to seven, now managing $30 million in assets and investing $12 million in 74 startups. In September, the fund marked its first portfolio exit when one of its early investments was acquired, returning capital to the fund. The early return exceeded expectations and demonstrated that a philanthropically driven model can deliver both impact and sustainability.
Recognized nationally as a leader in early stage investment, UCeed has set the gold standard in due diligence and continues to expand its reach across Canada's innovation landscape, reflecting UCalgary's commitment to translating research into community and economic impact.
"UCeed is more than an investment fund it's a launch pad for ideas that improve lives," says UCalgary President Ed McCauley. "As Canada's entrepreneurial university, we're proud to champion researchers and founders who are translating discoveries into real-world solutions that benefit people, the planet and the economy."
Recent milestones as UCeed celebrates its first five years:
New fund
- The Engineering and Science Fund, made possible by a $5-million gift from Dr. Bruce McGee, MEng'89, PhD, through the McMillan-McGee Foundation, expands UCeed's reach into deep tech and science-based innovation. Its first investment, North Vector Dynamics, is a Calgary-based defence-tech startup developing Canadian-made drone interceptors.
First exit
- UCeed-backed Hyperlume was acquired by Credo Technologies in September 2025, returning 10 times UCeed's investment to the fund to be reinvested in future research and innovation. Hyperlume's technology promises to dramatically improve performance and energy efficiency in large data centres.
Momentum across the portfolio
- UCeed-backed ventures achieved major breakthroughs from Fluid Biomed's $27-million US Series A, Canada's largest medical device raise in 2024; to PurposeMed, growing to serve more than 50,000 patients; and DISA Technologies' $30-million US Series A2 to advance mineral recovery.
Powered by philanthropy and an evergreen reinvestment model, UCeed continues to grow through strong relationships with donors, advisors and founders, who all share a belief in the power of early stage innovation.
"Philanthropy is what sets UCeed apart," says Andrea Morris, vice-president of Development and Alumni at UCalgary.
"What we see coming out of UCeed new technologies, jobs and industries that's donor-driven impact, creating real change across Alberta and beyond."
From left: Pete Santosham, Bruce McGee and Andrea Morris. Photo Credit: Adrian Shellard
Building the pipeline of Canadian entrepreneurship
UCeed's seven funds Health, Child Health and Wellness, Social Impact, Energy, Neuro, Haskayne Student Fund, and Engineering and Science are strategically aligned with UCalgary's research strengths and community needs.
"We are expanding the pipeline of promising startups by unlocking innovation from Canadian universities," says Peter Santosham, MBA'06, executive director and managing partner of UCeed. "Our team invests early, educates founders, and helps position ventures for growth and follow-on capital."
The 2025 UCeed Momentum Report offers a deeper look at the fund's achievements, including founder stories, investment highlights and what's next as UCeed builds the future of Canadian innovation.
Video Credit: Haley Martin, Communications
UCeed would not be possible without the support of our generous community of donors committed to advancing innovation, including:
