Alberta Innovates Names Permanent CEO

­NEWS RELEASE

ALBERTA, May 20, 2025 – Alberta Innovates today announced the appointment of Dr. Mike Mahon as its permanent CEO, effective immediately. The announcement comes on the morning of Inventures 2025, the organization’s flagship event, underscoring a renewed focus on advancing innovation, strengthening partnerships, and accelerating technology commercialization in Alberta. 

Dr. Mahon has served as interim CEO since July 2024. With over 13 years of leadership experience as President of the University of Lethbridge, Dr. Mahon stepped down from the board to take on the interim CEO role during a critical transition period. Since then, he has led a review of Alberta Innovates’ programs and services, spearheaded the development of new strategic and business plans, and played a key role in reimagining Inventures. 

The Board of Directors unanimously and formally approved Dr. Mahon’s appointment as permanent CEO at the start of Inventures 2025, held this year in Calgary. Inventures brings together thousands of innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and stakeholders to showcase Alberta’s growing technology sector on a global stage. 

“It is an honour to lead an organization with over a century of impact for Albertans. Like a head coach, I’m fortunate to work alongside an incredible team of talented individuals committed to delivering meaningful results for this province. Since last summer, I’ve engaged with countless innovators and leaders across Alberta, and I am excited about the tremendous opportunities ahead,” said Dr. Mike Mahon, CEO, Alberta Innovates. 

“As we considered candidates for the permanent CEO role, it became clear that Mike has earned the confidence of our employees and community partners alike. His vision for the future and his proven leadership during a period of significant transformation make him the right person to continue to lead Alberta Innovates forward. The Board is fully confident in his ability to position Alberta as a leader in innovation advancement,” said Tony Williams, Chair, Board of Directors, Alberta Innovates. 

Inventures 2025 will highlight Alberta’s rapidly expanding technology and innovation ecosystem, which is central to the province’s economic diversification. Alberta’s tech sector contributed $13 billion to the provincial GDP in 2023, according to recent data from ATB Financial. Employment in this sector grew nearly four times faster than the overall Alberta industry average between 2013 and 2023. Venture capital investment has surged from $227 million in 2019 to $698 million in 2024, with $140 million raised in the first quarter of 2025—ranking third highest in Canada. 

Tony Williams will host a fireside chat with CEO Mike Mahon at Inventures 2025 on Friday, May 23 at 8:45 a.m., to discuss the future direction of Alberta Innovates. Following Inventures, Alberta Innovates will finalize its business plan in collaboration with the Government of Alberta and other key partners. Further organizational developments will be announced throughout 2025 and beyond. 

About Alberta Innovates

Alberta Innovates drives provincial economic growth and diversification by investing in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We ignite the power of innovation by partnering with researchers, industry, and entrepreneurs to advance a lower-carbon future, promote responsible land and water use, and improve the health and well-being of Albertans. Through technical expertise, entrepreneurial advice, partnership opportunities, and funding, Alberta Innovates supports a wide range of research and innovation activities—from discovery to commercialization. Collaboration is at the heart of our approach, bringing together bright minds and bold ideas. 

Learn more at albertainnovates.ca.