Startup Genome and Edmonton Unlimited launch the world’s most comprehensive report on startup ecosystems, released at VivaTech Paris
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — June 12, 2025 — Startup Genome, in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network, has released its flagship report in its 13th year – the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) – today at VivaTech, Paris. Widely regarded as the world’s most comprehensive research on startup ecosystems, the GSER leverages the largest quality-controlled dataset in the industry, analyzing data from over 5 million companies across 350+ entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems worldwide.
In collaboration with Edmonton Unlimited, Edmonton is featured in the #GSER2025. Key highlights include:
- The ecosystem created $1 billion in Ecosystem Value in GSER 2025 July 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024. Ecosystem Value is a measure of economic impact, calculated as the value of exits and startup valuations.
- #5 North America Ecosystem in Affordable Talent — measures the ability to hire tech talent
Sectoral drivers of startup growth in Edmonton: The AI & Big Data, Life Sciences, and Cleantech are key strengths of Edmonton’s startup ecosystem, supported by targeted government investment, sector-specific strategies, and cross-provincial innovation programs. In 2024, major funding and infrastructure announcements advanced AI data infrastructure, expanded biotech market reach, and accelerated hydrogen and waste-to-energy initiatives across Alberta.
Why startups choose Edmonton: Edmonton offers a competitive business environment with Canada’s lowest combined corporate tax rate and a lower cost of living compared to major urban centers. In 2024, Alberta introduced a new immigration system to attract skilled workers, while local initiatives like the AI x CE Strategy and funding from StartupTNT and Alberta Innovates reinforce sector-specific expansion opportunities.
“Edmonton offers affordable living, top talent, and a collaborative, growing startup community posing a unique and inspiring opportunity to shape the city’s innovation ecosystem as it grows.” — Chris Robson, CEO & Co-Founder Wyvern
This year’s report delivers fresh insights on the world’s leading innovation ecosystems, highlighting key trends, investment flows, and policy strategies driving entrepreneurial success. It features rankings of the Top 40 global startup ecosystems and Top 100 emerging ecosystems, along with regional rankings. Built on over a decade of Startup Genome’s independent research and policy expertise, and driven by a consortium of representatives spanning 65+ countries, the report provides a data-rich analysis of startup activity and investment patterns. It provides actionable guidance for policymakers, ecosystem leaders, and founders to develop evidence-based strategies that strengthen startup communities – the world’s most powerful engine of job creation and economic growth.
“Edmonton’s top ecosystem ranking for affordable talent and leading AI research and talent pool combine to offer one of the most compelling advantages for founders in the AI era. The leadership and commitment of Edmonton Unlimited are laying important groundwork to strengthen the city’s innovation economy and unlock its long-term potential.” — JF Gauthier, Founder & CEO, Startup Genome
View the full report here – https://startupgenome.com/gser2025
ABOUT EDMONTON UNLIMITED
As the City of Edmonton’s innovation agency, Edmonton Unlimited is working to establish a critical mass of entrepreneurs working to scale technology and innovation companies toward global impact.
ABOUT STARTUP GENOME
Startup Genome is the world-leading innovation ecosystem development organization, having worked with more than 180 economic and innovation ministries and public/private agencies in over 65 countries. We work to catalyze startup success and ecosystem growth and ensure that all cities and countries capture their fair share of the new economy. Startup Genome strategy clients grew their ecosystem values 59% faster than peers (41% vs. 25%). On average, Startup Genome clients produced $1.4 billion per year more in ecosystem value from an average starting point of $9.2 billion. Our evidence-based ecosystem research, advisory, and scaleup programs are rooted in global experience with the world’s largest AI-curated startup dataset and proprietary instruments developed from over a decade of primary research.
For interviews and further inquiries, please contact:
Stephanie Gillis-Paulgaard
Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Edmonton Unlimited
+1 (780) 885-0458
Franzis Walther
Manager, Operations and Communications, Startup Genome
+49 163 3449233