Triffo Demo Day returns to showcase student innovation
Heather Egger - 7 May 2026
U of A President, Bill Flanagan speaks at Triffo Demo Day 2026
The University of Alberta’s Engineering Incubator continues to build momentum as a hub for early-stage ventures, supporting dozens of startups as they move from idea to implementation through mentorship, programming, and community connections.
On April 24, that momentum was on display at Triffo Demo Day, bringing together students, founders, and community members for an evening focused on emerging ventures and applied innovation.
The event featured 26 startup teams, each delivering a three-minute pitch across two rooms, along with live product demonstrations from select teams during the opening hour. With more than 90 attendees, the program included remarks from Dean of Engineering Simaan AbouRizk and University of Alberta President Bill Flanagan, followed by networking over food and refreshments. Several teams are now advancing their technologies toward pilot projects and early-stage commercialization.
Startups in the incubator programs reflect a wide range of technologies and applications. Enerbund has designed a flexible, portable power pack that can be programmed wirelessly to support multiple use cases, including hybrid generators, home energy systems, diesel optimization, and micro-grid applications. The technology is being piloted across industrial sites in Alberta, positioning it as a versatile solution for resilient, distributed energy systems.
Zylotex is developing a made-in-Canada supply of regenerated cellulose fibres by transforming hemp into a cotton-like material using an environmentally friendly lyocell process. As one of the first companies exploring hemp as a lyocell feedstock, the team is working to provide a cleaner alternative to conventional textiles, with early customer interest and production partnerships underway.
Phase Metron is developing advanced microchip technology to improve the direction and transmission of wireless signals for next-generation 5G and 6G antenna systems. With applications in telecommunications, aerospace, and defence, the technology aims to increase bandwidth, reduce energy loss, and maintain strong, reliable connections, including for satellite systems.
Triffo Demo Day offered a snapshot of the ideas and ventures taking shape within the Engineering Incubator, and an opportunity for the community to connect with the next generation of engineering entrepreneurs.