CoLab AI, which makes AI-driven collaboration software for engineers, was named the Nasdaq Verafin Tech Company of the Year last week at the fifth annual techNL Industry Awards.
The industry association presented awards in five categories during an event attended by about 200 people at JAG Soundhouse. The competition featured 23 nominees selected across the province’s technology sector. Winners were chosen by an independent panel of judges.
Founded by CEO Adam Keating and CTO Jeremy Andrew in 2017, CoLab makes collaboration software for 3D modelling and in June launched its first AI agent, which it calls AutoReview. Last year, the company booked the largest venture capital deal in Atlantic Canada since 2023 with a US$72 million (C$100.9 million) Series C round.
“Newfoundland and Labrador’s tech sector is being recognized, celebrated, and supported well beyond our borders,” said techNL CEO Florian Villaumé in a statement. “The Industry Awards bring our community together to recognize the vision, resilience, and innovation driving that momentum. While 2025 was another remarkable year, what’s ahead is even more promising and exciting.”
The province’s tech sector reported $1.87 billion in GDP contribution in 2024 and nearly 10,000 jobs, according to figures cited by techNL. It has a stated target of reaching $2.5 billion in GDP contribution by 2030.
The awards were previously part of Innovation Week but were held as a standalone event this year. Organizers said the change was intended to provide a dedicated focus on the sector’s annual achievements. TechNL said the awards are intended to recognize business growth, innovation, and contributions to the province’s technology ecosystem.
The other winners were:
Champion of Youth: Genoa Design International
Founded in 1995, Genoa provides 3D modelling and production design services to shipbuilding and ocean industries. It describes itself as one of the most sought-after firms in North America with extensive design and production experience on Navy and Coast Guard programs in Canada and the US.
Community Builder: PolyUnity Tech
PolyUnity designs and manufactures medical products through its digital i3D.Health platform, which allows hospitals to design, approve, and 3D print items locally through a regulatory-compliant process. In November, it announced partnerships with three groups in St. John’s aimed at advancing healthcare innovation across Canada.
Diversity in Tech Advocate: Solace Power
develops wireless power and data transfer technology for aerospace, defence and other sectors. In November, the company signed a US$3.8 million agreement to supply its patented aerospace and defence platform to Boeing.
Startup of the Year: atlantiq AI
Atlantiq AI has developed an AI platform for ship design teams which need an overwhelming amount of information to complete their task. The company says its platform acts as the bridge between the design team and the knowledge that they need, so that they can focus on what to do best, and accelerate the overall design process.
