How do you measure something as intangible as innovation?

The scorecard measurement, meant to bring awareness and understanding of ecosystem issues, serves as a means to create and have ongoing dialogue around a shared cultural narrative of innovation. The scorecard is a snapshot of the ecosystem in time, describing its strengths, weaknesses, and general conditions. The outcome of the scorecard number is to drive behaviours and models of thinking which are shared ecosystem wide. An honest examination of the ecosystem’s assets will work to identify opportunities to improve the culture of innovation.

Continuing the Rainforest Legacy

Since 2015, Rainforest Alberta has brought together individuals across the province to strengthen Alberta’s innovation ecosystem, grounded in the belief that we already have the ingredients needed to build sustainable, globally competitive ventures. Although the formal initiative concluded following its final survey in 2023, its spirit of curiosity, collaboration, and ecosystem stewardship remains highly relevant.

Aligned with ERIN’s mandate to connect and strengthen the Greater Edmonton innovation ecosystem, we are continuing this work by revisiting the Rainforest Survey in 2025. By taking stock of where we stand today, we can better guide collective action, collaboration, and long-term growth across our region.

This survey and report are not designed to prescribe solutions, but to provide a clear snapshot of the current health of our innovation ecosystem. It reflects what our community believes we are doing well — and where we can improve.

Ecosystem progress is a shared responsibility. If the insights highlight opportunities to contribute, collaborate, or lead change, we encourage you to act. ERIN is here to help connect the people, ideas, and resources that turn insight into impact.

This is an ongoing commitment. We intend to make the Rainforest Scorecard survey an annual initiative, tracking trends and measuring progress year over year. The next survey cycle will begin in October 2026 as we continue monitoring and strengthening our ecosystem together.

2025 Scorecard

What the 2025 Rainforest Scorecard tells us about Edmonton’s innovation ecosystem.

In 2025, ERIN revisited the Rainforest Scorecard to take an honest look at the health of the Edmonton innovation ecosystem.

Overall score: 642/1000

The score is an improvement of 30 points from the last survey (2023).

But the numbers only tell part of the story. What the results really show is an ecosystem that is active, generous, and growing, but not always experienced the same way by everyone. The encouraging news is that Edmonton’s culture continues to be a strength.

Many respondents described a community that is welcoming, collaborative, and willing to help others succeed. The willingness to share knowledge and support founders remains one of the ecosystem’s defining traits.

At the same time, many founders say access to resources and opportunities can feel inconsistent, especially for early-stage startups or those without existing connections.

The ecosystem has strong capacity, but the experience can depend on who you know and where you enter. This means that the opportunity ahead is not just building more programs or events.

It’s about improving

Strong ecosystems aren’t just active, they’re connected. ERIN is proud to be part of Edmonton’s innovation ecosystem and to help strengthen the connections that allow ideas, founders, and opportunities to grow.