Episode 5 of Calgary Talks: The Social Series
Lourdes and the Knead Tech team were just named the 2025 SXSW Pitch Winners for AgTech & Food on March 9th! This recognition is an incredible achievement and showcases Calgary’s growing reputation as a hub for social innovation and tech.
As we continue to work towards a more sustainable and inclusive future for Calgary, it’s important to recognize the innovators and changemakers who are making a real impact in our community. That’s why I’m so excited to introduce you to the latest episode of Calgary Talks: The Social Series, where I sit down with Lourdes Juan, the co-founder and CEO of Knead Tech.
Lourdes’ story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit and community-driven solutions. What began as a simple act of rescuing 200 pounds of bread from a local bakery has turned into Knead Tech, a clean tech startup that’s transforming the way we think about food waste. Through her company, Lourdes has built a platform that connects surplus food from donors to non-profit organizations, ensuring that perfectly good food doesn’t go to waste while helping feed those in need.
In our conversation, Lourdes shares her journey from urban planning to tech entrepreneurship, highlighting the pivotal moment when she realized the potential of using technology to solve food insecurity. Knead Tech has already rescued over 2 million pounds of food, resulting in 1.67 million meals and reducing carbon emissions in the process. It’s an inspiring example of how tech-driven innovation can be harnessed for social good.
A major milestone in Knead Tech’s journey was its selection as a finalist for the SXSW pitch competition, where Lourdes represented Calgary as the only Alberta-based company in the ag-tech sector. This event was a huge moment for the start-up, but the story doesn’t end there.
Lourdes and her team were just named the 2025 SXSW Pitch Winners for AgTech & Food on March 9th! This recognition is an incredible achievement and showcases Calgary’s growing reputation as a hub for social innovation and tech.
Lourdes’ deep connection to her Filipino heritage and her family, also stands out in this episode. She reflects on how her upbringing shaped her commitment to giving back and working towards a collective, community-driven future. The values of her culture—family, connection, and support—are at the core of everything she does, and they have been instrumental in her entrepreneurial journey.
Lourdes is also a passionate advocate for diversity in the tech industry, and as a woman of color in a traditionally male-dominated field, she brings a vital perspective to the conversation around inclusion and representation.
At the heart of Lourdes’ mission is the idea of community collaboration. In our conversation, we explore how Calgary, our local businesses, and non-profits can work together to create lasting solutions to food insecurity. It’s a call to action for all of us to think about the impact we can have, both individually and collectively, in reducing food waste and ensuring that everyone has access to nutritious meals.
I want to thank Lourdes for sharing her incredible story and for all the work she’s doing to make Calgary a more sustainable and compassionate city. This conversation is just one of many that showcase the amazing people who are shaping our city’s future. Stay tuned for more episodes of Calgary Talks: The Social Series, where we continue to explore the voices, ideas, and innovations that are making Calgary a better place for all.