Calgary-based warehouse robotics company Attabotics has filed for bankruptcy protection and abruptly laid off most of its staff, with more than 150 termination notices sent out. Once celebrated as a rising star in Canada’s tech sector, Attabotics had claimed over 300 employees and received millions in funding from both public and private sources—including the federal government, the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, and $4.5 million from Calgary’s Opportunity Investment Fund.

The company, known for its innovative robotic warehouse automation systems, sent a surprise email to staff on June 29 advising them not to return to the office and offering no clear information on severance or reimbursement of expenses. Industry Canada confirmed the company’s formal intent to file for bankruptcy.

This high-profile collapse highlights growing instability in Canada’s tech sector, especially for startups reliant on government investment and venture capital. As Canada's innovation economy faces shifting market demands and rising interest rates, Attabotics’ sudden downfall serves as a warning: even well-funded disruptors aren’t immune to market pressures. For Canadian tech workers, this is a reminder to remain cautious and adaptable in an increasingly volatile industry.

Have you been laid off by Attabotics in Canada? Contact our employment lawyers today. Our legal team offers a free consultation and works on a contingency basis—there are no fees unless you win your case.

Ken MacGillivray & Sarah Offin’s original article, “Calgary tech darling shuts down suddenly, hundreds of employees lose jobs” was published in Global News on July 3, 2025. Read the Full Global News story.