Blog | Innovate BC

Discover B.C.’s Most Exciting Startups at the B.C. Venture Spotlight

Written by Innovate BC | March 12, 2026

When Web Summit Vancouver returns in May, thousands of founders, investors, and technology leaders from around the world will gather to explore what’s next in global innovation. At the centre of B.C.’s presence will be the BC Pavilion, a hub designed to showcase the province’s talent, ideas, and high-growth companies.

“Innovation is one of our province’s greatest economic strengths, and the companies featured in the Venture Spotlight continue to demonstrate the talent that keeps our province competitive. Web Summit Vancouver gives us a chance to showcase B.C.’s leadership on the world stage, and to support the innovators who are helping to build a strong, more resilient economy for everyone.” – Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance.

One of the highlights of the Pavilion will be the Venture Spotlight—a curated showcase featuring 70+ of British Columbia’s most exciting and innovative startups.

Discover the Venture Spotlight Companies

“The Venture Spotlight is all about shining a light on the incredible companies being built in British Columbia. These founders are tackling global challenges across key sectors and Web Summit Vancouver gives them a powerful platform to connect with investors, partners, and customers from around the world.” – Tomica Divic, VP, Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystem Development, Innovate BC

These are the companies building the future of technology in B.C. Ventures pushing boundaries, solving global challenges, and scaling breakthrough ideas into real-world impact.

 

Spotlighting B.C.’s Priority Tech Sectors

The Venture Spotlight highlights companies from six of British Columbia’s priority innovation sectors. These sectors were selected not only because they represent areas where B.C. innovation is making a significant impact, but also to align with the Government of British Columbia’s Look West economic strategy.

Agritech
B.C. agritech companies are transforming how food is produced, monitored, and distributed—developing solutions that improve sustainability, resilience, and productivity across the global food system.

Oceantech
With one of the world’s most dynamic coastal ecosystems, B.C. is home to companies advancing marine technology—from ocean monitoring and robotics to solutions that support sustainable maritime industries.

Cleantech
B.C.’s cleantech innovators are tackling some of the world’s biggest environmental challenges, developing technologies that accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy, circular economies, and climate resilience.

Creative Tech
At the intersection of technology and storytelling, B.C.’s creative tech sector is globally recognized for innovation in digital media, gaming, immersive experiences, and next-generation content platforms.

Life Sciences
From biotech breakthroughs to healthtech innovation, B.C.’s life sciences companies are advancing research, diagnostics, therapeutics, and digital health solutions that improve lives around the world.

AI + Quantum
B.C. is rapidly becoming a leader in artificial intelligence and quantum innovation, with companies building powerful technologies that are reshaping industries—from computing and cybersecurity to advanced analytics and automation.

Together, these sectors represent the depth and diversity of B.C.’s innovation ecosystem—and the companies featured in the Venture Spotlight are among the most exciting ventures emerging from this community today.

 

Meet the Companies Driving B.C. Innovation

The Venture Spotlight creates opportunities for global investors, partners, media, and industry leaders to discover what B.C. companies are building—and why the province is gaining international recognition as a hub for high-growth innovation.

Throughout Web Summit Vancouver, Venture Spotlight companies will be featured at the BC Pavilion, where attendees can learn more about their technologies, connect with founders, and explore partnership and investment opportunities.

Explore the full list of B.C. ventures →

 

Coming Soon: A Closer Look at B.C.’s Innovation Leaders

In the lead-up to Web Summit Vancouver, we’ll be publishing a blog series highlighting one Venture Spotlight company from each sector. These stories will give readers a closer look at the founders, technologies, and ideas shaping B.C.’s innovation ecosystem.

Stay tuned to meet some of the province’s coolest companies—and discover why British Columbia continues to attract global attention for its growing technology sector.