A Message from our CEO
As we look ahead, one thing is increasingly evident: Continued investment in B.C.’s innovation economy is translating into real outcomes. Why? We collectively are becoming more focused and disciplined in how we support BC’s tech ecosystem to compete and grow globally.
And at Innovate BC we’re playing our part and leaning into that, offering specialized support that can help high-potential companies with market-ready ideas succeed and, as a result, drive sustained economic growth, job creation and private sector value for the province. Companies that are scaling and effectively engaging broad markets – ones like A&K Robotics and pH7, both alumni of Innovate BC programming – are proof of that ROI potential and are our foundation for more momentum, more success, and more impact.
The advice we give startups is straightforward. Be laser focused, find real product market fit, and execute.
That advice applies just as much to Innovate BC, and the ecosystem itself.
British Columbia has no shortage of ideas, talent, or ambition. Where we are seeing the greatest progress is in doing the right things, at the right time, and aligning capital, programs, and partnerships around companies at every stage of growth, from early validation through adoption and scale.
At Innovate BC, this mindset is shaping how we operate. We are focused on supporting companies along the full innovation journey. That means backing early-stage experimentation, helping companies move into real world adoption, strengthening core sectors with technology that improves productivity and competitiveness, and supporting B.C. companies as they scale with confidence in global markets.
This is not always about doing more programs. It is about doing fewer things better, with clearer signals to founders and investors about where momentum exists, where long term value is being built, and how we can target our supports.
For investors, B.C. continues to offer a compelling proposition. We see globally relevant companies, strong technical depth, and an ecosystem that is becoming more execution oriented and market driven. For founders, the message is equally clear. Focus matters. Discipline matters. The ecosystem is increasingly aligned to support companies that are ready to move from potential to performance, wherever they are in their growth path.
The year ahead also brings a unique opportunity to showcase what B.C. has built. With the world’s technology community coming to Vancouver for Web Summit, we have a moment to demonstrate the depth of our companies, the strength of our talent, and the maturity of our innovation ecosystem on a global stage.
(On that note: If you’re ready to make the leap and step onto the global stage, a good place to start is our Road to Web Summit Vancouver programming which you can learn more about on our website. We have an excellent line-up of programming, events/initiatives and delivery partners to help equip you for the conference.)
Innovation is not a single moment. It is a continuum. The year ahead is about strengthening the links between early promise, real world adoption, and scalable growth.
My ask is simple.
For founders, stay focused on the problem you are solving and the market you are serving. For investors, continue leaning into B.C. companies that are building real, durable value. And for all of us across the ecosystem, use the year ahead, and moments like Web Summit, to connect, collaborate, and help turn momentum into long term impact.
If we stay focused, stay aligned, and keep executing, the opportunity in front of B.C.’s tech sector is significant, and it is one worth continuing to invest in.
