For the second consecutive year Innovate BC is partnering with the province’s tech community to equip B.C. tech ventures for global exposure and growth opportunities at Web Summit Vancouver 2026
VANCOUVER, B.C., November 4, 2025 – Innovate BC is proud to launch year two of its “Road to Web Summit Vancouver” (R2WSV) initiative, announcing a broad roster of partners across B.C.’s tech and innovation sector who will support the delivery of tailored programming to prepare B.C. companies for global exposure, investor engagement, and growth opportunities at Web Summit Vancouver 2026 next May.
Web Summit is one of the world’s premium tech and innovation conferences, bringing together thousands of international innovators, funders, industries and media each year.
“The Road to Web Summit Vancouver is a game changer for entrepreneurs in B.C. It’s more than just preparing for a conference, it’s a tool for startups and companies looking to build connections, and capacity to unlock new market opportunities,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance. “This kind of support helps build a strong, diversified and innovation-driven economy that works for people throughout the province.”
In its debut year and with the support of a range of ecosystem partners, R2WSV year one offered 40 events, each addressing key business development focus areas in lead up to the conference’s first residence in Vancouver, supporting hundreds of B.C. startups and individual innovators.
Introducing R2WSV Year Two
Building on that success, Innovate BC will expand its reach and impact with year two of the ‘Road to Web Summit Vancouver’, hosting its own anchor programming in addition to partnering with organizations across the province to deliver a comprehensive schedule of new learning and development opportunities.
Innovate BC’s anchor events include a return of its expansive Bootcamp experience that will take startups and companies through a day of rigorous, practical training, as well a series of programming opportunities for growth stage companies including pitch practices and masterclasses. These will culminate in an Investor Showcase connecting B.C.’s highest potential companies to a curated group of global investors ahead of the conference.
“The Road to Web Summit Vancouver brings investors, founders, and other key innovation partners into one coordinated lane so that our companies can show up with confidence on the global stage,” said Peter Cowan, President and CEO, Innovate BC. “Web Summit Vancouver is a catalyst that converts local excellence into global advantage for our founders, and Innovate BC is proud to convene the partners who will help deliver that impact again this year.”
Selected partners represent a wide range of innovation drivers from across the province including Accelerate Okanagan, Acetech, AI Network of BC, Angel Forum Society, Black Entrepreneurs & Businesses of Canada Society, Central Interior Business Accelerator (CIBA), ClimateDoor Partners Inc., DigiBC, Indigenous Tech Circle, Innovation UBC, Life Sciences British Columbia, Mosaic Accelerator, New Ventures BC, NorthX, Spring Impact Society, and Vancouver Entrepreneurs Forum.
Together, R2WSV year two will offer 13 robust programming initiatives leading up to Web Summit Vancouver 2026, with focus areas including sales and marketing strategy, investor readiness, expansion into global markets and more, and encompassing high-potential sectors including life sciences, digital media, and AI. Programming will be offered throughout the province with the majority delivered in a hybrid format to ensure innovators region-wide can participate.
Startups and other interested parties can view the schedule of programs and events at innovatebc.ca/websummitvancouver, with more details and dates to be added in the coming weeks.
Additional Quotes
Amanda Collett, Deputy Country Manager – Canada, Web Summit
“Web Summit’s mission has always been not only to bring together the world’s leading technology companies, but also to discover and showcase the most promising early-stage startups that will shape and disrupt the next decade of innovation. We know that many of those companies are being built right here in the BC region. After a fantastic first edition that surpassed all expectations, we couldn’t be more excited to return to Vancouver and continue building on that incredible momentum.”
Jackee Kasandy, Founder and CEO, Black Entrepreneurs & Businesses of Canada Society
“We’re thrilled to partner with Innovate BC on the second year of their Road to Web Summit Vancouver initiative. This collaboration represents an incredible opportunity to showcase the strength, creativity, and diversity of British Columbia’s tech identity on the global stage, and we’re proud to help ensure that B.C.’s ventures are equipped to compete and thrive at Web Summit next May."
Anne Hunger, Co-Founder and CPO, GlüxKind
“I've participated in multiple events of Innovate BC’s Road to Web Summit Vancouver last year and from networking to bootcamp, every single one was a valuable experience leading up to the main event. Initiatives like this give startups from idea to growth stage the tools and confidence to make the most of world-class opportunities like Web Summit. It’s exciting to see Innovate BC continue to play a crucial role in the connection and growth of B.C.’s innovation community - one that’s collaborative, ambitious, and ready to shine on the global stage.”
Media Contact
Michael Gleboff
Communications + Community Manager
mgleboff@innovatebc.ca
604-602-5210
Innovate BC helps turn bold ideas into real-world impact. As a Crown agency, we serve as a trusted advisor and partner for British Columbia’s innovation ecosystem. Our diverse programs and initiatives advance opportunities for made-in-BC innovations, giving companies, industries, and communities the resources they need to grow and prosper.
New opportunities for more people coming to B.C.’s tech sector
Automation, robotics helping farmers strengthen food security
Comments