The Investor Showcase, presented by Innovate BC
VANCOUVER, B.C. — April 8, 2026 — On May 11, twenty-five of British Columbia’s most promising tech companies will pitch their ventures to an audience of international investors at Innovate BC’s Investor Showcase: BC's Top 25 Investible Companies event.
Delivered as part of Innovate BC’s Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2WSV) campaign, an initiative designed to help B.C. innovators succeed at the upcoming Web Summit Vancouver conference, the invite-only showcase will bring together a curated group of B.C. companies and investors from around the world for focused engagement in a pitch format. The selected companies will have the opportunity to present their businesses and connect directly with attending capital partners, seeking to secure investment and expand into global markets.
“British Columbia’s innovation economy is thriving, and Innovate BC's Investor Showcase is a powerful reminder of the world‑class talent growing right here at home,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance. “When our top startups connect with global investors, they’re not just securing capital—they’re building the companies, technologies, and jobs that will drive B.C.’s economic future.”
The selected companies represent the most investible technology ventures in the region, identified in collaboration with local industry associations through an evaluation of growth, scale, and global potential.
British Columbia’s tech sector continues to demonstrate strong momentum. With more than 12,000 tech companies employing over 180,000 people, British Columbia has become one of Canada’s fastest-growing innovation economies and an increasingly attractive destination for global investment. Investors have contributed billions into B.C. startups in recent years—including nearly $4 billion in venture capital in a single year—fueling breakthroughs in AI, life sciences, cleantech, and more.
“B.C.’s entrepreneurs are tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges with bold ideas and breakthrough technologies,” said Peter Cowan, President and CEO of Innovate BC. “The Investor Showcase is an opportunity to connect our province’s high-potential tech companies with global investors who recognize the strength of our innovation ecosystem and enable further growth and greater impact.”
Featured B.C. Ventures
Companies featured in the showcase span life sciences, AI, cleantech, and more, reflecting the strength and diversity of B.C.’s innovation ecosystem.
Showcase participants such as ChopValue Manufacturing Ltd and Hydra Energy are strong examples of how B.C. founders are creating high-impact solutions with significant global relevance. ChopValue began with a simple but overlooked waste stream—used chopsticks—and has grown into a global micro-manufacturing model transforming recycled materials into high-performance products. Hydra Energy, meanwhile, is tackling one of the hardest climate challenges: decarbonizing heavy-duty transportation through hydrogen-diesel technology that can be retrofitted into existing fleets. Together, they reflect a pragmatic, solutions-first mindset—turning real-world problems into scalable, made-in-B.C. innovations.
Below are the companies that will be featured in the Investor Showcase:
As one of the world’s largest technology conferences, Web Summit Vancouver will bring thousands of global investors, founders, and technology leaders to British Columbia, offering a major opportunity to showcase the province’s innovation ecosystem on the international stage.
For more information about the Investor Showcase and participating companies, visit innovatebc.ca/websummitvancouver/investorshowcase.
QUOTES
The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
“British Columbians are building the innovative tech solutions the world needs. The Investor Showcase will connect local companies to new opportunities with new partners and markets. By investing in these opportunities, the Government of Canada is positioning B.C.’s and Canada’s tech sector to deliver lasting economic benefits across the country and build Canada strong.”
Ricardo Lima, VP of Startups and Investors, Web Summit
“Last year, incredible startups from British Columbia stepped onto the global stage through Road to Web Summit Vancouver, bringing promising ideas and real momentum with them. This May, with more than 700 investors from around the world joining us, Vancouver becomes a meeting point for capital, ambition, and opportunity. The Investor Showcase will play a central role, creating space for founders and investors to connect, explore, and strike meaningful deals.”
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-B.C. innovations, giving companies, industries, and communities the resources they need to grow and prosper.
Media Contact
Michael Gleboff
Communications + Community Manager
mgleboff@innovatebc.ca
604-602-5210