Why Vancouver, British Columbia?

Where world-class ideas meet the world's best views.
 
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A Tech Hub Like No Other

Vancouver is at the heart of one of North America's most bustling tech ecosystems. It's where innovative companies, industry and academia come together to solve our most important global challenges, all within a diverse and breathtaking province that will leave you in awe.

Whether you're looking for inspiration or opportunity, you've come to the right place.

From Vancouver to Prince George and everything in-between, British Columbia's tech sector spans across the entire province. More than 12,000 tech companies operate here, including global tech leaders (like Microsoft, Amazon, Mastercard, Electronic Arts, Fujitsu, Intel and Samsung) and high-impact, made-in-B.C. businesses at the forefront of change.

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Exceptional Talent Pool

Vancouver is home to a thriving tech workforce, driven by top-tier educational institutions including the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU), both ranked among the world's best for computer science and engineering.
 
Not only that, our region’s high quality of life, combined with its academic excellence, attracts top tech professionals from around the world, creating a competitive and dynamic talent pool.

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Support for Innovation

Investment in innovation hubs, R&D funding and support for green technology initiatives, creates a strong environment for tech companies to grow. Coupled with an ecosystem bustling with enablers, advocates, and community, B.C. can effectively encourage entrepreneurship and enable startups to thrive, paving the way for breakthrough technologies that address today's pressing challenges.

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Unparalleled lifestyle

B.C. combines the best of urban living with stunning natural landscapes.

Residents and visitors alike have easy access to a wide range of outdoor recreation activities year-round, with great venues for skiing, cycling, hiking, and water sports.

B.C.'s diverse communities, cultures, and both modern and natural thrills make it the ideal place to live, work and play.

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Diverse and Inclusive Culture

B.C.’s multicultural identity and high quality of life helps foster an innovation landscape that's both inclusive and enticing, making it an attractive destination for global talent. Vancouver’s diverse population brings a wide range of perspectives that drive creativity and collaboration across industries, especially in tech.

A Vibrant, Global Hub for Innovation

Fuelled by a competitive market, global connectedness and an exceptional quality of life, B.C. is a unique innovation hub leading the world in cleantech, AI and quantum, life sciences, creative tech, agritech, oceantech.

Cleantech

B.C. is a global cleantech hub, shaped by decades of progressive green policy. It hosts leaders like Westport Innovations, General Fusion, and Ballard Power Systems, and leverages its top talent, bold ideas, and strategic location to export a robust range of clean technology and energy solutions across the globe.

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AI and Quantum 

British Columbia leads in AI and quantum technologies, with cutting-edge research institutions, fast-growing startups, and strong industry collaboration powering innovation across machine learning, quantum science, and next-generation computing.

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Life Sciences

Our robust life sciences sector employs more than 27,000 people, with government investment totalling more than $1.1B in the sector in recent years. Local success stories like AbCellera, STEMCELL, and Aspect Biosystems are leading the way in developing and offering life-changing innovative solutions on a global scale.

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Creative Tech

Home to the world’s largest cluster of computer vision companies and a strong presence in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality startups, B.C. is a global powerhouse in digital media and entertainment. Vancouver in particular excels in animation and visual effects (VFX), producing world-class work for many of the biggest films and video games.

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Agritech

British Columbia is rapidly becoming a powerhouse in agritech, blending research excellence, government support and a vibrant tech ecosystem to strengthen global food systems.

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Oceantech

As a Pacific gateway and with over 25,000 km of coastline, B.C. is at the forefront marine technology, hosting over 1,000 companies developing advanced vessels, submersibles, world-class ocean observatories, and more.

MarineLabs Team with Sensor (1)
"I love the energy and enthusiasm Web Summit is bringing to Vancouver. I can’t wait to experience this event, connect with potential customers and demonstrate our product to the world!"
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Armin Ghauforian

Co-Founder and CEO, Door Face Panels Ltd (ALPHA)

Plan your Trip

Vancouver is a vibrant coastal city in British Columbia, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, cultural diversity, and thriving culinary scene, it offers urban sophistication and outdoor immersion, from the stunning seawall and Stanley Park to Granville Island and Michelin-recognized dining.

Discover Vancouver →

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