News

Feb 16, 2016 Launching British Columbia's New Tech Strategy

More than 3,600 people from across BC and beyond took part in the inaugural #BCTECH Summit in Vancouver from January 18th to 19th.

Feb 15, 2016 Wowing TED Guests with BC’s medical technology

Vancouver, BC – BC tech stars were on display at the Innovative Medical Technology Showcase for TED Conference guests hosted by the BC Innovation Council (BCIC) and LifeSciences

Jan 25, 2016 Accelerating Tech Growth: Behind the scenes, agencies are sparking the rise of technology innovators

Jim Bentein | New Technology Magazine The $6-million annual budget for B.C.’s program aimed at diversifying its economy away from a reliance on resource development is about equal to what it would cost to buy two or three

Jan 08, 2016 Inaugural BC Tech Summit bringing the biggest names in local tech to Vancouver

Jill Slattery | Vancity Buzz The BC Tech Summit, an initiative of the BC Government and the BC Innovation Council, will be presenting some of the biggest and boldest ideas in

Dec 30, 2015 How B.C. Businesses Can Innovate And Grow Throughout 2016

Nikolas Badminton | Huffington Post BC It seems like every business has an innovative product or service, or are adopting innovation mindsets to help level up to survive and thrive in a world where margins are getting thinner and customers

Dec 21, 2015 Four Business Grants Tech Companies Can Apply for Right Now

If you’re an entrepreneur, you overcome many hurdles every day to ensure your company’s success. While the issues an owner faces while managing their firm can be extremely diverse, according to a recent report titled A

Dec 09, 2015 Christy Clark, B.C. Premier, Announces $100-Million Fund To Boost Tech Sector

HuffPost British Columbia VANCOUVER — Budding technology entrepreneurs are getting access to cash to fuel their startup companies as British Columbia launches a strategy aimed at creating jobs. Premier Christy Clark has

Dec 09, 2015 BC unveils details of $100-million fund for flourishing tech sector

Kyle Peterson | The Examiner Post A $100-million fund to boost B.C.'s tech sector was announced by Premier Christy Clark this morning. Budding technology entrepreneurs are getting access to cash to fuel their startup companies

Dec 09, 2015 BC Government Announces $100 Million VC Fund to Build Province's Tech Sector

Techvibes The Province of British Columbia announced today that is creating a $100-million venture capital fund. The fund builds the foundation for a comprehensive technology strategy aimed at stimulating growth in the fast-moving

Dec 09, 2015 Education Ministry expands ‘Shoulder Tappers’ program to Northern students

Dwight Ford | EnergyCity.ca A program focusing on skilled trades’ careers, with its roots in local area school districts is being expanded from just three to 15 school jurisdictions across Northern

Nov 24, 2015 Build your Business at the #BCTECH Summit

BC tech companies looking for investment have a unique opportunity to connect with investors at the invitation-only Venture Capital Presentations at the #BCTECH Summit 2016. Investor-ready

Nov 24, 2015 Explore Tech’s Potential at #BCTECH Summit 2016

The #BCTECH Summit is coming to Vancouver, January 18–19. The event will explore how technology is transforming our economy—and our lives. The Summit is for anyone interested in tech, with the goal to help BC businesses create connections

Nov 16, 2015 #BCTECH Summit coming to Vancouver January 18 and 19

Jessica Galang | BetaKit The BC Tech Summit is calling for entrepreneurs, investors, industry buyers, and government officials to enjoy its showcase highlighting

Nov 09, 2015 BC Tech Summit Set to Reshape BC Business

Backbone Magazine BC Tech Summit will likely be the biggest and most enlightening tech conference British Columbia has ever experienced. The two-day Summit to be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre is a collaborative

Oct 21, 2015 BCIC, IBM Invite Developers to Learn About Watson

Rob Lewis | Techvibes The BC Innovation Council is hosting an IBM

Sep 24, 2015 BCIC and New Ventures Announce Tech Awards-Winners

Ashley Sparrow | Vancouver Magazine New Ventures BC and the BC Innovation Council (BCIC) kicked-off Vancouver Startup Week on Monday (Sep. 21) by awarding over $300,000

Sep 22, 2015 Vancouver Startup Week: Edvisor takes $100,000 prize in BCIC-New Ventures Competition

Stephen Hui | The Georgia Straight More than $300,000 in cash and prizes have been awarded to innovative B.C. technology companies to kick off this year'sVancouver Startup Week. The

Sep 22, 2015 Edvisor, Ziva Dynamics & Change Heroes Top BCIC-New Ventures Competition

Jessica Galang | BetaKit New Ventures BC and the BC Innovation Council (BCIC)

Sep 22, 2015 BCIC New Ventures Awards kick off Vancouver Startup Week

Gillian Shaw | The Vancouver Sun A British Columbia startup that has created software to help agents around the world recruit international students took the top $100,000 prize in tech awards announced Monday. Edvisor

Sep 10, 2015 Vancouver is Now Startup City

Jenni Elliott | Vancouver Magazine Did you know 15,000 new jobs are forecasted for Vancouver’s tech sector over the next five years? Add that to the 75,000 Vancouverites currently working in technology and we’re cooking with

Jun 22, 2015 Amrik Virk: B.C.'s tech sector is a success story worth sharing

Amrik Virk | The Georgia Straight British Columbians have a tendency to roll up their sleeves and get things done—but sometimes we forget it's OK to be proud of our accomplishments.

Jun 19, 2015 B.C. tech sector’s growth continues, report shows

A new BC Stats report released today shows British Columbia’s technology sector continues to thrive and make significant contributions to the provincial economy. In 2013, B.C. surpassed milestones with increased revenues, exports and international

Jun 16, 2015 Cloudhead in Coombs leading the virtual reality world

BC Local News | John Harding  There was no way I was going to step over the edge of that cliff. Neither was the Minister

Jun 08, 2015 SFU alumni emerge as winners in BCTIA Technology Impact Awards

Simon Fraser University News | Marianne Meadahl Simon Fraser University alumni were among those whose companies made it to the winners’ list at the 2015BCTIA Technology

May 26, 2015 15 Companies Advance to Third Round of BCIC New Ventures Competition

Tech Vibes NewsDesk Over the past three weeks a panel of 54 jury members have been reviewing applications submitted by 123 companies entered in theBCIC New Ventures

May 26, 2015 $6 Million Provided for Provincial Tech Sector

Nanaimo Business News The Government of B.C. is providing $6 million, through the BC Innovation Council (BCIC), to support the growth and success of the province’s active

Apr 28, 2015 Premier announces funding to help high school students slide into tech sector jobs

Targeted funding of $250,000 was announced today by Premier Christy Clark to help students at five public post-secondary institutions in Kelowna, Victoria and Vancouver develop coding-related skills for occupations that are in demand by the tech sector. “British

Apr 23, 2015 Surrey is leading the clean technology revolution

Surrey Leader | Steph Troughton  Clean technology may not yet be widely recognized, but the municipality of Surrey is already embracing the concept. That's according to Foresight

Apr 09, 2015 In Conversation With Commander Chris Hadfield

BetaKit | John Gray A debt of gratitude is owed to the BC Innovation Council (particularly Director of Communications Lindsay Chan). In preparing for the feature story about

Apr 07, 2015 SFU Surrey cultivating market-ready technology

Business in Vancouver | Patrick Blennerhassett The Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists estimates that 50% of Canadians do not take their prescription

Mar 28, 2015 Startups to battle for $300,000 in prizes at BCIC-New Ventures competition

Business In Vancouver | Tyler Orton  With new tech startups sprouting up in B.C.’s vibrant tech community on weekly basis, Angie Schick there’s one sure-fire way to gain credibility: win the BCIC-New Ventures competition.  Now

Mar 28, 2015 Minister of technology speaking at Prince George conference

Prince George Citizen | Frank Peebles  The community of new businesses, tech-based companies, and startup entrepreneurs is invited to meet one of the provincial officials most responsible for fostering those ventures. Amrik

Mar 18, 2015 Igniting Innovation: Entrepreneurs Talk Business Revolution at the BC Tech Forum

VANCOUVER, BC – On Friday March 20th, more than 300 members of BC’s business community will unite at the first ever BC Tech Forum: Leapfrogging Innovation to Business Revolution presented by the BC Innovation Council (BCIC)

Mar 17, 2015 Entrepreneurs Vie for a Shot at Major Winnings in Largest BC Startup Competition

TechVibes | Rob Lewis  The annual British Columbia Innovation Council-New Ventures Competition is challenging BC’s top emerging tech entrepreneurs to bring their big ideas to the table. In hopes of transforming early

Mar 17, 2015 Entrepreneurs Vie for a Shot at Major Winnings in Largest BC Startup Competition

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA- Catapulting into its 15

Mar 16, 2015 Shining the Spotlight on BC Innovation: Talking with Chris Hadfield, BCIC's Greg Caws, & Greg Malpass

BetaKit | John Gray The Vancouver Board of Trade and the BC Innovation Council  are

Feb 23, 2015 Growing the Economy

Government of BC - Speech From the Throne With our fiscal house in order, we have the foundation we need to grow our diverse

Feb 19, 2015 VIATeC's New Home a Turning Point for Victoria Tech Sector

Nevin Thompson | Tech Vibes After a stellar year in 2014, Victoria's booming tech sector shows no signs of slowing down. A

Feb 08, 2015 New funding, strategy, put UBC in vanguard of B.C. innovation

UBC News With a boost of $200,000 from the BC Innovation Council and a comprehensive new campus strategy, UBC is

Feb 06, 2015 Leapfrogging Innovation to Business Revolution with Canadian Astronaut Chris Hadfield

Techvibes NewsDesk BC’s thriving tech sector employs 84,000 people at more than 9,000 tech companies, yet there is still a considerable

Jan 29, 2015 Technology City Vancouver in the spotlight on Fairchild TV

Fairchild TV The Canadian Cantonese broadcasting service Fairchild

Jan 28, 2015 New program boosts technology and agriculture in Mission

Mission City Record

Jan 26, 2015 Amrik Virk: Opening the doors to digital literacy

The Province If you are a job seeker with an understanding of coding – even the basics

Jan 23, 2015 HTML 500: Vancouver’s free coding camp attracts 2,000-plus on waitlist, combines with tech job fair

Gillian Shaw | Vancouver Sun VANCOUVER — Coding is the new black. At

Nov 20, 2014 BCIC chooses BCcampus to build a virtual accelerator program for aspiring entrepreneurs

BCcampus and BCIC are working together to strengthen BCIC’s network of talent, partners, and resources throughout the province, guiding technology entrepreneurs and innovators from start-up to success by way of a comprehensive virtual accelerator

Nov 18, 2014 Women exit tech sector as mentors fail to materialize

More than half of female MBA-holders working in technology firms leave the industry because of male-dominated business culture, a new report reveals For the first few years after Nicole Reader founded her own tech company in 2008, she always

Nov 04, 2014 B.C. tech sector leading positive business charge

The explosion of tech startups since the 2010 Winter Olympics could outfit local angel investors with deep pockets – something long missing from B.C.  Back when email was in its infancy in the mid-1980s, Jim Fletcher was part of an investment

Oct 15, 2014 Guess who’s turning 10? BCIC marks a decade of service

VANCOUVER – This month marks the BC Innovation Council’s 10 year anniversary as a Crown agency. The BC Innovation Council (BCIC) is dedicated to strengthening B.C.’s technology ecosystem and creating jobs through the growth

Sep 25, 2014 Challenges, opportunities of big data start off President’s Lecture Series

Stimulating research at the heart of community lecture series starting Sept. 30 September 25, 2014   Contact:

Sep 24, 2014 UBC biotech startup aims to print living human organs

A group of UBC researchers is striving to bring printed organs out of the science fiction and into the everyday. Co-founded by UBC electrical engineering professor Konrad Walus and several graduate students, Aspect Biosystems is a biotechonology company

Sep 23, 2014 DarkVision Technologies scores $100,000 prize at BCIC-New Ventures competition

Super vision and artificial skin tissue seem like features one would find on superheroes or cyborgs. But they’re also the technologies developed by two of the winners at the annual BCIC-New Ventures competition,

Sep 23, 2014 Oil & Gas Tech Startup Wins Top Prize in 2014 BCIC-New Ventures Competition

BC Innovation Council (BCIC) and New Ventures BC announced yesterday the 2014 winners of the biggest

Sep 22, 2014 B.C. tech competition winners announced

Andrew Wilkinson, B.C.’s minister of technology, innovation and citizens’ services, presented the awards. Photograph

Sep 22, 2014 Oil and gas well imaging start-up wins $100,000 prize

3D bioprinting, oil well imaging and a content management app take home prizes at B.C. startup

Sep 16, 2014 SFU launches interdisciplinary entrepreneurship and innovation concentration

A new interdisciplinary entrepreneurship and innovation concentration offered by Simon Fraser University and its partners teaches undergraduate

Sep 12, 2014 Made-in-Vancouver web series tackles challenges women face in tech industry

As operations manager at the B.C. Innovation Council (BCIC), Tarah Ferguson would hit various tech events and trade shows featuring the industry’s most lauded talent. “I met so many interesting people, but they were pre-dominantly

Sep 10, 2014 BCIC expands its Venture Acceleration Program into Northwest B.C.

The BC Innovation Council (BCIC) is a province-wide acceleration program that gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to expand their business, learn the tools needed to succeed, and seek mentorship from seasoned professionals.

Sep 10, 2014 New Venture Acceleration Program in Smithers for tech start-ups

SMITHERS - While in Smithers, the Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Andrew Wilkinson visited with local technology company Hy-Tech Drilling and welcomed Bulkley Valley Economic Development Association as the newest partner to offer

Sep 09, 2014 "Technology Acceleration Centre" Opened In Smithers

BC's Minister of Technology was in Smithers Tuesday, to celebrate the opening of what's called "a technology acceleration centre". Andrew Wilkinson was joined

Sep 09, 2014 BC Venture Acceleration Program rolls into Northwest B.C.

BCIC welcomes the Bulkley Valley Economic Development Association to the BC Acceleration Network Smithers, British Columbia – It’s an excellent time to be

Sep 03, 2014 BCIC New Ventures Competition announces its top ten finalists

The ten finalists for BCIC’s New Ventures Competition have been announced. The BCIC-New Ventures Competition has been held every year for 13 years in Vancouver, and this year

Aug 29, 2014 UBC technology startup Aspect Biosystems nabs second place and $55,000 in BC new ventures competition

Aspect Biosystems Ltd, a UBC team developing a novel bioprinting system for the fabrication of 3D biological tissues, has been awarded second place in the BCIC-New Ventures Competition. Aspect beat out 140 other companies, winning $55,000 and the runner-up title.

Aug 11, 2014 B.C. centre of digital world during SIGGRAPH this week

VANCOUVER - This week, British Columbia takes centre stage to demonstrate the province’s growing strength in technology and digital arts during SIGGRAPH 2014, the world’s foremost computer graphics and art conference held at the Vancouver Convention

Aug 01, 2014 Premier announces $6 million for cutting-edge innovation centre

Premier Christy Clark and Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Andrew Wilkinson were joined by local technology entrepreneurs today to announce that the Province has made a commitment to invest up to $6 million toward the development

Jul 10, 2014 Tech talk

via Nanaimo News Bulletin  Andrew Wilkinson, minister of technology, innovation and citizen’s services, left, discusses communication and control technology used in submersibles with Greg Caws, B.C. Innovation

Jun 10, 2014 B.C. Technology Impact Awards 2014

via BC Business  More than 1,000 guests attended the 11th annual B.C. Technology Impact Awards to celebrate the companies, people and innovation that continue to put B.C. on the map as an exciting place to grow

May 02, 2014 BCIC named Government Organization of the Year by Startup Canada

May 2, 2014 BRITISH COLUMBIA - This week, Startup Canada announced the winners of the first ever Startup Canada Awards. Right across the country, individuals, organizations and institutions that are shaping Canada’s entrepreneurial

Mar 20, 2014 BC tech wows TED

March 20, 2014 BC tech wows TED HootSuite opens doors for BC tech showcase Vancouver, BC - TED guests were given a glimpse of innovation

Mar 06, 2014 Entrepreneurial Dreams Put to the Test in Hopes of Winning Big in 2014

Entrepreneurial Dreams Put to the Test in Hopes of Winning Big in 2014 Over $300k up for grabs in BCIC-New Ventures Provincial Competition BRITISH COLUMBIA

Feb 12, 2014 BCIC supports e@UBC’s mentorship program

Entrepreneurship@UBC (e@ubc) recently launched its newly improved mentorship program with the backing of BCIC. The 8-week program, designed to take startups from an idea to a validated business model,

Feb 05, 2014 BCIC announces new Board appointments

Media Release | February 5, 2014 BRITISH COLUMBIA - The BC Innovation Council (BCIC) today announced two recent appointments to its Board of Directors and thanks to three departing Board members. Derek Lew has

Jan 29, 2014 Vancouver Startup Phemi Plans to Bring Much-needed Innovation to Healthcare Space

"Earlier this month Deloitte predicted that technology will reduce patient wait times and decrease the cost of health care by shifting the focus from prevention to early intervention. Last month at the Data Effect conference in Vancouver a startup named

Jan 16, 2014 Stepping into the virtual action in Qualicum Beach

Congrats to CloudHead Games, a client in the Venture Acceleration Program with partner Innovation Island, on the launch of their

Jan 03, 2014 Molescope takes dermatology digital

MetaOptima is a Venture Acceleration Program client with partner Wavefront in Vancouver. The company also won a $40,000 prize in the 2013 BCIC-New Ventures BC competition. Their product, Molescope, links a tiny microscope with smartphones so people can monitor

Dec 12, 2013 Canadian startup Flytographer connects vacationers with picture-perfect moments

Flytographer, a client in the BC Venture Acceleration Program with partner VIATeC, is creating

Dec 12, 2013 Vancouver's Phemi, SAP developing medical big data system

Phemi, a BC Venture Acceleration Program client with partner VentureLabs in Vancouver, has announced

Nov 26, 2013 VentureLabs® supports technology innovation

November 26, 2013 Simon Fraser University and its partners are launching

Nov 12, 2013 BC Small Businesses Highly Value Mentors but Lack Awareness of Available Mentor Programs, Study Reveals

New MentorshipBC online resource helps connect small businesses with mentors　 November 12th,

Nov 01, 2013 New Online Mentorship Resource Meets the Needs of BC Small Businesses

MentorshipBC launches resource to audience of small business owners at Prince George event supported by the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Prince

Oct 21, 2013 Return to Island life: tech entrepreneurs are choosing Nanaimo

The Nanaimo community is dedicated to making the region a better place to work and live by creating businesses and attracting business skills to the Island. Tech entrepreneurs are returning to the region for a quality life-work balance.

Oct 07, 2013 B.C. Innovation Council welcomes Greg Caws as CEO

Greg Caws, founder of Enquisite Software, will take over from John Jacobson, who was appointed deputy minister with the Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services. “Greg is a strong leader who has successfully built technology

Oct 07, 2013 Venture Acceleration Program's Curatio Wins in Silicon Valley

Curatio, a mobile health company enrolled in the Wavefront Venture Acceleration Program, was recently announced as the winner of the Global Novartis Health 2.0 Competition in Silicon Valley. Curatio's mobile application, ThaliMe, a tracking tool for

Sep 26, 2013 Cloud-based business management System Vonigo wins 2013 BCIC New Ventures Competition

BC tech ventures awarded $300,000 in prizes in annual business competition BRITISH COLUMBIA (September 25, 2013) – The winners of the 13th annual BCIC-New Ventures Competition were announced today in Vancouver. From this year’s

Sep 12, 2013 Program promotes innovation

From the Kelowna Daily Courier: "In its first year, a new program by the BC Innovation Council has supported the growth of 143 startups across the province, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services Andrew Wilkinson announced in Kelowna

Sep 09, 2013 High-tech helpers boasts first success story

Open Gaming Solutions, a participant in the BC Venture Acceleration Program through partner Kamloops Innovation Centre, marks a significant milestone. Read the

Sep 04, 2013 Cashing in with content

Crowd Content is a Victoria-based startup that is taking part in the BC Venture Acceleration Program through partner VIATeC. Crowd Content is a business-to-business service that helps companies improve

Aug 27, 2013 Federal money boosts Kamloops-based tech service

Truvian Labs, a participant in the BC Venture Acceleration Program through delivery partner Kamloops Innovation Centre, recently received a federal grant to support the company's growth. Read the

Aug 27, 2013 Okanagan Tech Co, Get in the Loop: Second Market and Website in Belgium

Get in the Loop, a Kelowna startup that is taking part in the BC Venture Acceleration Program through Accelerate Okanagan, is expanding in Europe. Get the details in this Backbone

Aug 12, 2013 Tech Acceleration Program Launches in North Central BC and Kootenays

Entrepreneurs in northern B.C. and the Kootenays get a boost as the BCIC announced the expansion of its tech sector accelerator. Read the

Aug 02, 2013 KRIC names new executive director

Posted: August 1, 2013 on e-know.ca, East Kootenay News Online Weekly The Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council (KRIC) is pleased to announce the succession of Larry Sparks as KRIC’s Executive Director by current Program Manager, Sheelagh England. Sheelagh

Jul 31, 2013 Tech hopefuls pitch minister

"Some of Prince George's best tech entrepreneurs got to audition for provincial funding and mentorship Tuesday. The Innovation Central Society (ICS) brought out about a dozen prescreened technology-based businesses to meet with provincial officials,

Jul 30, 2013 BC Venture Acceleration Program launches in East Kootenays

BC Venture Acceleration Program launches in East Kootenays Kootenay Rockies Innovation Council offers support to tech startups and entrepreneurs through BCIC’s province-wide initiative Cranbrook,

Jul 30, 2013 BC Venture Acceleration Program launches in West Kootenay-Boundary Region

BC Venture Acceleration Program launches in West Kootenay-Boundary Region Kootenay Association for Science and Technology offers support to tech startups and entrepreneurs through BCIC’s province-wide initiative Rossland,

Jul 17, 2013 Local startups make pitch for provincial investment

BCIC partner Innovation Central Society offers the BC Venture Acceleration Program in Prince George. A recent pitch session by local startups was featured in a

Jun 18, 2013 Paulin Laberge appointed CEO of iCompass Technologies

Media Release | June 18, 2013 BRITISH COLUMBIA - Following the announcement of iCompass President and CEO Todd Stone as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure last week, the company has announced the appointment of Paulin Laberge as CEO. Paulin

Jun 10, 2013 Kamloops is a high tech hot spot

Mar 20, 2013 $1 Million Boosts Accelerate Okanagan

From Accelerate Okanagan Kelowna, BC – A $1 million investment by the Province of British Columbia, through the BC Innovation Council (BCIC) was announced by Accelerate Okanagan Technology Association today. The

Mar 05, 2013 Game Changing Cash & Prizes up for Grabs for Tech Startups with Launch of 2013 BCIC-New Ventures Competition

BRITISH COLUMBIA – More than $300,000 in prizes are waiting to be scooped up by emerging companies in BC’s technology space through the annual BCIC-New Ventures Competition, which kicks off this week. Now in its 13th year, the competition

Jan 23, 2013 BCIC Welcomes Innovation Island Technology Association to the BCIC Acceleration Network

Partnership brings the Venture Acceleration Program to innovators inMid and Northern Vancouver Island   Nanaimo, British Columbia – BCIC is pleased

Jan 17, 2013 Dragon's Den-like B.C. tech contest taps local talent - Firm's desalination process making a splash

A unique contest for tech startups in B.C. is getting credit for fostering innovation and catalyzing some major success stories. The BCIC New Ventures Competition runs annually from April to September, giving entrants a chance to move through stages