Canada announces $9.9M to scale up B.C. technology businesses

VANCOUVER — Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $9.9 million in PacifiCan funding to Innovate BC to help establish and grow the Integrated Marketplace.

This funding, through PacifiCan’s Regional Innovation Ecosystems program, is in addition to $11.5 million provided by the Government of B.C.

The Integrated Marketplace provides a platform for B.C. technology companies to develop and operationalize innovations that address business challenges and advance climate goals in a real-world environment, such as a seaport or airport. Delivered by Innovate BC, the program builds a network of industry partners to identify challenges and implement technological solutions that help large-scale organizations decarbonize, increase competitiveness, and improve health and safety. This will open doors for B.C. companies to prove their technologies, and commercialize, sell, and export new products and services while reducing risk for buyers.

The announcement took place at the Port of Vancouver, operated by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, which was introduced as the program’s third industry testbed site. At the Port of Vancouver, the initial project will focus on developing digital tools to optimize the supply chain, which is expected to increase operational reliability and capacity.

The first two testbeds were launched over the past year at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and the Port of Prince Rupert. For its initial testbed project, YVR is electrifying its support vehicles on the airfield to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions. At the Port of Prince Rupert, tests are being conducted to reduce use of diesel fuel, which will decarbonize operations and increase the port’s efficiency and competitiveness.

“British Columbia is brimming with the talent and innovative solutions needed to position Canada as a global leader in clean technology,” said Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada. “By linking local companies with opportunities to demonstrate new products, we are accelerating the adoption of made-in-B.C. technology both domestically and abroad. PacifiCan’s support of the Integrated Marketplace is a critical step towards making our industries more competitive, creating good quality jobs, and paving the path to a net-zero future for all Canadians.”