Western Canada’s largest annual innovation event welcomes tech leaders from Cascadia, Canada, and around the world
More jobs. More collaboration. More opportunities.
Since its launch in 2016, the Cascadia Innovation Corridor has opened up the innovation floodgates along the Pacific Northwest, raising the profile of opportunities for tech companies of all sizes in the region.
Now, in 2019, innovators from across the corridor are taking full advantage of these opportunities and creating meaningful business partnerships that are transforming industries and pushing the boundaries of innovation.
So it comes as no surprise that the companies, leaders, and innovators that make up Cascadia Innovation Corridor will be on full display at the fourth annual #BCTECHSummit. The event, which takes place from March 11-13 in Vancouver, British Columbia, is Western Canada’s largest annual innovation conference and draws in nearly 5,000 attendees more than 200 speakers each year.
If you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or industry leader, the summit offers ample opportunities to discover new companies, attract new talent, and acquire new customers. But don’t just take our word for it. If you’re serious about growing your business and making meaningful business connections, here’s why the #BCTECHSummit is the place to be.
Investors
“The #BCTECHSummit offers a unique opportunity for Washington-based investors to meet some of British Columbia’s most promising startups,” says Troy DeFrank, British Columbia Trade & Investment’s Pacific Northwest Director. “We’ve handpicked companies who are actively raising money, building momentum, and have an innovative product that’s ready for market.”
Investors will also get to connect directly with other investors from across Canada to gain insight into regional trends, learn about up and coming companies, and discuss potential collaboration opportunities. Additionally, with British Columbia continuing to emerge as a growing tech hub, investors will get first-hand knowledge on how their existing portfolio companies can leverage B.C. to attract new talent, reduce costs, and drive innovation.
On March 11th, accredited investors will have an opportunity to participate in the #BCTECHSummit Investment Showcase, which will feature approximately 50 hand-picked, pre-vetted startups who are looking for Seed and Series A funding. For more information about this event and how to get involved, check out the Investment Showcase webpage.
Entrepreneurs
No group of people is better represented at the #BCTECHSummit than entrepreneurs. With opportunities to meet potential customers, access capital, and create strategic partnerships, entrepreneurs arguably have more to gain than anyone else at this event.
“Vancouver is a huge global market, just 150 miles north of Seattle,” says DeFrank. “If you’re not doing business there, you’re missing out.”
For those looking to do business in British Columbia, attending the summit gives you direct insight as to how the local tech ecosystem operates. You’ll meet with experts that can answer questions about immigration programs, tax incentives, and how to access the local talent pool.
There are also valuable business opportunities to be had, which are built directly into the event’s program. From dedicated networking events, to the investment showcase, to the brand-new Innovation Challenges stream, entrepreneurs can connect directly with large government and private organizations who are looking to do business.
“B.C.’s innovation ecosystem is booming,” says DeFrank. “If you’re working on innovative technology and looking for partners, the #BCTECHSummit gives you the opportunity to create meaningful business contacts that can grow your business.”
Industry Leaders
The #BCTECHSummit has a history of attracting leaders from some of the world’s biggest companies, including Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Tesla. The Summit gives c-suite executives a Canadian perspective on some of the major issues facing the world today, and how innovations in IoT, sustainability, and cybersecurity are reshaping business across the globe.
“The summit brings together industry leaders from so many different sectors,” notes Tomica Divic, VP of Operations at Innovate BC. “Mining, real estate, government, transportation – you name it, they’re at the event. Getting the opportunity to connect with executives in all of these different industries gives you a chance to not only learn about different sectors, but also discover opportunities for collaboration and partnerships.”
A big theme of this year’s summit is learning how the new age of innovation – which is being shaped by emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and blockchain – is changing the way businesses operate and turn profits.
Continues Divic, “whether you’re an executive at a tech company or you work in a more traditional sector like agriculture or forestry, this event will give you the tools, information, and resources you need to efficiently adopt technology to make your business more efficient, more competitive, and most importantly, more profitable.”
If you’re looking to access new markets, hear from world class speakers, and develop strategic business connections, the #BCTECHSummit is a can’t miss event. Use code BCTECH19-INDUSTRY and save $400 off the full conference price.
Pro tip: If you’re looking for some travel companions on the way up to Canada, hop on board Geeks on a Train and join your fellow founders, investors, and techies for one of a kind trip from Seattle to Vancouver.