Countdown to Web Summit Vancouver: Are you ready for it?

Welcome to Invest Vancouver’s newsletter, your 5-minute read on economic news, updates, and activities across our region.

Get Ready for Web Summit Vancouver

With only a few days until Web Summit Vancouver, Invest Vancouver is keen to showcase the Metro Vancouver region’s thriving tech hub and supportive ecosystem to 15,000+ international conference-goers.

As a member of the Naturally Innovative Alliance - a collaborative partnership between PacifiCan, Ministry of JEDI, Innovate BC, Destination Vancouver, Invest Vancouver, and the City of Vancouver – we are making the most out of the Summit’s opportunity by undertaking several initiatives in the lead up to and during the conference.

Road to Web Summit Vancouver | now until May 26
Road to Web Summit is a sector development initiative that includes numerous events, training, development programs, and pitch competitions to help BC companies capitalize on the opportunities available through Web Summit Vancouver.
Innovation and Investment Insider Tours | May 26 (10:00am – 6:00pm)
Invest Vancouver is proud to host the highly anticipated Innovation & Investment Insider Tours, a curated investor experience showcasing groundbreaking innovation in Cleantech, Life Sciences, and Creative Tech across the Metro Vancouver region.

BC Pavilion | May 27 – 30
Invest Vancouver will be located at the largest zone on the Web Summit Vancouver exhibit floor. The pavilion will showcase BC’s tech ecosystem through keynotes, panels, pitch competition, industry announcements, and B2B meetings.
BC Pavilion Panel Discussion | May 28 (2:00pm – 2:30pm)
Strong industry-academic ties, government support, and a collaborative ecosystem make Metro Vancouver a launchpad for cutting-edge advancements. At Web Summit Vancouver, hear from global companies SAP North America, D-wave, and Lumotive on how the Metro Vancouver region's world-class talent has driven their success in innovation and rapid scaling.

Naturally Innovative Alliance Website
The Alliance website provides information and resources to help conference attendees make the most of Web Summit Vancouver.
BC Info Security Capabilities Directory and Cyberzone at Web Summit Vancouver
Invest Vancouver, in partnership with ISACA, In-Sec-M, Province of BC, Innovate BC, Government of Canada, and SFU Venture Labs, launched a new cybersecurity directory website. A cyberzone will also be displayed at Web Summit Vancouver; don’t miss the opportunity to see what BC has to offer!

Want to learn more about why the Metro Vancouver region is a top destination for global tech investment and what Invest Vancouver is doing to get ready for Web Summit Vancouver?

Click Here

🚍 Web Summit: Innovation & Investment Regional Bus Tours

Thank you to all our incredible partners for your tremendous dedication to supporting and coordinating this endeavor: InBC Investment Corp, SFU Venture Labs, NorthX Climate tech, formerly known as B.C. Centre for Innovation & Clean Energy (CICE), Life Sciences BC, DigiBC, AInBC, Innovation UBC, and the Naturally Innovative Alliance.

We also extend our appreciation to all of our tour companies: Ph7 Technologies, Hydron Energy, Arca Climate, Gandeeva Therapeutics, AbCellera, Kardium, Industrial Light & Magic and Kabam.

Sector Spotlight

The Metro Vancouver region’s rapidly growing high-tech hub is supported by a flourishing tech ecosystem that fosters innovation and exploration. With emerging sectors in Applied AI and Quantum, the region is home to a growing cluster of local and multi-national firms, possessing a wide range of qualities that attract companies looking to start, scale, and succeed.

Artificial Intelligence

From life sciences to cleantech, Metro Vancouver companies are using AI to develop life-saving drugs, safeguard businesses from cyber threats, and even make mining greener.

Top 3 in AI-development markets in Canada
$1.8+ billion USD invested in the Metro Vancouver region from 2018 to 2023
180+ companies developing, integrating, and building AI machine learning-based products and services

Quantum

The Metro Vancouver region is at the forefront of quantum innovation, where breakthrough ideas, cutting-edge research, and bold investments are transforming the future of technology.

500 employees in BC’s quantum sector
$730 million USD invested in the Metro Vancouver region from 2018 to 2023
404 patents in BC
$11+ million in government funding to support growth and innovation in BC

To learn more about other emerging sectors, contact
investment@investvancouver.ca

Website Upgrade

Invest Vancouver has enhanced its website to feature new industry webpages, the latest business intelligence data, and resources to showcase the Metro Vancouver region's competitive offerings to support strategic investment decisions:

Events Coming Up...

🌎 Kick-off to Web Summit Vancouver Reception
Trade and Invest BC, Lawson Lundell and MNP are hosting an evening reception to kick-off Web Summit Vancouver at the Paradox Hotel Vancouver on May 26 from 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm. Come join an evening of connection, innovation, and celebration with business leaders, visionaries, and changemakers from across the tech ecosystem. To register, visit link here.

💬 2025 Canada–Mexico Dialogue
Connect with industry leaders and businesses to learn about opportunities in trade, investment, and cross-border collaboration at the 2025 Canada–Mexico Dialogue on May 27.

⚡ hy-Fcell Canada 2025
This year, hy-Fcell Canada returns to Vancouver from June 3 – 5, bringing together specialists from around the world to discuss solutions for clean energy utilizing hydrogen and fuel cell technology.

🎮 SIGGRAPH 2025
Immerse yourself at the premier global conference for computer graphics and interactive techniques as SIGGRAPH 2025 returns to the Vancouver Convention Center from August 10 – 14, attracting leaders from across the globe in visual effects, gaming, AI, and immersive media.

Invest Vancouver is Metro Vancouver’s economic development service for the region. By working to secure strategic investment, promote the region to a global audience, and advise decision-makers through forward-thinking economic research and policy analysis, Invest Vancouver is amplifying opportunity and advancing shared prosperity for residents of the region. Learn more about Invest Vancouver.