Invest Vancouver / Key Industries / Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence

AI isn’t just a buzzword here — it’s about solving problems and driving industries forward. From life sciences to clean tech, Metro Vancouver companies are using AI to develop life-saving drugs, safeguard businesses from cyber threats, and even make mining greener.

The region boasts more than 180 companies developing, integrating, and building AI and machine learning-based products and services with applications in diverse fields. Whether it’s agritech (Almanac, Terramera), robotics (A&K Robotics, Sanctuary AI), or life sciences (Variational AI, AbCellera), the region is turning AI potential into business success.

There’s nothing “artificial” about the Metro Vancouver region’s proven track record in AI:

$1.8 billon

Companies with headquarters in the region have developed AI products and services that attracted investments worth more than $1.8 billon USD from 2018 through 2023.

Top 3

Top 3 in AI-development markets in Canada (accounting for 60% of all jobs of AI-specialty talent)¹

Investments in AI firms, headquartered in Metro Vancouver region (USD, millions)

AI specialization

Metro Vancouver companies don’t just experiment with AI… they deploy it to solve big challenges. From improving drug discovery to stopping cyber threats before they happen, AI here isn’t just hype, it’s high-impact. The region is home to pioneering AI innovators across multiple sectors

Life Sciences: Clarius AI, Molecular You, Variational AI
Agritech: Terramera, Semios, Ecoation
Robotics: Sanctury AI, Apera AI, A&K Robotics
Minetech: Weir Motion Metrics, Ideon Technologies
Software as a Service (SaaS): CoPilot AI, Gumloop, Browse AI
Cleantech: Intuitive AI, Clir Renewables

The region’s AI ecosystem has grown over time with major multinational firms making the move to the region.

2019: Fujitsu, a leading Japanese information technology and services company, selects Vancouver for its global AI headquarters.
2020: Mastercard invests $510 million to establish a lobal tech innovation centre in Vancouver focused on improving digital transaction security through advancements in cybersecurity. AI, and the internet of Things.
2021: Weir Group acquires Vancouver-based Motion Metrics to integrate their AI and machine vision technology in its mining value chain.
2022: Glia, a New York-based unicorn acquires Vancouver-based Finn AI to enhance AI and chatbot capabilities for virtual banking.
2023: Silo AI, Europe's largest private AI lab opens new office in Vancouver to develop AI solutions in healthcare, manufacturing, and smart cities.
2024: Wayve, a leading developer of AI-based driving software for autonomous vehicles, opens an AI hub in Vancouver.

The vibrant technology scene in Vancouver has fostered a diverse talent pool capable of driving new breakthroughs in AI with global impact.

Wayve, announcing the opening of their AI hub in the region

Supporting ecosystem

Support exists at both the provincial and federal levels for innovation that helps create a cleaner future.

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is highly ranked for AI capabilities and known for its Big Data Hub.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) Centre for Artificial Intelligence decision making and Action (CAIDA) involves over 100 professors and their research associates across 27 departments, schools, and institutes.

Support programs and incentives

Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative: Provides $500,000 to $3 million in repayable contributions for businesses and $500,000 to $5 million in non-repayable contributions for non-profits to support AI development in BC.
PacifiCan Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) Program: Offers up to $5 million in interest-free, repayable contributions to high growth BC businesses.
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP): Provides Canadian SMEs with advice, connections, and funding to support innovation and bring tech-driven ideas to market.
Innovate BC Ignite Program: Accelerates R&D and market entry with a $300,000 grant for research projects that develop innovative technology addressing industry problems in natural resources, engineering, or applied sciences.
Creative Destruction Lab Vancouver’s Compute Stream: Provides tailored resources and guidance to founders at early-stage companies in advanced computing, data storage, spatial computing, and web3.

Footnotes

1 CBRE Scoring Tech Talent 2024

Ready to connect?

Contact Nikola Fischerova, Sector Development Lead, High-tech

Invest Vancouver acknowledges that the region’s residents live, work, and learn on the shared territories of many Indigenous Peoples, including 10 local First Nations: q̓ic̓əy̓(Katzie), q̓ʷɑ:n̓ƛ̓ən̓ (Kwantlen), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), máthxwi (Matsqui), xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), qiqéyt (Qayqayt), Semiahmoo, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), scəw̓aθən məsteyəxʷ (Tsawwassen) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh).

Invest Vancouver respects the diverse and distinct histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit, which collectively enrich our lives and the region.

View Metro Vancouver's translated territorial acknowledgment

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