Vancouver, May 30, 2025 — Tech Growth, Jobs, and Innovation at the Heart of B.C.’s Budget 2025
British Columbia’s innovation economy is receiving a major boost with a $30 million investment over three years into the province’s Integrated Marketplace program, a public-private initiative that connects local tech companies with real-world environments to test, prove, and scale their products.
The announcement was made at Web Summit Vancouver, a global stage for startups and investors. Minister Diana Gibson of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation underscored B.C.’s intent to position itself as a global tech powerhouse.
“We’re not just saying B.C. is open for business — we’re proving it. The Integrated Marketplace gives companies the environment they need to grow, succeed, and take on the world,” said Gibson.
What Is the Integrated Marketplace?
Launched as a pilot, the Integrated Marketplace helps B.C. technology companies move from prototype to deployment by offering access to real-world testbeds — facilities where companies can demonstrate their solutions with actual clients and systems.
It eliminates one of the biggest barriers to commercialization: proving that a new technology works in the field.
How It Works:
- Companies with market-ready innovations apply to be matched with strategic testbed locations
- These testbeds include ports, airports, hospitals, and logistics networks across B.C.
- The testbeds provide a controlled, operational environment where technology is tested with live data and end-users
- After successful deployment, companies can secure valuable references and export opportunities
Confirmed Testbeds
To date, four high-impact testbeds are active:
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – Aviation logistics, autonomous systems, security
- Prince Rupert Port Authority – Marine operations, supply chain, environmental sensors
- Vancouver Fraser Port Authority – Transportation efficiency, emissions reduction
- Provincial Health Testbed (Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services) – Healthcare innovation, diagnostics, AI-driven lab automation
These locations allow companies to fine-tune their technologies, gather real-world performance data, and prepare for broader market entry.
Why This Program Matters
B.C. tech companies often face the “valley of death” — the phase where a product is ready to launch, but hasn’t yet secured its first big client. The Integrated Marketplace bridges that gap by offering:
Key Benefits for Local Innovators:
- De-risking adoption of new technologies by validating performance in live settings
- Creating jobs and expanding local tech teams
- Attracting investment by providing global proof points
- Driving export growth by giving B.C. companies international credibility
- Encouraging sustainability through smart technologies in clean energy, AI, and health tech
Federal Support Fuels National Impact
PacifiCan, the federal economic development agency for B.C., has been instrumental in scaling the program. According to Minister Gregor Robertson, Integrated Marketplace aligns with the broader national vision for innovation-led growth.
“British Columbia’s tech sector is a national asset. This program helps local companies get global-ready,” said Robertson.
Federal Funding Breakdown:
- $9.9 million invested previously by PacifiCan
- $1.8 million announced in May 2025 under the Regional Artificial Intelligence Initiative
This complements the Province’s new $30 million commitment, building a robust public-private funding pipeline to nurture high-potential ventures.
Key Numbers at a Glance
| Investment Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| New B.C. Investment | $30 million (2025–2028) |
| Initial B.C. Funding | $11.5 million |
| Federal PacifiCan Support | $9.9 million |
| PacifiCan AI Investment | $1.8 million |
| Total Companies Involved | 17 so far |
| Testbed Sites Announced | 4 and growing |
What's Next?
With this new funding, B.C. is set to:
- Support more testbeds across key sectors
- Accelerate AI, robotics, and green tech adoption
- Provide first-client references to unlock scale
- Attract venture capital and global buyers
- Fuel long-term economic and job growth
As B.C. positions itself as a global launchpad for innovation, the Integrated Marketplace is becoming a catalyst for economic resilience, global recognition, and sustainable industry transformation.
Learn More and Get Involved
If you're a tech company based in B.C. or an investor interested in the province’s innovation landscape:
- Visit www.innovatebc.ca to apply for testbed projects or learn about funding opportunities
- Explore www.pacifican.gc.ca for federal innovation and infrastructure programs