November 2019: 5 B.C. tech stories that caught my eye

B.C.’s tech sector is getting more news coverage than ever before. In fact, there can be so much news that it’s tough to stay on top of everything that’s going on.

That’s why each month, I’ll highlight my five favourite stories that showcase the incredible work of the companies, entrepreneurs, and researchers who are helping turn British Columbia into a thriving, globally competitive tech hub.

Here are five B.C. tech stories that caught my eye in the month of November.

Making a list and checking it twice

What happened: B.C. accounted for 20% of the Deloitte Fast 50 List, which recognizes Canadian companies that are experiencing rapid revenue growth. Additionally, Jill Tipping (BC Tech Association) and Sue Paish (Canada’s Digital Technology Supercluster) made it onto Vancouver Magazine’s Power 50 List, which ranks the city’s most influential power players. 

Why I’m interested: It’s exciting to see our top companies and people get recognized on these two prestigious lists. For Jill and Sue specifically, not only did they make the Power 50, but they landed in the top 10, placing ahead of household names like Chip Wilson, Kennedy Stewart, and the Aquilini Family. This is another strong validation of our tech sector, which in case you haven’t heard, is growing pretty fast. 

TechPong draws a record crowd and raises a ton of money for charity

What happened: Charitable Impact hosted their sixth annual TechPong event, which raised $65,000 for various charitable causes. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $400,000.

Why we should care: TechPong brought together more than 1,000 people from our local tech community for a night of carnival games, 90s music, and fiercely competitive table tennis. Congratulations to John Bromley, Dan Brodie, and the team at Charitable Impact for what’s become a can’t-miss event on the BC tech calendar. Also, your new rebrand is excellent.

B.C. research projects receive government funding, move closer to commercialization

What happened: Innovate BC awarded two B.C.-based research projects with a total of $448,000 through its Ignite Program. Polymer Technologies and UBC’s Dr. James Olson received $300,000; and Aspect Biosystems and UBC’s Dr. Konrad Walus secured $148,000. The funding will help accelerate the commercialization of innovation that will solve significant environmental and healthcare challenges in B.C. and around the world.

Why we should care: The Ignite Program addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges by turning innovative ideas into real life solutions. Since the launch of the program in 2016, $5.3M has been awarded to 25 B.C. research projects. Notable past winners include Jetti Resources, Advanced BioCarbon 3D, and Terramera.

Another great month for Vancouver’s thriving VR/AR sector

What happened: November kicked off with the VR/AR Global Summit, which attracted thousands of attendees and more than 160 exhibitors and speakers from industry giants like Microsoft, Lenovo, and Niantic. Later in the month, Vancouver-based Biba was listed on Time Magazine’s Top 50 Inventions of 2019.

Why I’m interested: By now it’s old news that we have one of the best VR/AR ecosystems in the world. But the rate at which our sector is growing and the accolades our companies continue to pile up shouldn’t be overlooked. For Biba specifically, the recognition in Time Magazine comes off the heels of them being named one of the world’s most innovative companies by Fast Company earlier this year.

Daily Hive ventures down the I-5

What happened: Daily Hive announced that they’ve expanded to Seattle and Portland. The expansion marks the first time the B.C. company has increased its footprint outside of Canada.

Why we should care: Daily Hive is one of our province’s biggest success stories and they’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what they’re capable of. In the last few months alone, they’ve rebranded, revamped their website, and are now diving headfirst into international expansion. I highly recommend their Venture page, which is a must-read for anyone who has an interest in B.C.’s thriving innovation economy. To the founders – Karm, Farhan, and Manny – and all of the talented staff at Daily Hive, congratulations on the big news and keep killing it.