Four New Inductees Were Added This Year to BC Tech’s Innovators Hall of Fame

Boris Wertz and Ray Walia were among those inducted to BC Tech’s Innovators Hall of Fame this week, joining a club of more than 50 distinguished pioneers within the province’s ecosystem.

The BC Innovators Hall of Fame recognizes the role of innovation to BC’s economy by spotlighting leaders who have left a legacy on the province, enriching the technology ecosystem and building a stronger economy.

The Hall of Fame is powered by the Province and the BC Tech Association, the largest member-led technology nonprofit in BC, with an aim of “turning startups into scaleups.”

Wertz, founder of Version One Ventures, has been a longtime local entrepreneur-turned-investor who has been offering capital and wisdom to the Vancouver community and beyond for many years.

Walia, meanwhile, is cofounder and chief executive of Vancouver-based tech incubator Launch Academy.

Since 2012, Launch has incubated more than 6,000 entrepreneurs from over 100 different countries, of which 300 have grown to Seed and Series A stages and raised a combined $2.5 billion in funding.

The other two inductees this year were Connie and Allen Eaves, who form the mastermind power couple behind Stemcell Technologies, an innovative company which since its start in the 90’s has grown into Canada’s largest biotechnology firm.

“Congratulations to BC Tech Innovators Hall of Fame inductees Drs. Allen and Connie Eaves who have been at the forefront of cancer and stem cell research for five decades and have made significant contributions in biotechnology,” the Association stated.

“It is a great honour to be recognized alongside local heroes Drs. Connie and Allen Eaves,” Walia posted on X, “and [Boris Wertz], whose advice and support for [Launch Academy] has been invaluable.”

The husband-and-wife award is a bittersweet celebration as the honour is bestowed posthumously for Connie.

Overall, this year’s inductees all represent longstanding anchors, active in their fields and the local community, helping to grow the regional ecosystem.

One can check out the full Hall of Fame list here.