British Columbia’s tech ecosystem is thriving, thanks to the efforts of two major organizations: BC Tech and Innovate BC. Both play pivotal roles in supporting and accelerating the growth of tech companies across the province. But how do these two organizations compare? Let’s take a closer look.
BC Tech’s Member Driven Misson
BC Tech has been a cornerstone of the province’s tech sector for over 30 years. With 1,000+ members, it’s a community-driven organization that brings together startups, scale-ups, and established tech giants. BC Tech’s programs are tailored to the entire lifecycle of a tech company—from helping startups find their footing to guiding scale-ups through growth challenges.
One of BC Tech’s many standout features is its commitment to advocacy. The organization works tirelessly to ensure the tech sector’s voice is heard at all levels of government. From shaping policies that support innovation to addressing barriers like talent shortages and access to capital, BC Tech has cultivated strong relationships with policymakers to champion the needs of the industry.
BC Tech’s initiatives are as diverse as its membership. It hosts regular events, including its flagship Technology Impact Awards, which celebrate innovation and excellence across the sector. Its C-Councils offer peer-to-peer learning opportunities for executives, tackling real-world challenges with practical solutions. And for those looking to expand their team, BC Tech provides targeted Scaleup Academy webinar, focusing on the nitty-gritty of building successful teams.
Innovate BC’s Role in Building BC’s Tech Economy
Innovate BC operates as a government-backed organization focused on funding and programs that support innovation. Its initiatives include grant programs like the Ignite program, designed to accelerate commercialization for research projects, and the ISI grant, which helps companies hire co-op students.
Innovate BC also plays a key role in connecting entrepreneurs with resources through its BC Startup in Residence program and partnerships with regional accelerators. It’s a crucial player in facilitating access to funding and resources, particularly for companies in the early stages of development.
In addition to these programs, Innovate BC works to foster innovation across a variety of sectors, such as clean tech, life sciences, and digital media. The organization provides strategic support to help startups scale and reach global markets, often collaborating with industry leaders and government bodies. Through its initiatives, Innovate BC contributes significantly to strengthening the tech ecosystem in B.C., ensuring that companies have the tools, resources, and connections needed to thrive in a competitive landscape.
A Tale of Two Mandates
The BC Tech Association primarily serves as a membership-driven organization and is reliant on support from membership dues & sponsorship to exist. The association offers networking, resources, and advocacy for tech companies, from startups to scale-ups. In contrast, Innovate BC is a government-backed entity that emphasizes funding, grants, and programs aimed at accelerating the commercialization of research and supporting early-stage companies.
While both organizations aim to nurture innovation, BC Tech is more of a grass-roots organization representing the sector’s interests through advocacy, community-building and industry events, while Innovate BC focuses more on providing financial support and connecting entrepreneurs to critical resources.
The Bigger Picture
Both BC Tech and Innovate BC are invaluable to the province’s tech ecosystem. Innovate BC provides a strong foundation with funding and connections, while BC delivers the critical tools, community, and expertise that tech companies need to succeed at every stage.
Whether you’re a startup founder looking for your first grant or a CEO navigating the complexities of scaling, BC’s tech ecosystem has your back. And with organizations like BC Tech—always advocating for the sector—and Innovate BC leading the way, the future of technology in the province has never looked brighter.
Darian Kovacs is the Indigenous founder of Vancouver based company Jelly Digital Marketing & PR and digital marketing school, Jelly Academy. Darian is also the chair of the BC Tech CMO C Council.
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