How A&K Robotics and MarineLabs are scaling thanks to the Integrated Marketplace
Two British Columbia-based startups—A&K Robotics and MarineLabs—are turning local pilot projects into global momentum, thanks to the province’s Integrated Marketplace program.
Unveiled this week at Web Summit Vancouver, the B.C. government announced an additional $30 million for the initiative, which connects innovative startups with public-sector organizations such as airports, hospitals, and ports to pilot and scale emerging technologies.
“This program is helping B.C. startups land critical reference customers while solving real problems here at home,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “We’re supporting companies that are ready to scale and helping institutions become more efficient, sustainable, and innovative in the process.”
A&K Robotics: Making Airports More Accessible
For Vancouver-based A&K Robotics, the program made it possible to move from early-stage prototypes to a 10-unit pilot with Vancouver International Airport (YVR)—a major leap in both credibility and scale.
“We had international airports interested, but only at a one- or two-unit level,” said Jessica Yip, COO and co-founder. “Integrated Marketplace allowed YVR to commit to a meaningful project with us. Now, we’re piloting our Cruise Mobility Pods right here at home, at North America’s best airport.”
The company’s AI-enabled autonomous pods help travelers with mobility challenges navigate sprawling airport terminals more independently. With YVR as a reference customer, A&K has seen its international customer pipeline grow—a clear sign that global airports are watching what’s happening in B.C.
Yip, who was born and raised in Vancouver, said the local ecosystem is maturing but still needs more risk capital to fully support hard tech companies. “We make great tech here, and we’re starting to export it. But there’s still work to do,” she said.
MarineLabs: Safer Ports Through Real-Time Coastal Intelligence
Victoria-based MarineLabs is also riding a wave of growth after participating in the Integrated Marketplace. The company installs sensor-equipped nodes—often on buoys—to provide real-time coastal weather intelligence for ships navigating treacherous waters.
“We trialed our tech with the Pacific Pilotage Authority, which guides every ship into B.C. ports,” said founder and CEO Scott Beatty. “That gave us a critical reference customer and allowed us to prove our value to other ports around the world.”
Now active in Canada and the U.S., MarineLabs is expanding internationally, offering ports the ability to make smarter, safer, and more efficient decisions based on AI-driven forecasts and real-time data.
Beatty, who also grew up in B.C., says the province’s marine industry and geography make it a natural home for ocean tech innovation. “This is one of the world’s most renowned coastlines. It’s where our company belongs,” he said.
Bridging Innovation and Impact
The Integrated Marketplace has already supported over 30 startups, and with the new funding from the 2025 budget, the province plans to expand into additional sectors, including health care, grid management, and wildfire response.
“We’re solving real problems—climate, health care, logistics—while helping our companies go global,” said Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Diana Gibson, who made the funding announcement at Web Summit.
For A&K Robotics and MarineLabs, the program has offered more than just funding—it’s provided validation, visibility, and a clear path to commercialization.
“We’re building a world-class innovation ecosystem in B.C.,” said Yip. “And with the right support, we’re ready to lead.”
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