The Province of British Columbia is investing nearly $3.5 million to help 14 companies pilot new technologies across key sectors, with marine innovator Drop Marine among the first to put new systems to the test.
Through Innovate BC’s Early-Stage Demonstration Call, Drop Marine has received $280,000 to build and trial a smart-control system for a small workboat operating on B.C.’s inland waterways. The system uses advanced sensors and software to track vessel performance and predict maintenance needs, with the goal of improving reliability, reducing emissions, and lowering operating costs in real-world conditions.
Delivered through the Integrated Marketplace Platform, the broader initiative supports small and medium-sized businesses in testing their innovations in industrial environments, with up to $500,000 available per project.
The program spans sectors including marine, health, mining, forestry, and critical minerals, aligning with the Province’s Look West strategy to strengthen economic independence and accelerate commercialization of made-in-B.C. technologies.
“By giving businesses an opportunity to test and refine their technologies in real-world, industrial settings, we’re helping them grow, create good jobs and expand exports,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth.
Several Vancouver Island and Lower Mainland companies are also among the recipients.
Victoria-based MarineLabs secured $310,000 to advance its AI-powered fog detection and forecasting system, aimed at improving safety and efficiency for ports and marine operators.
Reach Technologies received $115,000 to pilot a vessel-mounted detection system designed to identify marine mammals and debris in real time, while Richmond’s Airble Aviation was awarded $480,000 to develop a multi-agent AI platform to optimize air travel operations.
Other funded projects include AI-enabled healthcare diagnostics, clean energy platforms for remote sites, battery systems for heavy-duty electrification, and new approaches to reforestation and water treatment.
According to Innovate BC, the program is designed to help companies bridge the gap between development and commercialization by generating real-world performance data and attracting early customers.
“Early-stage support plays a defining role in whether promising solutions can successfully reach the market,” said Peter Cowan, President and CEO of Innovate BC.
To date, the Province has committed up to $41.5 million to the Integrated Marketplace, with additional calls for applications expected later this year.
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