B.C. Tech Shines at MWC 2026

Key Points:

How is British Columbia enhancing its position as a leading global technology hub? At Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Trade and Invest BC led a delegation of B.C. technology companies to showcase the province’s innovation capabilities, build international connections and pursue new export opportunities.

• A delegation of B.C. technology companies participated in MWC 2026, connecting with international customers, partners and investors at one of the world’s leading technology events.
• The delegation highlighted the depth and diversity of B.C.’s technology sector, reinforcing the province’s reputation for innovation and technology leadership.
• Trade and Invest BC supported international growth through the B.C. Pavilion, business matchmaking and export development opportunities.

 

 

British Columbia (B.C.) is one of North America’s leading technology hubs, home to a dynamic ecosystem where talent, investment and entrepreneurship thrive. Recognized globally for expertise in software, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), telecommunications and electronics manufacturing, the province offers an ideal environment for innovation. These strengths were prominently showcased at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, where B.C. companies demonstrated cutting-edge technologies to a global audience.

Mobile World Congress 2026, organized by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), is one of the world’s largest and most influential technology events. Held annually in Barcelona, MWC celebrated its 20^th anniversary in March 2026, attracting more than 105,000 attendees, nearly 3,000 exhibitors, sponsors and partners, and participants from over 200 countries and territories.

MWC 2026: A Global Stage for Innovation

MWC 2026 took place at a pivotal time for the global connectivity industry as advancements in 5G, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure continue to reshape economies and industries worldwide. As a premier platform for collaboration and technology advancement, the event offered an exceptional opportunity for British Columbia to demonstrate its expertise, connect with international partners and showcase innovative solutions to a global audience.

Trade and Invest BC led a delegation of B.C. technology companies to MWC 2026, including seven first-time participants. All seven reported that the event aligned closely with their international growth objectives and expressed interest in returning for MWC 2027, reinforcing the value of MWC as a platform for export development, partnership building and global business expansion.

B.C. Companies Showcase World-Class Innovation

The delegation represented the breadth of British Columbia’s technology ecosystem, with companies specializing in AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, wireless communications, satellite technology, edge computing, enterprise software, digital transformation and intelligent transportation systems.

Participating companies included: Ahead.io Labs, Avari Wireless, Bonsai Micro, Colony Networks, D-Wave Quantum, Daanaa, Emtar Technologies, Expeto, GlüxKind Technologies, Green Edge Computing Corp., Incognito Software, iQmetrix, LicenseSpring, Orbital Research, ProCogia, ProjEx Management Services, SenseNet, Star Solutions, Text Groove Communications Inc., Viion Systems.

Collectively, these companies showcased technologies that are helping shape the future of connectivity, mobility, enterprise computing and digital infrastructure while demonstrating the depth and diversity of B.C.’s technology sector.

Trade and Invest BC Supports International Growth

Trade and Invest BC helped participating companies maximize the value of their participation through a comprehensive business development program designed to increase visibility, facilitate strategic connections and support export growth.

Central to this support was a dedicated B.C. Pavilion featuring over 50 square metres of branded exhibition space, providing companies with a high-profile venue to showcase their products, services and marketing materials. Participants also benefited from strong on-site branding, promotional opportunities and dedicated meeting facilities, an especially valuable resource at MWC where private meeting space was in high demand.

Each company had access to a dedicated closed door meeting room accommodating up to six people, a semiprivate meeting area with workstations and storage space, as well as premium marketing assets, interactive QR code features and promotion across multiple online platforms. Companies also gained additional exposure through B.C. and Canada directories, the Global Affairs Canada Trade Commissioner Service network, the Canada B2B Matchmaking Portal and the GSMA official event platform and mobile application.

Connecting B.C. Companies with Global Opportunities

Trade and Invest BC also coordinated export focused business matchmaking before the conference. Based on each company’s objectives and target markets, B.C.’s Trade and Investment Representatives (TIRs) and Trade Commissioners arranged meetings with prospective customers, partners and investors. Participating companies typically received between 15 and 25 pre-qualified business meetings, helping accelerate sales opportunities, partnership discussions and market-entry efforts.

In addition, TIRs from markets outside Europe worked with international buyers to facilitate introductions with B.C. companies, creating new opportunities for collaboration and market expansion.

Participants also attended networking receptions and daily event programming that helped strengthen relationships, gain market intelligence and raise their profile within the global technology community. Together, these services enabled B.C. companies to maximize the value of their participation while accelerating international business development.

Looking Ahead

The strong interest generated by MWC 2026 positions British Columbia for an even greater presence at future editions of the event. All seven first-time participants expressed interest in returning for MWC 2027, while three additional companies have already inquired about joining next year’s delegation. This growing demand reflects the value of MWC as a gateway to international markets and reinforces B.C.’s reputation as a globally competitive technology hub. Through our Look West Strategy, B.C. is positioning AI and quantum computing as priority sectors for economic growth.

MWC 2026 demonstrated the strength, diversity and global competitiveness of B.C.’s technology sector. Through strategic business development support, international matchmaking and a prominent presence at one of the world’s leading technology events, Trade and Invest BC helped B.C. companies build new relationships, explore export opportunities and expand their international reach.

As interest in future participation continues to grow, B.C. is well positioned to strengthen its presence on the global technology stage and further establish itself as a destination for innovation, investment and partnership.

Companies interested in participating in MWC 2027 are encouraged to visit the Trade and Invest BC website to learn more about upcoming opportunities, program details and how to join future trade missions. To stay informed about upcoming trade missions, events and industry initiatives, follow Trade and Invest BC on Bluesky, LinkedIn and X.