Web Summit Vancouver 2025 Highlights B.C. Innovation

British Columbia’s (B.C.’s) technology sector took centre stage as Web Summit Vancouver 2025 drew more than 15,000 tech leaders, investors, startups and media from over 130 countries to the Vancouver Convention Centre from May 27 – 30, 2025.

Organized by Web Summit and known as “where the tech world meets,” this first North American Web Summit event replaced Toronto’s Collision Conference and marked a defining moment for B.C.’s innovation and technology ecosystem.

Trade and Invest BC was proud to support the event and help position the province as a global destination for investment, innovation and talent.

A Historic Milestone for B.C.’s Tech Sector

More than 300 companies from across the province, including over 250 startups, participated in Web Summit Vancouver 2025, making it the largest-ever showcase of B.C. technology at a single global conference. From life sciences to deep tech to creative technologies like digital media, B.C.’s talent and ingenuity was demonstrated to the world. One standout moment in the B.C. Pavilion was The $10K Pitch: B.C.’s Startup All-Stars competition, hosted by Innovate BC and New Ventures BC, where Victoria-based VoxCell BioInnovation took home the top prize for its breakthrough cancer research technology.

The province is already home to more than 12,000 tech companies, employing 220,000 people and generating close to $54 billion in revenue. With tech as B.C.’s fastest-growing sector and Vancouver ranking #1 in high-tech job growth in North America, Web Summit Vancouver offered a powerful platform to accelerate growth, forge global partnerships, and expand international investment.

The B.C. Pavilion featured over 70 tech startups and hosted keynotes, industry panels, pitch competitions and business-to-business meetings. It was curated by the Naturally Innovative Alliance, a collaborative partnership between PacifiCan, Destination Vancouver, the City of Vancouver, Invest Vancouver, Innovate BC, and the Government of British Columbia.

Building Global Momentum

Web Summit Vancouver was the centrepiece of a province-wide effort to build new international connections, attract investment and showcase B.C. as a hub for innovation and major events. A full calendar of events took place before and during the summit, giving global investors, partners and media a closer look at what B.C. has to offer.

Programming included Innovation and Investment Insider Tours across Metro Vancouver with tailored, sector-specific site visits, as well as the Export Café and a series of networking events co-organized by Trade and Invest BC. Highlights included a Korea market event and a new Regional Showcase that gave municipalities and regions across B.C. a platform to present their investment opportunities to international audiences. Additionally, Trade and Invest BC partnered with SFU VentureLabs for various events, including the launch event of the 2025 Cybersecurity Export Capabilities Directory.

Trade and Invest BC welcomed international delegations from more than a dozen countries in partnership with Global Affairs Canada. These investors, tech sector representatives and senior government officials took part in business meetings, receptions and briefings focused on digital media, life sciences and deep tech, including quantum and artificial intelligence.

The team also collaborated with the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service to support the Do Business with Canada program. This initiative brought together global tech buyers and venture capitalists for hundreds of business-to-business meetings, helping Canadian companies pursue new deals and global partnerships.

In the current global environment, trade and investment diversification is more important than ever. Events like Web Summit Vancouver support B.C.’s Trade Diversification Strategy by opening doors to emerging markets and industries, while raising awareness of the province’s strengths in technology and talent. With Web Summit Vancouver set to return in 2026 and 2027, and FIFA World Cup 26™ Vancouver on the horizon, B.C. is solidifying its reputation as a destination for innovation, international events and global business.

Beyond Web Summit, Trade and Invest BC helps B.C. businesses grow by matching buyers and sellers in local and foreign markets, investors with opportunities and companies with talented employees. Our experienced and educated team of trade and investment professionals have access to a global network of representatives in China, Japan, Korea, South East Asia, Taiwan, India, Europe, Mexico and the United States.

Find out more about our global network or how we support companies and investors across B.C.’s innovation economy on LinkedIn and X.