Innovate BC is seeking applicants to deliver programming as part of Innovate BC’s Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2WSV) 2027 partner program.
Web Summit, one of the world's leading technology conferences, returns to Vancouver in May 2027. Through R2WSV, Innovate BC works with selected applicants to identify high-potential B.C. startups and provide targeted readiness programming that helps companies maximize investment, customer acquisition, networking, and showcase opportunities associated with Web Summit Vancouver.
About the Program
We are seeking delivery partners to provide programming that equips participating companies with the skills, knowledge, networks, and market readiness needed to capitalize on opportunities available through Web Summit Vancouver May 25 - 28, 2027.
Successful program applicants will work closely with Innovate BC to identify high-potential startups, deliver programming aligned with the priority sectors and startup growth themes outlined below, and nominate companies for participation in Web Summit Vancouver 2027 showcase opportunities at the BC Pavilion.
Submit Proposal
Submit your Proposal for Road to Web Summit Vancouver 2027
Web Summit Vancouver 2027 Showcase Opportunities at the BC Pavilion
Through their R2WSV programs, successful applicants will help identify and prepare companies for participation in the following showcase opportunities during Web Summit Vancouver 2027:
Venture Spotlight - A curated startup showcase featuring selected B.C. companies at the BC Pavilion on the exhibit show floor during Web Summit Vancouver. Participating companies receive dedicated exhibition opportunities and exposure to investors, customers, conference attendees, government officials and industry leaders.
R2WSV Pitch Competition - A competitive pitch event featuring selected B.C. startups from R2WSV programming. Companies will compete for recognition and a non-dilutive cash prize while presenting to investors and industry stakeholders.
Note: Participation in R2WSV programming does not guarantee selection for a showcase opportunity.
Objectives
Through this call, Innovate BC aims to select and contract qualified partners to:
Identify high-potential B.C. startups operating in priority sectors:
Artificial Intelligence
Creative Technologies
Defence and Dual-use
Life Sciences
Deliver readiness programming that supports startup growth and market success
Programming may start as early as November 2026 and must be completed by May 14, 2027
Strengthen startup capabilities in start up growth themes:
Sales & Marketing
Investment Readiness
Export Readiness
Increase participation from underrepresented founders and communities, with particular emphasis on Indigenous, Black and People of Colour (IBPOC), Women, and rural/northern communities
Align programming with Web Summit Vancouver 2027 showcase opportunities including the Venture Spotlight and R2WSV Pitch Competition
Support and report on measurable outcomes for participating companies
Funding and Expectations
Successful delivery partner applicants may be eligible to receive up to 50% of total project costs for a maximum of $40,000 from Innovate BC to support program delivery. Delivery partner applicants must demonstrate thatremaining project costs are covered from non-Innovate BC sources (cash and in-kind). Applicants demonstrating ability to leverage additional resources and partnerships will be evaluated more favourably.
Successful delivery partner applicants will be expected to:
Deliver cohort-based programming aligned with one or more startup growth themes and priority sectors
Provide programming through virtual, in-person, or hybrid formats
Collaborate with Innovate BC on participant identification and nomination processes for Web Summit 2027 showcase opportunities
Collect participant baseline and outcome data
Promote relevant Innovate BC R2WSV anchor events and opportunities to program participants
Recognize Innovate BC as a funder and provide Innovate BC branding,awareness and engagement opportunities during the program
Submit final program and financial reports following program completion
Ecosystem Insights & Programming Priorities
Innovate BC designed this Call for Proposals around direct feedback from participants of R2WSV 2026 programming. Programs should address one or more of the following startup growth themes identified by past participants:
Sales & Marketing
Investment Readiness
Export Readiness
Applicants must also support companies operating within one or more of the priority sectors
Artificial Intelligence
Creative Technologies
Defence and Dual-Use Technologies
Life Sciences
Applicants
Eligible applicants include organizations and consortiums with a demonstrated track record delivering startup support programs, training, mentorship, industry development initiatives, or related services.
Delivery partner applicants must:
Demonstrate relevant delivery experience
Align programming with at least one startup growth theme and at least one priority sector
Incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion principles
Deliver programming that benefits B.C.-based companies
Provide a clear participant recruitment and selection strategy
The following are not eligible to apply:
Individuals applying in a personal capacity
Informal groups without a recognized organizational structure
For-profit companies seeking support for their own business growth
Program Activities & Costs
Eligible programming must be delivered through a cohort-based model and may include:
Learning series
Training programs
Skills development initiatives
Workshops and mentorship
Tailored advisory services
Standalone events and event sponsorships are not eligible under this call. Please refer to Innovate BC’s Sponsorship Request Form to apply for sponsorship support.
Innovate BC funding may be used for:
Staff and contractor costs
Speaker and facilitator fees
Venue costs
Audio visual and technical delivery costs
Other direct program delivery expenses
Innovate BC funding cannot be used for:
Food and beverage expenses
Travel expenses
Web Summit admission passes
Booth space
Conference activations during Web Summit Vancouver week
Program Participants
R2WSV programming is intended for B.C. startups with a minimum viable product (MVP) and early market traction preparing to maximize participation at Web Summit Vancouver.
Applicants must submit an online application that includes:
Organization background and experience
Program design and delivery plan
Alignment with startup growth themes and priority sectors
Diversity, equity, and regional inclusion plan
Participant recruitment and selection strategy
Expected outcomes
Budget and timeline
Data collection and reporting approach
Deadline & Key Dates
Application Deadline: September 30, 2026
Notification of Results: Early October 2026
Program Delivery Period: November 2026 - May 2027
Web Summit Vancouver 2027: May 25 - 28, 2027
Pavilion Venture Spotlight nominees identified: January 2027
Pavilion R2WSV Pitch Competition nominees identified: March 2027
Final Reports submitted within 30 days of Web Summit Vancouver 2027
Selection
Priority may be given to collaborative delivery models, consortiums, and programs delivered province wide. Consortium applications must identify one lead delivery organization.
Applications will be evaluated based on:
Program Design & Outcomes (30%)
Recruitment & Strategic Alignment (30%)
Delivery Capability & Track Record (25%)
Budget and Value (15%)
Submit Proposal
Submit your Proposal for Road to Web Summit Vancouver 2027
