Call for Proposals
Overview
Web Summit – one of the world's leading tech and innovation conferences – will return to Vancouver in May 2026 and 2027. In support of Web Summit Vancouver, Innovate BC, a Crown agency of the Province, is building on the Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2WSV), a Sector Development Program designed to maximize benefits to B.C. companies.
About the Program
R2WSV is a multi-year initiative leveraging Web Summit to attract investment, generate customer opportunities, and drive growth for B.C. companies. Working in collaboration with funding organizations, industry associations, community groups, and other key stakeholders, Innovate BC will develop, deliver and fund programming in the lead-up to Web Summit Vancouver 2026.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us at wsv@innovatebc.ca
Opportunity for Delivery Partners
Innovate BC is inviting proposals from ecosystem organizations interested in partnering to deliver R2WSV programming and prepare B.C. tech companies for the global stage. Programming may include event series, training sessions, development programs, and pitch competitions. Innovate BC is particularly seeking partners who can maximize participation from tech founders across B.C.’s diverse sectors, regions, and communities, including Indigenous peoples, women, newcomers, and people of colour.
Innovate BC’s Anchor Events
Innovate BC will be leading a series of flagship events designed to serve as anchor points throughout the R2WSV program calendar. We invite ecosystem partners to submit proposals that complement the founder's experience, while being mindful of our anchor event schedule. We strongly encourage designing sessions that either lead into or build upon these anchor events.
Our anchor events* include:
- Kickoff Event: November 4, 2025
- Pitch Practice Sessions: February 11, March 11, and April 8, 2026
- Masterclasses: February 25 and April 22, 2026
- Road to Web Summit Bootcamp: May 6, 2026
- Investment Showcase: May 11, 2026
*Please note that these dates are subject to change; partners will be informed accordingly should any adjustments be made.
Objectives
This Call for Proposals aims to identify and support initiatives within B.C.’s innovation ecosystem that provide tailored services, resources, and expertise to technology ventures and entrepreneurs as part of R2WSV. The ultimate objective is to enable B.C. technology and innovation companies to achieve sustainable, long-term success by addressing their specific needs and challenges at various stages of growth and development.
Innovate BC will provide funding contributions to successful applicants, with amounts varying based on program scope, alignment with priorities, and anticipated impact. While there is no predetermined minimum, contracts are generally not expected to exceed $20,000 each. Innovate BC does not intend to be the sole funder of these initiatives; applicants are encouraged to scope their proposals accordingly. Applicants will be required to demonstrate that at least 50% of additional funding or in-kind support is sourced outside of the funding request to Innovate BC.
Programming must be delivered between November 2025 and May 2026, with final reports and metrics submitted by July 2026.
Successful applicants will:
- Agree to participate in check-ins scheduled by Innovate BC.
- Work with Innovate BC to tailor programming (content, engagement, promotional strategy, timing).
- Acknowledge Innovate BC as a funding partner in all public-facing materials.
- Align venture selection and preparation with Innovate BC’s Investment Showcase, if applicable.
- Ensure R2WSV programming is aligned with scheduled Innovate BC “Anchor Events” so that approved activities do not conflict with or overlap Innovate BC event times.
- Collaborate on the integration of Innovate BC services platforms (e.g., IP Hub) into programming where appropriate.
- Agree to Innovate BC data standardization and provide Innovate BC with complete participant and program data, including participant consent for data sharing with Innovate BC and Web Summit funding partners.
- Submit budget and financial reporting in alignment with Innovate BC’s requirements.
Survey Insights & Programming Priorities
Innovate BC designed this Call for Proposals around direct feedback from almost 200 R2WSV 2025 survey responses. We encourage applicants to align their proposals with the following key insights:
Who we heard from:
- Majority of respondants are in AI/Quantum, SaaS, Digital Media, and Cleantech.
- Most common company stage: pre-seed
What companies need most:
- Top goals: securing investment and building partnerships.
- Top challenges: customer acquisition and access to capital.
- Alpha & Beta companies: focused on sales and raising capital.
- Growth companies: concerned with market uncertainty.
Priority topics:
- Most relevant to Web Summit preparation:
- Marketing
- Access to Corporate Partners
- Go-to-Market Strategy
- High interest in AI.
- Emphasis on Canadian/BC perspectives and success stories
Applicants
This opportunity is open to individual organizations or consortiums of partners, including industry associations, educational institutions, incubators, accelerators, and other relevant organizations. To be considered for funding, proponents must:
- Have a proven track record in delivering similar events, programs, or services to those included in the proposal.
- Demonstrate a clear plan for integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles into the program.
- Be based in B.C. and/or demonstrate how the proposed program will directly benefit B.C. companies. Proponents from outside B.C. may be considered if they clearly outline how their services are unique, why local expertise cannot address the need, and the specific value their involvement brings to the B.C. innovation ecosystem.
Programming Activities & Costs
Programming is expected to be delivered between November 2025 and May 2026, must meet the objectives, and cannot be strictly networking events. Eligible activities can include learning series, skills development, training courses and tailored services. Activities may be in-person, virtual, or in a hybrid model.
- Eligible costs: Program costs, staff or contractor fees, speaker fees, venue fees, AV equipment and other direct costs tied to the program or event execution.
- Ineligible Costs: Hospitality costs including travel, food and beverage. Any costs associated with week of WSV, including tickets, booth space, and activations.
Program Participants
The primary target audience for programming participants are B.C. technology and innovation companies that:
a) Meet the requirements for the Web Summit Startup Program-
- unique software or hard technology solution or product in working order
- independent company (not a subsidiary)
- working website
- functioning MVP or prototype
OR
b) are high-potential ventures seeking investment and market expansion, well-positioned to capitalize on Web Summit Vancouver as a platform for growth.How to apply
Complete the application form by September 30, 2025.
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Questions may be directed to wsv@innovatebc.ca.
Deadline
The deadline to submit a proposal for the Sector Development Program - Road to Web Summit Vancouver is September 30, 2025.
Selection
Selection of R2WSV partners will depend on multiple factors including, but not limited to, programming objectives, target audience, overall cost and funding requested, region(s) of delivery, content, duration and schedule.
Proposals with the following will be prioritized:
- Collaborative delivery models, including consortiums of partners able to deliver province-wide
- Programming that supports underrepresented groups (Indigenous, women and racialized founders)
- Programming that is focused within high-potential sectors: Life Sciences, Digital Media, Cleantech, Agritech, Oceantech
Questions?
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us at wsv@innovatebc.ca
