Call For Applications: Venture Spotlight at the BC Pavilion
Are you one of BC’s most promising early-stage ventures?
We’re inviting innovative companies from across British Columbia to apply for the opportunity to exhibit as part of the BC Pavilion at Web Summit Vancouver (WSV) 2026.
Web Summit is one of the world’s largest and most influential technology gatherings, and it’s returning to Vancouver for its second year in May. The BC Pavilion will serve as the go-to destination to engage directly with our province’s innovation community and ecosystem at the heart of the conference, and this activation – the Venture Spotlight – will showcase the next generation of B.C.-grown innovators to the thousands of investors, media, and industry in attendance.
Selected applicants will receive one exhibiting slot at the BC Pavilion from May 12-14, 2026, giving an unprecedented platform to share your technology and elevate your visibility in front of industry leaders, potential customers, investors, and more. In selecting ventures for the exhibition area, we will prioritize solutions aligned with one or more of the Pavilion’s signature themes as guided by the Province's Look West Strategy.
So if you’re a B.C.-based startup ready to accelerate your growth, expand your network, and showcase your innovation, this is your chance to stand on the world stage and reach new heights.
Applications close January 18, 2026.
Learn more about eligibility requirements and selection criteria.
Apply Now
For WSV 2026, BC Pavilion programming will be guided by the Province’s Look West Strategy, which emphasizes diversifying markets and accelerating growth in high-potential technology sectors. In selecting ventures for the exhibition area, we will prioritize solutions aligned with one or more of the Pavilion’s signature themes. These themes reflect both B.C.’s globally recognized strengths and the priority sectors outlined in the Look West Strategy:
- Agricultural Technologies
- Emerging Technologies (Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing)
- Clean Technologies
- Interactive Digital Media & Entertainment (Animation, Video Games, VFX, XR)
- Life Sciences
- Blue Economy / Ocean Technologies
These signature themes represent the core pillars of B.C.’s innovation economy. Showcasing them at the BC Pavilion during WSV 2026 supports sector development and amplifies the province’s competitive advantages on an international stage.
To apply, ventures must:
- Be legally registered and physically located in British Columbia
- Be developing or commercializing innovative technology product or services, with at least a prototype or MVP
- Be early-stage, having raised less than $5,000,000 of non-grant funding from any source
- Be available to participate in required pre-event onboarding and alignment sessions
- Be prepared to exhibit professionally during the assigned half-day showcase --- Note: Exhibition times may conflict with Web Summit Startup Program activities; ventures applying for both must have sufficient team capacity to staff both opportunities.
Applications will be assessed based on the overall strength of the venture and its alignment with the goals of the BC Pavilion. The following areas will guide the review process:
- Innovation & Value Proposition: Reviewers will assess how the venture’s solution stands out within its sector, the significance of the problem it targets, and the potential value or impact it offers.
- Market Understanding & Potential: Assessment may include factors such as customer fit, size of the market opportunity, early traction, and overall commercial potential, evaluated through the lens of each sector.
- Relevance to BC’s Innovation Priorities: Ventures operating in, or contributing to, sectors highlighted in the Look West Strategy or areas where BC has recognized strengths may receive priority. Reviewers will consider overall alignment with the Pavilion’s signature themes.
- Readiness to Participate: Ventures should be able to communicate their solution clearly and present it effectively within a half-day exhibiting opportunity at the BC Pavilion. This includes having a demonstrable product, prototype, or compelling concept to share.
- Applications open: December 15, 2025
- Applications close: January 18, 2026
- Selection announcements: February 16, 2026
- Exhibiting dates at Web Summit 2026: May 12, 13, 14, 2026 (one of, exact date TBD)
- A dedicated half-day opportunity to showcase your innovation in high-visibility setting
- A complimentary ticket to the Web Summit Conference
- Possible inclusion in marketing materials promoting the BC Pavilion
- Access to industry leaders, potential customers, investors, and collaboration opportunities
This initiative is led through a collaborative partnership between the Government of Canada, through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), the Province of British Columbia, Innovate BC, Destination Vancouver, Invest Vancouver, and the City of Vancouver. Its goal is to increase worldwide awareness of the B.C. tech ecosystem, maximize opportunities for B.C.’s tech sector to benefit from Web Summit Vancouver, and help generate strategic partnerships, investment, trade and jobs throughout the province.
