While most might think of the provinces of Ontario or Quebec when thinking about regions that Canada boasts and are often leaders in specific fields, British Columbia can often be overlooked when it really should not be.
The region is home to a plethora of innovative technology companies working across various business industries and making a global impact on the sectors in which they are involved. There are tech companies that have their headquarters or global base in the province, while some are smaller operations that have managed to play a crucial role.
As the country has been able to offer a number of impressive features, businesses in software, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and ocean technologies have been able to benefit greatly. The nation was the first to recognize AI on a global scale as they introduced a national strategy that allows firms in this sphere to be able to work with the brightest minds and use government incentives, such as financial investment.
Cybersecurity and software tech firms have been able to take advantage of the highly-skilled workers, while there has also been movement in regard to iGaming’s presence within the Great White North. Indeed, technology is widely used throughout the industry considering its very reliance on it. Developers of online casinos have been able to use the latest innovations to create safer gambling experiences as well as authentic and realistic sessions through live dealer casino games, and to use AI to personalize and computerize many aspects that can help create a positive activity and enhance it.
As a tech hub, it has become possible for new online casinos in Canada to be set up and have the best chance to thrive. Operators and game developers are able to access the talented workforce and pool of skilled minds to help create the best gaming entertainment on offer.
However, while the iGaming industry has been able to enjoy technological benefits, British Columbia has become a hub for so many others. Recently, the market may have become even more appealing as it is set to receive an injection in funding.
$9.9 million is being invested through PacifiCan’s Regional Innovation Ecosystems program
As companies in B.C. begin to look for sustainable solutions to connect with larger-scale organizations, the home market – and abroad – may have become more attractive than ever before.
The Minister of Emergency Preparedness and the Minister for PacifiCan policies, Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, has announced that $9.9 million will be made in additional funding. The PacifiCan refers to the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada and is designed to help encourage, establish, and grow companies to help the Integrated Marketplace thrive by allowing them to develop and operate the new technologies that they have been able to create. The new money will be made available in addition to the $11.5 million that was made available by the province’s main government.
The cash injection will aim to help the region to make sure its tech is the best in the world, which can then help to open doors for organizations based in B.C. in terms of being in a better position to commercialize, sell, and export the products and services that they create after proving the technologies are of a particular level.
Tests have already been conducted throughout the province
The Port of Vancouver will become the third testbed for the next industry of this program. The Vancouver International Airport was the first as its support vehicles were being tested as they aimed to reduce the gas emissions that were released when being used operationally. The Port of Prince Rupert was the second testbed, and tests have been conducted in regard to diesel fuel usage. The aim is to reduce it as they look to decarbonize the daily operations of the port while improving the efficiency and competitiveness it can offer.
The Port of Vancouver site will be used as a testbed that focuses on developing digital tools that can help to improve the supply chain, thus improving efficiency, reliability and capacity.