B.C. puts $3.38M into innovation at ports, airports, and hospitals

Turning bold ideas into real-world solutions isn’t easy—but a new wave of B.C. innovators is getting a boost. Eight local tech projects have been awarded a total of $3.38 million through the province’s Integrated Marketplace (IM) program, delivered by Innovate BC.

The funding supports homegrown technologies being developed in partnership with major Lower Mainland-based “testbeds.” The projects address practical challenges such as cutting emissions, improving workplace safety, and streamlining operations.

The Integrated Marketplace program was designed to spark innovation by linking B.C.-based tech companies with strategic partners operating in real-world testbeds—helping local solutions get implemented, scaled, and ultimately exported to broader markets.

“B.C. is home to an incredible technology sector, building solutions to respond to challenges here at home and globally,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. She noted that the program supports both business growth and a more resilient economy.

This most recent round of funding was divided among eight projects operating at three local testbeds.

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

Among the funded projects, $1 million has been allocated to a collaboration between Vancouver-based Tymac Boat Launch Services and Victoria-based 3GA Marine for the development of an electric water taxi. The vessel is intended to offer a zero-emission alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered marine transport, while maintaining the performance and reliability needed for operational use.

Another $1 million has been awarded to support PKM Canada Marine Terminal LP in upgrading operations at the Vancouver Wharves. The project will involve installing a high-tech crane to semi-automate a currently manual railcar process—an advancement expected to enhance both efficiency and worker safety.

A $575,000 grant is going to the Pacific Pilotage Authority, which is partnering with Victoria’s MarineLabs to evaluate Forecast AI, a MarineLabs system that generates hyper-local marine weather forecasts. The project will assess how these AI-driven forecasts compare to conventional methods and how they might improve real-time decisions around wind, wave, and visibility conditions.

In another initiative focused on marine operations, $122,500 has been allocated to a project analyzing vessel and rail traffic near Vancouver’s Second Narrows Bridge. The project will collect data on movement patterns and delays caused by bridge lifts, with the goal of identifying opportunities to optimize the bridge’s scheduling for improved efficiency.

Finally, Simon Fraser University’s Big Data team has received $71,653 to develop a predictive model for import container volumes. The tool aims to forecast cargo flow up to six weeks in advance, allowing supply chain partners to better plan and allocate resources.

Provincial Health Services Authority Testbed

A $287,000 grant has been awarded to a partnership between Vancouver’s MindfulGarden Digital Health and the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation’s Advancing Innovation in Medicine Institute. The project will test MindfulGarden’s proprietary software, exploring its potential to support patients experiencing agitation and delirium in critical care.

The technology uses interactive biofeedback loops to help patients, without relying on antipsychotic medication or physical restraints—two common interventions. If successful, the approach could represent a significant step forward in compassionate, tech-enabled care for vulnerable hospital patients.

Vancouver International Airport Testbed

At YVR, $182,000 has been awarded to a project led by local electric tractor company Hallor Group in partnership with Strategic Aviation. The initiative will focus on testing electric-powered ground support equipment at airports, as part of a broader effort to decarbonize ground operations and modernize support infrastructure.

Hallor Group’s partnership with KF Aerospace will also receive $143,360 for a related project at YVR), which will see the company replace two internal combustion engine baggage tractors with electric cabbed units. The switch is expected to improve operational reliability and efficiency, while also cutting fuel use and reducing long-term operating costs.

“Innovate BC’s funding serves as a critical catalyst in advancing innovative technologies from local development to commercialization. For our small B.C.-based manufacturing enterprise, this support enables us to bring next-generation ground support equipment to the market,” said Dean Kneider, CEO, Hallor Group. “The impact in deploying our electric vehicles has allowed for enhanced operational efficiency at airports, reduced emissions and operational costs, fostered domestic manufacturing capabilities, and contributing to the broader applications in aerospace and transportation sectors.”

This latest round of funding is part of a broader investment in the Integrated Marketplace, which includes an initial $11.5 million commitment from the B.C. government, an additional $30 million over the next three years, and $9.9 million in federal support through PacifiCan.