Greg Caws, the former president and CEO of crown corporation Innovate BC, passed away in his home in Victoria on November 27.

Known as a visionary leader and dedicated innovator, Caws leaves behind a celebrated legacy across the province through his various roles in tech. As well as his management of Innovate BC, he co-founded Digital, Canada’s Vancouver-based global innovation cluster for digital technologies; served as the former president of the Premier’s Technology Council, a non-partisan initiative that provides advice to the government on technology-related issues in B.C.; and was previously chair of the board and CEO of VIATEC, a non-profit that supports the growth and promotion of the Greater Victoria tech sector.

Earlier in his career, the pioneer co-founded Cinax Designs to produce interactive multimedia CDs. The startup also played a key role in setting up and supporting emerging internet service providers. Cinax was eventually sold to a NASDAQ-listed corporation in need of its technologies and expertise. Following this, Caws worked with companies like IBM and TELUS, co-founded another venture, and provided strategic support to startups.

Caws defined his personal goal as “bridging society and technology so that everyone can benefit.” He expressed that he was passionate about turning big ideas into lasting organizations and encouraging teams to shine. 

This week, many members of B.C.’s tech community reflected on their experiences working with and learning from the late executive. William Johnson, founder of the Vancouver Tech Journal and Startup TNT’s B.C. lead, highlighted Caws’ leadership.

“He treated everyone with respect,” wrote Johnson. “I vividly remember the first time I met Greg. Karen Speirs, [Innovate BC’s] former communications director, was giving me a tour of their office when we bumped into him. He greeted me with a firm handshake, and we chatted briefly. At that time, I was a nobody in the B.C. tech ecosystem, yet he treated me as though I were someone important. I’ve never forgotten that moment. He was humble. One of my favourite memories from my time with [Innovate BC] was my regular conversations with Greg. Despite being the CEO, he didn’t occupy a fancy corner office. Instead, he worked at a standing desk in the main office area alongside the staff. He never acted as if he were above anyone — he was there to guide, support, and then get out of the way. Greg was more captain than king.”

VIATEC’s CEO, Dan Gunn, emphasized how Caws played an instrumental role in his journey to leading the non-profit.

“When the board was looking for a different direction, Greg stepped in as interim CEO and gave me a chance to share my vision for VIATEC,” Gunn recounted. “His belief in me and his recommendation to the board were pivotal in my appointment, a position I've held for over two decades. Greg was more than a colleague; he was a remarkably loyal friend, a supportive mentor, and a quick decision-maker who touched everyone around him. His contributions to VIATEC, the Premier's Technology Council, Innovate BC, and the BC Digital Supercluster have significantly shaped the Greater Victoria tech community. Our tech community thrives today because of Greg’s contributions and his belief in the people around him.”

As well as roles supporting tech initiatives fostered by different levels of government, Caws was involved with bolstering academic institutions. Mia Maki, an associate teaching professor at the University of Victoria, shared one of the significant milestones that Caws achieved.

“Greg was critical in moving the University of Victoria Innovation Centre from the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business into the greater [UVic] community,” shared Maki. “It was conceived by Brock Smith and always envisioned as serving a larger client group; it took time and teamwork. Institutionalizing new initiatives takes a lot of work and time. This is just one of many examples of how Greg made our community better. He will be missed.”

A celebration of Caws’ life will be held on December 19 at 2 p.m. PST at the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens Funeral Home in Victoria. Condolences may be offered to the family through his obituary page, and donations may be made to the Victoria Hospital Foundation’s cardiac care unit in lieu of flowers. Those who are unable to attend the service in person may join via Zoom.

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