Web Summit Vancouver is set to return May 2026 for its second year, once again bringing tens of thousands of global founders, investors, and media into the heart of B.C.’s innovation ecosystem. Last year, at the centre of the action was the BC Pavilion – a vibrant showcase of British Columbia’s world-class innovation.
The BC Pavilion, led by a consortium of partners including Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), Province of British Columbia, Innovate BC, Destination Vancouver, Invest Vancouver and the City of Vancouver, will continue to serve as the go-to destination on the Web Summit exhibit floor to engage directly with our province’s innovation community and ecosystem.
Innovate BC[TY1] [RT2] is opening applications for the 2026 Venture Spotlight—a curated opportunity for B.C.’s most promising early-stage ventures to exhibit at the BC Pavilion. Selected startups will receive a half-day exhibiting slot inside the Pavilion from May 12–14, where they can demo their products, meet with investors and international delegations, and accelerate conversations that shape future growth. It’s a chance to stand in front of global audiences, share what you’re building, and forge meaningful connections that extend far beyond the conference itself.
For many founders, last year’s Venture Spotlight delivered exactly that, with the first cohort representing a cross-section of B.C.’s next-generation innovators in clean technology, AI, digital entertainment, life sciences, and more. Across three days, these ventures met with investors from around the world, secured new customer leads, and gained exposure through international media coverage.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Venture Spotlight participants emphasized how the BC Pavilion helped accelerate their visibility and momentum. EyecareX, a Vancouver based AI venture shared this was “a platform where they could showcase their AI-powered vision care technology. The exposure and connections we've made have been instrumental in accelerating our business development and opening new doors for partnerships and funding. We’re proud to be part of B.C.’s thriving innovation ecosystem!”
Vancouver-based D2Type Health noted that their BC Pavilion presence translated directly into new market opportunities. “One notable outcome was securing follow-up meetings with U.S.-based health innovation leaders, which we believe will accelerate our path to new market entry. The visibility and credibility provided by the BC Pavilion played a key role in making these opportunities possible.”
As Web Summit Vancouver enters its second year, the BC Pavilion will continue to highlight sectors where B.C. has global strengths and strong potential for future growth. In alignment with the Province’s Look West Strategy, these sectors include agricultural technology and emerging fields like artificial intelligence and quantum computing, clean technology, interactive digital media and entertainment, life sciences, and ocean technologies. These themes reflect the core pillars of B.C.’s innovation economy and guide how the BC Pavilion will spotlight ventures contributing to the province’s global competitiveness.
With more than 15,000 attendees expected again this year, the 2026 Venture Spotlight offers an opportunity for B.C. founders to platform their technology, build new connections, and take part in a community shaping the next chapter of B.C.’s innovation economy.
If you’re an early-stage B.C.-based venture ready to showcase your innovation on the global stage, you can submit your application here: info.innovatebc.ca/venture-spotlight-application. Applications for the Venture Spotlight are now open and will close on January 18, 2026.