The federal government is backing three Burnaby-based startups to help them scale and compete globally and boost B.C.’s reputation as an innovation powerhouse. The companies receiving funding are pH7 Technologies, a critical metals processing company; PosiTrace, a provider of fleet management and GPS tracking solutions; and Rigid Robotics, a precision mining tech startup. The investments are expected to help create 47 jobs, grow the economy, and drive a more sustainable future for the province. 

According to the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), Burnaby has been growing as an emerging tech manufacturing hub. Between 2016 and 2021, industry revenue increased by over 37 percent — reaching $12 billion in 2021. The city was also ranked as the fourth most resilient economy in B.C. in 2024 by BC Business in part due to the clusters of companies in the cleantech and IT industries.

“Burnaby is leading the way in sustainability and innovation,” said Terry Beech, the minister of citizens’ services and member of parliament for Burnaby North. “Fresh ideas and groundbreaking advancements are shaping the city and fuelling a dynamic business community. PacifiCan is here to support these organizations as they expand into new markets, create quality jobs, and transform global industries.”

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PH7 will receive $1.5 million in funding through PacifiCan’s business scale-up and productivity program. This funding will enable the startup to purchase and install new equipment to support its specialized extraction process. Its proprietary closed-loop system recycles metals from primary and secondary sources, such as electronic waste, while preventing harmful byproducts. Compared to traditional methods, pH7 offers a more efficient solution that uses less water and energy and produces zero greenhouse gas emissions, whereas approaches like smelting can produce slag and other waste that must be disposed of.

PacifiCan’s business scale-up and productivity program is also providing $1.23 million to PosiTrace to expand its operations and grow its team. The company’s reporting software gives businesses real-time visibility into vehicle locations and route analytics, helping to boost productivity, lower costs, and reduce fuel consumption.

Rigid Robotics is being given $975,000 through PacifiCan’s jobs and growth fund to advance its AI-powered cloud platform and applications for the mining industry. Using sensors embedded in mining equipment, Rigid Robotics provides real-time data insights and analysis to help companies enhance operational efficiency, improve human safety, and reduce emissions.

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