In a week where the global spotlight was firmly fixed on British Columbia’s tech ecosystem, one Victoria-based company stood out. VoxCell BioInnovation was named the winner of The $10K Pitch: BC’s Startup All-Stars, a live pitch competition hosted at Web Summit Vancouver by Innovate BC and New Ventures BC.
The company took home the $10,000 grand prize after outlasting a stacked lineup of high-growth startups—including GlüxKind, SkyAcres, and yPilot—in a finale judged by a panel of investors and innovation leaders. VoxCell, a biotech firm developing vascularized, human-like cancer tissue models to improve drug screening and development, impressed with its blend of deep science and commercial traction.
“These types of competitions help startups like ours break through the noise and prove we’re building something that matters,” said Karolina Valente, CEO and CSO at VoxCell BioInnovation. “This win gives us a strong signal to investors and customers alike, marking a real turning point for our business.”
The 12 companies invited to compete were all past top 10 finishers in the New Ventures BC Competition within the past five years—a cohort that represents some of the most promising ventures in the province. After an initial round of pitches, the top four were selected for a final showdown on the main stage at Web Summit.
“We know these companies well from their time in the New Ventures BC Competition,” said Angie Schick, executive director at New Ventures BC. “But seeing them now—with stronger teams, bigger visions, and real traction—is a testament to the strength of BC’s startup ecosystem.”
Peter Cowan, president and CEO of Innovate BC, echoed the sentiment: “Web Summit is one of the largest and most significant global platforms for tech… and B.C. innovators have stood out all week as bold change makers and engines for economic prosperity and meaningful impact. We’re thrilled to support VoxCell… to help them take that next step and make their mark here in B.C. and beyond.”
More than 250 early-stage ventures participated in Web Summit Vancouver’s Alpha, Beta, and Growth programs this year. The B.C. Pavilion on the exhibit floor further spotlighted local companies in AI, life sciences, digital entertainment, and more.
“Congratulations to all of the startups who were part of the competition,” said Diana Gibson, B.C.’s minister of jobs, economic development and innovation. “It’s wonderful to hear their stories and learn about the work they are doing to grow and strengthen our province’s economy.”
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Disclosure: Innovate BC is a content partner of Vancouver Tech Journal’s Web Summit Vancouver coverage.