Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services Amrik Virk represented B.C.’s vibrant tech sector at the 23rd annual TiEcon (The Indus Entrepreneurs Conference) on May 6-7, one of the world’s largest professional tech networking conferences.

The event, which took place in Santa Clara, California, drew approximately 4,600 technology leaders from across the globe – providing B.C. delegates with the opportunity to meet one-on-one with technology companies from more than 22 countries and to promote B.C. as the place to invest, grow a tech business and pursue trade opportunities.

B.C.’s tech industry and cultural ties resulted in greater levels of knowledge exchange, innovative solutions and increased business opportunities.

A delegation of the B.C. chapter of TiEcon, representing digital media and tech company leaders, also attended the conference to make connections with potential clients, investors and partners.

The #BCTECH Strategy is a key component of the BC Jobs Plan to support the growth of B.C.’s technology sector and strengthen the province’s diverse knowledge-based economy.

Quotes:
Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services –

“TiEcon provides British Columbia with an invaluable opportunity to shine a light on all tech verticals in the province, and to demonstrate why B.C. is the place to do business. The high level of interest we received for partnerships, investments, diverse culture and further trade opportunities demonstrates the B.C. brand is globally recognized, and we are the place to be for tech companies and venture capitalists to invest.”

Brandon Lee, consul general –

‎“B.C.’s presence at TiEcon was strongly anticipated and deeply appreciated. The minister's active engagement greatly contributed to raising our Canadian signature  in the Silicon Valley.  Given B.C.'s rapidly expanding tech sector, its deep ties to Asia and its proximity to the valley, the conference provided an important platform for key international players to connect face-to-face and strengthen fundamental relationships with delegates from across Canada.”

Anthony Lee, managing director, Altos Ventures and co-founder and charter member, C100 –

“The fact that B.C. is home to a generation of world-class technology startups is not lost on top investors and technology executives here in Silicon Valley. There is now a reliable flow of capital and talent between B.C. and the valley that is boosting the province’s rapidly expanding tech sector. Having a regular public and private sector presence here in the valley is critical to that ongoing industry expansion and job growth."

Vik Khanna, president, TiE Vancouver –  

“TiEcon brings together the world’s best tech representatives to ignite innovation and entrepreneurship. We were thrilled to have Minister Virk and other B.C. delegates attend and actively  engage and promote the B.C. brand with tech leaders from around the world.

The B.C. Advantage:

• Worldwide appeal and the three T’s – talent, taxes and time zone – provides an advantage over other jurisdictions.
• Remaining less expensive than other tech hubs, with world-class affordable health care, tax rates and one of the lowest personal income taxes in Canada.
• Offering world-class universities and continual funding for research and development.
• Providing a safe place to raise a family, coupled with an excellent education system.
• B.C.’s technology sector is growing faster than the overall economy. In 2013, it grew at a rate of 4.7%, a higher rate than the 3.2% growth observed in the provincial economy.
• New technology companies are emerging at increasing rates throughout the province. In 2013, more than 700 new technology companies were added in B.C., an increase of 8% over the prior year.

Learn More at:

The #BCTECH Strategy: https://bctechstrategy.gov.bc.ca/

The BC Jobs Plan: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/bcjobsplan/