Technology is transforming key industries in B.C. and around the globe at an unprecedented pace.

From natural resources and agriculture to health and digital media, the second #BCTECH Summit returns with Microsoft as title sponsor, and will explore how tech is impacting every part of B.C.'s economy and changing lives.

Presented by the Province and the BC Innovation Council, B.C.’s largest tech event will arm attendees with the tools to propel their companies to the next level, establish valuable business connections and inspire students to pursue careers in technology. From innovations in precision health, autonomous vehicles and customer experience, to emerging ideas in cleantech, agritech and aerospace, the #BCTECH Summit will showcase high-tech solutions to important local and global challenges.

New to the summit this year is the Future Realities Room, presented by Microsoft. It will be a dedicated space for B.C. companies to showcase their innovative augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality applications. From artificial intelligence to the internet-of-things, emerging technologies are disrupting industries and reshaping the path for future generations.

What attendees can expect at #BCTECH Summit 2017:

• Keynotes from thought leaders including Shahrzad Rafati of BroadbandTV, Ben Parr, author of Captivology, Microsoft and IBM.
• Sector-specific deep dives from experts exploring the innovations transforming their industries and every part of B.C's economy.
• Opportunities to connect with tech buyers, scouts and investors through B2B meetings and the Investment Showcase.
• Expanded Marketplace, Technology Showcase including Startup Square and Research Runway, and the Future Realities Room presented by Microsoft.
• Youth Innovation Day to expose grades 10-12 students to diverse career paths in the technology sector.
• Evening networking receptions and Techfest by Techvibes, a recruiting event that connects hiring companies with tech talent.

The two-day event is attracting regional, national and international attendees seeking solutions for their business, investment opportunities and talent in the province. The summit builds on the success of the inaugural summit this past January, which attracted global attention and exceeded its goal of 1,000 attendees with more than 3,500 people in attendance.

The #BCTECH Summit is an initiative of the #BCTECH Strategy, which is a key component of the BC Jobs Plan to support the growth of B.C.’s vibrant technology sector and strengthen British Columbia’s diverse innovation economy. The multi-year strategy includes a $100-million BC Tech Fund and initiatives to increase talent development and market access for tech companies that will drive innovation and productivity throughout the province.

The #BCTECH Summit is taking place March 14-15, 2017, at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Early bird tickets are on sale until Dec. 20, 2016. For more information or to purchase tickets visit: bctechsummit.ca

Quotes:

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

“The #BCTECH Summit will showcase some of the incredible technological advances being created in B.C. that are changing lives around the world. It will also provide small and medium sized companies the rare opportunity to meet face-to-face with and pitch to industry and government buyers, helping open the door to new business opportunities in B.C.’s burgeoning tech sector.”

Edoardo De Martin, director, Microsoft Vancouver –

“We’re proud to be title sponsor of this event because we really believe in the growth of tech in British Columbia. We have a long history in video game development, 3D animation and special effects that has created a foundation of talent that can lead the world in augmented reality, virtual reality and mixed reality development. B.C. is poised to set the bar when it comes to future realities and we look forward to immersing attendees in the work being done here.”

Shirley Vickers, president and CEO, BC Innovation Council –

“Technology is everywhere. It’s making our cities smarter, our businesses more efficient, and our workplaces safer. There is incredible innovation happening in British Columbia and the #BCTECH Summit will showcase global thought leadership and position our province as a beacon of transformative tech for the world to see.”

Shahrzad Rafati, founder and CEO, BroadbandTV –

“The tech industry continues to be a core driver for B.C.’s economy, and has grown by an impressive 14 per cent in the past two years. Now is the perfect time for us to evolve beyond ‘Silicon Valley of the North’, and collectively define who we are and what we stand for. I look forward to sharing my story, how I started BroadbandTV and the journey we’ve taken to become the largest player in our space globally, all while remaining headquartered in Vancouver.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C.’s technology sector is growing faster than the overall economy. In 2014, it grew at a rate of 3.3%, a higher rate than the 2.9% growth observed in the provincial economy.
• B.C. outperforms all other provinces in venture capital investment per capita, with $450 million invested in 2015.
• The tech sector produced approximately $25.8 billion in revenue in 2014, a rise of 4.8% from 2013.
• B.C. has seen a 3% rise in the number of new technology companies in 2014, growing to over 9,700 businesses.

Learn More:

#BCTECH Summit : http://bctechsummit.ca/

#BCTECH Strategy: www.bctechstrategy.ca