Summary:

• New provincewide opportunities for B.C. companies will test and showcase cutting-edge technology aimed at supporting forestry and emergency management, a key part of Look West industrial and economic plan
• Businesses can demonstrate innovative solutions in wildfire and flood prevention, mitigation and management, forestry management and permitting, and emergency-response innovation
• This marks the fifth testbed under the Integrated Marketplace, joining the others focused on innovation in airports, marine ports and health care

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As part of the Look West economic plan, B.C. businesses can test, deploy and scale their cutting-edge technology aimed at supporting the forestry sector and protecting communities from extreme-weather events, such as floods and wildfires.

“Through our Look West plan, we’re creating growth opportunities for local companies to test and scale their technologies in real-world settings,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “These testbeds will help de-risk made-in-B.C. wildfire technologies and accelerate commercialization, helping communities become more resilient, while creating good jobs and driving economic growth throughout the province.”

Support for forestry and emergency management

Through the Integrated Marketplace delivered by Innovate BC, B.C. businesses have access to a new provincewide Forestry Innovation and Emergency Management Testbed. Projects will focus on:

• wildfire and flood prevention, mitigation and management
• forestry management and permitting
• emergency response innovation

“My heart is with the people of the Fraser Valley, as an atmospheric river hits the region just weeks after people throughout the province came through another challenging wildfire season,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “The challenges we are facing are real. In moments like this, we have to come together. That’s why we’re creating this new testbed to invite innovators here in British Columbia to help solve real-world problems with made-in-B.C. solutions.”

Helping companies protect B.C.

The projects will generate insights and data that can be scaled and implemented throughout the province.

 The data and insight will:

• improve emergency response
• improve resilience
• streamline emergency processes
• build efficiencies in the forestry sector

“The Province’s Integrated Marketplace is an incredible catalyst to growth,” said Sam Goldman, founder and CEO, Skyward Wildfire Technologies. “The program helps B.C. businesses like Skyward break down barriers to entering new markets and demonstrate our cutting-edge technologies to B.C., Canada and the world.”

Created by the Government of B.C. in partnership with PacifiCan and delivered by Innovate BC, the Integrated Marketplace was launched in 2023 to help B.C. companies test, deploy and scale their innovations, while de-risking technology adoption for partnering industry customers. This marks the fifth testbed announced under the Integrated Marketplace, joining the others focused on innovation in airports, marine ports and health care.

“The Integrated Marketplace offers innovators a platform to test, deploy and scale their technologies in real-world settings and help turn their bold ideas into meaningful, tangible impact, often with global application,” said Peter Cowan, president and CEO, Innovate BC. “This new testbed will see made-in-B.C. solutions enabled and supported to address wildfires and other forestry-related priority areas that affect people in B.C. every year, while at the same time, giving local innovators a pathway to proving their products, growing their business and contributing to economic prosperity for the province.”

This work is part of the Province’s Look West plan for jobs and industry, which outlines B.C.’s vision to deliver jobs and opportunities by strengthening the workforce to develop a more independent economy.

It includes delivering major projects quicker, diversifying markets and growing targeted sectors, such as technology, aerospace, marine, AI and quantum, life sciences, agriculture and construction innovation.

Quotes:

Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada –

“This latest investment through the Integrated Marketplace by the Government of British Columbia will test innovative technologies that will protect B.C. forests and communities. By protecting our forests, we are protecting our forestry workers, keeping our communities safe from wildfires and floods, and ensuring we have the Canadian wood to build more homes across Canada.”

Dylan Fast, president and CEO, Fast Air –

“As technology continues to evolve, it’s vital for aviation companies like Fast Air to stay engaged with innovations that enhance our ability to serve communities through medevac, evacuation and essential transport operations. The Forestry Innovation and Emergency Management Testbed presents an exciting opportunity to strengthen our response capabilities and better support those on the front lines of wildfire and emergency management, ensuring that communities across Western Canada are better supported when it matters most.”

Alex Deslauriers, CEO, FireSwarm Solutions Inc. –

“The Integrated Marketplace’s Forestry Innovation and Emergency Management Testbed will help de-risk made-in-B.C. wildfire technologies like ours and accelerate time to market. It’s encouraging to see funding and programs being directed toward solutions that protect communities, enhance safety and strengthen our province’s resilience.”

Quick Facts:

• B.C.’s investment in the Integrated Marketplace includes as much as $41.5 million from the Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth and $11.7 million from the Government of Canada through PacifiCan.
• The Integrated Marketplace is a demand-driven platform to test, deploy and scale made-in-B.C. innovation, while de-risking technology adoption for key industries in the province.
• This supports industries to lower emissions and increase productivity, while growing the economy and creating jobs.

Learn More:

• To learn about the Integrated Marketplace, visit: https://www.innovatebc.ca/programs/integrated-marketplace
• For more information about Innovate BC, visit: https://www.innovatebc.ca/
• To learn more about Look West: Jobs and Prosperity for a Stronger BC and Canada, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/LookWest  
• To learn more about PacifiCan, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/pacific-economic-development.html
• To learn more about Skyward Wildfire Technologies, visit: https://www.skywardwildfire.com/
• To learn about Fast Air, visit: https://flyfastair.com/abbotsford-fbo/
• To learn about Fireswarm, visit: https://www.fireswarmsolutions.com/