By Sherri Claydon | Vancouver City News | October 20, 2026

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B.C.'s Integrated Marketplace is helping local technology companies prove their products with real customers. New figures show growing investment, jobs and opportunities to bring B.C. innovation into international markets.

A B.C. technology company can develop a promising product but struggle to find a customer willing to try it. Customers want proof it works, while technology companies need customers to get that proof.

B.C.'s Integrated Marketplace helps bridge that gap. Delivered by Innovate BC with provincial and federal support, the program connects local technology companies with participating customers looking to improve their operations.

But finding customers is only part of it. Established B.C. companies also get a chance to test new technology and help shape products around their needs.

One Test, More Than One Opportunity

The Integrated Marketplace starts with a problem a participating customer wants to solve. The customer selects a B.C. technology company to test a possible solution in its operations, with the program sharing eligible project costs.

An airport might want to improve passenger mobility. A port operator may need more accurate weather information. A marina could be looking for safer electrical systems.

New technology can help participating customers reduce costs, improve productivity, strengthen safety and deliver better service. But testing it takes time and money. Staff may need training, equipment may need to be installed, and existing systems may need to be adjusted. There is also the risk of disruption or dissatisfied customers if the technology doesn't perform as expected.

Cost-sharing makes it easier to explore those possibilities before committing to wider adoption.

For technology companies, the experience can be just as valuable. They get to see how their products perform in working conditions, gather evidence and build credibility with prospective buyers. Other potential customers can also review project results, so one customer's experience can help others decide whether the technology is right for them.

From YVR to Madrid: B.C. Innovation Reaching New Markets

Vancouver-based A&K Robotics tested its autonomous Cruz mobility pods at Vancouver International Airport through the Integrated Marketplace. The pods are designed to help passengers move through large airport terminals.

In October 2025, A&K Robotics and Spanish airport operator Aena announced a pilot involving five Cruz pods at Madrid-Barajas Airport, following what A&K Robotics described as a successful rollout at YVR. The Madrid pilot marks an international milestone for the Vancouver company.

The program is also supporting technology in other industries.

Victoria-based MarineLabs tested localized marine weather intelligence through a project associated with the Prince Rupert Port Authority. In March 2026, the B.C. government reported that MarineLabs had secured contracts with terminal operators along the U.S. Gulf Coast, drawing on its B.C. testing and validation.

Vancouver-based VoltSafe is working with the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club to test smart shore-power technology at Jericho marina. The project received an announced $387,000 contribution to assess electrical safety and available power capacity.

The Lax Kw'alaams First Nation, Ocean Aid and Salmon Vision are combining Indigenous-led salmon monitoring with AI-assisted technology. More than $360,000 in provincial support was announced for a project intended to improve monitoring and crew safety.

In health care, MindfulGarden is working with the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation's Advancing Innovation in Medicine Institute to test interactive technology intended to reduce agitation among critical-care patients.

These projects give B.C. technology companies opportunities to test their products in working environments, from marine operations to patient care.

What Has the Program Delivered So Far?

Since its launch in 2023, the Integrated Marketplace has expanded across several industries. Provincial figures show how many projects have received support, while Innovate BC's reporting offers an early look at jobs and revenue.

By the Numbers

  • 49 projects supported since the program began, according to the Province's September 2026 update.
  • More than $24 million invested in those projects.
  • 8 testbeds announced, including a provincewide defence and dual-use technology testbed added in September 2026.
  • 23 new jobs reported among projects covered by Innovate BC's 2024–25 impact report.
  • Approximately 90% of companies in that report had realized or anticipated increased revenue as a result of their projects.
  • 14 early-stage projects received nearly $3.5 million in the first demonstration funding round announced in April 2026.

The jobs and revenue figures come from Innovate BC's 2024–25 reporting on 14 projects involving 10 B.C. technology companies. The revenue figure combines actual and anticipated increases.

The Province has also announced up to $83.2 million in public funding commitments, including up to $71.5 million from B.C. and $11.7 million federally through PacifiCan. This is separate from the more than $24 million reported as invested in projects.

A&K Robotics and MarineLabs show how B.C. technology is reaching international markets. As more projects mature, their lasting commercial success will offer a clearer measure of the program's economic impact.

Up to $500,000 to Put New Technology to the Test

Innovate BC is accepting applications for its second Early-Stage Demonstration Call until October 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Eligible B.C. small and medium-sized technology companies can apply with a B.C.-based early adopter or pilot partner. Their technology must be sufficiently developed for demonstration in a relevant working environment.

The current call has $2 million available, with funding covering up to 40% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $500,000 per project. Applicants and partners must fund the balance, with at least 25% of total costs coming from non-government sources.

Full eligibility requirements and application instructions are available through Innovate BC's Early-Stage Demonstration Call.

Why It Matters

For B.C. technology companies, one successful demonstration can lead to opportunities with more than one customer. Evidence of how a product performs in everyday operations can help them compete for larger contracts and enter new markets. That matters for companies trying to grow beyond their first project.

Participating customers have something to gain, too. They can test technology that may reduce costs, improve safety or make their operations more efficient, while sharing some of the expense and risk.

For British Columbians, there is the potential for benefits beyond the individual projects. B.C. technology is already reaching international markets, and Innovate BC has reported early employment and revenue results among participating companies. If more of those companies grow, the province could see stronger local businesses, more investment and additional jobs.

When B.C. customers help prove B.C. technology, they do more than improve their own operations. They help give local innovation a chance to compete on a much bigger stage.

By Sherri Claydon | Vancouver City News

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherriclaydon

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Tags: #Sherri Claydon #Vancouver City News #British Columbia #Innovate BC #Integrated Marketplace #Technology Innovation #BC Business #Technology Adoption #Commercialization #Economic Development

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