VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 30, 2026 /CNW/ — BC Tech is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Technology Impact Awards (TIAs), celebrating the outstanding companies and individuals who have made a significant impact on the BC tech industry.
The sold-out Annual TIAs gala brought together over 800 founders, executives, investors and ecosystem partners at Parq Vancouver. The event honoured 11 award winners and welcomed two new Innovators Hall of Fame inductees.
“Technology is a major driver of British Columbia’s economy, supporting 271,000 jobs and contributing $30.7 billion to provincial GDP,” said Jill Tipping, CEO and President of BC Tech. “Tonight’s winners and finalists showcase the strength of our sector, from startups just starting out to globally competitive anchor companies, and across areas where B.C. has real strengths, from AI to HealthTech. At a time when growing our economy has never mattered more, their success matters to all of BC.”
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Gamechanger – AI Award, recognizing BC companies leading the way in developing and deploying artificial intelligence. Presented by KPMG, the award recognized Variational AI for the company’s innovation and leadership in AI.
“AI is reshaping the global economy and BC has a tremendous opportunity to be at the forefront,” said Walter Pela, BC Regional Managing Partner and National AI Market Development Leader for KPMG in Canada. “The companies recognized through the TIAs this year are turning that opportunity into real impact, showing how BC innovation can drive productivity and help businesses compete globally.”
The highly anticipated Gamechanger – Deal of the Year Award, was presented by Vancity, honoured four finalists representing nearly $1 billion in investment – a powerful signal that B.C. companies and technologies are attracting global attention, serious capital and competing on the world stage. Kardium was announced as the award winner for their milestone $340 Million CAD financing deal.
“At Vancity, we know that backing bold ideas can create opportunity well beyond the deal itself,” said Wellington Hollbrook, CEO of Vancity “We are proud to celebrate the dealmakers, innovators and entrepreneurs behind some of B.C.’s most exciting growth stories and the ambitious companies they are helping to grow.”
The evening also welcomed Darren Entwistle, President and CEO of TELUS, and Joy Johnson, President and Vice-Chancellor of Simon Fraser University, into the BC Innovators Hall of Fame, recognizing their leadership and lasting contributions to British Columbia’s technology and innovation ecosystem.
The 2026 TIAs sponsors include Amazon, Aspect Biosystems, Bennett Jones, BFL, Blakes, Business in Vancouver, CIBC, Clarity, Clio, EDC, Electronic Arts, Fasken, Google, Hub International, Innovate BC, KPMG, Launchpad, Low Tide Properties, McCarthy Tétrault, MDA Space, National Bank of Canada, Osler, PBC Solutions, Pender Ventures, PwC, SAP, TELUS, Uber, Vancity and WELL Health.
2026 TIAs Winners and Hall of Fame Inductees
Innovators Hall of Fame | Presented by PwC
- Darren Entwistle, President and CEO, TELUS
- Joy Johnson, President and Vice-Chancellor, Simon Fraser University
Gamechanger – AI | Presented by KPMG
- Winner: Variational AI
- Finalists: Clarius, INETCO, SimplyAsk, Unblocked
Gamechanger – HealthTech | Presented by Aspect Biosystems
- Winner: IKOMED Technologies
- Finalists: Jane, mlHealth360, PBC Solutions, SimuHealth
Gamechanger – Industry Innovation | Presented by Innovate BC
- Winner: Ideon Technologies
- Finalists: Freightera, PressReader, Quandri
Gamechanger – Climate Leadership | Presented by MDA Space
Gamechanger – Company Culture | Presented by SAP
- Winner: Charitable Impact
- Finalists: Freightera, Global Relay, Clarity
Company of the Year – Startup | Presented by Electronic Arts
- Winner: Lite-1 Bio
- Finalists: Tersa Critical Minerals, Viridis
Company of the Year – Growth | Presented by Osler
- Winner: SenseNet
- Finalists: Industrio, Kobalt.io, Variational AI, Workforce Wellness
Company of the Year – Scale | Presented by Clio
- Winner: Novarc Technologies
- Finalists: Minga, Traction Complete, VRIFY
Company of the Year – Ambition | Presented by Bennett Jones
- Winner: Photonic
- Finalists: Corinex, KITS Eyecare, MyFO
Company of the Year – Anchor | Presented by Blakes
- Winner: WELLSTAR Technologies
- Finalists: Absolute Security, Delta-Q Technologies
Gamechanger – Deal of the Year | Presented by Vancity
- Winner: Kardium
- Finalists: pH7, Photonic, WELL Health
About BC Tech
BC Tech is the largest member-led technology non-profit in British Columbia, and we’re dedicated to turning startups and scaleups into the anchor companies of tomorrow. Our work supports members to grow and diversify their talent pool, acquire new customers, access capital and accelerate their scaleup journey. Technology is a key industry for BC’s future and builds resiliency in every industry. Today, every company is a tech company.
To learn more visit wearebctech.com.
SOURCE BC Tech Association
