On April 15 in Vancouver, more than 500 leaders from the West Coast technology and AI ecosystem gathered for ALL IN Talks West. Together, they showcased the distinctive dynamism of British Columbia. The event strengthened connections between providers and organizations adopting local AI and technology solutions, helping position the province’s stakeholders as key drivers of Canadian leadership in artificial intelligence.
Why BC Is a Strategic Hub for AI Innovation
Long recognized for the strength of its technology, creative, and digital industries, British Columbia is now emerging as a key player in AI and technology in Canada.
At the crossroads of multiple influences — its proximity to Silicon Valley and Seattle, its expertise in visual effects, and the presence of globally recognized companies — the region has developed an approach deeply rooted in practical applications and product innovation, while benefiting from strategic access to international markets, particularly across the Asia-Pacific region, fostering collaboration and investment opportunities.
The province is home to a rapidly growing sector that includes scale-ups such as Variational AI and GECCO, alongside a strong network of startups and emerging companies. It stands out for its expertise in applied AI, particularly in digital entertainment, healthcare, and enterprise solutions, supported by leading institutions such as UBC and Simon Fraser University.
Driven by robust infrastructure, supportive policies, and increasing access to venture capital, British Columbia offers an environment conducive to growth and continues to establish itself as a major force in innovation, both nationally and internationally.
As Rob Goehring, Executive Director of AI Network of BC, stated:
“BC is where we have one of the highest densities of applied AI organizations in the country. [...] And most importantly, we have a very highly connected ecosystem.”
ALL IN Talks West highlighted this reality: an agile ecosystem, internationally connected, and firmly focused on adoption.
ALL IN Talks West: A Catalyst for Impact
More than simply a networking opportunity, ALL IN Talks West served as a true catalyst for action and collaboration.
From the opening remarks, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim set the tone by emphasizing that the leaders gathered were not merely observers, but active participants in innovation, committed to driving tangible transformation across industries:
“We don't just talk about innovation here. We collaborate, we test, we adopt, and more importantly, we deliver real world impact.”
This unique momentum is also reflected in the rapid growth of the ecosystem. As the Honourable Rick Glumac, British Columbia’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and New Technologies, highlighted:
“In the AI space in particular, we have almost 700 companies, and that number has doubled in the last couple of years.”
Beyond the numbers, one key observation emerged: AI adoption is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, faster than previous technological waves, creating both significant opportunities and new challenges for organizations.
Despite the growing maturity of these technologies, a gap still remains between AI’s potential and its real integration within organizations. This is precisely where initiatives such as ALL IN and ALL IN Talks play a critical role — by fostering connections, showcasing concrete use cases, and bringing stakeholders together around shared challenges and opportunities.
Connecting Canada’s AI Strengths
By bringing together leaders from across Western Canada, ALL IN Talks West reflects the evolution of an ecosystem that is establishing itself as a pillar of Canadian leadership in AI and technology.
As Jodi Baxter, Vice-President, AI, Wireless Services and IoT at TELUS, noted:
“While we gather here in the west, our vision today is truly national and we're here to prove that Canada isn't just participating in the global AI race. We are setting the pace for how technology can be used as a force for good. [...] We realized early on that we cannot depend on the outside infrastructure to drive our AI race. To lead globally, we must be self reliant.”
Building bridges between these strengths, spread across Canada’s regions and provinces, is becoming essential to reaching the next stage of growth. This also depends on the country’s ability to leverage its own resources and develop a more autonomous approach to technological infrastructure.
In this context, ALL IN and the ALL IN Talks series serve as platforms for convergence — connecting regions, expertise, and ambitions to help propel Canadian AI and technology onto the global stage.
Looking Ahead
The momentum witnessed in British Columbia is paving the way for closer collaboration between regional and municipal ecosystems across the country. It also highlights the importance of maintaining spaces for dialogue and connection to support the continued growth of AI and technological advancement in Canada.
This conversation will continue over the coming months as the community gathers once again for ALL IN Talks Toronto on May 28, before converging at ALL IN in Montreal on September 16 and 17.
At a time when international competition is intensifying, Canada’s ability to mobilize its strengths from coast to coast will be critical. ALL IN will continue to foster these connections and drive collective momentum forward, with a clear vision: helping position Canada as a global leader not only in AI research, but also in the adoption and deployment of artificial intelligence and technology.
