About Innovate BC
Innovate BC is British Columbia's Crown agency for technology and innovation, delivering programs and partnerships that help companies develop, demonstrate, adopt and commercialize technology.
Operating context
Innovate BC connects British Columbia innovators with research partners, operational adopters and commercialization support. Its Integrated Marketplace uses cost-shared pilots to generate performance evidence and reduce adoption risk; solution adopters select technology suppliers for their operational needs. The current Early-Stage Demonstration Call explicitly covers defence and dual-use technology alongside marine and port operations, aviation, emergency management and other provincial priorities. Eligible BC-incorporated SMEs need a BC pilot partner, technology at TRL6 or higher and a plan to advance at least one readiness level. The call offers up to 40% of eligible project costs, capped at $500,000; at least 25% of total costs must come from nongovernment sources. This is a co-funding route, not a purchase commitment. Earlier-stage academic-industry teams should distinguish Ignite, whose page currently states that intake is closed. NRC’s BC Fast Pilot announcement provides evidence of prior jointly funded trials, but its historical award terms do not govern this new call.