E A Year in Review X E Over the past year, British Columbians navigated new waves of the pandemic; C U it was also a year that amplified the importance of innovation to addressing T I challenges and driving solutions here in B.C. and around the world. V E At Innovate BC, we played a critical role over the (NRC IRAP), Innovate BC also administered the S last year supporting British Columbia’s recovery and BC Fast Pilot, which funded B.C. based SMEs to U helping to grow a more sustainable, inclusive, and design, build and operate a pilot plant or small M prosperous economy. We worked to increase B.C.’s demonstration site for their technology in real-world M innovation capacities, foster connections within our conditions. A innovation ecosystem, and inform government policy. Businesses across industries are challenged by R Our high impact programs helped thousands of Y a skills shortage and an increasingly competitive businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators tackle some landscape for talent. A skilled labour force is of the biggest challenges faced by British Columbians, required to meet the growing need for technology- from talent development to climate action. related jobs, within and beyond the tech sector. Innovate BC plays a central role in bringing partners Innovate BC administered the expanded Innovator together to expand investment in B.C. innovation Skills Initiative, which helps underrepresented initiatives. When we invest in B.C. innovators, people get their first job in B.C.’s tech sector and our partners join us. So much so, we were able to supports companies facing skills shortages. extend the reach of our $6 million core funding, In addition, Innovate BC delivered Digital Skills for leveraging an additional $54 million in innovation Youth, which provided funding to companies who funding last year. hire those who are underemployed between the Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in ages of 15 to 30. B.C. have limited access to capital. To address this, Innovate BC delivered 11 virtual events in 2021/22 to Innovate BC delivered Ignite, funding innovation connect, celebrate and educate B.C. entrepreneurs projects by B.C.-based technology companies and innovators. Highlights include the BC Aquaculture in the natural resources and applied sciences. In Innovation Awards, A Conversation with 2021’s partnership with the National Research Council of Top Startups, and From Waste to Wealth: How B.C. Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program Cleantech Companies are Repurposing Resources.