by Chief Operating Officer Tzu-Ying (Kimberley) Chen
British Columbia has quietly transformed into a powerhouse for tech innovation — and the data proves it. The province’s tech sector now employs nearly six times more people than its traditional natural resources industries, with wages 75% higher than the provincial average. In fact, tech accounts for at least 38% — and likely closer to 50% — of B.C.’s exports, despite widespread underreporting.
This shift is more than economic trivia. It signals a ripe environment for startups: abundant human capital, strong wage incentives, and a track record of success. Over the past five years, B.C. has produced 13 unicorns and created 125,000 tech jobs across industries ranging from clean energy to medical devices.
For founders, B.C. offers not just talent but relevance. Its tech sector builds tools for legal, financial, energy, and environmental markets — meaning startups can plug into global demand from day one.
With calls for increased public investment in tech education, re-skilling, and smart procurement, B.C. is poised to become even more startup-friendly. For entrepreneurs seeking a future-proof home base, B.C. offers the infrastructure, innovation, and economic momentum to launch and scale global ventures. Now is the time to build here.