Image credit: Aditya Chinchure.
From May 27–30, the global tech spotlight will shine on Vancouver as the city hosts Web Summit Vancouver – the first-ever North American edition of the Web Summit series. Known for organizing large-scale technology events in Lisbon, Rio de Janeiro, and Doha, Web Summit’s debut in Vancouver is set to be a landmark moment for the region and the broader tech world.
Over 100 of the world’s top tech leaders will be in attendance, alongside thousands of global entrepreneurs, investors, media, and innovators. The Vancouver Convention Centre will become a hub for thoughtful discussions and visionary panels, covering everything from artificial intelligence and marketing to the evolution of tech ecosystems and beyond.
British Columbia’s world-class creative technology sector will be highlighted at the event with a globally recognized ecosystem spanning video games, VFX, XR, and animation. powerhouse of innovation and storytelling.
In addition, DigiBC is partnering with MeetToMatch during Web Summit, creating an exclusive opportunity to connect with international investors, publishers and partners through curated B2B matchmaking.
Three main features will showcase the province’s creative tech leadership at Web Summit Vancouver:
Beta Lounge – May 27
Kicking off the week, the Beta Lounge will bring together B.C.’s top creative studios and global investors for a curated series of meetings designed to spark meaningful partnerships, unlock funding, and foster new opportunities.
Investors & Publishers: Arneh Khatchatourians (Kabam), Bertrand Nepveu (Triptyq Capital), Bill Wang (Skystone Games), Bruce Hamilton (Everybody Ventures), Corey Caplan (Tinybuild Games), Heather Jackson (Astra Logical), Janine Steele (Canada Media Fund), Jakub Kwinta (Anshar Publishing), Jesse Houston (Griffin Ventures), Kinga Wacławik (Erebor Capital), Matt Bilbey (London Venture Partners), Stan Rudoi (Questline Capital), Michael Rajna (Konami Digital Entertainment), Nicholas Klassen (Creative BC), Tipatat Chennavasin (The Venture Reality Fund).
BC Pavilion – May 28
The BC Pavilion will feature expert panels, studio showcases, and immersive XR demos that highlight the boundary-pushing work happening across the province. It’s a chance to meet the visionaries driving the future of storytelling and digital experience.
Speakers: Minister Diana Gibson (Jobs, Economic Development, Innovation, Province of British Columbia), Loretta Todd (IM4 Lab Founder), Josh Nilson (Maskwa Games, Games for Good), Denise Williams (SFU Lecturer and First Nations Tech Council Former CEO), Tim Teh (Kano CEO and Founder), Sam Fisher (Hyper Hippo CEO), Jeanne-Marie Owens (Critical Path Founder, DigiBC Board Chair), Arneh Khatchatourians (Kabam), Heather Jackson (Astra Logical), Tipatat Chennavasin (The Venture Reality Fund).
Startup Island – May 28–30
A dedicated space for emerging video game and creative tech studios from B.C., Startup Island will provide a platform to showcase and pitch projects, connect with global investors, and explore new partnership opportunities.
Companies at DigiBC Startup Island: Timbre Games, Buffalo Buffalo, Gasket Games Corp, Original Fire Games, Simply Sweet Games, Fableware, 81monkeys, Coal Car Studio.
Web Summit Vancouver is more than just a conference – it’s a celebration of innovation and an exciting opportunity to connect B.C.’s vibrant creative tech sector with the global stage. The full list of speakers, attendees, and programming are all available on Web Summit’s website. Purchase tickets online to see what conversations and collaborations emerge.
