At the upcoming Level Up AI Summit in Kelowna, I’ll be part of a panel titled “BC’s AI Opportunity: Leading Innovation or Falling Behind?”
Tech in British Columbia is on the brink of a transformative opportunity, but we are falling behind without a decisive industry-led plan and decisive action to grow our PIE: productivity, innovation, and economic development.
A recent study from the Canadian Venture Capital Association revealed that Alberta-based companies raised $383 million in the first half of the year, eclipsing BC’s $288 million. Alberta’s strong growth in venture capital and tech shows how quickly other regions can leap ahead with the right leadership and collaboration.
BC’s tech sector should be dramatically outperforming Alberta given our strong tech education, incredible lifestyle for workers, and satellite offices from leading tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Instead, BC is currently hamstrung by red tape and a government-first approach. We need to restore the freedom to innovate.
Here are four specific artificial intelligence-driven opportunities that make sense for Kelowna to grab hold of: smart government, wildfire tech, AI production, and agritech.
Kelowna has already shown leadership in using AI to expedite municipal permitting processes—a prime example of smart government tech that could be scaled up and commercialized across other cities and levels of government. This kind of innovation reduces bureaucratic inefficiencies and helps businesses move faster, all while enabling a leaner, more responsive government where citizens and businesses can get 24/7 expert support with the same size staff. When a city takes such bold steps, it creates a more attractive environment for businesses and investors, sending a signal that Kelowna is open for business.
Placing an even greater focus on AI-driven wildfire technologies, such as using cameras, sensors, and drones for detection and response optimization, could position Kelowna as a global leader in managing wildfire crises—a growing concern worldwide. For example, building on their existing research activities, UBC Okanagan would be a natural home for a strengthened wildfire initiative, with a strong partnership with industry and a focus on prevention and mitigation. In recent years, BC has spent nine times as much fighting wildfires as preventing them. Changing that balance would save money, homes, and habitat.
The financial, human, and environmental potential of developing and commercializing wildfire technology is immense. Wildfire emissions in Canada alone account for 2-3 times the emissions produced by all human and industrial activity. In 2023, Canada was responsible for 23% of the world’s wildfire emissions – many times our share of industrial emissions. Applying AI and innovation to address wildfires is not only an opportunity to ensure clean air, water, and habitat conservation in British Columbia, but it also positions us to export this leadership and the associated environmental benefits globally. Supporting spinouts and startups in this area will be essential for turning academic research into practical real-world solutions that can be brought to market. Let’s not be afraid to make money while making a difference.
Kelowna has established clear strength as a hub for production and animation. By leveraging the strengths of cities like Vancouver, Kelowna, and other tech-driven hubs across the province, British Columbia as a whole can emerge as a leader in AI-powered animation, post-production, and VFX. This isn’t just about adopting AI tools to reduce production costs—it’s about positioning the entire province as a creative and technological pioneer.
Focusing on homegrown intellectual property could also help Kelowna become a hub for original animation and VFX content creation, especially as the efficiency of AI-powered production materially decreases barriers to entry. Encouraging local IP development means we’re not just waiting for outside work to arrive but building a self-sustaining industry where content and profits remain in BC.
Precision agritech is another area ripe for innovation, particularly given that the Okanagan Valley produces 96% of BC’s soft fruits. AI tools that help monitor weather patterns, soil health, and irrigation can drastically improve agricultural yields, while also supporting sustainability efforts. Kelowna can become a leader in agritech by focusing on applying AI to optimize the production of wine, cherries, peaches, and other soft fruits that are central to the local economy.
We must go beyond education and research. While basic research is the foundation of innovation, what we truly need is to create a pipeline from innovation to commercialization. Kelowna – a mecca for entrepreneurs – should strive not just to be a hub of research but a place where new technologies are turned into successful companies that can bring our solutions to the world.
One critical move that could help secure our place on the global tech map is a major annual Kelowna tech and innovation conference. Such a conference – a levelled up version of Level Up – would attract industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors to Kelowna, giving them a chance to discover the Okanagan lifestyle while injecting much-needed capital into our market. The influx of attendees would help support tourism infrastructure and drive spending at our hotels, restaurants, and local businesses. High quality networking and collaboration – over a little good wine – could help Kelowna punch above its weight as a must-visit destination for tech innovation and investment in Canada.
Kelowna has the right ingredients: a vibrant innovation ecosystem, a high quality of life, and a growing pool of creative and technical talent. We can secure our place as a true leader in Canada’s tech landscape, but we need decisive leadership and investment to capture this opportunity.
Gavin Dew is a businessman based in Kelowna. He is also running to be an MLA in Kelowna–Mission with the Conservative Party of BC.