March 27, 2024: This past winter was Canada’s warmest on record by a wide margin, and the low snowpack in the mountains of British Columbia has authorities warning of potential droughts, increased wildfires, and water shortages this summer. The signs of climate change have never been more clearly on display, and there has never been a better time to shine the spotlight on the individuals and organizations that are working tirelessly to accelerate the development and adoption of critical climate solutions across the province.
That is why we are recognizing 10 amazing climate champions as the winners of the fifth annual BC Cleantech Awards. At this crucial moment, we want to take a moment to honour the innovators, industry leaders, investors, government officials, academics, and community builders that are coming together to drive cleantech innovation in British Columbia.
Year after year, I am continually inspired by the amazing work done by the innovators in BC’s thriving cleantech ecosystem. Their continued dedication to the fight against climate change has put BC on the map as a leader in clean technology and sustainability, driving innovation forward and helping us achieve our climate targets.
Meet the Winners:
This year’s winners represent a variety of cleantech champions within a wide range of categories, but they all have one thing in common; they’re passionate about leading BC—and the world—to a greener future.
Startup of the Year: Arca
An emerging cleantech venture actively growing and already creating impact in their field
Scaling Venture of the Year: Intelligent City
A cleantech venture positioned to take a leadership role on the global innovation stage
Community Advocate of the Year: Peter Bradshaw
A mentor offering invaluable guidance, advice, or support to cleantech entrepreneurs
Ecosystem Supporter of the Year: Creative Destruction Lab
An organization championing the growth and development of cleantech in BC through programs, ecosystem development, thought leadership, and community building
Corporate Pioneer of the Year: BC Hydro
A large organization or company adopting, championing, or leading sustainable practices in their industry
Investor of the Year: Sarah Applebaum, Pangaea Ventures
An angel investor or VC championing a net zero economy by investing in cleantech ventures
Funder of the Year: BC Centre for Innovation & Clean Energy
An organization or individual offering capital support or funding to support cleantech ventures as they grow and scale
Training Institution of the Year: MEL CEEN Program, University of British Columbia
An educational institution leading or championing research, programming, and upskilling that will enable a net zero future
Educator of the Year: Vikramaditya Yadav, University of British Columbia
A professor, academic leader, or post-secondary instructor taking an innovative approach to education for the net zero economy
Government Champion of the Year: Kym Thrift, Innovative Clean Energy Fund.
A local or provincial government official using policy, advocacy, or funding to move the province towards net zero
The BC Cleantech Awards would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors and partners.
The 2024 BC Cleantech Awards are presented by Foresight Canada, the BC Net Zero Innovation Network and KPMG, with support from Backstretch Recruitment Group, BFL Canada, Bonsai Growth, and Fasken.
