Events
Web Summit's Climate Innovation Zone
- Date: May 27, 2025 - May 30, 2025
- Cost: Free
- Venue: Booth #E121, Vancouver Convention Centre
- Organizer: Web Summit
What's in the Zone?
Together with the NorthX Climate Tech, Foresight Canada, Alacrity Canada, Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN), and Innovation UBC, we’re proud to introduce the Climate Innovation Zone at Web Summit: a hub for B.C.’s climate leadership, ecosystem building, networking and engagement.
Foresight has three days worth of impactful events planned at the Climate Innovation Zone—spotlighting B.C.’s leadership in cleantech and fostering collaboration between local and international stakeholders. This collision space packed with events and sessions offers a unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, discover groundbreaking solutions, and help shape the future of climate action.
Explore Foresight-led events on the Climate Stage:
DAY ONE: Future Economy Summit
DAY TWO: BC Growth Forum
DAY THREE: Net Zero Now
DAY 1 - MAY 28
10AM-12PM PT
Future Economy Summit Pt IV: Growing Through Uncertainty
Presented by RBS LLP
This fourth installment of the Future Economy Summit brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and legal experts to explore strategies for sustained growth despite market uncertainty.
SESSION ONE
Global Innovation Index: Tech Development and Adoption Strategies
Innovation is a key driver of productivity, sustainability, and broader economic competitiveness. However, most innovators would argue that the adoption of validated solutions is not happening at the pace required to address economic, social, and climate challenges. How can policy influence a country’s ranking on the Global Innovation Index (GII), and what innovators can do to succeed?
Panelists include:
- Kiersten Enemark, Council of Canadian Innovators
- Jacquie Griffiths, Invest Vancouver
- Jeanette Jackson, Foresight Canada (moderator)
SESSION TWO
Smart Scaling: Capacity and Venture Resilience
Is there a better, more efficient way to scale a company? Strategic capacity provides a powerful competitive advantage for scaling your tech company and accessing global markets. Our panel will explore real-world approaches to building capacity for growth, navigating cross-border regulations, protecting intellectual property, and scaling amid uncertainty.
Panelists include:
- Sze-Mei Yeung, Richards Buell Sutton LLP
- David Gratton, Work at Play
- Fletcher Evans, Lauren Services
- Jeanette Jackson, Foresight Canada (moderator)
SESSION THREE
Cash is King: Capital, Fintech, and Tech Adoption
Cash is king when it comes to bringing innovation to life in the market. We know the traditional pathways—angel investment, venture capital, and debt. But are there more ideas and opportunities out there? Are there business models or fintech tools that can reduce the need for cash on hand while still achieving technology deployment goals? Hear what our panel of experts has to say!
Panelists include:
- DH Kim, Finhaven
- Devon Thompson, RBCx
- Mike Walkinshaw, Coho Growth Capital
- Jeanette Jackson, Foresight Canada (moderator)
DAY 2 - MAY 29
CEO PANEL
What it Takes to Scale in Today's Market
The minds behind CLIR, Moment Energy, and Santevia Water Systems share their hard-won insights on navigating the path to scale. This dynamic discussion, followed by an intimate networking session, explores proven growth strategies, scaling challenges, and effective approaches to market expansion and fundraising.
Panelists Include:
- Gareth Brown, CLIR Renewables
- Edward Chiang, Moment Energy
- Matthew Gohl, Santevia Water Systems
- Tony Dhaliwal, Foresight Canada
MEET OUR BC GROW COMPANIES
From Startup to Scale-Up
Stay for the networking to meet the minds behind our rapidly scaling BC Grow companies:
DAY 3 - MAY 30
2-4PM PT
Net Zero Now—Decarbonizing BC's Water Infrastructure & Vehicle Fleets
How can you help British Columbia reach its net zero goals? This insightful look inside working groups focuses on decarbonizing BC's key water infrastructure and fleets—exploring the collaborative efforts underway, bringing together industry partners, innovators, government, Indigenous Peoples, and academia to develop practical solutions for a cleaner economy.
SESSION ONE
Decarbonizing Water Infrastructure Working Group
Panelists Include:
- Heidi Horlacher, City of Vancouver
- George Benson, ZEIC
- Claire Neale, AtkinsRéalis
- Jeff Carmichael, Metro Vancouver
- Nina Bader, Foresight Canada (moderator)
SESSION TWO
Vehicle Fleet Decarbonization Working Group
Panelists Include:
- Rob Safrata, FUSE
- Flyn McCarthy, Sysene
- Steve Cao, BC Hydro
- David Sanguinetti, Foresight Canada
Catch You in the Zone
Booth #E121 | Vancouver Convention Centre, 1055 Canada Place
