Join Foresight at Web Summit Vancouver, May 11-14, 2026! Over three days, we and our partners will be engaging with national and international ventures, investors, and industry leaders at the Climate Innovation Zone—a high-impact  hub, created to spotlighting those at the forefront of cleantech innovation, featuring:

• A cleantech central hub for startups, investors, and ecosystem supporters to connect
• Curated programming from Canadian innovation partners
• Startup showcases of leading cleantech firms
• Connection opportunities to drive investment, collaboration, and visibility

MAY 12

Emerging Forces in BC Cleantech

10:00am - 12:00pm | Pitches and Networking

British Columbia has become a global hub for climate innovation, driven by entrepreneurs building technologies that are reshaping how we produce energy, manage resources, and decarbonize industries. This panel brings together CEOs from some of the province’s most promising cleantech companies to discuss the breakthroughs they’re developing, the challenges of scaling climate solutions, and the opportunities ahead for BC on the global stage. Join us for a conversation on what it takes to move from early innovation to real-world impact, and why the next generation of cleantech leaders is emerging right here in British Columbia.

Panelists & Pitches:

• Tony Dhaliwal, Director, Foresight (Moderator)
• Barinder Rasode, CEO, Tersa Critical Minerals
• Oscar Malpica, CEO, Rockburst Technologies
• Donovan Woollard, CEO, OPEN Technologies
• Jeff Plato, CEO, illuming Power
• Roya Aghighi, CEO, Lite-1
• Dean Pick, CEO, Kinitics Automation

MAY 13

The Canadian Cleantech Awards

12:00pm - 1:00pm | Awards and Networking

The 2026 Canadian Cleantech Awards will be presented on a global stage at the Climate Innovation Zone during Web Summit Vancouver. This one-hour national showcase celebrates Canada’s most innovative cleantech ventures, connecting founders, investors, corporates, and policymakers in a high-impact celebration of climate leadership and commercial success.

The awards recognize excellence across categories critical to a sustainable economic transition, including Venture of the Year, Adopter of the Year, and Cleantech Champion of the Year, alongside regional categories spotlighting excellence all across the country. 

Emcee: Kookai Chaimahawong, Executive Director, Centre for Business and Climate Solutions at UBC Sauder School of Business

Meet the Finalists

May 14

The Adoption Problems Nobody Said Out Loud

1:00pm - 3:00pm | 60-Second Problems

A high-energy session dedicated to the real-world barriers of climate tech adoption.

We are clearing the stage of slides and scripts. Instead, we are handing the microphone to you. Whether you are an industry leader facing a procurement bottleneck or a founder hit by a regulatory wall, this is your 60-second chance to air the "unsolvable" problem you are taking home with you.

How it Works:

• The Problem Mic: Step up to the stage and name one specific adoption challenge. No pitches allowed.
• Thematic Clusters: After each round of "headaches," we group the audience into themed zones to find immediate collaborators.
• The Missed Connections Board: Before you head to the airport, leave your contact info and your specific "need" on our physical wall of fame.