The BC Tech Association has announced the finalists of the 2020 Technology Impact Awards (TIAs), an event that recognizes innovative companies in the province’s tech sector.
Now in its 27th year, the theme of this year’s event is “purpose,” which the BC Tech Association said is fitting given the work being done by the BC tech community to combat COVID-19. BC Tech Association has also introduced a new “Spirit of BC Tech – Purpose” award, that celebrates companies tackling important global problems with innovative solutions.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is currently unclear when the awards show will take place.
“BC’s tech sector is built on the strength, perseverance and passion of tech trailblazers,” said Rick Glumac, BC’s parliamentary secretary for technology. “I continue to be impressed by the calibre of people driving our tech sector forward and delivering solutions that help make lives better for people throughout British Columbia and around the world.”
Some notable startups that have been named finalists include Terramera, which was selected for the Excellence in Technology Innovation award, and raised a $59.5 million Series B round. Aspect BioSystems, nominated for the Growth Success award, completed its Series A this year, which totalled $26 million.
The awards were set to be given on June 11, however, due to the pandemic, it is currently unclear when the event will take place. The BC Tech Association said it is working with the venue to explore an alternative date, which will likely be in the Fall. Tickets are currently available online.
“We will be honouring all commitments made to sponsors and ticket-holders and thank them for bearing with us while we rearrange the plans,” the BC Tech Association said.
The 2020 finalists are:
Startup Success:
Apollo Exchange, Carbonet, NZ Technologies
Growth Success:
Aspect BioSystems, Freightera, Klue, Lumen5
Excellence in Global Export:
AbCellera, Corvus Energy, Delta-Q Technologies, Vancouver International Airport
Excellence in Technology Innovation:
Damon Motorcycles, Fatigue Science, Terramera
Excellence in Technology Adoption:
BGC, City of Vancouver, Finning
Scale Success:
Ebco, Gokabu, Semios, Trulioo
Anchor Success:
Absolute Software, LMI Technologies, Telus
Spirit of BC Tech – Purpose:
Aquatic Informatics, SkyHive, Thrive Health
GameChanger – Diversity and Inclusion:
Unbounce, Virtro, Wealthbar
Tech Culture of the Year:
Absolute Software, Amazon, Copperleaf, Thinkific
Person of the Year:
Catherine Dahl, CEO and co-founder of Beanworks
Jack Newton, CEO and co-founder of Clio
Josh Nilson, CEO of East Side Games
Ryan Peterson, CEO and co-founder of Finger Food Advanced Technology Group
Image source BC Tech Association.