Celebrating Innovation: 2024 Technology Impact Awards Winners

British Columbia’s (B.C.) technology sector continues to gain global recognition, and this year’s Technology Impact Awards (TIAs) showcase the province’s flourishing tech ecosystem, fuelled by creativity, expertise and entrepreneurial drive. This summer, the BC Tech Association (BC Tech), B.C.’s largest member-driven technology non-profit, announced the 38 finalists for the 2024 TIAs. On October 23, the winners were celebrated at a gala held at Parq Vancouver.

Here are the winners and distinguished honorees of the 2024 TIAs:

• Company of the Year – Startup: Daanaa, a Vancouver-based company founded in 2018, specializes in electric power transmission, control and distribution technology. Their Power Transaction Unit (PTU) technology integrates multiple power electronics functions and data transmission into a single programmable module. This innovation improves the generation, storage, distribution, consumption and management of energy from diverse sources, such as solar cell, lithium-ion batteries, wind turbines and hydrogen cells.
• Company of the Year – Growth: Apera AI, a Vancouver-based artificial intelligence (AI) company, focuses on 4D Vision technology for industrial robotics. Their proprietary AI and machine learning systems give robots human-like vision capabilities, advancing automation in industries that rely on precision and adaptability.
• Company of the Year – Scale: Oxygen8, a Vancouver-based clean energy technology company, specializes in developing energy recovery ventilation systems that enhance indoor air quality and energy efficiency in buildings. Their Dedicated Outdoor Air System (DOAS) is designed to create healthier and more comfortable indoor environments.
• Company of the Year – Anchor: Jane App, headquartered in North Vancouver, provides clinic management software tailored to support health and wellness practitioners with scheduling, billing and patient management.
• Gamechanger – Ambition: DarkVision, headquartered in North Vancouver with additional locations in the U.S., Norway and Saudi Arabia, specializes in advanced industrial imaging technology. Their work includes large sensor arrays, high-speed electronics, ultrasound imaging techniques, 3D visualizations and machine learning-based analytics software, transforming industries like oil and gas, healthcare and infrastructure inspection.
• Gamechanger – Climate Leadership: 7Gen, headquartered in Vancouver and Montreal, is a leader in electric vehicle (EV) fleet charging solutions for commercial applications. The company excels in deploying electric medium- and heavy-duty fleets, offering comprehensive solutions that include vehicle financing, charger design and installation, fleet support and carbon credit services.
• Gamechanger – Diversity & Inclusion: YWCA Metro Vancouver, based in Vancouver, a registered charity and advocate for gender equity, provides services like affordable housing, early learning, childcare, employment training, and programs that promote social, economic and individual well-being.
• Excellence in Company Culture: RaceRocks, a woman-led and Indigenous-owned company based in Victoria, specializes in training modernization solutions for the defence, aerospace, military, marine and coast guard sectors. By incorporating advanced technology and innovation, they make training programs more relevant, engaging and impactful.
• Excellence in Industry Innovation: TRIUMF, Canada’s national particle accelerator centre, is one of the world’s leading research institutions in nuclear science and particle physics. Located in Vancouver, TRIUMF hosts cutting-edge research facilities and plays a critical role in advancing global scientific collaboration.

In addition to celebrating exceptional companies, the TIAs also recognize the individuals whose pioneering leadership has had a lasting impact on B.C.’s tech ecosystem. This year, four leaders were inducted into the Innovators Hall of Fame, a prestigious honor presented in partnership with the Government of British Columbia. The 2024 inductees are:

• Drs. Allen and Connie Eaves: Pioneers in cancer and stem cell research, their groundbreaking discoveries over five decades have advanced medical science and treatment options worldwide.
• Ray Walia: A serial entrepreneur and investor, Ray co-founded Launch Academy, Western Canada’s leading entrepreneurship hub. His leadership in the entertainment, real estate and technology sectors has been instrumental in fostering innovation and business growth.
• Boris Wertz: Founding partner of Version One, one of North America’s leading early-stage tech venture funds. Boris has been a key player in the development of the Vancouver tech ecosystem and an investor in some of the most promising startups.

These outstanding companies are part of a larger movement shaping the future of B.C.’s technology sector. Technology clusters in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna attract both major global companies and innovative start-ups. The region offers a solid research infrastructure, a competitive business environment, supportive government policies and strong connections to international markets in the North America, Europe and Asia, making it an ideal place for investment, partnership and growth. Its diverse talent pool and active community further enhance B.C.’s appeal as a tech hub.

Stay updated with the latest B.C. tech news by following us on LinkedIn and X.