BC + AI Ecosystem

Creativity across disciplines. Diversity across cultures. Innovation rooted in place. Futures shaped together.

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Coastal, Cultural, Carbon-Smart.

In the heart of British Columbia, where circuits hum and ideas spark, a collective is rising. The province of British Columbia (BC) has emerged as a significant hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Canada, fostering a dynamic ecosystem of startups, established companies, research institutions, and academic programs.

  • Applied & Industrial AI
  • Mind, AI, & Consciousness
  • AI Film Club
  • AI Ethical Futures Lab
  • ED + AI
  • Squamish AI
  • Surrey AI
  • Vancouver AI

 

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Upcoming Events

AI in Education Meetup

AI is already in the classroom — and the hallway[...]

Sep 11, 2025 5:30 pm

Surrey AI Community Meetup #7

About Event Surrey AI Community Meetup warmly welc[...]

Sep 16, 2025 6:00 pm

Mind AI and Consciousness (MAC) Deep Dive #5: Quantum Consciousness

Explore AI, science, and theories of mind as they relate to Quantum Consciousness[...]

Sep 18, 2025 6:00 pm

Latest News

Building Infrastructure for What Comes Next

The BC AI Ecosystem has transitioned from informal meetups to a structured nonprofit organization, facilitating collaboration among AI practitioners across British Columbia. The community has evolved from simple document sharing to advanced technical projects using GitHub and AI tools. Key initiatives include partnerships with NASA for hackathons, regional expansion, and the development of resources as public goods. The focus is on fostering human connections and distributed leadership while adapting to the rapid changes in AI technology.

When a Healthcare Data Analyst Drops an AI Album That Makes You Cry

Dean Shev transformed British Columbian survey data into a music album, capturing the essence of community voices through generative AI. This innovative project highlighted the intersection of technology and humanity, demonstrating that AI can amplify human connection rather than replace it. The initiative, born from a hackathon, emphasized the importance of creativity and emotional resonance in data storytelling, showcasing how personal narratives can be expressed through art. The success of this endeavor serves as a blueprint for integrating AI with human insight in organizational contexts.

BC+AI Resources

BC+AI Funding Directory

A living spreadsheet of 200+ grants, loans, and investment programs for nonprofits, startups, and researchers working with AI in BC. Updated monthly; community‑tested—dozens of members have already landed cash.

AI Hackathon

All the prompts, judging rubric, sample datasets, walkthrough videos, GitHub links, and a list of past winning teams from our ongoing BC + AI Hackathon Series.

BC+AI Ecosystem Map

Interactive map connecting people, projects, and organisations across the province—search by region, sector, or tech focus to find collaborators fast.

BC+AI Chatbot

Ask anything about memberships, events, policies, funding leads, or who’s doing what in the ecosystem—get answers in our trademark grassroots swagger.

Vancouver AI Data Storytelling Hackathon

We’re thrilled to take part in BC’s most creative and collaborative AI hackathon yet — a unique blend of storytelling, data, and cutting-edge technology. This event brings together researchers, builders, artists, hackers, and creatives to craft compelling narratives about AI in British Columbia.

With $10,000 in cash prizes, community glory, and major bragging rights on the line, it’s more than a hackathon — it’s a celebration of innovation in BC’s AI ecosystem.

Building a Grassroots AI Community of Practice

It captures the early formation of a decentralized, creative, human-first AI movement in British Columbia — built without corporate capture or gatekeepers.

The work stands as a record of what can happen when communities organize themselves around curiosity, ethics, and action.

Join the Community

The BC+AI program invites everyone to join in! Tap into exclusive events and share your skills while helping to foster innovation in our vibrant AI community.

  • Private WhatsApp Lounge

    Where the real talk happens. Members-only chat for questions, breakthroughs, signal boosts, and the occasional spicy AI drama.

  • Unique Member ID + Badge

    Digital credentials you can flex anywhere—email sigs, decks, grant apps, social. Proof you’re building BC’s AI movement.

  • Options for Organizations

    Choose from flexible team plans designed to support teams of all sizes, from solo users to groups of up to 30.

  • Monthly Member Newsletter

    Handpicked intel. No hype, no spam. Just real updates, ecosystem signals, and backchannel invites you won’t find anywhere else.

The BC+AI Open Line

Questions, ideas, hot tips, constructive rants—drop them here.

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