BC + AI Ecosystem

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

Become a member

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.

 

Stay up to date

Upcoming Events

Calm Before the Storm #WebSummit2026

No agenda. No lightning rounds. No polite applause[...]

May 10, 2026 4:00 pm

AI Film Club: 05/14

Monthly screenings, technical deep-dives, and crea[...]

May 14, 2026 6:30 pm

AI Film Club: 06/11

Monthly screenings, technical deep-dives, and crea[...]

Jun 11, 2026 6:30 pm

Latest News

Canadian Plan for Regenerative AI

An open letter outlines a Canadian action plan for AI, emphasizing equitable access, public trust, and collaboration. It proposes three partnerships: establishing community HPC clusters, creating a national digital fluency fund, and providing Indigenous-led AI sovereignty grants. The plan aims to reskill 250,000 Canadians, enhance governance through citizen-expert panels, and align with federal priorities for economic growth and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. A collaborative roundtable is invited to co-design a pilot roadmap for implementation.

Documenting the BC + AI Ecosystem Movement

A case study published in UBC's BC Studies Journal highlights the emergence of a decentralized, creative, human-first AI movement in British Columbia, emphasizing community organization around curiosity, ethics, and action without corporate influence.

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.