About BC+AI
Multi-modal. Multi-cultural. Radically local. Future-facing.
We are BC + AI
We’re the nonprofit that grew out of Vancouver’s most unusual AI community. Every month, 250+ builders, dreamers, and troublemakers gather in a planetarium to explore what it means to be human in the age of machines. We start with Indigenous ceremony because technology without wisdom is just destruction. We end with people crying over AI-generated albums about their own stories.
This isn’t your typical tech meetup.
Our Mission
Empower BC’s AI ecosystem to build tech that serves people and planet. That means ethics by default, no gatekeeping, and community before clout.
It means pairing coders with choreographers, hosting policy conversations alongside potluck dinners, and treating Indigenous protocol as the floor, not the ceiling. We teach people to collaborate with AI, not just use it. Big difference.
The BC government recognizes us as a legitimate stakeholder in AI governance. When they need to know what real people think about AI regulation, they call us — not the corporations selling the tools.
Our Vision
British Columbia becomes the world’s most inclusive and resilient AI ecosystem — a place where ethical, community-rooted intelligence flourishes, and where the “mycelial network” of builders, artists, scientists, and elders sets the standard for AI development.
We’re proving that the most interesting AI applications don’t come from isolation labs or corporate R&D departments. They come from communities of curious humans who care about each other, who share their vulnerabilities and dreams, who build technology that serves human flourishing.
Our Story: Spark to Movement
It started in 2023 with a small group meeting upstairs at a Vancouver bar, asking each other what AI meant for our work and our communities. Within two years, the Vancouver AI Community Meetup was the largest grassroots AI gathering in Canada — hosting 250+ people a month inside the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre planetarium.
In August 2025 we incorporated as a registered British Columbia nonprofit so the work could outlive any one person, sponsor, or news cycle. Regional chapters launched in Surrey, Squamish, and the Comox Valley. A Life Sciences AI group spun up. A Mind, AI & Consciousness group started meeting monthly. The Animation Accelerator put filmmakers in three-session cohorts with Tiny Ghost Studios. The BC + AI Film Festival turned the planetarium into a screening room.
We’re still the same upstairs-at-the-bar conversation. Just bigger, and with better lighting.
How we think about impact
Six pillars guide every decision we make — from who hosts a meetup to how we accept sponsorship. They’re distilled from our full Theory of Change.
Why we open with Indigenous protocol →
What we actually do
Eight active programs, four BC regions, and a calendar that doesn’t quit.
Who’s behind this
Gabriel George (Tsleil-Waututh Nation) opens every gathering with ceremony and traditional song.
Kevin Friel hosts BC + AI Film Club.
Philippe Pasquier anchors academic partnerships at SFU’s Metacreation Lab.
Matthew Schwartzman coordinates hackathons and partnerships.
Plus 250+ paid members and a wider community of 3,000+ event attendees who keep showing up because the work matters.
General
Do I need to be an AI expert to join?
No. We run beginner workshops alongside advanced sessions—curiosity is the only prerequisite.
How are you different from AInBC or BC Tech?
We’re grassroots, nonprofit, and community‑led—focusing on ethics, culture, and cross‑sector collaboration. We complement, not compete.
How do you ensure AI is ethical?
We bake ethics into events, maintain a Community Code of AI Practice, and work with policymakers. Join the Ethics Committee to shape the guidelines.
Do I have to live in BC?
Focus is BC, but allies worldwide are welcome—many events are virtual.
How do I become a partner?
We gratefully acknowledge organizations that share our values and boost our reach. Want to collaborate? [email protected]
Memberships
Which membership tier fits my company?
Email [email protected]—we’ll help based on BC headcount so fees stay fair.
Pro‑tip to maximise membership?
Engage: show up, speak up, volunteer—a rising network lifts all ships.
What are the different membership tiers?
We offer a range of membership tiers to suit different needs and budgets. Here’s a summary:
- Inbox-Only: Receive our public newsletter and event alerts.
- Individual: One seat for personal use, with an annual fee $240.
- Student: Same rights as an Individual, with an annual fee of $80.
- Micro Pack (5 Seats): Five assignable seats for small teams, with an annual fee of $600.
- Growth Pack (12 Seats): Twelve assignable seats for growing teams, with an annual fee of $1,400.
- Enterprise Patron (30 Seats): Thirty assignable seats for large organisations, with an annual fee of $3,000.
For more information or to choose a membership tier, please visit our Membership page.
How do I become a BC+AI member?
Joining us is a breeze! Just head over to the Membership page and scroll down to complete the membership form. Choose the membership type that suits you best and make your payment to become a valued BC+AI member.
Interested in becoming an Affiliate or Partner? We’d love to hear from you! Visit our Contact page to share your thoughts, and let’s start a conversation!
How do I cancel my membership if I no longer want to be part of BC+AI?
If you need to cancel your membership, we’re here to help! Simply send us a message at [email protected], and we will take care of the cancellation for you. Just a friendly reminder: please submit your cancellation request at least 2 weeks prior to your renewal date.