Accelerating commercialization and adoption of AI and quantum technologies in British Columbia
News release
May 11, 2026 – Vancouver, British Columbia
Across British Columbia, businesses are developing, commercializing and adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum technology to drive innovation, create intellectual property, and build globally competitive products made in Canada. During a time of economic uncertainty and shifting global markets, the Government of Canada is investing in innovative B.C. companies so they can scale up, build resilience, and compete globally, while anchoring valuable AI and quantum technology innovation in Canada.
Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced an investment of over $17.3 million in eight businesses across British Columbia’s tech sector. These investments will accelerate the adoption and commercialization of AI and quantum technologies and help B.C. businesses grow.
Minister Robertson made the announcement at Human in Motion Robotics (HMR), a Vancouver-based company that creates the world’s most advanced wearable robotic system, XoMotion, to help people with mobility impairments regain independence. HMR is receiving a $3 million investment to help commercialize a personal mobility exoskeleton by integrating AI into its core technology, filing for intellectual property protection, and scaling manufacturing for use beyond clinical settings into home and community environments. This investment will improve health outcomes for people with spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions, support skilled jobs in B.C., and strengthen Canada’s leadership in AI and robotics.
Seven other businesses are also receiving investments, including Dream Photonics, a semiconductor company that makes advanced optics to power next-generation communications, computing, and sensors. Dream Photonics will receive over $1.1 million to purchase cutting-edge manufacturing equipment and hire skilled workers to establish domestic pilot manufacturing of the optical interconnects that enable AI and quantum chips to communicate. This will strengthen Canada’s quantum supply chain, anchor production capacity in B.C. and create highly skilled jobs.
By supporting the creation and commercialization of homegrown innovation, today’s investments will help lead growth, generate domestic prosperity, and ensure Canada remains a global technology leader. More details on all the investments can be found in the backgrounder.
This announcement comes as B.C. gets ready to host the second year of Web Summit Vancouver, the world’s leading technology conference. Through PacifiCan, the Government of Canada is investing $6.6 million to connect Canada’s tech sector to global opportunities at Web Summit Vancouver. The event will put Canadian innovation in the spotlight, drive business growth, and create good jobs in B.C. and beyond.
Quotes
"Across B.C., ambitious entrepreneurs are harnessing the power of AI and quantum technologies to turn ideas into market ready solutions. By commercializing and adopting cutting edge innovations, these companies are strengthening Canada’s domestic technology base and sharpening our global competitive edge. PacifiCan’s investment to connect Canadian companies to global opportunities at Web Summit Vancouver is helping these innovators scale faster, attract international attention, and showcase B.C.’s ingenuity on the world stage."
-The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
"We see a future where intelligent wearable robots seamlessly restore mobility and independence in everyday life. This investment accelerates that vision—enabling us to integrate AI at the core of our technology, expand into homes and communities, and establish Canada as a global leader in transforming human mobility through robotics."
-Siamak Arzanpour & Edward Park, Co-CEOs, Human in Motion Robotics
"Dream Photonics is solving one of the most challenging aspects of manufacturing AI and quantum hardware – getting the light in and out of the photonic chips, and into optical fibers."
-Lukas Chrostowski. CEO, Dream Photonics Inc.
Quick facts
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B.C.’s AI sector has more than doubled in size in the last two years, reaching almost 600 AI companies.
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B.C. businesses are leaders in AI adoption, with 14.7% planning to implement AI within the next year—the second-highest rate in Canada.
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The North American market for robotic exoskeletons for mobility was valued at $500M in 2024 and is projected to reach approximately $2B by 2030.
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Market demand for scalable quantum photonic components is growing rapidly, with Canadian and international companies projecting multi-million unit needs in the coming years.
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In 2025, Web Summit brought 15,727 attendees from 117 countries to Vancouver. Participants had the opportunity to connect with 681 investors and hear from 345 speakers about the future of technology.
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Since its creation in 2021, PacifiCan has invested over $387 million in B.C. tech companies to help them succeed in markets around the world – and an additional $175 million through not-for-profit organizations that work with companies and grow the tech ecosystem.
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Associated links
Contacts
Mohammad Hussain
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister responsible for PacifiCan
mohammad.hussain@infc.gc.ca
Lynsey Brothers
Communications Manager
PacifiCan
lynsey.brothers@pacifican.gc.ca
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