Accelerating commercialization and adoption of AI and quantum technologies in British Columbia
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.