Projects aiming to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency at a Canadian airport recently garnered federal support as part of a broader effort to expand the tech talent workforce.
Through Look West, the Province of British Columbia announced that it is working to invest in high-tech and emerging technologies with intentions to double the region’s tech employment to 400,000 by 2035.
In this vein, three projects recently drew funding.
Created by the Government of B.C. in partnership with PacifiCan and delivered by Innovate BC, the Integrated Marketplace helps B.C. companies test, deploy, and scale innovations in real-world environments.
“Supporting B.C. companies shows the world what they can do and the problems they can solve,” explains Ravi Kahlon, B.C. Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “We’re helping businesses win first customers and get ready to export to new markets.”
Charza, for example, is receiving $670,000 to integrate the company’s tap-and-go electric vehicle charging system in multiple sites at YVR.
Holinova, meanwhile, will utilize $200,000 to implement a grid-scale mobile battery-storage system and EV charging system at YVR with an aim to improve safety and energy efficiency throughout the airport.
Another project, a collaboration between Island Auto and Enedym, garnered $350,000 to electrify belt loaders at YVR using an all-Canadian supply chain that will reduce airport operations emissions.
In addition to cleantech, B.C.’s tech talent workforce expansion includes areas like quantum computing, AI, cybersecurity, and drones.
The expansion targets the full pipeline of talent, from supporting the region’s tech companies and active workers to upskilling students as young as elementary age on tomorrow’s talents like AI.
