The Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) is pleased to announce that we have selected Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre (Foresight) to assist in the activation and expansion of VEC’s Tech Deployment Network (TDN), following a competitive bid.

Foresight wins RFP, joins VEC & regional partners to deliver Tech Deployment Network

The Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) is pleased to announce that we have selected Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre (Foresight) to assist in the activation and expansion of VEC’s Tech Deployment Network (TDN), following a competitive bid.

Created by the Vancouver Economic Commission, TDN is a membership-based network comprised of major asset owners in Metro Vancouver – including building, infrastructure and fleet owners – that are dedicated to improving their operational efficiencies, sustainability and customer experience. A key attribute of the program is helping members identify solutions to reduce their environmental footprint. Anticipated outcomes include a flexible and functional platform for both the region’s institutions and entrepreneurs to demonstrate, pilot and commercialize important innovations that can make a substantial economic and environmental impact.

“With Vancouver’s bench strength in innovative cleantech, our businesses play a critical role in addressing the global climate emergency,” says VEC CEO Catherine Warren. “Our Tech Deployment Network unleashes the chance for startups to work with keystone institutions on vital climate solutions. Partnering with Foresight means more focused support for local innovators engaged in building a resilient economy.”

Foresight brings project management expertise and industry-specific experience to the program, allowing VEC to scale this pioneering Tech Deployment Network.

In addition to helping its keystone members – including TransLink, Fortis, the City of New Westminster, and the City of Vancouver – with sustainability challenges, TDN’s objective is to ease the commercialization pathway for innovators. By unlocking opportunities for institutional partnerships and pilot demonstrations, the TDN leads to job creation, new investment, and a stronger technology ecosystem.

“VEC’s Tech Deployment Network is a world-leading example of their innovative and action-oriented approach to making this region the epicentre of Canada’s green economy,” says Foresight CEO Jeanette Jackson. “We’re delighted to bring our expertise in ecosystem building that connects cleantech entrepreneurs and industry needs to this project.”

Vancouver and British Columbia have emerged as internationally recognized cleantech innovation hubs, with groundbreaking innovations in clean energy, water treatment and management, and resource management. Soaring demand for cleantech solutions has made the sector one of the province’s fastest growing, attracting more than $6 billion in investment and supporting more than 14,000 well-paying middle-class jobs.

In addition to investment from members, the TDN also receives support from corporate partner TD Bank Group through its corporate citizenship platform, The Ready Commitment, and funding from PacificCAN.

 

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About the Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC)

The Vancouver Economic Commission is the economic development agency for the city’s businesses, investors and citizens. It works to strengthen Vancouver’s economic future by supporting local companies, attracting high-impact investment and promoting international trade in the world’s fastest-growing, low-carbon economy. VEC works collaboratively to position Vancouver as a global destination for innovative, creative, diverse and sustainable development. Find out more at vancouvereconomic.com and follow on Twitter @VanEconomic.

 

About Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre (Foresight)

Foresight is Western Canada’s Cleantech Innovation Center which supports the identification and validation of cleantech opportunities and the successful commercialization of solutions. We bring together industry, government, academia and technologists to innovate and enable a responsible, more sustainable tomorrow. Find out more at www.foresightcac.com and follow on Twitter @ForesightCAC.

 

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Media Contact

For more information on this story, please contact:

Ingrid Valou, Communications Specialist
ivalou@vancouvereconomic.com