IM Edited
Tech Adoption

Integrated Marketplace

The Integrated Marketplace is a demand-driven platform to test, deploy and scale made-in-B.C. innovation while de-risking technology adoption for key provincial industries and supporting their ability to address decarbonization, productivity, and safety.

Developed by the Province of British Columbia and supported by PacifiCan, the program is delivered through Innovate BC leveraging collaborative innovation models centred around physical, thematic and sector-specific Testbeds.

How Does It Work?

Through cost-shared funding, the platform supports collaborative projects between B.C. innovators (Solution Providers) and innovation-seeking organizations (Solution Adopters) in key provincial sectors, enabling new home-grown technologies to be deployed in active operational settings (Testbeds). 

These projects address sector-specific needs and generate real-world data to enhance the innovative solution’s scalability while reducing the risks of adopting new technology - all while helping accelerate innovation across the province. 

 

Who are the players?

Solution Adopter (SA)

Serves as the lead project partner, applying for funding to support an innovation project that integrates a new solution in their operations.

Solution Provider (SP)

Works directly with the SA to test and deploy their technology.

Adoption Observer (AO)

Serves as a secondary validator for the project and/or potential future customer.

Innovate BC’s Integrated Marketplace program is an excellent opportunity to work with companies [...] in our own backyard. We’re building world-changing fusion technology right here in B.C. and want to work with other local innovators along the way.
Solution Adopter

Greg Twinney, CEO, General Fusion

Innovate BC’s [Integrated Marketplace] serves as a critical catalyst in advancing innovative technologies from local development to commercialization. For our small B.C.-based manufacturing enterprise, this support enables us to bring next-generation ground support equipment to the market.
Solution Provider

Dean Kneider, CEO, Hallor Group


What is a Testbed?

Testbeds are collaborative innovation models centred around a physical location, theme or sector to de-risk tech adoption. With some virtual in nature and others anchored by key organizations, testbeds provide access to the right context to support innovation trials in real operational settings. There are currently four operating testbeds:

Gitxaala Landscape-2

Prince Rupert Port Authority Testbed

Project highlight:

Gitxaala Environmental Services (SA) are working with Shift Coastal Technologies (SP) to enhance environmental monitoring processes for port and terminal settings — improving efficiency and impact.

Learn more about this project

VFPA Landscape-2

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority Testbed

Project highlight:

Tymac Boat Launch Services (SA) and 3GA Marine (SP) are developing an Electric Water Taxi that reduces emissions without compromising operational capabilities.

Learn more about this project

AandK Landscape-2

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) Testbed

Project highlight:

A&K Robotics (SP) are supporting passenger terminal navigation at Vancouver International Airport (SA) with Autonomous Mobility Pods.

Learn more about this project

PHSA-landscape-2

Health Testbed
Anchored by Provincial Health Services Authority

Project highlight:

MindfulGarden (SP) and the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation’s Advancing Innovation in Medicine Institute (SA) are testing software that reduces patient agitation in critical care.

Learn more about this project

Program Benefits

For Solution Adopters:
Trial tech with less risk

  • Get support testing solutions directly within your operations.
  • Reduce the risks of adopting new technology.
  • Drive improvements in productivity, health and safety, and decarbonization.
  • Shape solutions to fit your needs and strategic priorities.


For Solution Providers:
Turn traction into transformation

  • Secure a major reference customer to build credibility.
  • Generate real-world performance data to support sales and adoption.
  • Validate your solution in complex, operational environments.
  • Strengthen your value proposition to attract new customers and expand to new markets.

For Adoption Observers:
Get insights before you invest
  • Gain early access to trial data and results.
  • Evaluate how a solution could perform in your own environment.
  • Inform future procurement with real-world data.




More Information

The Integrated Marketplace is demand-driven.  Projects are identified, prioritized, and developed by eligible companies operating within approved testbeds.  Eligible projects must occur at approved testbeds and:  

  • Be related to decarbonization, improving productivity and competitiveness and/or increasing health and safety  
  • Be no longer than 12 months in length  
  • Occur within one of the four approved testbeds  
  • Involve at least one B.C.-based Solution Provider 
  • Involve the testing of a commercially ready innovation in real-world operating conditions in a manner that ensures performance data is captured and can be shared with other potential customers  
  • Involve at least two potential customers for the innovation or product being used in the project   
  • Eligible Solution Adopters operating within any of the four approved testbeds may submit a project proposal to the IM program upon agreeing to IM’s program conditions. Please contact the IM program for more information. 

The Integrated Marketplace co-funds projects alongside industry partners. Industry co-funding is required to demonstrate a high level of commitment from the potential customer to procuring the product if it can demonstrate sufficient benefits.    
 

The IM allows for a wide range of eligible costs that include:  

  • Incremental salaries specifically related to the project  
  • Purchase of goods and services related to the project by the customer or supplier   
  • New incremental software, hardware and data sets 
  • Shipping, transportation and installation of a product 
  • Site improvements needed to specifically support the project  


 

To learn more about the Integrated Marketplace, email integratedmarkets@innovatebc.ca.

FAQ

How were the Testbeds selected?

Testbeds are selected by the Province of British Columbia. The testbeds currently being utilized are critical to B.C. and Canada’s economy and provide broad benefits across a variety of key sectors and industries. The testbeds are also overseen by Authorities created under federal legislation and act in the public good.   

What is a Solution Provider (SP) and what is required of them to be eligible participants in a project?

SPs are B.C.-based companies that respond to the innovation needs (demand) of the Solution Adopter (SA) and provide their product or service to be used in real-world conditions for a project within a testbed. At least one SP must meet the following conditions and complete the appropriate attestation form. All eligible projects must involve at least one B.C.-based SP.     

How are projects selected for funding consideration?

Eligible Solution Adopters (SAs)  operating within a testbed select, prioritize and decide which projects to propose to the Integrated Marketplace.  The program has a continuous intake process for project proposals for the duration of its funding availability.  Projects that meet the eligibility requirements are then considered for co-funding.  

How are Solution Providers (SPs) selected?

SPs for a specific project are selected by the Solution Adopters (SAs) operating within a testbed.  The Integrated Marketplace program team and Innovate BC have no role in selecting the supplier companies which reflect IM’s requirement for industry co-funding for each project.   

How can Solution Providers (SPs) access opportunities?

There are different ways an SP can be selected, including the use of the Solution Adopters (SAs) existing procurement processes or with assistance from Innovate BC or through other processes. Wherever possible, Innovate BC will work to raise awareness of SP opportunities through existing communications channels.  

How long is project funding available for?

IM is currently accepting applications through a rolling intake process, which will remain open until at least March 2026. Program funding is expected to continue until March 2028, though the intake process may be revised in Spring or Summer 2026.

Learn More

See the work taking place accross Integrated Marketplace Testbeds.