IP Pathways Workshop
2025-03-06 12:00 - 18:00 (America/Vancouver) | BC
Join the IP Pathways Workshop, an educational workshop designed to equip startups and scaleups with the fundamentals of intellectual property, IP strategy, and business growth, presented by Hubspace with New Ventures BC and Innovate BC. By the end of this course, startups and scaleups will gain knowledge and actionable insights to align IP strategy and business strategy.
Course Date: March 6, 2025
Time: 12pm – 6pm
Location: Hubspace’s Office, 101-1584 7th Avenue, Prince George, BC, V2L 3P4
Who should attend this course?

Founders or C-level executives at small to medium-sized organizations based in B.C.
Employees at a BC-based startup or scaleup companies where understanding IP strategy is important to their role
Learners looking for a flexible and remote option to learn about IP
Stream 2-2 and Stream 3 applicants in AccelerateIP looking to fulfill education requirements

Agenda:

12pm – 1pm: Networking (refreshments available)
1pm – 5pm: Workshop (there will be breaks in-between)
5pm – 6pm: Exam (optional, participants can choose to complete the exam within 48 hours at a different location if they wish)

To test understanding, this program will conclude with a written exam. Participants must attend all sessions in full and pass the exam to receive certification.
What you’ll learn

IP strategy and how it relates to your business
Identify the different forms of IP and how they relate to business strategy
Understand the basics of IP strategy
Assess the importance of a data strategy
Identify how different forms of IP intersect and can be layered or combined for strategic advantage
Understand the fundamentals of IP licensing
Identify the key provisions in non-disclosure agreements and licensing agreements
Understand IP enforcement strategies including alternatives to litigation
Note IP-related aspects of diversity and inclusion within your organization

Driven by the success of AccelerateIP’s IP Certification Program, New Ventures BC developed the IP Pathways program to address the demonstrated need for widespread access to IP education province-wide.
Meet your instructor & moderator
Susan Tees, IP Director, New Ventures BC
Susan is a veteran Class I patent agent with experience in Canadian and US patent law and practice. She has over 30 years of experience, including the preparation and filing of approximately 100 submissions to the US and Canadian patent offices, or through foreign associates. Her varied experience spans industries including drug manufacturing, mobile phone applications, DNA constructs, and personal health appliances. Susan works with her clients to create their IP strategy and advise them on strategies to protect their innovations as they build their business.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of Innovate BC and the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation.
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How BC Startup Competitions Can Accelerate Your Growth
2025-03-10 16:30 - 18:00 | BC
Raising capital and gaining traction as an early-stage venture is challenging, but the right startup competition can provide the exposure, feedback, and investor connections needed to move your business forward.
​Join Accelerate Okanagan and New Ventures BC for an info session on two of BC’s top startup competitions:

The New Ventures BC Competition, offering education sessions, tailored mentorship and over $250,000 in cash and prizes
The Okanagan Angel Summit provides capital-raising mentorship and exposure to investors, with an investment of around $200k made into one venture

​We’ll break down how each competition works, how they complement each other, and why participating in both can provide valuable insights, connections, and opportunities for growth.
​Event Details:
Date: March 10, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: Accelerate Okanagan
201 – 460 Doyle Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 0C2 (In-person only)
​Agenda:
4:30pm – Registration & Networking
5:00pm – Info session begins
5:30pm – Q&A session
5:45pm – Wrap up
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A 2025 New Ventures BC Competition Event
Presented by Innovate BC, as a part of Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2SWV).
​By signing up for this event, you agree to be added to NVBC and Accelerate Okanagan marketing materials (you can opt out at anytime). You also agree that any photos taken at events may be used by NVBC or Accelerate Okanagan for marketing purposes.
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2025 New Ventures BC Competition Info Session
2025-03-11 16:30 - 17:30 | BC
Join us online as we review the 25th annual New Ventures BC Competition competition process.
​Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Time: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Location: Virtual
Applications for the Competition are open until March 31st, 2025 at 11:59pm PST.
​​Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business, and even perform better in the #NVBC2025 competition!
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A 2025 New Ventures BC Competition Event
Presented by Innovate BC, as a part of Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2SWV).
​By signing up for this event, you agree to be added to NVBC marketing materials (you can opt out at anytime). You also agree that any photos taken at events may be used by NVBC for marketing purposes.
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2025 New Ventures BC Competition Kick-Off
2025-03-27 16:00 - 18:00 | BC
Join us as we launch the 25th Annual New Ventures BC Competition, the startup competition that has helped thousands of entrepreneurs launch their ideas into thriving businesses.
​Access to funding and resources, networking with the local tech community, exclusive seminars with industry experts- that’s just the tip of the iceberg for how the New Ventures BC Competition can benefit your startup! Connect with past winners, competitors, and key members of BC’s startup ecosystem for an evening of networking, inspiration, and celebration.
​​Panelists:
​Adele Khavari and Kamyab Zandi from TIMEZYX (2024 First Place Winner)
Rayce Rossum and Todd Winship from yPilot (2024 Leap to the Cloud Prize Winner)
Amanda Ackroyd and Mallory Flynn from insporos (2024 Innovate BC Woman-Led Venture Award Winner)
​Moderator: Fernanda Whitaker (Director of Partnerships, Innovate BC)

​Event Details:
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025
Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Location: Fasken Vancouver
​Agenda:
4:00pm – Registration
4:30pm – Winners’ Panel Begins
5:15pm – Networking
5:45pm – Wrap-up
This event is free for all BC tech startups, students, and our NVBC Community.
Applications for the Competition are open until March 31st, 2025 at 11:59pm PST.
​​Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business, and even perform better in the #NVBC2025 competition!
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A 2025 New Ventures BC Competition Event
Presented by Innovate BC, as a part of Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2SWV).
​By signing up for this event, you agree to be added to NVBC marketing materials (you can opt out at anytime). You also agree that any photos taken at events may be used by NVBC for marketing purposes.
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Startup Sprint
2025-03-29 09:15 - 16:00 | BC
Join fellow New Ventures BC Competitors and the BC tech community for a day packed with startup essentials! These education sessions are open to anyone interested in learning about building a tech startup, even if you are not part of the Competition. The event is designed to help 2025 Competition entrants prepare for your Round 2 submissions, due on April 22nd, 2025.
​Come for the whole day or stay for select seminars. Space is limited, be sure to register in advance.
​For those that can’t make it in person, we will be offering a livestream of the event! More information for the livestream will be provided after registration.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, March 29
Time: 9:15 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: UBC Robson Square (Room C400/420)
800 Robson St, Vancouver, BC
Agenda
9:15 AM: Registration
9:45 AM: Product/Market Fit (Lesley Duncan & Dave Thomas, SFU VentureLabs)
11:00 AM: Break
11:15 AM: Introduction to Pricing for Innovation (Steven Forth, Ibbaka)
12:30 PM: Lunch Break
1:15 PM: Financial Models (Sean Hodgins, Tag Team IG)
2:15 PM: Break
2:30 PM: The Business Case: What an Angel Really Wants (Mike Volker, VANTEC Angel Network)
4:00 PM: End
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This event is free for all BC tech startups, students, and our NVBC Community.
Applications for the Competition are open until March 31st, 2025 at 11:59pm PST.
​​Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business, and even perform better in the #NVBC2025 competition!
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A 2025 New Ventures BC Competition Event
Presented by Innovate BC, as a part of Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2SWV).
​By signing up for this event, you agree to be added to NVBC marketing materials (you can opt out at anytime). You also agree that any photos taken at events may be used by NVBC for marketing purposes.
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Startup Seminar Series: Sales and Marketing 101
2025-04-02 16:30 - 18:30 | BC
A 2025 New Ventures BC Competition Event
Presented by Innovate BC, as a part of Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2SWV).
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Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host our Startup Education Seminar Series, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business.
What you’ll learn:
Effective sales and marketing for start-up companies.
Speakers:
Rochelle Grayson
Peter de Verteuil
Event Details:
Date: April 2, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: Funk Coffee Bar (Coal Harbour Boardroom) – 1025 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver
A livestream will also be available for virtual attendees.
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Startup Seminar Series: Managing Your Intellectual Property
2025-04-09 16:30 - 18:30 | BC
A 2025 New Ventures BC Competition Event
Presented by Innovate BC, as a part of Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2SWV).
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Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host our Startup Education Seminar Series, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business.
What You’ll Learn:
Trademarks and patents can be daunting for the first-time entrepreneur. Do you need to go through registration? In what jurisdictions and when? What are the rules around the elements of intellectual property in Canada and beyond? Roger Kuypers and Nina Rajic will guide you on this process, giving you the basics you need to better investigate your options.
Speakers:
Roger Kuypers, Partner, Fasken
Nina Rajic, Associate, Fasken
Details:
Date: April 9, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: Fasken (Boardroom) – 550 Burrard St #2900, Vancouver, BC V6C 0A3
A livestream will also be available for virtual attendees.

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Startup Seminar Series: Pitch & Storytelling
2025-04-16 16:30 - 18:30 | BC
A 2025 New Ventures BC Competition Event
Presented by Innovate BC, as a part of Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2SWV).
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Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host our Startup Education Seminar Series, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business.
What you’ll learn:
Learn how to create a compelling pitch deck through the power of storytelling.
Speaker:
Michelle Sklar – Head of Marketing and Communications, Innovation UBC
Details:
Date: April 16, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: Funk Coffee Bar (Coal Harbour Boardroom) – 1025 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver
A livestream will also be available for virtual attendees.
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By signing up for New Ventures BC events, you agree to be added to the NVBC e-newsletter (you can opt out at anytime). You also agree that any photos taken at events may be used by NVBC for marketing purposes.

Startup Seminar Series: Funding Fundamentals
2025-04-23 16:30 - 18:30 | BC
A 2025 New Ventures BC Competition Event
Presented by Innovate BC, as a part of Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2SWV).
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Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host our Startup Seminar Series, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business.
What you’ll learn:
An overview on funding cycles, data room structure, and insights on starting your investment round.
Speaker:
Keith Ippel – Spring Impact Capital, Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Details:
Date: Wednesday, April 23rd
Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: Funk Coffee Bar (Coal Harbour Boardroom) – 1025 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver
A livestream will also be available for virtual attendees.
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By signing up for New Ventures BC events, you agree to be added to the NVBC e-newsletter (you can opt out at anytime). You also agree that any photos taken at events may be used by NVBC for marketing purposes.

Startup Seminar Series: Corporate Structure
2025-04-28 16:30 - 18:30 | BC
A 2025 New Ventures BC Competition Event
Presented by Innovate BC, as a part of Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2WSV).
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Throughout the Spring, New Ventures BC will host our Startup Seminar Series, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business.

What You’ll Learn:

Join New Ventures BC and Fasken for a workshop on Corporate Structure. This seminar will address the initial corporate matters you need to consider in building your technology company. During this seminar, you’ll get essential insights into corporate structure plus some Q&A time Geoff Pedlow from Fasken.
Speaker:
Geoff Pedlow – Partner, Fasken
Details:

Date: Monday, April 28, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
In-Person Location: Fasken – Vancouver Room B/C

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By signing up for New Ventures BC events, you agree to be added to the NVBC e-newsletter (you can opt out at anytime). You also agree that any photos taken at events may be used by NVBC for marketing purposes.

Startup Seminar Series: HR & Recruitment for Startups
2025-04-30 16:30 - 18:30 | BC
A 2025 New Ventures BC Competition Event
Presented by Innovate BC, as a part of Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2WSV).
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Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host our Startup Seminar Series, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business.
What you’ll learn:
Unlock the secrets behind building a stellar team and attract top talent to your startup.
Speakers:
Matthew Heiydt – Backstretch Recruitment Group, Founder
Charlyne Fothergill – Sova Operations, Founder & Principal
Details:
Date: Wednesday, April 30th
Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: Funk Coffee Bar (Coal Harbour Boardroom) – 1025 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver
A livestream will also be available for virtual attendees.
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By signing up for New Ventures BC events, you agree to be added to the NVBC e-newsletter (you can opt out at anytime). You also agree that any photos taken at events may be used by NVBC for marketing purposes.

Startup Seminar Series: The Mic is Always Live: Maximizing Your Conference Micro Moments
2025-05-07 16:30 - 18:30 | BC
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A 2025 New Ventures BC Competition Event
Presented by Innovate BC, as a part of Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2WSV).
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​Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host our Startup Education Seminar Series, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business.
​What you’ll learn:
Get ready for a dynamic afternoon designed to help you show up with confidence at Web Summit Vancouver. This interactive workshop blends improv-inspired role playing with practical media training to prepare founders for the spontaneous connections and high-profile encounters that occur at global tech conferences.
Led by Rochelle Grayson (Co-Founder, Circles of AI) and Ada Slivinski (Vice President, Talk Shop Media), you’ll gain tools to sharpen your story, build authentic connections, and own the room—whether you’re chatting with investors, international press, or fellow founders.
Due to the interactive nature of this event, this workshop will be held in-person only.
​Event Details:
Date: May 7, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: Funk Coffee Bar (Coal Harbour Boardroom) – 1025 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver
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​By signing up for New Ventures BC events, you agree to be added to the NVBC e-newsletter (you can opt out at anytime). You also agree that any photos taken at events may be used by NVBC for marketing purposes.

Startup Seminar Series: AI for Customer Discovery: A Hands-On Workflow for Product-Focused Founders
2025-05-14 16:30 - 18:30 | BC
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A 2025 New Ventures BC Competition Event
Presented by Innovate BC, as a part of Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2WSV).
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​Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host our Startup Education Seminar Series, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business.
​What you’ll learn:
Curious how artificial intelligence can give your startup an edge—without needing a technical background?
Learn how artificial intelligence can help you uncover what your customers really need. This hands on session is designed for founders focused on product development and validation. You will discover how to use ChatGPT to define customer personas, create customized interview scripts, and analyze AI generated transcripts to identify patterns and opportunities. Whether you are working toward product market fit or refining your value proposition, this session will give you a practical repeatable workflow to strengthen your customer discovery process using AI.
Speaker:
James Rowe
President & Lead Strategist, Insightful Innovation
​Details:
Date: May 14, 2025
Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Location: Funk Coffee Bar (Coal Harbour Boardroom) – 1025 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver
​A livestream will also be available for virtual attendees.

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​By signing up for New Ventures BC events, you agree to be added to the NVBC e-newsletter (you can opt out at anytime). You also agree that any photos taken at events may be used by NVBC for marketing purposes.

Startup Seminar Series: Frictionless Data Rooms
2025-05-20 15:00 - 17:00 | BC
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​A 2025 New Ventures BC Competition Event
Presented by Innovate BC, as a part of Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2WSV).
​Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host our Startup Education Seminar Series, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business.
​New Ventures BC is proud to be an official partner of Vancouver Startup Week 2025. This event is part of the VSW 2025 calendar and is offered for free to VSW All-Access Pass holders on a first come first served basis (limited number of seats.) If you would like to purchase a VSW All-Access Pass, you can do so online at www.vanstartupweek.ca using our 20% off promo code: VSWxNVBC20
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FRICTIONLESS DATA ROOMS
Join us in-person at FUNK Coffee Bar or online via Zoom
What you’ll learn:
Make it easy to invest in you.
Raising pre-seed or seed capital in the next year? Whether you’re coming off your 25th NVBC competition exposure, prepping for investor meetings at Web Summit, or getting ready for your next funding round, this session is for you.
Join David Steinley (Founder, Future Standard and Fractional CFO) for a focused, 2-hour seminar where he’ll shine a light on the black box of due diligence and show you how to prepare a data room that helps you get to a “yes.”
David will share the lessons he’s learned helping raise over $16M for early-stage startup companies in Western Canada.

You’ll leave with practical data room insights to make your due diligence process faster, less stressful, and more successful
You’ll learn what it means to be investable
You’ll learn how to build a data room and exactly what to include in it
You learn how a data room helps you move quickly through due diligence.
You’ll learn key principles to follow and red flags to avoid.

Details:
Date: Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Location: Funk Coffee Bar (Coal Harbour Boardroom) – 1025 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver

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By signing up for New Ventures BC events, you agree to be added to the NVBC e-newsletter (you can opt out at anytime). You also agree that any photos taken at events may be used by NVBC for marketing purposes.

2025 IP Summit
2025-05-21 12:30 - 18:00 | BC
Join us for a half day packed with sessions on AI and IP, FTO strategies, and real-world IP stories from startups and scaleups. Our keynote features Peter Gross, Chief Intellectual Property Officer of Lucent Biosciences, and we will be closing off the event with a Fireside Chat featuring the Minister of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation, and the CEO of Innovate BC.
Whether you’re building your first product or scaling fast, you’ll leave with actionable IP strategies, fresh perspective, and connections that matter. Don’t miss this opportunity to protect what you’re building and fuel your growth with confidence.
Get the insights you need to protect, grow, and scale your innovation.
Who should attend:

Startup founders looking to protect their innovations and understand IP essentials.
​Early-stage teams navigating product development and potential IP risks.
​Ecosystem members that want to network with founders and experts around the topic of IP

​Agenda to be released.
​Can’t make it in person?
​​Make sure to register for “Livestream Only” to gain access to the livestream on the day of the event!
​Event Details:
​Date: May 21, 2025
Time: 12:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Location: EY (19th Floor)
The Stack, #1900 – 1133 Melville St Suite 1900, Vancouver, BC V6E 4E5
​​For any questions, please reach out: programs@newventuresbc.com.
​A Vancouver Startup Week event. For more information, visit https://www.vanstartupweek.ca/
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Startup Seminar Series: VCs Unpacked: How They Raise, Invest, and Evaluate
2025-05-26 14:00 - 16:00 | BC
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Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host our Startup Education Seminar Series, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business.
​What you’ll learn:
Getting ready to speak with VCs at Web Summit? Join us for an insider’s look into the venture capital lifecycle. This seminar dives deep into how VCs raise funds from LPs, evaluate high-potential startups, structure investments, and navigate exits.
Join us online via Zoom or in-person at RBCx (Classroom 2 on the 36th Floor – 1055 W Georgia St, Vancouver).
​Speakers:
Vallen Li (VP, Early Stage Banking, RBCx) is VP at RBCx, supporting early-stage founders in Vancouver area. With a background in engineering and hands-on product design experience, he bridges technical innovation from idea to market. Vallen has a passion for entrepreneurship and enjoys working with founders to support their go to market and fundraising. Equipped with an MBA from UBC, Vallen merges analytical rigour with strategic acumen to aid early-stage founders in securing capital and sharpening investor pitches.
Jason Yen (AVP, Early Stage Banking, RBCx) is with the banking team at RBCx, supporting clients across Greater Vancouver with a focus of Vancouver Island and Interior BC. Previously, he spent two years as an Associate with the RBCx Life Sciences team, working with Series A+ life science companies. Prior to joining RBCx, Jason held roles at Hootsuite and TD where he focused on supporting both enterprise and small business clients. Jason holds a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Systems from the University of British Columbia.

​Event Details:
Date: May 26, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Classroom 2, 36th fl. 1055 W. Georgia St. Vancouver, BC V6E 3S5

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IP Masterclass: Patent Preparation & Filing
2025-06-05 13:30 - 15:30 | BC
Streamline the patent process, and learn how to save time and money when working with an IP Professional in filing a patent application.
​Eligibility:
​This workshop is intended for participants who have, at minimum a basic knowledge of IP. Some examples of meeting this include, but are not limited to, completion of:

​Stream 1: IP Certification Program
​IP Pathways Program
​Introduction to Intellectual Property Online Program

​Please note that this workshop is open to participants located in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

​If you are outside of these provinces and territories, we invite you to participate in programming based in your location: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/elevateip/en

​About our Speakers:
​Houston Brown
​Dr. Houston Brown is a registered patent agent (CA and US), a patented inventor, and a published researcher. He’s won numerous intellectual property awards and is an active contributor to the profession through his work with Canada’s College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents.
​Houston practiced at a top-ranked international law firm and then went “in house” with a leading global technology provider to deepen his knowledge of the business side of intellectual property.
Erika Murray
​Dr. Erika J. Murray is a commercial technology and intellectual property lawyer with a PhD in engineering. She has practiced at top-ranked international IP firms and, for the past five years, has served as fractional in-house counsel, providing strategic commercial contracting and IP legal advice to early-stage startups, VC-backed high-growth companies, and multinationals. Erika specializes in navigating IP risks, drafting and negotiating complex contracts, and driving commercialization strategies that position businesses across technology, energy, retail, and advanced engineering sectors for success.
Please note this event is designed to help you with your IP strategy, but it is not legal advice.

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IP Masterclass: Partnership and Manufacturing Agreements
2025-06-17 13:30 - 15:30 | BC
Are you ready to navigate the complexities of IP agreements with confidence? Whether you’re collaborating with partners, licensing technology, or safeguarding your innovations, understanding the key steps and pitfalls is critical to success.
​Join us for PART 2 of the agreements session, where you’ll gain expert insights into partnership agreements and manufacturing agreements.
​Don’t miss this chance to sharpen your skills, learn from real-world case studies, and empower your business collaborations.
​Eligibility:
​This workshop is intended for participants who have, at minimum a basic knowledge of IP. Some examples of meeting this include, but are not limited to, completion of:

​Stream 1: IP Certification Program
​IP Pathways Program
​Introduction to Intellectual Property Online Program

​Please note that this workshop is open to participants located in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

​If you are outside of these provinces and territories, we invite you to participate in programming based in your location: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/elevateip/en

​About our presenters:
Erika Murray
​Dr. Erika J. Murray is a commercial technology and intellectual property lawyer with a PhD in engineering. She has practiced at top-ranked international IP firms and, for the past five years, has served as fractional in-house counsel, providing strategic commercial contracting and IP legal advice to early-stage startups, VC-backed high-growth companies, and multinationals. Erika specializes in navigating IP risks, drafting and negotiating complex contracts, and driving commercialization strategies that position businesses across technology, energy, retail, and advanced engineering sectors for success.
​Houston Brown
​Dr. Houston Brown is a registered patent agent (CA and US), a patented inventor, and a published researcher. He’s won numerous intellectual property awards and is an active contributor to the profession through his work with Canada’s College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents.
​Houston practiced at a top-ranked international law firm and then went “in house” with a leading global technology provider to deepen his knowledge of the business side of intellectual property.
Please note this event is designed to help you with your IP strategy, but it is not legal advice.

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Startup Seminar Series: Snack & Learn: SR&ED
2025-06-24 13:00 - 14:00 | BC
A 2025 New Ventures BC Competition Event
Presented by Innovate BC, as a part of Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2SWV).
​Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host our Startup Education Seminar Series, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business.
​Part of the 2025 New Ventures BC Competition, presented by Innovate BC
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​What you’ll learn:
​EY Canada’s SR&ED team will review the Scientific Research & Experimental Development program and discuss how businesses can recover costs of R&D expenses, regardless of their corporate structure or size, through federal and provincial tax credits.
​Learn how to determine whether you qualify for the SR&ED program and how to identify eligible expense activities and methods for claiming R&D expenses. The EY team will also share how SR&ED can bring value to your business – both as an operating capital opportunity and a way to positively position your company, product and/or process with investors.
​Speakers:
​Jiyeon Witham and Samantha E Leung are Senior SR&ED Advisors with EY Canada on their “Business Tax Services (BTS) – Quantitative Services” team.
​Details:
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (Registration begins at 12:30pm)
Location: EY Vancouver (19th Floor – 1133 Melville St Suite 1900, Vancouver, BC V6E 4E5)
​A livestream will also be available for virtual attendees.
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​By signing up for New Ventures BC events, you agree to be added to the NVBC e-newsletter (you can opt out at anytime). You also agree that any photos taken at events may be used by NVBC for marketing purposes.
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IP Strategy Workshop for Startups
2025-06-26 13:30 - 17:30 | BC
​Is Intellectual Property critical for your startup? Are your potential investors asking about your IP Strategy? If so, this workshop is for you.
​Apply for this half-day workshop, receive support from IP professionals, and build several key pieces of your IP portfolio. In this workshop, you will:

Capture your IP Start Point
​Build an IP Strategy that aligns with your Business Strategy
​Outline an IP Action Plan
​Receive exclusive access to a bespoke set of IP tools

​Eligibility:
​Registration is limited to 25 startups to ensure an individualized experience with direct access to our IP Professionals.
*​Note: If you’ve attended a previous session, this will contain the SAME content.
​This workshop is intended for participants who have, at minimum a basic knowledge of IP. Some examples of meeting this include, but are not limited to, completion of:
​Stream 1: IP Certification Program
Stream 2-1 IP Mentorship
IP Pathways Program
Introduction to Intellectual Property Online Program
Can’t attend this session? This workshop will also be offered on:

​September 25th – Register here
​December 11th – Register here

​Please note that this workshop is open to participants located in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

​If you are outside of these provinces and territories, we invite you to participate in programming based in your location: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/elevateip/en

​Additional Information:

​This workshop uses a Miro Board. If you’re not familiar, here’s a 3-minute explainer video to review in advance. (You are not required to sign up for a Miro account to attend this workshop).

​About our presenter, Houston Brown
​Dr. Houston Brown is a registered patent agent (CA and US), a patented inventor, and a published researcher. He’s won numerous intellectual property awards and is an active contributor to the profession through his work with Canada’s College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents.
​Houston practiced at a top-ranked international law firm and then went “in house” with a leading global technology provider to deepen his knowledge of the business side of intellectual property.
Please note this event is designed to help you with your IP strategy, but it is not legal advice.

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Top 25 Networking Event
2025-06-26 17:30 - 20:00 | BC
Round 3 is here! Join us for the annual Top 25 Networking Event, where this year’s Top 25 ventures will be introduced to their dedicated mentoring teams. It’s also a chance for the NVBC community to reconnect over drinks and canapés.
​Attendees will hear practical tips on maximizing the mentorship experience from Todd Winship of yPilot, who took home the 2024 “Leap to the Cloud” $10,000 prize for top SaaS startup. NVBC’s own Floyd Sijmons—our resident Jury and Mentor “Wrangler”—will also share insights into what makes for a strong and successful mentor-mentee relationship.”
​Guests will receive a printed program featuring profiles of all Top 25 companies. Don’t miss your opportunity to meet BC’s next generation of tech innovators!
​Details:
Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Event: 5:30 – 8:00pm
Location: RBCx, 36th Floor, 1055 West Georgia Street
​​A big thank you to RBCx, our event sponsor for this event.
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Startup Seminar Series: Financials for Startups
2025-07-14 13:00 - 14:30 | BC
A 2025 New Ventures BC Competition Event
Presented by Innovate BC, as a part of Road to Web Summit Vancouver (R2SWV).
​Throughout the spring, New Ventures BC will host our Startup Education Seminar Series, giving you the information you’ll need to build and grow your business.
​Part of the 2025 New Ventures BC Competition, presented by Innovate BC
​—
​What you’ll learn:
Irene and Pieter Dorsman from the Angel Forum will walk you through the financial questions startups are often asked by investors and advisors. This session will help Round 3 companies to build a stronger submission in the New Ventures BC Competition, and is also open to all startups.
Speaker:
Irene Dorsman, CEO & Director, Angel Forum
Pieter Dorsman, Director, Angel Forum
​Details:
Date: Monday, July 14, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Location: Virtual via Zoom
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​By signing up for New Ventures BC events, you agree to be added to the NVBC e-newsletter (you can opt out at anytime). You also agree that any photos taken at events may be used by NVBC for marketing purposes.
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NVBC Golf Tournament and Social
2025-07-21 13:30 - 20:30 | BC
​Sold out! Waiting list available.
Join us and our community for a day out on the course at Riverway Golf Course in Burnaby.
​Sign up as a foursome, or as an individual.
​This is a casual, social tournament and is open to all levels, with Texas Scramble rules.
​Your golf tournament fee includes a round of golf, dinner, prizes and new for this year – 1/2 shared power cart.

Early “Birdie” Registration by July 4 – $160/person
Regular Registration by July 11 – $175/person

​Tee-times start at 1:30pm. You will be notified of your tee-time in advance.
​Only 24 spots available, please register early to save your spot!
​*NOTE: Payment will be arranged through NVBC. Please email admin@newventuresbc.com to arrange payment by credit card or send e-transfer payment to admin@newventuresbc.com (and please include your name so we can track the payment).

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IP Speaker Series: Public Disclosures & IP rights
2025-07-23 13:00 - 14:00 | BC
Join us for a deep dive discussion exploring public disclosures and IP rights. In a casual conversation, we will explore key concepts and strategies that startups should think about when planning for public disclosures. While marketing to the public is important to find customers, investors, and exposure for your company, these public disclosures can have sever implications to your ability to gain IP protection.
​Why This Chat?
​In the startup world, getting your story out is a core aspect of the startup journey. Fundraising, finding customers, and recruiting talent all require founders to share their story to explain how their product or services are differentiated from all their competitors to create a sustainable competitive advantage. Trade shows and conferences, blogs, and social media (and endless coffees) can all help build buzz for your startup; but these “public disclosures” can also create roadblocks to potential patent rights where “absolute novelty” is the requirement in many countries.
​Hear from a leading IP practitioner on strategies he has used with his clients when building proper IP hygiene around public disclosures. Learn about key considerations that are crucial to protecting your rights and ensuring public disclosures don’t impede your company’s ability to gain broad patent protection.
​What You’ll Gain:
​● Insider Knowledge: Delve into some key concepts on how best to think about public disclosures and their impact on IP rights globally.
​● Real-World Wisdom: Engage with firsthand stories and experiences on how leading technology companies and scale-ups leverage simple filing strategies to ensure they retain the right to file broad claims.
​● Practical Takeaways: Discover strategies on how to take small, easily digestible steps now that can save you money and headache in the future.
​● Community and Q&A: This fireside chat format encourages dialogue. Bring your questions, share your experiences, and learn from peers navigating the same challenges.
​Who Should Join?
​Whether you’re at the seed stage or scaling rapidly, if your startup is navigating the tech ecosystem, this conversation is for you. Founders, tech innovators, and anyone vested in the future of intellectual property in the startup space— gather ’round the fire.
​About the Session:
​This isn’t just another lecture on IP rights; it’s a chance to join a community of like-minded individuals ready to tackle the complexities of IP strategy together. We’re peeling back the layers of legal jargon to reveal the actionable steps you can take to protect your company’s most valuable assets.
​Presenters:
​Miles Steininger (STEIN-in-Ger) – Miles has helped his clients stay independent and return over two billion dollars to investors. He has practiced intellectual property law as a patent agent and IP manager in startups, medium-sized, and multinational public companies, as well as in private practice. Today, Miles is a partner in Perpetual Motion Patents (PMP), of Burnaby, where he focuses on crafting IP plans, preparing and prosecuting patent applications, and delivering IP education.
​Byron Thom (moderator) – Byron is a lifelong technology enthusiast who has worn many hats in his tech career. Trained as an engineer and a lawyer, he practiced at one of the leading IP boutiques in Canada helping startups and multinationals protect their technological assets. As a startup founder, he is a patented inventor who drafted and prosecuted his company’s own patent applications. And, as a venture capitalist and board member, he often works with his portfolio companies to develop IP strategies to focus their limited resources on key assets that matter to the business, to investors, and to potential acquirers. Byron is a Partner at the BDC Industrial Innovation Venture Fund and sits on the Board of Governors at UBC.
​To learn more about how you can integrate IP into your business, be sure to explore our offerings at AccelerateIP.
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IP Masterclass: Patent Preparation & Filing
2025-08-14 13:30 - 15:30 | BC
Streamline the patent process, and learn how to save time and money when working with an IP Professional in filing a patent application.
​​If you’re a startup looking to protect an invention with a high-quality patent asset, this workshop is for you. In this session, you will:

​​build a comprehensive Invention Disclosure
craft a Plain-Language Patent Claim that defines your Invention
search the Patent Literature and the Non-Patent Literature for points of comparison to your Invention
evaluate your Invention using an Invention Scorecard
prepare a Patent Drafting Work Package for your IP Service Provider

​​Completing this Module before engaging your IP Service Provider with a Patent Drafting Mandate will ensure you’re able to play your role effectively and get the most from your investment.
​​Eligibility:
​​This workshop is intended for participants who have, at minimum a basic knowledge of IP. Some examples of meeting this include, but are not limited to, completion of:

Stream 1: IP Certification Program
​​IP Pathways Program
Introduction to Intellectual Property Online Program

​​Please note that this workshop is open to participants located in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. If you are outside of these provinces and territories, we invite you to participate in programming based in your location: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/elevateip/en
​​About our Speakers:
​​Houston Brown
​​Dr. Houston Brown is a registered patent agent (CA and US), a patented inventor, and a published researcher. He’s won numerous intellectual property awards and is an active contributor to the profession through his work with Canada’s College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents.
​Houston practiced at a top-ranked international law firm and then went “in house” with a leading global technology provider to deepen his knowledge of the business side of intellectual property.
Erika Murray
​​Dr. Erika J. Murray is a commercial technology and intellectual property lawyer with a PhD in engineering. She has practiced at top-ranked international IP firms and, for the past five years, has served as fractional in-house counsel, providing strategic commercial contracting and IP legal advice to early-stage startups, VC-backed high-growth companies, and multinationals. Erika specializes in navigating IP risks, drafting and negotiating complex contracts, and driving commercialization strategies that position businesses across technology, energy, retail, and advanced engineering sectors for success.
Please note this event is designed to help you with your IP strategy, but it is not legal advice.
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2025 Demo Day
2025-09-17 17:00 - 20:00 | 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs, 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4N6, Canada
Discover BC’s Most Promising Startups at NVBC’s Demo Day, presented by National Bank of Canada
Register Here

Join us for a high-energy evening of innovation and connection.
Watch companies from the Top 25 of this year’s NVBC Competition pitch their vision to a room full of investors, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs from BC’s thriving tech startup community. Then, explore their ideas up close through hands-on demos and showcase tables.
This invite-only event brings together our ecosystem partners, active investors, and media guests for an exceptional networking opportunity and a front-row seat to the future of BC tech.
Are You an Investor? Attendance is by Application Only
To ensure a curated, high-value experience for both founders and funders, all investors are invited to apply via a short questionnaire. Capacity is limited.
Free Admission + $100 Investor Insight Package
Attendance to this event is free. For deeper engagement, investors can purchase a $100 Investor Insight Package — a premium bundle designed to support due diligence and streamline connections.
What’s included:

Detailed investor pitch decks
8-page company overviews from Round 3 of the NVBC Competition, detailing each startup’s product or service, competitive landscape, business model, team, financial projections, and more. A full list of questions covered can be found here
60-second pitch videos

Plus, exclusive perks:

Personalized founder introductions
Priority access and assistance booking 1:1 meetings

Apply now to attend Demo Day!
Why Attend as an Investor?

Connect directly with the Top 25 startups from this year’s NVBC Competition
Be among the first to invest in high-potential ventures
Network with BC’s most exciting early-stage founders

Not an Investor?
If you are not part of the investment community, we invite you to attend our Awards Ceremony on October 1, a celebration of BC’s top startups open to a broader audience. Stay tuned for details!
Register Here

Event Sponsor

Venue Sponsor

IP Strategy Workshop for Startups
2025-09-25 13:30 - 17:30 | Virtual
​Is Intellectual Property critical for your startup? Are your potential investors asking about your IP Strategy? If so, this workshop is for you.
​Apply for this half-day workshop, receive support from IP professionals, and build several key pieces of your IP portfolio. In this workshop, you will:

Capture your IP Start Point
Build an IP Strategy that aligns with your Business Strategy
​Outline an IP Action Plan
​Receive exclusive access to a bespoke set of IP tools

​Eligibility:
​Registration is limited to 25 startups to ensure an individualized experience with direct access to our IP Professionals.
​This workshop is intended for participants who have, at minimum a basic knowledge of IP. Some examples of meeting this include, but are not limited to, completion of:
​Stream 1: IP Certification Program
Stream 2-1 IP Mentorship
IP Pathways Program
Introduction to Intellectual Property Online Program
​Please note that this workshop is open to participants located in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

​If you are outside of these provinces and territories, we invite you to participate in programming based in your location: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/elevateip/en

​Additional Information:

​This workshop uses a Miro Board. If you’re not familiar, here’s a 3-minute explainer video to review in advance. (You are not required to sign up for a Miro account to attend this workshop).

​About our presenter, Houston Brown
​Dr. Houston Brown is a registered patent agent (CA and US), a patented inventor, and a published researcher. He’s won numerous intellectual property awards and is an active contributor to the profession through his work with Canada’s College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents.
​Houston practiced at a top-ranked international law firm and then went “in house” with a leading global technology provider to deepen his knowledge of the business side of intellectual property.
Please note this event is designed to help you with your IP strategy, but it is not legal advice.

Register Here

25th Annual New Ventures BC Competition Awards Ceremony
2025-10-01 16:30 - 20:00 | Stanley Park Pavilion, 610 Pipeline Rd, Vancouver, BC, V6G 1Z4, Canada
​
We’ve narrowed the field from over 200 competitors to just 10 finalists!
​Join us in celebrating BC’s best startups and see who’s taking home over $250,000 in cash and prizes at the 25th Annual New Ventures BC Competition Awards, presented by Innovate BC!
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​The 25th Annual Awards will be a hybrid event – join via online stream or in-person at the Stanley Park Pavilion
Details:
Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Event: 4:30 – 8:00pm (Awards start at 5:30pm)
Location: Stanley Park Pavilion – 610 Pipeline Rd, Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4
*Paid parking and public transit options are available for attendees.*
Register Now

IP Masterclass: IP Agreement Essentials - NDAs, MTAs & Licensing
2025-10-30 13:30 - 15:30 | Virtual
​Ready to navigate the complexities of IP agreements with greater confidence? Whether you’re sharing prototypes, exchanging confidential information, or preparing to license your technology, knowing how to protect your startups’ innovation is critical.
​This session will guide you through the key learnings and help you avoid costly mistakes- in:

​Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs)

​Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs)

​Licensing Agreements

​Learn from case studies, sharpen your skills to spot risks, and strengthen your approach to protecting your IP and confidentiality.
​Eligibility:
​This workshop is intended for participants who have, at minimum a basic knowledge of IP. Some examples of meeting this include, but are not limited to, completion of:

​Stream 1: IP Certification Program

​IP Pathways Program

​Introduction to Intellectual Property Online Program

​Please note that this workshop is open to participants located in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

​If you are outside of these provinces and territories, we invite you to participate in programming based in your location: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/elevateip/en

​About our presenters:
Erika Murray
​Dr. Erika J. Murray is a commercial technology and intellectual property lawyer with a PhD in engineering. She has practiced at top-ranked international IP firms and, for the past five years, has served as fractional in-house counsel, providing strategic commercial contracting and IP legal advice to early-stage startups, VC-backed high-growth companies, and multinationals. Erika specializes in navigating IP risks, drafting and negotiating complex contracts, and driving commercialization strategies that position businesses across technology, energy, retail, and advanced engineering sectors for success.
​Houston Brown
​Dr. Houston Brown is a registered patent agent (CA and US), a patented inventor, and a published researcher. He’s won numerous intellectual property awards and is an active contributor to the profession through his work with Canada’s College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents.
​Houston practiced at a top-ranked international law firm and then went “in house” with a leading global technology provider to deepen his knowledge of the business side of intellectual property.
Please note this event is designed to help you with your IP strategy, but it is not legal advice.
Register here

IP Masterclass: Advanced IP Agreements - Partnership and Manufacturing
2025-11-27 13:30 - 15:30 | Virtual
​
Continue your journey into IP agreements in practice through Part 2 of our “Agreements” series.
​This session dives into the strategies, risks, and negotiation tips for:

​Partnership Agreements

​Manufacturing Agreements

​Explore practical examples, uncover common pitfalls, and learn how to safeguard your business relationships for long-term success.
​Eligibility:
​This workshop is intended for participants who have, at minimum a basic knowledge of IP. Some examples of meeting this include, but are not limited to, completion of:

​Stream 1: IP Certification Program

​IP Pathways Program

​Introduction to Intellectual Property Online Program

​Please note that this workshop is open to participants located in British Columbia, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.

​If you are outside of these provinces and territories, we invite you to participate in programming based in your location: https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/elevateip/en

​About our presenters:
Erika Murray
​Dr. Erika J. Murray is a commercial technology and intellectual property lawyer with a PhD in engineering. She has practiced at top-ranked international IP firms and, for the past five years, has served as fractional in-house counsel, providing strategic commercial contracting and IP legal advice to early-stage startups, VC-backed high-growth companies, and multinationals. Erika specializes in navigating IP risks, drafting and negotiating complex contracts, and driving commercialization strategies that position businesses across technology, energy, retail, and advanced engineering sectors for success.
​Houston Brown
​Dr. Houston Brown is a registered patent agent (CA and US), a patented inventor, and a published researcher. He’s won numerous intellectual property awards and is an active contributor to the profession through his work with Canada’s College of Patent Agents and Trademark Agents.
​Houston practiced at a top-ranked international law firm and then went “in house” with a leading global technology provider to deepen his knowledge of the business side of intellectual property.
Please note this event is designed to help you with your IP strategy, but it is not legal advice.
Register Here
