IP Masterclass: Patent Preparation & Filing
2025-08-14 13:30 - 15:30 (America/Vancouver)
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!
​—
​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

IP Strategy Workshop for Startups
2025-12-11 13:30 - 17:30
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

Build In Public Night
2026-02-10 16:30 - 19:00
Register Now
Building a startup is isolating. You are constantly facing problems you’ve never seen before, but you figure it out… sometimes taking days trying to hack together a solution.
​Build in Public Night is your shortcut. Hosted by New Ventures BC and Althra.
​We are bringing together venture-backed founders and veterans who have lived through the pain. They aren’t here to give generic advice; they are here to save you weeks of headaches by tackling your specific roadblocks:

​Landing First Customers: How to land those elusive first champions.
GTM Strategy: Crafting a roadmap that moves the needle.
​Inbound Marketing: creating content engines that bring users to you.
​10x Tech Stacks: The tools that let a small team output like a giant.
​IP Strategy: Expert advice on protecting what you build.

Speakers include:

Adam McKilligan, Head of Sales at Multiple Venture Backed Startups
Liam Ross, Co-Founder of Withe
Susan Tees, IP Director @ New Ventures BC
​Jenny Yue, Co-Founder & CEO @ OHME!
​Jayesh Parmar, 4x Founder & EIR

Agenda:
​4:30pm – Doors open
5:00pm – Fireside chat with Venture-backed Founders & Industry Experts
5:20pm – Roundtables (15 minutes x 3)
6:15pm – Networking
Register Now

IP Speaker Series: IP Budgeting for Startups
2026-02-23 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
​Intellectual Property (IP) is often a startup’s most valuable asset—and its most unpredictable expense. Without a strategic roadmap, legal fees and filing costs can spiral, draining your runway before you’ve even scaled.
​Join us for a workshop designed to strip away the complexity of IP budgeting. We’ll show you how to transform IP from an expense into a predictable, strategic investment that fuels your startup’s growth.
Register

We will go over:
– ​The Importance of Planning for IP Costs
– Clarity on Legal and Business Goals
– Creating a Good Budget
– How to Sustain your Peace of Mind
​Why You Should Join
– Protect Your Runway: Stop overspending on unnecessary filings and learn to prioritize high-value assets.
– ​Impress Investors: Show a sophisticated understanding of your asset management during due diligence.
– Gain Predictability: Shift from “emergency legal bills” to a structured, quarterly budget you can actually count on.

Speaker:
​Susan Tees (IP Director at New Ventures BC) 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. Susan works with her clients to create their IP strategy and advise them on strategies to protect their innovations as they build their business.

​
To learn more about how you can integrate IP into your business:
– ​Register for one of our final 3 cohorts of IP Pathways
– Explore our offerings at AccelerateIP

Startup Seminar Series: Product/Market Fit
2026-02-23 16:00 - 18:00 | 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs, 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4N6, Canada
Register Now
Join us for Product/Market Fit with Dave Thomas and Lesley Duncan as they take you through an interactive seminar focused on getting your business ready for market.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Monday, February 23
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Registration opens at 3:40 PM for those attending in-person.
Venue: 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs (555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver).
JOINING US ONLINE?
The Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
Register Now

Throughout the Spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events designed to give you the insights, tools, and resources you need to build and grow your business and set yourself up for success in the 2026 NVBC Competition.

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.

2026 New Ventures BC Competition Info Session
2026-02-25 16:00 - 16:30 | Virtual
Register Now

Join us on Zoom for an overview of the 2026 New Ventures BC Competition.
We’ll walk through the application process, key timelines, and what to expect, so you can feel confident heading into the competition.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 4:00 – 4:30 PM (PT)
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
📝 Competition applications close at 11:59 PM on March 12, 2026.
👉 Learn more about the 2026 New Ventures BC Competition here

Throughout the Spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events designed to give you the insights, tools, and resources you need to build and grow your business and set yourself up for success in the 2026 NVBC Competition.

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.
Register Now

Startup Seminar Series: The Business Case - What an Angel Really Wants
2026-03-02 16:00 - 18:00 | 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs, 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4N6, Canada
Register Now
Learn how to build a compelling business case — and what angels are really looking for — from high-technology entrepreneur and angel investor Mike Volker.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Monday, March 2
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Registration opens at 3:40 PM for those attending in-person.
Venue: 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs (555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver).
JOINING US ONLINE?
The Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
Register Now

Throughout the Spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events designed to give you the insights, tools, and resources you need to build and grow your business and set yourself up for success in the 2026 NVBC Competition.

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.

2026 New Ventures BC Competition Kick-off
2026-03-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Fasken, 550 Burrard St Suite 2900, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 0B3, Canada
Register Now

The road to $250,000 in prizes begins here.
We’re opening the doors to the 2026 New Ventures BC Competition with an inside look at what it takes to win.
Hear firsthand from last year’s Competition winners and finalists and network with ecosystem leaders—mentors, investors, and judges—who can help accelerate your growth. If you are looking to put your startup on the map, this is your invitation to learn more about BC’s longest and largest running tech competition.
Event Schedule:

5:00 PM: Registration & Networking
5:30 PM: 2025 Competition Winners & Finalists Panel
6:15 PM: Networking
7:00 PM: Event ends

Can’t make it in person?
Tune into the Panel virtually. The Zoom link will be provided in your registration confirmation email.
Panelists:

Chirag Jadwhani, PeerSupport.io (2nd Place Winner, 2025 NVBC Competition)
Samuel Berryman, ImageCyte Technologies (Innovate BC Health & Life Sciences Prize and Top Science Award Winner, 2025 NVBC Competition)
Alisa Gagina, Sigen AI (2025 NVBC Competition Top 10 Finalist)
Moderator: Fernanda Whitaker, Innovate BC (Director of Partnerships)

This event is free for BC tech startups, students, and the NVBC community.
Ready to Compete?
Apply by 11:59 PM on Thursday, March 12.
​👉 Learn more about the 2026 New Ventures BC Competition here

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.
Register Now

Startup Seminar Series: Introduction to Pricing for Innovation
2026-03-09 16:00 - 18:00 | 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs, 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4N6, Canada
Register Now
How do you choose the right pricing model for your venture?
Steven Forth — serial entrepreneur, marketing strategy and pricing consultant, and angel investor — shares practical insights to help you get it right.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Monday, March 9
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Registration opens at 3:40 PM for those attending in-person.
Venue: 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs (555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver).
JOINING US ONLINE?
The Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
Register Now

Throughout the Spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events designed to give you the insights, tools, and resources you need to build and grow your business and set yourself up for success in the 2026 NVBC Competition.

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.

Startup Seminar Series: Government Funding Programs & Financial Models for Startups
2026-03-16 16:00 - 18:00 | 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs, 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4N6, Canada
Register Now
This practical seminar is designed to help early-stage founders navigate funding opportunities and strengthen their financial foundations.
Dr. Cynthia Shippam will provide an overview of government funding programs available to startups, along with key intellectual property considerations to keep in mind as your company grows.
Sean Hodgins will cover the fundamentals of building a sound financial model, outlining the core components every founder should understand to make informed business decisions.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Monday, March 16
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Registration opens at 3:40 PM for those attending in-person.
Venue: 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs (555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver).
JOINING US ONLINE?
The Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
Register Now

Throughout the Spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events designed to give you the insights, tools, and resources you need to build and grow your business and set yourself up for success in the 2026 NVBC Competition.

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.

Startup Seminar Series: Sales & AI Marketing Tools for Startups
2026-03-30 16:00 - 18:00 | 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs, 555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4N6, Canada
Register Now

In this session, Peter de Verteuil (Executive-in-Residence, New Ventures BC) will walk founders through a practical, step-by-step framework for building a structured sales program—designed specifically for emerging technology companies ready to move beyond early adopters and into scalable growth.
Rochelle Grayson (Mosaic Accelerator) will explore how startups can leverage today’s AI-powered marketing tools to work smarter, streamline execution, and accelerate customer acquisition.
EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Monday, March 30
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Registration opens at 3:40 PM for those attending in-person.
Venue: 11th Floor Concourse – SFU VentureLabs (555 W Hastings Street, Vancouver).
JOINING US ONLINE?
The Zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
Register Now

Throughout the Spring, New Ventures BC will host a series of events designed to give you the insights, tools, and resources you need to build and grow your business and set yourself up for success in the 2026 NVBC Competition.

​By registering for this event, you consent to receive email communications from New Ventures BC, including our e-newsletter and updates about programs and events. You may unsubscribe at any time. By attending, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken and used by New Ventures BC for marketing and promotional purposes.
