British Columbia is launching a new Forestry Innovation and Emergency Management Testbed, giving local companies the opportunity to test and scale technologies designed to protect forests and communities from wildfires, floods, and other emergencies. This initiative is part of the province’s Look West economic plan, which aims to create jobs, strengthen the economy, and support homegrown innovation.
The testbed is delivered through Innovate BC in partnership with PacifiCan and represents the fifth project under the Integrated Marketplace, joining earlier programs in airports, marine ports, and healthcare. Businesses taking part will focus on wildfire and flood prevention, forestry management and permitting, and improving emergency response capabilities.
By testing innovations in real-world conditions, the program aims to generate insights and data that can be scaled provincewide, improving emergency response, increasing community resilience, and streamlining forestry operations. Funding from B.C. and the federal government supports commercialization and helps companies bring their solutions to market faster, creating jobs while protecting communities from extreme weather and wildfire risks.
The Forestry Innovation and Emergency Management Testbed underscores B.C.’s commitment to fostering local technology, supporting key industries, and strengthening the province’s ability to respond to climate-related challenges.
Comments