15 Sep 2022 Top 4 Finalists Selected for the #2022TIAs Company of the Year – Startup Award
VANCOUVER, B.C. September 15, 2022 – The BC Tech Association (BC Tech) is thrilled to announce that the top four 2022 Company of the Year – Startup Finalists.
Carbin Minerals captures atmospheric CO2 and transforms it into rock, where it is safely stored forever. The company’s technologies accelerate a natural process known as atmospheric carbon mineralization. A spinoff of Professor Greg Dipple’s world-leading lab at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver-based Carbin Minerals is working toward durable, gigatonne-scale carbon dioxide removal by tapping into the ultramafic rocks that make up one of the largest carbon storage reservoirs on Earth.
Daanaa is on a mission to become the standard for power transaction. The Vancouver-based company has a proprietary semiconductor technology where the same unit (chip) act as both a transmitter and receiver to transfer power and data through the air, or through existing structures, while freely converting between AC and DC to improve efficiency, going through materials like wood, plastics, and concrete. By integrating into existing hardware, starting with solar power, EV and BMS, Daanaa is creating advanced energy transfer that is integrated, safe, and free from constraints.
Based in Vancouver, MintList’s AI-powered online marketplace streamlines and accelerates the buying and selling of cars across North America. Starting with an online inspection conducted via smartphone, the intelligent MintList system picks up scratches and tire condition, and packages vehicles in a format auto dealers understand. It then launches 15-minute auctions, often getting over 100 offers on a single car. Consumers can then accept the highest bid as a cash offer or choose a new car from any dealer and trade in the auctioned vehicle.
VodaSafe is using the power of artificial intelligence to transform water rescue and victim recovery. Using its AquaEye handheld scanning sonar device, rescuers can search a nearly 2-acre body of water in less than 5 minutes, which would take hours if not days using conventional methods. AquaEye is portable, deployable in seconds, and most importantly, uses AI to differentiate between humans and other underwater objects, allowing users to act quickly with confidence. AquaEye saves valuable time, which not only increases the chance of a successful rescue but also reduces risk and resource demand of search and rescue teams.
Announced live at a thrilling Dragon’s Den pitch night, these four Startups will continue through to the TIAs gala on Oct 6th to find out who the final winner is for 2022.
The Technology Impact Awards celebrates their 29th year in 2022 and decided to go big on the startup award with their partner Microsoft.
“Startups are the lifeblood of BC’s tech sector, and we are so proud to have such a thriving startup scene here in BC.” Shared Jill Tipping, BC Tech, “So, with the support of our sponsor – Microsoft – we were thrilled to have 10 finalists battle it out for our Company of the Year Startup award this year, truly showcasing the calibre of BC Tech companies!”
Assembled for the judging panel were some impressive BC “Dragons” who made the final decision on who would make it through to the next round.
Rich Osborn of RecapHealth Ventures shared, “It was such a pleasure to hear from this year’s TIAs startup finalists. I am so impressed with the innovation and passion of these BC entrepreneurs and excited to see where their paths will lead!”
“BC is known for having bold innovative tech companies, and these final 4 finalists are ambitious and compelling enough to be the unicorns here in BC!” commented Laurie Schultz.
“It was definitely a tough battle, and the startups made our job really hard!” shared Christy Wyatt, “Ultimately, we chose four finalists that we all really wanted to get behind. You can see their ambition shine through in their pitches and I know that they will really make a difference in the world.”
“The leadership of BC Tech to showcase these young startups is really appreciated. I am always amazed at the level of innovation coming out of BC.” Noah Shipman
The final winner of the Company of the Year Startup award will be announced on Oct 6th at the Technology Impact Awards – tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2022-technology-impact-awards-tickets-367310494577
About BC Tech Association
BC Tech is the largest member-led technology non-profit in British Columbia. We are dedicated to making BC the best place to grow and scale a tech company. Our work accelerates growth by helping members expand and diversify their talent pools, acquire new customers, and access capital. Tech is a key industry for BC’s future and builds resiliency in every sector. Today, every company is a tech company.