Supporting businesses to showcase clean

More technology companies are being supported to test dual-use clean-technology solutions at YVR, helping them showcase their capabilities to global customers.

“Supporting B.C. companies shows the world what they can do and the problems they can solve,” said Ravi Kahlon, B.C. Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth. “We’re helping businesses win first customers and get ready to export to new markets, moving us toward our goal to double exports to non-U.S. markets as part of our Look West plan. That means more good-paying jobs, lower environmental impacts, easier travel for people and communities, and prosperity for all British Columbians.”

Building on the government’s Look West commitments, three projects through B.C.’s Integrated Marketplace program are reducing emissions and improving efficiency at YVR.

Created by the Government of B.C. in partnership with PacifiCan and delivered by Innovate BC, the Integrated Marketplace helps B.C. companies test, deploy and scale their innovations in real-world environments, while de-risking technology adoption for partnering industry customers.

A project by Charza, which was provided $670,000 through the Integrated Marketplace, will integrate Charza’s tap-and-go EV charging system in multiple sites at YVR. The technology is expected to improve the airport’s ability to track and manage energy use. The system provides EV users with:

Mobile grid-scale battery storage and EV charging

Holinova’s project, which was provided $200,000 through the Integrated Marketplace, will implement a grid-scale mobile battery-storage system and EV charging system at YVR. This technology will improve safety and energy efficiency.

“Innovate BC and the Integrated Marketplace were mission critical for us to bring new energy solutions to life,” said Greg Stanway, chief technology officer, Holinova, parent company of Charza. “Industry is always conservative and no one wants to be the first to shoulder risk. The support through the Integrated Marketplace made it possible to move from planning to reality, opening the door to the broader market at large.”

A collaborative project by Island Auto and Enedym, which was provided $350,000 through the Integrated Marketplace, will electrify belt loaders at YVR. The project will demonstrate:

“As the first and largest testbed under the Integrated Marketplace, we are thrilled to see projects advance and continue to be added at YVR,” said Albert van Veen, vice-president of innovation and chief information officer, YVR. “Our partnership with Innovate BC demonstrates the value of bringing innovation to life in a real-world setting, enabling us to leverage new technology in the delivery of reliable and resilient operations for our passengers and customers, while creating lasting value for our community and the economy that supports it.”

The projects support the Province’s Look West plan for jobs and industry, which outlines B.C.’s vision to deliver jobs and opportunities by strengthening the workforce to develop a more independent economy. Through Look West, the Province is working to invest in high-tech and emerging technologies, expanding market potential, while growing the economic value of tech sectors by 75% and doubling employment to 400,000. It includes delivering major projects quicker, diversifying markets and growing targeted sectors, such as technology, aerospace, marine, AI and quantum, life sciences, agriculture and construction innovation.

Rick Glumac, B.C. Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence –

“These projects showcase how cutting-edge innovation can transform airport operations. By integrating Charza’s tap-and-go EV charging, Holinova’s mobile battery storage, and Island Auto and Enedym’s electrified belt loaders, we’re proving that clean technology isn’t just the future, it’s here now. These solutions will make energy use smarter, reduce emissions and set a new standard for sustainable transportation infrastructure.”

Gregor Robertson, federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada –

“B.C. innovators are leading in clean technology. Today’s announcement will support clean-tech solutions at Vancouver International Airport that reduce emissions, offer more sustainable energy options and highlight local innovation to visitors from around the globe. PacifiCan is committed to ensuring that B.C. businesses have the resources they need to grow and contribute to one strong Canadian economy.”

Peter Cowan, president and CEO, Innovate BC –

“The Integrated Marketplace is about putting B.C. innovation to work in the places that matter most to our economy. By working with industry partners like YVR as technology-adoption testbeds and enabling collaboration with local companies such as Charza, Holinova and Island Auto, we’re helping key economic drivers adopt new technologies with confidence. These projects not only advance goals around efficiency and emissions reduction, they also give B.C. companies the opportunity to test, deploy and scale solutions with global relevance.”