The DIGITAL Effect: Innovation Showcase
The DIGITAL Effect: Innovation Showcase is a curated open-house event highlighting the real-world impact of Canada’s digital innovation ecosystem, presented in partnership with Vancouver Tech Journal.
Bringing together technology builders, buyers, government officials, and business leaders, this event showcases how Canadian-made technologies are addressing national challenges today—and how deeper collaboration with DIGITAL can accelerate adoption, enable dual-use capabilities, and unlock economic opportunity across the country.
The program features short presentations from DIGITAL members, offering concrete examples of innovation moving from concept to market and delivering measurable outcomes. With a 12× return on federal investment, $4B in GDP growth, 34,000 jobs created, and more than 730 IP assets secured by Canadian SMEs, DIGITAL has proven a model that works—and one that is ready to scale.
The evening concludes with an open networking reception, giving attendees the opportunity to connect directly with innovators, partners, and peers to explore collaboration and growth opportunities.
Speakers include:
Fireside Chat:
Elysa Darling, COO, DIGITAL
Kathleen Reid, Founder & Principal, Playbook
Showcase Presenters:
Rabih Zahnan, President, Wesgroup
Matt Murdoch, Director, Earthdaily Analytics
About DIGITAL:
DIGITAL connects technology builders and buyers to accelerate the adoption and commercialization of Canadian technology solutions.
Established in 2018 under the Government of Canada’s Cluster Initiative, DIGITAL brings together industry leaders, SMEs, and post-secondary institutions to collaborate on large-scale projects that drive innovation and the development of technology solutions in sectors critical to Canada, such as mining and energy, housing, workforce development and health.
Since inception, DIGITAL has delivered billions in projected revenue for Canadian companies, retained sovereign IP, launched hundreds of commercial products, and helped tens of thousands of Canadians gain the skills needed for the digital economy.
That’s how we grow Canada.
About Vancouver Tech Journal:
Vancouver Tech Journal provides the most complete coverage of Vancouver’s innovation ecosystem.
We connect our readers to the stories that matter. We’re here to fill in the gaps in your knowledge, awareness, and understanding of the people, ideas, and technologies shaping your community and world.
Overview:
Date: February 17, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Venue: McCarthy Tétrault - 745 Thurlow St Suite 2400, Vancouver, BC V6E 0C5
Agenda:
4:00-4:30pm Networking
4:30-5:00pm Welcome remarks & fireside chat
5:00-6:00pm Showcase presentations
6:00-6:30pm Networking
Questions? Contact Nicole Hsueh ([email protected])
Interested in partnering with us? Contact Nicole at [email protected]