The roundtable, hosted by DIGITAL, focused on moving Canada’s AI from strategy to real-world implementation, commercialization and economic growth.
Digital AI Roundtable with Minister Evan Solomon at Web Summit in Vancouver
Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, attended a roundtable hosted by BC’s DIGITAL and AI Network at the Vancouver Web Summit with Canadian AI and business leaders. ·Globe News Wire Co., Ltd.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 15, 2026 (Globe Newswire) — At the Web Summit, which filled Vancouver with global technology leaders, investors and innovators, DIGITAL, Canada’s global innovation cluster for digital technology, was at the center of conversations about how Canadian innovation moves from aspirational to impactful. Through a series of leadership events, DIGITAL convened business, technology, government and ecosystem leaders to focus on the critical national challenge of how Canada can link world-class innovation to commercial growth, export success and long-term economic value.
Canada is at a tipping point, where leadership in AI will be determined less by research strength and more by how quickly businesses and public institutions deploy, buy, and scale trusted Canadian-made solutions. To facilitate the transition from potential to practical impact, DIGITAL hosted a series of events that brought together government leaders, innovators, and ecosystem partners.
The AI Roundtable with Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, and Talib Noormohamed, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of AI and Digital Innovation, brought together Canada’s AI and business leaders to discuss the barriers that are slowing real-world adoption, from procurement and commercialization pathways to talent and infrastructure. Discussions focused on practical actions to translate Canada’s AI advantage into increased productivity and stronger economic resilience.
“At Web Summit Vancouver, DIGITAL, one of Canada’s global innovation clusters, once again demonstrated its role as a pillar of the national technology ecosystem,” said the Honorable Melanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister of Economic Development for the Quebec Region. “DIGITAL’s AI Roundtable convened leading founders and innovators to have an impactful discussion on how Canadian companies can continue to deploy AI and advanced technologies in key sectors. The Government of Canada remains committed to building meaningful connections that accelerate technology advancement and improve Canada’s position in the ever-evolving global technology landscape.”
“Events like Web Summit Vancouver are critical to strengthening partnerships across the AI sector and connecting with the visionaries who will shape the future of technology,” said the Honorable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic Development Authority of Southern Ontario. “Leaders like DIGITAL facilitate these conversations and foster connections that help translate Canada’s AI advantage into tangible benefits for Canadians. I am delighted to be a part of this vibrant event, which highlighted how governments are enabling collaboration to drive global innovation, which is helping Canada remain at the forefront of transformative technological change.”
“Along with our partner AI Network of BC (AInBC), we are pleased to have Minister Solomon at the table with BC entrepreneurs and AI leaders at such a critical time for the future of AI in Canada,” said Elisa Darling, Chief Operating Officer of DIGITAL. “B.C. businesses are building and deploying AI solutions that improve productivity, strengthen industries, and create economic opportunity. This roundtable brought real-world business experience and perspective to the national discussion. This will help Canada scale AI companies, build trust, and ensure AI delivers long-term value for Canadians.”
Since 2018, DIGITAL and its national network of industry partners and academia have invested more than $240 million to accelerate AI commercialization across Canada, leveraging an additional $370 million from private industry. This work spans areas critical to Canada’s economic growth and sovereignty, including housing, defense and dual-use technology, mining and energy, health, and workforce development. Results include more than 200 market-ready AI solutions currently operating in global markets, 126 sovereign intellectual property assets secured, and technology projected to generate more than $2 billion in revenue by 2030.
“B.C. has what it takes to be a national and global AI leader: deep technical talent, strong entrepreneurship, applied research capabilities, and a growing network of companies building real-world AI solutions with commercial impact,” said Rob Gehring, executive director of AInBC. “The next step is to expand its capabilities through stronger connections between industry, government, capital and customers. This roundtable was an important opportunity to focus on what is needed to transform AI’s potential into adoption and growth.”
DIGITAL also hosted a leadership roundtable with Canadian export development and business leaders to identify how stronger collaboration, shared resources and clearer pathways can help founders grow, commercialize and reach international markets. And to kick off the week, DIGTIAL hosted a curated networking event in partnership with BMO, BC Securities Commission, and Vancouver Tech Journal, bringing together executives, founders, and funders from fintech, AI, clean energy, health tech, and other high-growth sectors.
About digital
DIGITAL is the Canadian commercialization partner. Connecting technology builders and buyers to accelerate the adoption and commercialization of Canadian technology solutions.
Founded in 2018 under the Government of Canada’s Cluster Initiative, DIGITAL brings together industry leaders, small and medium-sized businesses, and higher education institutions to collaborate on large-scale projects that drive innovation and the development of technology solutions in sectors important to Canada, including mining, energy, housing, workforce development, and health.
Since its founding, DIGITAL has generated billions of dollars in projected revenue for Canadian businesses, retained sovereign intellectual property, launched hundreds of commercial products, and helped tens of thousands of Canadians acquire the skills needed for the digital economy.
That’s how we grow Canada.
For more information, please visit www.digitalsupercluster.ca.
contact:
Gabriel Landry Deputy Director, Media Relations Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister of Economic Development Canada for the Region of Quebec gabrielle.landry@ized-isde.gc.ca
For media personnel Canada’s innovation, science and economic development media@ized-isde.gc.ca
julia white Senior Director of Communications digital media@digitalsupercluster.ca | 604.828.2766
Rob Goering AInBC Secretary General rob@ainbc.ai
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b8d0c042-6159-4858-986c-6818ae34fc94.
