DigiBC Elevate: 2026 Program Launch

DigiBC’s Elevate Program returns in 2026 with an expanded, founder-focused series designed to help BC-based creative technology studios move from great ideas to real market traction.

Join us for the Elevate 2026 launch sessions on February 25 & 26, where we’ll dig into the most critical challenges facing indie studios today: identifying audiences, navigating funding landscapes, protecting your IP, and building pitches that actually land.

These two half-day sessions bring together experienced founders, investors, funders, legal experts, and mentors for practical talks, hands-on exercises, and generous peer exchange. Whether you’re early-stage or preparing for international markets and major events like Web Summit, Elevate is designed to meet you where you are—and help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Who should attend

Elevate is open to all and recommended for:

• Indie game, XR, immersive, and creative technology studios
• Founders preparing for funding, export, or growth
• Teams looking to sharpen their pitch, strategy, and business fundamentals

Identifying Markets, Audiences & Opportunities

Day one focuses on helping studios understand who they’re building for, where their opportunities lie, and how to position their work within today’s creative tech ecosystem.

You’ll explore:

• How the current creative tech landscape is shifting—and where opportunities exist
• Practical methods for identifying real audiences, buyers, and partners (without huge budgets)
• Indie pipelines: self-publishing, niche markets, and alternative paths to market
• International and export opportunities, including Vancouver’s strategic advantages
• Pitch fundamentals, including the 3-Slide Pitch Deck
• Hands-on ecosystem and audience mapping with mentors

The day wraps with an informal games group / mixer, creating space to connect with peers, mentors, and speakers.

Funding, Legal & Commercial Readiness

Day two dives into the realities of funding creative tech—and protecting the work you’re building.

You’ll hear from founders, funders, and legal experts on:

• Investor expectations and current deal flow trends
• Funding beyond private investment, including arts and government funding pathways
• Breaking projects into fundable pieces
• Business structures and planning for commercial viability
• Intellectual property, licensing, and distribution models
• International contracting, negotiation, and risk management

The afternoon includes open Q&A, giving participants direct access to expert insight on funding, legal, and investment questions.

Participants who continue through the Elevate series will move on to:

• Pitch Masterclass (March 25)
• Special Session: Navigating Web Summit 2026 (April/May)

Also check out other Business events in Vancouver, Arts events in Vancouver.