Victoria-based biotech company VoxCell BioInnovation has taken center stage at Web Summit Vancouver, securing the $10,000 grand prize at The $10K Pitch: BC’s Startup All-Stars — a competitive showcase of the province’s most promising emerging ventures.
Hosted by Innovate BC and New Ventures BC, the high-stakes pitch competition brought together twelve standout startups from across British Columbia. These companies had all previously placed in the top 10 of the New Ventures BC Competition within the past five years — making for an elite lineup of homegrown innovation talent.
Following a round of initial pitches, four finalists were selected to pitch live on the Web Summit main stage. VoxCell ultimately emerged as the winner, edging out fellow finalists GlüxKind, SkyAcres, and yPilot with a pitch that combined cutting-edge science and early commercial momentum.
Building the Future of Drug Testing
VoxCell is developing 3D-printed, human-like cancer tissue models that mimic real vascular structures. Their innovation promises to revolutionize drug discovery by providing more accurate preclinical screening — potentially reducing failures in clinical trials and improving patient outcomes. The judges, which included top investors and tech leaders, were impressed by the startup’s clarity of vision, technical credibility, and market potential.
CEO and Chief Scientific Officer Karolina Valente shared her excitement:
“Winning this competition is more than just a financial boost — it’s validation. Opportunities like this help amplify our mission and show investors and customers that we’re solving a real, urgent problem.”
A Showcase of B.C.’s Startup Strength
The competition served as a spotlight moment for British Columbia’s thriving tech scene. Companies that once appeared in early-stage startup competitions are now returning with stronger teams, validated business models, and growing customer bases.
Angie Schick, Executive Director of New Ventures BC, remarked:
“Watching these companies grow over the years is incredible. Events like this showcase just how far our local startups can go when given the right support and platform.”
Peter Cowan, CEO of Innovate BC, echoed the excitement:
“To see B.C. startups stand out on a global platform like Web Summit proves we have world-class talent and bold ideas ready for the global stage.”
Local Innovation on the Global Stage
Web Summit Vancouver drew more than 250 early-stage startups from across the globe, with B.C. companies featured prominently through the Alpha, Beta, and Growth exhibition programs. The dedicated B.C. Pavilion highlighted innovations across life sciences, AI, digital media, and more — reinforcing the province’s status as a rising tech leader in Canada and beyond.
Diana Gibson, B.C.’s Minister of Jobs, Economic Development, and Innovation, congratulated the competing teams:
“The energy and innovation coming out of these companies is inspiring. They’re not only shaping the future of technology, but also strengthening B.C.’s economy in the process.”
VoxCell’s win is a reminder that bold science and determined leadership can shine even in the most competitive arenas. As the company continues its journey, it stands as a beacon for what’s possible when vision meets execution — and a shining example of B.C.’s innovation potential on the world stage.
