BC Founders Day 2025 Spotlights Vancouver as a Rising AI Hub
The recent BC Founders Day 2025 successfully convened a curated group of founders from across British Columbia for a day of high-level discussion and connection. This annual, founders-only event is designed to foster relationships and share knowledge among the province’s most promising entrepreneurial talent. This year’s program centered on the critical theme of “AI: The Impact and Opportunities,” reflecting the technology’s transformative role across industries. The event featured an impressive lineup of serial entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders, creating a vibrant and insightful gathering. A significant highlight was the series of engaging panel discussions, fireside chats, and one-on-one mentoring sessions. Particularly for me, the event provided unparalleled access to industry experts, including: The success of the event is a testament to the dedicated efforts of Chris Neumann, a recognized community leader whose vision and execution were instrumental in creating such a impactful forum. By attracting global thought leaders, BC Founders Day has amplified Vancouver’s presence on the international AI stage, positioning the city as a vibrant and happening startup ecosystem worthy of attention from enthusiasts and investors alike. Events of this caliber are vital catalysts for regional economic growth. They not only add immense value by sharing proven strategies and lessons learned but also provide aspiring entrepreneurs with tangible role models and paths to success. The event was made possible through the generous support of key sponsors who are deeply committed to nurturing the innovation ecosystem: Fasken, Google Cloud, Boast, Launch, RBCx, and Innovate BC. Their belief in supporting founders and driving positive change is crucial for the community’s continued growth. BC Founders Day 2025 has undoubtedly left a lasting mark, reinforcing the collaborative spirit and ambitious vision that defines British Columbia’s technology sector.
PixelPaddle CEO Joins IEC-BC as “Mentor” in Strengthening Community Support for Skilled Immigrants
On August 16th, 2025, the Immigrant Employment Council of British Columbia (IEC-BC) hosted a breakout workshop at the N3 3.0 Event under the theme “Bridging Expectations: Insights from BC Employers and the Role of Mentorship and Soft Skills.” The session highlighted the importance of building newcomer confidence in navigating the Canadian job market while equipping them with essential soft skills. Programs such as #MentorConnect and #ASCEND were showcased as impactful initiatives that connect newcomers with seasoned professionals and prepare them for long-term career success. Representing the spirit of mentorship and inclusion, Mr. Meer Anwar, CEO of PixelPaddle and Mentor at IEC-BC, actively participated in the event. As a mentor, he extended his support to new skilled immigrants, sharing his professional experiences and providing guidance on integrating into the Canadian innovation and business ecosystem. His contributions emphasized how mentorship plays a pivotal role in empowering newcomers, bridging cultural and professional gaps, and creating meaningful opportunities. This engagement also reflects PixelPaddle’s broader commitment to community support and inclusive growth. Beyond developing cutting-edge immersive solutions for the Sports Metaverse, PixelPaddle remains dedicated to strengthening the startup ecosystem, supporting economic growth, and ensuring equal opportunities for all. The company aligns its values with Canada’s equal opportunity principles by contributing to initiatives that prepare newcomers for industry demands, foster collaboration, and encourage job creation. Together with IEC-BC, Back in Motion, and other ecosystem partners, PixelPaddle continues to support initiatives that break down barriers and provide pathways for newcomers to thrive in British Columbia’s workforce. This collaboration not only enhances the Canadian job market but also reinforces the collective effort of building a stronger, more inclusive economy for all.
PixelPaddle’s Commitment to DEI and Community Engagement in Canada
At its core, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is about ensuring that everyone—regardless of background, culture, gender, or industry—has equal opportunities to participate, grow, and succeed. Within the Canadian ecosystem, DEI is not only a guiding principle but also a driving force behind innovation, collaboration, and sustainable economic development. PixelPaddle fully embraces this vision by embedding DEI into its culture and operations. Our solutions are designed to be inclusive and accessible, enabling individuals and organizations from diverse sectors—whether in academia, sports, or business—to benefit from immersive technologies and market-driven innovation. By aligning with Canada’s values of equity and multiculturalism, PixelPaddle ensures that emerging talent, startups, and communities can thrive on a level playing field. This commitment was further reflected in PixelPaddle’s recent participation in the “Business Meetups – Casual Friday” event in North Vancouver, organized by Karely Cunningham. The gathering brought together entrepreneurs and professionals from a broad range of industries, including technology, construction, insurance, banking, and creative enterprises. In this diverse setting, PixelPaddle shared its innovative #PixelCricket Sports Metaverse solution, highlighting how it is making cricket more engaging and accessible in the Canadian market. The event showcased how DEI values extend beyond theory into real community engagement. By connecting with local entrepreneurs, influencers, and business leaders, PixelPaddle not only introduced its technological vision but also reinforced its role in building bridges between diverse communities and industries. Just as Canada thrives on the strengths of its multicultural society, PixelPaddle strives to ensure that its innovations create opportunities for everyone—whether in sports, education, or business ecosystems. Through initiatives like these, PixelPaddle continues to reflect the spirit of Canada’s DEI-driven innovation model: celebrating diversity, enabling equity in access to opportunities, and fostering inclusion in every aspect of community and industry engagement.
PixelPaddle Bridges Sports, Technology, and Academia Through #PixelCricket and Industry Collaboration
The integration of VR Cricket into #PixelPaddle’s digital platforms has sparked widespread attention under the banner of #PixelCricket. What began as an immersive and engaging sports experience has rapidly evolved into a transformational learning platform, drawing interest not only from youth sports teams but also from the academic community, eager to explore cutting-edge technologies and their applications. Academia Meets Immersive Technology Amidst this growing recognition, a leading academic institution identified the potential of PixelPaddle’s Sports Metaverse solution and approached the company for collaboration. The institution sought to both showcase its brand in an innovative environment and enhance student learning outcomes by aligning its curriculum with in-demand technology stacks and tools. PixelPaddle responded with a strategic partnership that extended beyond branding. The company provided critical support by helping the institution incorporate industry-driven skills into its academic framework, ensuring that students gain not just theoretical knowledge but also practical, market-relevant expertise. Focus College Collaboration One of the key milestones in this journey was PixelPaddle’s partnership with Focus College. Under the leadership of CEO Meer Anwar and his global team, PixelPaddle offered expert consultation to the college while actively bridging the gap between academia and industry. As part of this initiative: Industry Mentorship and Knowledge Exchange Beyond academic integration, PixelPaddle also piloted a unique program by inviting industry leaders to interact with students – #FocusTalks. These sessions allowed students to gain first-hand insights from seasoned professionals, learn from real-world experiences, and seek guidance in shaping their career trajectories. This mentorship-driven initiative has been highly appreciated across academia, industry, and youth circles alike. By connecting students with industry veterans, PixelPaddle is not only helping them plan their career growth with confidence but also fostering a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability. Shaping the Future of Youth Engagement PixelPaddle’s collaboration with academia demonstrates how immersive technology platforms like #PixelCricket can transcend entertainment to become powerful enablers of education, skill development, and career readiness. Through such initiatives, PixelPaddle is staying true to its mission: As the initiative expands, the success of this model underscores the potential of blending immersive technology, sports engagement, and academic collaboration to not only transform learning outcomes but also contribute meaningfully to the future of work and innovation ecosystems.
Celebrating Cultural Diversity: Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society and Its Lasting Impact
Founded in 1996, the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society (#VAHMS) has been at the forefront of celebrating and promoting Asian heritage and culture in Canada. Inspired by the beginnings of Asian Heritage (#ExplorAsian) celebrations in the USA and Toronto, VAHMS emerged with a vision to create a platform where the richness and diversity of Asian cultures could be showcased and celebrated in Vancouver and beyond. In 2001, a historic moment further amplified this movement when Senator Vivienne Poy proposed a motion in the Senate to officially recognize Asian Heritage Month in May across Canada. Since then, cities including Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax, and Fredericton have joined in the celebration, making it a truly nationwide initiative. Leadership and Community Engagement Under its current leadership, Mr. Meer Anwar serves as a dedicated Board Member, actively working to support the engagement of artists from diverse ethnic backgrounds. His role has been instrumental in ensuring that the celebrations not only represent cultural traditions but also foster inclusivity, dialogue, and collaboration among communities. PixelPaddle also been the sponsor of the event and have been supporting for the technology and social media support. The 2025 celebrations included a month-long series of events—ranging from vibrant opening and closing ceremonies to numerous artist showcases and cultural nights. These events provided opportunities for artists to share their heritage, talents, and stories, adding depth to Canada’s cultural mosaic. Support from Public and Private Sectors The celebrations were further enriched by the presence and support of dignitaries from both the public and private sectors, including government representatives who recognized the importance of cultural inclusion in Canada’s social fabric. Their involvement highlighted how cultural festivals like Asian Heritage Month play a key role in strengthening ties between communities and institutions. A Memorable Recognition One of the most remarkable highlights of the 2025 celebrations was the surprise presentation by MP Ron McKinnon – Member of the House of Commons of Canada, who delivered a special letter of appreciation from the Prime Minister of Canada to the VAHMS team during the closing ceremony. This gesture not only acknowledged the Society’s tireless efforts but also underscored the national significance of its work in building bridges across communities. Looking Ahead With nearly three decades of history, VAHMS continues to grow as a leading cultural organization that empowers artists, promotes diversity, and strengthens Canada’s multicultural identity. Guided by leaders like Mr. Meer Anwar and supported by a network of passionate volunteers, artists, and partners, VAHMS is set to carry forward its mission of celebrating diversity, fostering unity, and building a stronger, inclusive Canada.
WebSummit2025 – International Entrepreneurs Community Session
#Vancouver proudly hosted the inaugural Web Summit 2025, drawing over 15,700 attendees from 117 countries — a historic moment for Canada’s tech ecosystem. This landmark event showcased the nation’s accelerating leadership in Artificial Intelligence and the startup innovation landscape.#AI at the ForefrontArtificial Intelligence dominated the agenda, with powerful conversations spanning from generative AI breakthroughs to ethical governance. Among the key voices was Gary Marcus, renowned AI critic, who stressed the urgent need for responsible and transparent AI development—underscoring both its immense potential and current limitations.#Startup Ecosystem on the RiseThe summit welcomed a record-breaking 1,108 startups from 64 countries, with 44% led by women founders — an inspiring testament to Canada’s drive toward inclusive and diverse innovation.#CanadaFirstAt #PixelPaddle, we proudly champion a “Canada First” vision — empowering local solutions with global potential. With a growing footprint in sports tech and entertainment, we’re focused on scaling Canadian innovations to redefine digital experiences worldwide.Not only PixelPaddle participated in the #WebSummit as promising startup, but also our CEO, Meer Anwar, shared these insights during the #PORCH International Entrepreneurs Community Session, where he emphasized the value of empathetic support for startups, especially in early-stage journeys.Web Summit Vancouver 2025 has cemented Canada’s role as a global innovation hub. As we look ahead, PixelPaddle remains committed to nurturing Canadian talent and exporting powerful homegrown solutions to the world.#WebSummitVancouver #Porch #AI #StartupEcosystem #CanadaFirst #PixelPaddle #InnovationLeadership #DigitalCanada #CanadaStartupAssociation
Vancouver WebSummit 2025: Building Global Bridges Through Innovation and Collaboration
The Vancouver WebSummit 2025 emerged as a landmark event, drawing delegations from across the globe. With participation from both the public and private sectors, the summit served as a prestigious platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation, positioning Vancouver at the heart of global technology conversations. Global Participation The event was enriched by initiatives and interventions showcased at the public level from diverse regions, including South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, and beyond. Each delegation brought forward unique perspectives, highlighting how governments and industries worldwide are embracing digital transformation and fostering inclusive technological growth. Pakistan’s Presence at WebSummit 2025 Among the notable participants was the Government of Pakistan, represented by its Federal IT Department, “Ignite.” Pakistan’s involvement underscored its growing emphasis on digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and global market engagement. In a special initiative, the Pakistani Consulate in Vancouver hosted an exclusive B2B networking session. This tech & business session was led by Mr. Meer Anwar, CEO of PixelPaddle (also Director of the Pakistan Canada Trade Association), who delivered a detailed orientation for the international delegation. His presentation not only provided insights into the Canadian market landscape but also introduced a range of technology partners to foster potential collaborations between Pakistan and Canada. Recognition and Impact The session proved to be a milestone in strengthening bilateral ties. The initiative was widely appreciated, with participants recommending that such B2B engagements be institutionalized as regular events to bridge the gap between the two countries. Mr. Anwar’s efforts received strong recognition—not only from the local Canadian industries who valued the knowledge exchange—but also from the Government of Pakistan. The Federal IT Department, Ignite, publicly acknowledged his contribution and highlighted the event on their official social media platforms, showcasing the global impact of such collaborative efforts. PixelPaddle’s Role and Core Values At the heart of this initiative lies PixelPaddle, a company deeply rooted in Canada’s vibrant innovation ecosystem. While PixelPaddle continues to focus on developing and scaling its immersive technology solutions, its vision extends beyond business growth. True to its core values, the company is committed to:
Startup-support to Black Entrepreneurs & Businesses of Canada Society (BEBC) Competition, Vancouver
Priviliage to witness something powerful in Canada’s innovation ecosystem, this past weekend. The #BlackPitchContest, led by the Black Entrepreneurs & Businesses of Canada Society (BEBC) in collaboration with the Black Opportunity Fund, brought together high-potential founders solving real problems with real solutions. 🚀Under the strong leadership of Craig Wellington, Jackee Kasandy, and their exceptional team, this wasn’t just another pitch event—it was a masterclass in purpose-driven entrepreneurship. The energy, clarity of vision, and traction these founders showcased was impressive.What stood out? Every pitch focused on community impact, scalable solutions, and underserved market opportunities.🚀 Top Winners:Tony Colley – #Be12Give: Tackling food insecurity and waste with a tech-enabled, same-day food rescue platform (PixelPaddle and Creatrixe mentored Startup for Tech Development)@Alleen Agada – #BeBlended: A vertical SaaS platform unlocking growth for underrepresented hairstylists.@Mohamed Ali & Omnya El Massad – MoroApp: Transforming non-verbal patient care through a caregiver-facing healthtech app. 🎯 Other founders making enchanting noise in the space:Yann-Sibril Saah – Graspr AI: EdTech meets AI for hyper-personalized student learning – Amazing use of AI for youth.Olaseni Cole – Steminai: Gamified, personalized learning experiences for kids and teens.Daniel Lewis – PEKOE: Building global tea culture while steeping social good into every cup.Evans Osei – Work and Chill: AR-powered employee engagement that redefines workplace culture.Christopher Frazer – Now Organic Farms: Driving circular economy models for local food systems.Royan Thomas – Pro Era Plumbing: Reskilling and training the next gen of trades through a startup lens. Though the ideas are early-stage, but the vision, traction, and founder-market fit were crystal clear.Grateful to the ecosystem enablers who made this event possible:Gajan Kulasingam, CFA, CPA, CA, (#BOF Capital), Hosna R. Kadary #BMO, Myriam FRANCISQUE, LLM (#EDC), #NRF, #SnowBall, #Futurpreneur, #Volition, #LeagueofInnovators, #BRKCapital, #Aires — thank you for backing innovation with purpose. And deep respect to the mentors who shaped founder journeys behind the scenes:Paul Brassard, Melanie Ewan, Michael Moll, Jackee Kasandy — your guidance & mentorship really made the difference. At #PixelPaddle, we are proud to stand behind the next generation of entrepreneurs. As a Canadian tech company, we are committed to providing meaningful technological support and strategic collaboration to help emerging founders scale locally—while equipping them to compete in global markets.Our approach is rooted in a “Canada First, Global Always” mindset: nurturing homegrown innovation while enabling global impact.
Navigating Tech Careers: From Academia to Industry and Entrepreneurship – UFV Tech Industry Panel 2025
On March 13, 2025, the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) School of Computing successfully hosted its much-anticipated annual Tech Industry Panel, bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to share their experiences and insights with students and the broader tech community. The theme for this year’s panel was “Navigating Tech Careers – From Academia to Industry and Entrepreneurship,” offering participants a rich dialogue on how to thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape. The initiative to organize this impactful panel was driven with support from Mr. Meer Anwar, CEO of PixelPaddle and Advisory Board Member at UFV. Recognizing the importance of bridging the gap between academia and the real-world demands of the technology sector, Mr. Anwar worked closely with UFV to constitute a diverse and dynamic panel of experts. Leveraging his industry network, he reached out to thought leaders across various domains, ensuring students and participants could benefit from a well-rounded discussion spanning entrepreneurship, corporate careers, innovation, and community-building. The Panelists: Leaders Who Inspire The 2025 Tech Industry Panel featured a distinguished lineup of voices, each bringing unique experiences and perspectives: Key Insights and Takeaways The conversation delved into critical themes that resonated with students, researchers, and aspiring founders alike: Impact on Students and the Community The event was more than just a panel—it was a learning and networking experience for UFV students and participants from the community. Attendees left with a clearer understanding of how to align their academic pursuits with industry expectations, how to prepare for diverse career pathways, and how to explore entrepreneurship with confidence. Looking Ahead The success of the 2025 Tech Industry Panel reflects UFV’s commitment to fostering innovation, mentorship, and career readiness among its students. Industry Chair Dr. Faisal Naeem added whilst thanking Board Member Mr. Meer Anwar, “With the continued support of Advisory Board members like Mr. Meer Anwar and the participation of leading industry voices, UFV is shaping a learning environment where academic knowledge seamlessly connects with industry relevance.“ This event stands as a testament to the power of collaboration—between academia, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs—to guide students on their journey from the classroom to boardrooms, startups, and beyond.
Strengthening the Startup Ecosystem: Building Local, Scaling Global
At PixelPaddle, strengthening the startup ecosystem through mentorship and job creation has always been a priority. Our commitment goes beyond building our own company, we are equally dedicated to empowering fellow entrepreneurs and contributing to the local economic development strategy. While leading PixelPaddle’s own growth journey, CEO Meer Anwar has been actively mentoring other founders, helping them refine technology frameworks, go-to-market strategies, and sustainable growth practices. This hands-on support ensures that startups not only innovate but also build resilient businesses capable of scaling globally. One such example is Recyclorobo.ai, a cleantech startup tackling critical challenges in sustainability. Under Meer’s guidance, not only that PixelPaddle was among the top 10 startups in the GITEX Vancouver event, but also he helped the Recyclorobo team enhanced their pitch deck, business model, and growth strategy, while also strengthening their pitching skills. This mentorship played a pivotal role in their success at the GITEX Vancouver Pitch Competition arrange by Canada Startup Association, where Recyclorobo.ai secured a winning spot and advanced to represent British Columbia on the international stage in Berlin. This achievement is more than just a milestone for one startup—it reflects the broader vision of “Build Local, Scale Global.” It demonstrates how local innovation, when nurtured with the right mentorship and frameworks, can shine on international platforms and open doors to global opportunities. PixelPaddle remains committed to this mission: fostering collaboration, building sustainable business pathways, and enabling Canadian startups to not only thrive at home but also make their mark on the global canvas.