ExpoPlaza Latina 2025: Connecting Ecosystems and Inspiring Cross-Border Innovation
ExpoPlaza Latina 2025 returned to the Vancouver Convention Centre on November 21, bringing together leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across Canada, the United States, and Latin America. The event served as a powerful platform for dialogue on the future of work, innovation, and the collaborative role interconnected economies play in shaping global progress. Representing PixelPaddle, CEO Meer Anwar attended the conference and engaged in in-depth discussions centered on AI adoption, mentorship in technology, immigrant workforce development, and the evolving economic landscape across British Columbia. Unlocking Capital & Market Access for Emerging Entrepreneurs One of the standout sessions was “Unlocking Capital & Market Access for Emerging Entrepreneurs,” moderated by respected mentor and ecosystem leader Paul Brassard. The discussion addressed persistent challenges faced by emerging and underrepresented founders, with expert insights including: During the event, Meer Anwar had a meaningful discussion with Mina Haghighi about the critical role of mentorship in the tech sector and how ecosystem partners can accelerate economic growth by supporting early-stage founders. He also engaged with Adnan Sarwar, whose insights on BC’s labour market outlook for the next decade align closely with Canada’s long-term innovation and skills strategy. Bridging Policy and Practice for a Future-Ready Workforce Another key highlight for PixelPaddle was the session “Bridging Policy and Practice: Strategies for a Future-Ready Workforce.”The panel offered actionable perspectives for employers and entrepreneurs navigating Canada’s changing labour landscape: These conversations highlighted important themes such as AI adoption, employer needs, career mobility, newcomer integration, and efforts required to strengthen Canada’s future-ready talent ecosystem. Dual Tracks: GoExpand & SheLatina ExpoPlaza Latina offered two robust parallel tracks, GoExpand and SheLatina, each featuring thought-provoking sessions and remarkable speakers. Both tracks delivered high-impact content, providing entrepreneurs with invaluable knowledge on scaling businesses, embracing innovation, and leveraging diverse networks. Meer also got the chance to had a discussion with Heather Bell, about the role of skilled immigrants and they have contributing towards economic development and what measure can be suggested to avoid the brain-drain and retention of talent within the ecosystem. These conversations highlighted important themes such as AI adoption, employer needs, career mobility, newcomer integration, and efforts required to strengthen Canada’s future-ready talent ecosystem. An Event Driving Collective Impact From ecosystem insights to workforce strategies, this year’s ExpoPlaza Latina reinforced the importance of collaborative innovation. PixelPaddle acknowledges the organizers, sponsors, speakers, and contributors who made this gathering impactful. Events like these strengthen global networks, empower entrepreneurs, and foster inclusive economic growth across borders. PixelPaddle remains committed to contributing to these ongoing conversations and building meaningful partnerships that support AI adoption, mentorship, and innovation-driven economic development in Canada and beyond.
PixelPaddle at the 8th Metropolis Identities Summit 2025 – Advancing Employer-Led Workforce Solutions
Strengthening Canada’s Workforce Through Inclusive, Employer-Led Solutions Canada continues to navigate unprecedented global challenges that are reshaping both economic conditions and social dynamics. These shifts have brought new urgency to national conversations around migration, unity, diversity, and collective identity. As economic transformations intersect with mobility and settlement patterns, the country faces important questions about how to sustain cohesion while honouring its commitments to Indigenous reconciliation and official language communities. Against this backdrop, the city of #Saskatoon hosted the 8th edition of the Metropolis Identities Summit 2025 (29 – 30 Oct, 2025) under the theme: Reaffirming Canada: Confronting Challenges to Our Unity, Diversity, and Identities. During the Summit, IEC-BC delivered an interactive session titled “Supporting Employer-Led Solutions for Attracting and Retaining Immigrant Talent in Small Centres and Rural Communities.” This session explored the realities facing employers across smaller and rural communities as they work to attract, hire, and retain newcomer talent—an essential component of Canada’s economic future. The presentation drew on insights from IEC-BC’s Employer Navigator Pilot, developed in partnership with World Education Services (WES), as well as findings from regional employer feedback forums. Discussions examined what is currently working for employers, what barriers persist, and what support is required to build sustainable and responsive newcomer workforce strategies. One participating employer summarized the value clearly:“A personalized service like Employer Navigator is incredibly helpful. There’s so much information out there, but having tailored guidance makes all the difference.” IEC-BC extended a special thank you to employer speakers Meer Anwar (CEO, PixelPaddle Solutions Inc.) and Ron Sun, MBA, CPA, CMA for sharing practical insights and lived industry experience. Appreciation was also extended to the Metropolis Institute for hosting this significant national platform for dialogue and collaboration. The insights gathered will help inform future tools and policy recommendations aimed at strengthening newcomer attraction and retention in smaller communities across Canada. The session reaffirmed the importance of innovation, community partnership, and employer involvement in creating inclusive and resilient local economies. Insights From PixelPaddle CEO, Meer Anwar Representing PixelPaddle, CEO Meer Anwar shared perspectives from the viewpoint of a local tech employer and small business leader. Speaking during a fireside conversation with Ron Sun, moderated by Elham Ershad, CPHR, CDP; Meer emphasized the importance of employer-driven workforce solutions and the growing need for equitable and accessible pathways for immigrant talent. The conversation explored several critical themes, including: • Employer-led talent strategies• AI upskilling and digital capability development• Recognition of foreign credentials and equitable hiring• Inclusive workforce participation and long-term retention Meer highlighted that emerging technology companies like PixelPaddle play a vital role in shaping Canada’s future labour market. Through innovation in technologies like AI, AR/VR, and digital engagement platforms, PixelPaddle contributes to employer readiness, industry mentorship, and practical workforce integration, as well as offering newcomers opportunities to gain cutting-edge experience in globally relevant technologies. He also stressed the importance of collaboration across organizations such as IEC-BC, WES, and national partners. These partnerships are essential for creating systems that support both employers and job seekers while strengthening the economic and social fabric of Canadian communities. PixelPaddle extends sincere gratitude to the Metropolis Institute, IEC-BC, World Education Services, and all participating partners for fostering meaningful dialogue that moves Canada closer to a more connected, inclusive, and future-ready society.
PixelPaddle Demo during Asia Cup 2025 Final Screening: When Cricket, Community & the Metaverse Came Together in Surrey, BC
Cricket matches between Pakistan and India have long been known as the “Mother of All Games”—a title earned not just for the rivalry, but for the emotions, theatrics, and collective heart rates that come with it. And on September 28, 2025, the Asia Cup Final delivered exactly that energy… and maybe even a little more for those watching in Surrey, BC. While millions worldwide tuned in, a passionate group of cricket enthusiasts hosted a special viewing event at a local Surrey restaurant. The excitement was high, the chai was hot, and the nerves—well, let’s just say they were very real. But this time, something new joined the experience. PixelPaddle partnered with the organizers to bring a Virtual Reality cricket segment to the event, turning a simple match screening into a fully immersive celebration of sport and tech. The Pixel Cricket Stadium—vibrant, lively, and nearly indistinguishable from a real-world arena—lit up the digital screens as people swung virtual bats, hit imaginary sixes, and momentarily forgot that their actual team was… struggling a little on the field. When the Virtual Sixes Fly Higher Than the Real Ones Let’s be honest—the day wasn’t the happiest for Pakistani fans. The national team put up a fight but ultimately fell short in the final. But leave it to cricket fans to turn disappointment into entertainment. In the VR segment, Pakistanis finally got the cathartic release they needed—launching sixes so massive that even the virtual ball trackers needed a breather. One fan joked, “If only the real team could bat like I do in VR, we’d have lifted the trophy twice today.” VR therapy? Maybe. But highly effective? Absolutely. A Glimpse Into the Future: NFTs, Prizes & Play-to-Earn Cricket Beyond the cheering, laughter, and post-match banter, the event became a surprising discovery moment for many. When attendees learned about PixelPaddle’s upcoming NFT-powered rewards system, curiosity quickly turned into excitement. Fans were thrilled to hear that future updates will include: 🎖️ 1. NFT Minting for In-Game Achievements Big six? Mint it. Match-winning over? Mint it. A stylish cover drive that even Babar Azam would approve? Definitely mint it.Players will soon be able to turn iconic VR cricket moments into collectible digital assets. 🎁 2. Digital Prizes & Unlockable In-App Rewards Every play session has the potential to unlock exclusive items—limited-edition bats, stadium themes, player skins, and more. 🏆 3. Play-to-Earn Tournaments Community tournaments where performance in VR can earn real digital rewards (and bragging rights that last forever). 📱 4. Seamless Multi-Platform Integration With many attendees downloading the iOS and Android apps during the event, PixelPaddle collected valuable first-hand feedback. This input is now shaping the next major release—improving gameplay, environments, and performance. Community, Cricket & Creativity—A Win Regardless of the Score Even though the Asia Cup trophy went elsewhere that night, the event in Surrey was nothing short of a victory—for cricket lovers, technology enthusiasts, and the community that came together to celebrate the sport they adore. PixelPaddle was proud to be part of this meaningful gathering, helping fans experience cricket in a whole new dimension. As the platform evolves with new features like NFT minting and enhanced gameplay, one thing is clear: Cricket is no longer just watched. It’s experienced. It’s lived. And now, it’s collected. Stay tuned—more exciting innings are on the way.
PixelPaddle supports the vision: Building Local, Scaling Global
Pakistan Canada Trade Association envisaging to bridge the gap between local businesses and international markets The Pakistan Western Canada Trade Association has officially rebranded as the Pakistan Canada Trade Association (PCTA)—a transformation that reflects its expanded national presence and its strengthened mission to support companies across Canada. PCTA now operates with a Canada-wide mandate to help local businesses grow beyond borders through export development, technology collaboration, and bilateral engagement with Pakistan in particular and global markets in general. With a vision to “Build Local – Scale Global,” PCTA is actively empowering companies across diverse sectors including Technology, Education, Lumber, Green Tech, Financial Services, Tourism, and more. The goal is simple yet ambitious: enable Canadian companies to access Pakistan’s fast-growing market and jointly explore global export opportunities. A Collaborative Ecosystem Spanning Both Countries PCTA’s strength lies in its ecosystem of aligned partners and institutions working seamlessly across borders. Within Canada, the Consulate General of Pakistan in Vancouver and Toronto, as well as the High Commission in Ottawa, are closely engaged with PCTA’s mission. On the Pakistan side, major national bodies such as FPCCI, SIFC, and relevant ministries and sectoral departments are actively supporting this collaborative effort. Together, they have cultivated a unique sector-specific committee structure, bringing together domain experts, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators from both countries. These committees—entirely volunteer-driven—serve as the backbone of PCTA’s work, bridging market gaps and fostering meaningful trade, investment, and technology opportunities.] Growing the Business Community—One Connection at a Time PCTA hosts monthly meetups and networking forums, creating a dynamic space where Canadian and Pakistani professionals can connect, collaborate, and cultivate new ideas. These sessions bring together stakeholders from the private and public sectors, policymakers, and members of the diaspora—all united by a shared commitment to expanding bilateral trade. Through this growing community, businesses gain exposure to new markets, learn from cross-border expertise, and develop partnerships that support long-term economic growth. PCTA and PixelPaddle at the Vancouver Web Summit 2026 As the tech world prepares for the Vancouver Web Summit 2026, PCTA, Consulate and Ambassador offices are gearing up to welcome incoming delegates from Pakistan and across the global in the Technology, AR/VR, Blockchain, and AI sectors. PixelPaddle, an active PCTA member, is excited to support this delegation by facilitating introductions, enabling B2B meetings, and creating collaboration opportunities with Canadian tech companies. From technology transfer to joint ventures and research partnerships, the goal is to foster an environment where ideas, insights, and innovations flow freely between both markets. Through the Summit—and through pre-conference B2B engagements—PCTA aims to spark meaningful discussions that translate into long-term commercial outcomes. Strengthening the Future of Canada–Pakistan Collaboration The rebranding of PCTA marks a new chapter—one focused on creating deeper, wider, and more impactful connections. With dedicated committees, strong institutional support, and an engaged community, PCTA is well-positioned to shape the future of trade, technology exchange, and economic partnership between Pakistan and Canada. Together, we build local. Together, we scale global.
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 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.
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.
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.