Campbell River’s NexStream Tech Competition boils down to eight finalists

You might recognize some of the names still in the hunt.

AVA Byte creator Valerie Song is a contender in the NexStream Tech Competition

You might recognize some of the names still in the hunt

The NexStream Tech Competition has reached its Elite Eight moment.

The Campbell River contest, founded in 2019 to encourage solutions to challenges faced by the region’s industries, with a focus on clean, sustainable technology, has whittled down its 60-plus applicants to a group of eight.

“From the very beginning, we’ve been impressed with the calibre of teams participating—they’ve certainly set the bar very high,” Dana Kammersgard, angel investor and co-founder of the Campbell River Area Angel Group (CRAAG), said in a release. 

“These eight teams in particular hooked us with their innovative ideas and solid business plans. It’s been a privilege to watch them progress through the competition, and we’re looking forward to seeing how their projects evolve over the next few months.”

Close readers of BCBusiness will recognize finalists like 30 Under 30 winners Ania Wysocka of Rootd and AVA Technologies founder Valerie Song, as well as Women of the Year champ Julie Angus of Open Ocean Robotics.

There’s also Gordon Anderson of Calgary-based asthma innovator AazeinTx, Richmond’s Kim Lawrence of X-ray pioneer Ideon Technologies, Cassandra Hui and her Vancouver-based clinical trial app Heal Mary, John Barclay of Vancouver health tech firm ABOzymes Biomedical, and Jenn Zee and Colin Sullivan of Burnaby energy supplier MintGreen.

Over the next few months, finalists will complete the Rapid Prototyping phase and progress to Review & Demo Days before the judges choose the four winners. Up to $300,000 in total funding and services are up for grabs this year.

“NexStream is drawing international attention to Campbell River, and showcasing the culture of innovation, creativity and collaboration that thrives in our community,” said Mayor Andy Adams. “These teams are applying technology in ways that are relevant to industries and businesses here in Campbell River—and beyond.”