Surrey is quickly emerging as a thriving hub for tech startups, especially in the rapidly evolving fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), data analytics and advanced software solutions.
Once seen primarily as a growing residential and commercial region, Surrey has transformed into a hot spot for innovation — attracting tech entrepreneurs, investors, and talent from across Canada and beyond.
Several factors have contributed to this shift. Surrey’s strategic location, just south of Vancouver, offers proximity to a major tech hub while maintaining affordable operational costs compared to downtown Vancouver. This cost advantage, coupled with pro-business policies, has encouraged tech startups to set up shop in Surrey.
Entrepreneurs have been at the forefront of Surrey’s economic transformation, particularly in sectors like technology, logistics, healthcare, and AI innovation. Many startups in Surrey are either founded, led or heavily staffed by tech talent, who bring with them a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a global outlook, shaped by cross-border business connections and strong community networks.
Surrey’s local government has recognized the potential of tech startups to drive economic growth. Initiatives like the Surrey Innovation Boulevard have fostered partnerships between tech companies, researchers, healthcare providers, and government agencies, creating a collaborative environment for tech advancement. Programs such as Startup Surrey and TechConnect further offer mentoring, funding advice, and networking platforms to local entrepreneurs.
As Surrey’s innovation infrastructure continues to grow, it’s well on its way to becoming a regional tech powerhouse. With strong support from local government, educational institutions and private investors, Surrey’s tech and AI ecosystem will likely attract even more ambitious startups, making it a cornerstone of Canada’s innovation economy.
Surrey is no longer just a growing city — it’s a growing tech destination, and for startups aiming to shape the future with AI and emerging technologies, Surrey is a place to watch.
Source: ThoughtsWin Systems, thoughtswinsystems.com.
SPOTLIGHT ON SURREY'S HIGH-TECH HUB
The new Surrey Technology and Skills Centre, which opened in June 2024, is designed to make Surrey a technology destination for innovative businesses from around the world.
It’s a partnership of the Surrey Board of Trade and Western Community College.
The centre will incubate the Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, Blockchain Centre of Excellence, Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre, entrepreneurship hubs for women, youth and newcomers, plus the expansion of Surrey International Trade Centre and Surrey Workforce Development Hub.
It’s in the City Centre 2 building on 137A Street, just east of 96 Avenue.
For office and event space lease and rentals, visit businessinsurrey.com for more information.
This content is part of the Surrey Economic Development 2025 magazine, produced by Surrey Now-Leader, the Surrey Board of Trade and the South Surrey & White Rock Chamber of Commerce. You can find the full e-edition here.
