Crossing the ocean: How to win in the Indo-Pacific

Unlocking the Indo-Pacific: Canada and Australia’s Strategic Tech Bridge

The Web Summit Vancouver 2026 panel, “Crossing the ocean: How to win in the Indo-Pacific,” explored vast opportunities. Consul & Senior Trade Commissioner David Tsui moderated, introducing Consul-General Shelley Jackson (Australia), Co-Founder & Managing Director Ivy Li (iOmniscient), and Global Head of Government Solutions Maaz Yasin (BlackBerry). The discussion highlighted the region’s strategic importance for middle powers.

The Canada-Australia relationship is strengthened, extending into tech, noted Consul & Senior Trade Commissioner Tsui. Consul-General Jackson emphasized shared characteristics: vastness, multiculturalism, and sophisticated markets. A $240 billion two-way investment partnership makes it ideal for tech companies to bridge the Pacific, leveraging trusted innovation ecosystems.

Australia actively promotes AI through a national plan and accelerator, boasting many unicorns per capita. This vibrant market provides a strong foundation and springboard for companies expanding into the broader Indo-Pacific region. Both nations offer robust environments for innovation and significant tech commitments.

Co-Founder & Managing Director Ivy Li shared iOmniscient’s 25-year journey in multi-sensory AI. Starting with Australian Defense Research Lab technology, they commercialized their first solution in three years, selling to UK police. iOmniscient has since deployed systems in 75 smart cities across 70 countries, accumulating over 300 AI use cases.

Global Head of Government Solutions Maaz Yasin detailed BlackBerry’s transformation. No longer making smartphones, BlackBerry now specializes in mission-critical software and secure communications. Its operating systems power over 275 million non-Tesla electric vehicles globally. BlackBerry also provides secure communication platforms to G7, Five Eyes, and G20 governments.

Mr. Yasin described the Indo-Pacific as a rapidly expanding region, influenced by geopolitics. He noted a heightened focus on digital sovereignty and dual-use technologies, particularly in ASEAN and North Pacific nations. These trends create substantial opportunities for companies like BlackBerry, fostering industrial and B2G collaborations.

Consul & Senior Trade Commissioner Tsui advised Canadian companies to view Australia as a valuable market and a strategic entry point into Asia. He noted operational similarities, simplifying market entry, though a local presence is eventually crucial. Australian consumers are eager to invest in tech solutions to boost productivity.

The panel concluded with key advice: embrace international expansion, utilizing government resources like trade commissioners. Maintain a “startup hustle” to remain competitive and avoid obsolescence. Articulate solutions in customer-centric language, prioritizing disruptive, user-friendly innovations. Embed an international mindset from inception for global growth.