By Jenny Holly Hansen | WBN News | May 5, 2025

Abbotsford might be known for its fertile farmland and strong manufacturing base, but a quiet transformation is taking place—one powered by innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital connectivity. In recent years, the city has been steadily cultivating a tech ecosystem that blends local values with global vision, making it an increasingly attractive hub for startups, scale-ups, and established tech firms alike.

A City on the Rise

Located just an hour from Vancouver, Abbotsford is strategically positioned in the Fraser Valley with access to urban infrastructure, a growing population, and significantly lower overhead costs than its coastal counterparts. This cost advantage has opened doors for early-stage entrepreneurs looking to stretch their capital and build sustainable, long-term ventures.

Abbotsford’s growing economy is underpinned by its strong sectors—agriculture, logistics, advanced manufacturing, and education—all of which are increasingly reliant on technological solutions. That’s created fertile ground for tech companies solving real-world problems in automation, agri-tech, logistics software, and clean technologies.

The People Behind the Progress

What sets Abbotsford’s tech scene apart isn’t just affordability or location—it’s the people. The city is home to a dynamic community of founders, software developers, engineers, and business leaders who are passionate about building companies that serve real needs. Collaboration is a core strength here, as professionals, investors, and institutions rally behind a shared vision of inclusive, locally-rooted innovation.

University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) plays a key role in nurturing the next generation of talent. With programs in computing science, business, and information technology, UFV is helping bridge the gap between academia and industry. Many grads choose to stay local, contributing to a strong and growing tech talent pool.

Building the Infrastructure

Abbotsford is investing in the future with forward-thinking infrastructure that supports digital business. From high-speed broadband to co-working spaces and innovation labs, the city is aligning its physical and digital assets to meet the demands of modern entrepreneurs.

The newly approved commercial and industrial developments, including over 473,000 square feet of industrial space in 2024 alone, further signal that Abbotsford is open for innovation. These developments create room for tech-enabled logistics companies, AI-driven agriculture solutions, and green-tech manufacturers to take root.

Government and Community Support

Programs like the City of Abbotsford’s Economic Development office are actively working to attract tech investment and support local entrepreneurs. In partnership with organizations like the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, Small Business BC, and the BC Tech Association, local founders have access to mentorship, funding advice, and collaborative events.

Regional initiatives such as VanTec Angel Network, Startup Grind Fraser Valley, and Sumas First Nation’s growing focus on innovation also contribute to a culture of entrepreneurship and support for Indigenous and underrepresented founders.

Local Success Stories

Abbotsford is already home to several promising tech companies, from SaaS startups serving global customers to IT service firms scaling across Western Canada. Agri-tech innovators are particularly strong here—companies that leverage drones, AI, and data analytics to enhance productivity and sustainability in farming.

There’s also momentum in e-commerce and logistics tech, where local businesses are finding creative ways to streamline last-mile delivery, warehouse automation, and customer experience platforms tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises.

What’s Next?

As Abbotsford continues to grow, the tech ecosystem is poised to play an even greater role in shaping the city's economic identity. The ingredients are here: talent, affordability, infrastructure, and a deeply connected community. What’s needed now is visibility and continued investment in innovation-friendly policies and partnerships.

For founders looking to build resilient businesses, for investors seeking untapped opportunities, and for community members passionate about a prosperous, future-ready Abbotsford—the time to pay attention to the local tech sector is now.

Let’s Keep Talking:

Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance.

She is also a business development consultant with Impresario Partners, helping Canadian Business expand overseas.

She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jholly-hansen@wbnn.news. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/.  Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social

Let’s Meet Up:

Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4

TAGS:  #Jenny Holly Hansen #Abbotsford is Awesome #Abbotsford, A Tech Ecosystem #Locally-Rooted Innovation

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