North Vancouver tech firms receive $1.2M in federal tariff-response funding
Accelovant and Jastram Engineering are among 24 B.C. companies getting federal money to expand into new markets as trade uncertainty continues.
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Two North Vancouver technology companies are receiving more than $1.2 million in federal funding aimed at helping businesses deal with trade disruptions and expand globally.
Accelovant is receiving $990,000 through the federal government's Regional Tariff Response Initiative, while Jastram Engineering is receiving $225,000. The funding was announced August 10 by Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, who also leads Pacific Economic Development Canada.
Accelovant uses patented technology to manufacture fibre-optic temperature sensors critical to semiconductor chip production. Those chips power artificial intelligence data centres — massive racks of computing power that represent a shift from relatively low-power systems. Traditional sensors generate too much electromagnetic energy in those environments, making Accelovant's specialized sensors valuable in a global market worth more than a billion dollars.
CEO and founder Michael Goldstein said the company currently derives about one-third of revenue from North America, with the other two-thirds coming from international markets. The funding will help expand into emerging data centre markets in Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Jastram Engineering manufactures steering and control systems for commercial, recreational and defence vessels. The company has supplied rudder and steering systems to North Vancouver's Seaspan Shipyards, which is building Canada's joint support ships and polar icebreaker for the federal national shipbuilding program — including a contract worth about $3.7 million in 2018. Jastram will use its funding to purchase advanced equipment, train staff, and improve manufacturing efficiency to expand into new Canadian and international markets.
The two firms are part of a broader group of 24 B.C. businesses receiving funding through the initiative. The federal government says the money is intended to help B.C. improve productivity and find new markets as global trade uncertainty persists.
The facts
How much federal funding did Accelovant and Jastram Engineering receive?
Accelovant received $990,000 and Jastram Engineering received $225,000 through the federal government's Regional Tariff Response Initiative, announced on August 10, 2026.
What does Accelovant manufacture?
Accelovant manufactures fibre-optic temperature sensors using patented technology. These sensors are critical to semiconductor chip production, particularly in artificial intelligence data centres, and operate in a global market worth more than a billion dollars.
What does Jastram Engineering make?
Jastram Engineering manufactures steering and control systems for commercial, recreational, and defence vessels, including rudder and steering systems supplied to North Vancouver's Seaspan Shipyards.
How many B.C. companies received funding through this initiative?
Twenty-four B.C. businesses received federal funding through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative to improve productivity and expand into new markets amid global trade uncertainty.
