Housing Growth Innovation Lab
Harnessing data-driven digital innovation to help grow B.C.’s housing production capacity.
What's new this MarchPaving the way for solutions with mission-driven innovation
Addressing the housing supply chain requires a multifaceted approach, as no single solution can resolve the challenges in scaling housing production. The Housing Growth Innovation (HGI) Program contributes by supporting efforts to develop smarter, faster, and more sustainable homes. This initiative is driven by a clear, results-oriented mission: deploy technology, unite industry leaders, and scale sustainable housing that meets today’s needs while building for the future. The goal is to increase housing production, leverage advanced technology, equip and expand the workforce, stimulate local economies, and maintain affordability and sustainability. Housing transformation begins here.
B.C.’s housing crisis is complex, and we’re tackling it head-on. Mission-Driven Innovation (MDI) is our blueprint for real change—a DIGITAL-specific framework designed to address large societal challenges like housing. By fostering collaboration and innovation across the industry, MDI helps create scalable, impactful solutions. Uniting industries, communities, and leaders, MDI uses cutting-edge technology and strategic partnerships to drive smarter, faster, and more sustainable housing. The objective is clear: ensure every community in B.C. has the tools to build the housing it needs.
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BLUEPRINT FOR GROWTH: INNOVATION IN HOUSING PODCAST
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EPISODE 1
Building the Future: How Innovation and Collaboration Are Reshaping Housing
In our first episode, we dive into British Columbia’s housing crisis and the urgent need for creative solutions and collaboration. We discuss the challenges facing the housing sector, the impact of public-private partnerships and ways we can encourage innovation. The DASH initiative– that’s Digitally Accelerated Standardized Housing – serves as a prime example of how teamwork can drive progress. It also highlights the crucial role of education and workforce development in construction. Wrapping up, we take a look at the future of housing in B.C., with a focus on digital technologies and prefab construction.
Available on all streaming networks.
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EPISODE 2
Rethinking Housing: Changes in Planning, Feasibility and Investment
In this episode of Blueprint for Growth, we dive into how technology is reshaping housing development. We explore the power of generative design in architecture, showing how AI can simplify planning and improve compliance. We also take a look at addy and their innovative platform, one that makes real estate investment more accessible to everyone. Throughout the discussion, we highlight the impact of community collaboration and the role of technology in expanding housing opportunities, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Available on all streaming networks.
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EPISODE 3
Tech-Driven Design: Revolutionizing Engineering and Housing Development
In this episode of Blueprint for Growth, we take a deep dive into the challenges of housing development, with a focus on design and engineering. From navigating regulations to fostering collaboration among key players, we break down the obstacles that shape this crucial phase. We also explore innovative building methods like mass timber and modular construction, highlighting their potential to make housing more sustainable and efficient. Plus, we discuss how empowering homeowners is playing a bigger role in increasing density and expanding middle housing options.
Available on all streaming networks.
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EPISODE 4
The Future of Housing: Innovations in Pre-Construction and Fabrication
In this episode of Blueprint for Growth, we dive into how technology is reshaping housing development. We explore the power of generative design in architecture, showing how AI can simplify planning and improve compliance. We also take a look at addy and their innovative platform, one that makes real estate investment more accessible to everyone. Throughout the discussion, we highlight the impact of community collaboration and the role of technology in expanding housing opportunities, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Available on all streaming networks.
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EPISODE 5
Revolutionizing Construction: New Approaches to Building the Future
In this episode, we explore the challenges and innovations in the construction phase of housing development. We focus on solutions like offsite construction, AI technologies and sustainable practices. We look at key industry hurdles such as labor shortages and regulatory delays, while stressing the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders to speed up housing production across Canada.
Available on all streaming networks.
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EPISODE 6
Canada Leading the Way: Innovating for a Sustainable and Resilient Housing Future
We look at the future of housing innovation in Canada, with a focus on how technology—especially AI and digital solutions—can help tackle the housing crisis. Experts Brey Tucker and Tony Yang break down the evolution of construction practices, the challenges posed by workforce skill gaps, and the game-changing potential of digital twins and BIM. They also highlight the need for stronger collaboration between academia and industry to drive innovation and boost housing production.
Available on all streaming networks.
Introducing DIGITAL
In a time when innovative housing solutions are essential, our deploy and scale strategy ensures bold ideas translate into real-world impact. But how do we ensure these innovations make an impact across industries and communities? By combining commercialization, IP development and knowledge transfer, we contribute to solutions that can extend beyond B.C.
DIGITAL unites academia, businesses, community leaders and government agencies to confront housing’s biggest challenges. Our collaborative model—focused on Canadian IP creation and results-driven co-investment—unlocks the potential for Canadian industries to lead in the digital age.
Housing Growth Innovation Program
Our Housing Growth Innovation (HGI) Program is designed to contribute to accelerating housing production in B.C. by focusing on three strategic areas. These priorities drive collaboration, experimentation, and innovative construction methods, all aimed at increasing housing production and boosting B.C.’s economy.
The program is structured around three key components:
- Housing Growth Innovation Lab: This lab is the engine of innovation, bringing together stakeholders from various sectors to foster open collaboration and experimentation. It shapes new ideas and approaches that redefine housing development.
- Innovation Design Workshops: These workshops take bold ideas and turn them into practical solutions. By facilitating collaboration and problem-solving, they ensure that innovation translates into real-world benefits for every region in B.C.
- Mission Innovation Projects: This project portfolio focuses on advancing housing design, production, and construction. By testing new methods and exploring innovative solutions, these projects aim to address barriers that slow housing production.
Mapping End-to-End Housing Production
Building homes isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. Achieving our housing goals demands more than good intentions—it requires a well-defined strategy that addresses every phase of production. By mapping out the entire journey, we can identify systemic improvements, prioritize critical projects, and allocate resources with precision.
Our End-to-End Housing Production Framework addresses this need. Developed in collaboration with industry leaders, it offers a standardized approach that simplifies the complex housing landscape, from single-family homes to high-rises. It fosters clear communication and collaboration across the board.
Download FrameworkShowcasing Our Mission Innovation Projects
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Hybrid Building Systems Design Tool
Developing a free pre-design tool to streamline and innovate hybrid construction.
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Accelerating Rental Housing Development for Health Service Workers
Fast-tracking rental housing for essential workers in their communities.
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Digitally Manufactured Cold-Formed Steel Studs & PreFab Wall Panels
Integrating digital manufacturing for labeled steel studs & prefab wall panels.
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Prefabricated Timber Housing Systems
Providing a scalable solution to effectively address persistent housing supply challenges.
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Scaling Middle Housing in Kelowna, B.C.
Unlocking multi-unit potential and de-risking rental development on single-family lots.
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Digital Knowledge Transfer to Accelerate Offsite Construction
Bridging the knowledge gap with industry-driven digital education for wood panelized offsite construction.
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Understanding Municipal Digital Readiness for Streamlining Housing Permits
Bringing clarity to the digital permitting processes and technologies used by B.C. municipalities.
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Revolutionizing Housing Design & Approval: 3D Generative Design for Master Planning
Combining technological innovation with a Nation-led approach to master community planning.
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Mass Timber Home Kits
Providing a low-cost, high-performance timber alternative to the housing construction market.
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BuildBlox: A Modular Housing Construction Supply Chain Solution
Enhancing operational efficiency and increasing supply chain transparency within the housing sector.
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Smart Inspections Digital Assistant (InspectorAI)
Modernizing building inspections with AI to boost efficiency and compliance.
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Learning and Connecting for Housing Innovation
Want to host a workshop, showcase your work or contribute? We invite leaders and innovators to submit their ideas to grow.housing@digitalsupercluster.ca.
Workshops & Events
DIGITAL is hosting its second Housing Growth Innovation Workshop, Breaking Silos: The Building Code & Digital Integration. Building on the success of our first AI-Powered Housing Innovation Workshop in May 2024, we’re excited to host our second event in 2025!
Event Details:
Date & Time: April 11, 2025 | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM PST
Location: Microsoft Vancouver
Registration: Register early – tickets are limited!
Our Innovation Design Workshops bring together dynamic, cross-sector participants to rethink traditional approaches and explore new solutions. Each workshop is designed to address real challenges in the housing sector through hands-on collaboration and creative problem-solving. Launched in May 2024, these workshops challenge the status quo, bringing practical solutions to the table and fostering an ecosystem where every organization involved can learn, grow, and collaborate for the future of housing in B.C.
Key Highlights of our workshops:
- Diverse Participation
- AI-Powered Innovation
- Leadership Insight
- Expanding Networks
- Shared Learnings
- Building Momentum
Research & Insights
Browse reports, white papers and case studies covering best practices and industry trends in housing innovation, designed to equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the rapidly evolving housing landscape and drive your projects toward success.
Feature of the Month:
- Don’t miss DIGITAL’s second Housing Growth Innovation Workshop, Breaking Silos: The Building Code & Digital Integration.
Funding Opportunities & Announcements
Keep up-to-date with the latest funding calls and innovation challenges aimed at supporting housing innovation.
Our program has successfully closed 2 cohorts of our Mission Innovation Projects. The cohorts drive key phases in our strategy, each pushing forward progress to transform the housing industry. Each cohort is a focused initiative, advancing different aspects of housing production, technology adoption and workforce development. These phases are designed to build on one another, driving incremental progress while addressing critical challenges in the housing sector. Stay tuned for our next call for proposals for Cohort 3.
Join our LinkedIn Group
Engage with a growing community of innovators and experts via our LinkedIn group. Discuss key challenges, share best practices and collaborate on new ideas in B.C.’s housing sector.