Two British Columbia tech companies identified as potential national security threats – BC News

The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Industry has made a bold move by ordering the closure of two B.C. based technology companies, one of which specializes in drones with potential military applications. Bluvec Technologies Inc. and Pegauni Technology Inc. have been directed to dissolve following a national security review.

In a statement released by Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, he emphasized that the government’s decisions were based on concrete evidence and advice from Canada’s security and intelligence community. He further stated, “While Canada continues to welcome foreign direct investment, we will act decisively when investments threaten our national security.”

Bluvec, located in Burnaby, is known for its drone detection system, which has raised concerns due to its military implications. Interestingly, Bluvec was embroiled in a legal battle with another Burnaby-based drone detection company, Skycope Technologies, for allegedly stealing proprietary source code.

The court documents revealed that the founders of Bluvec and Skycope were former colleagues at a cybersecurity firm in China. The lawsuit identified key individuals involved in the dispute, shedding light on the intricate web of connections within the tech industry.

Bluvec and two of its principals were ordered to pay a hefty sum for breaching employment agreements with Skycope, further adding to the drama surrounding the closure of these tech companies. As the controversy unfolds, the future of B.C.’s tech landscape remains uncertain.