TOGETHER WITH

Welcome to this week’s Sunday Briefing. In this issue:

• Scholarship opportunities for women in STEM

• Shift will send one startup to NYC

• UVic Properties expansion begins

Now on to today’s briefing.

-Emily, [email protected] 

By the way, if you're not already subscribed, you can fix that here.

HiBoop launches mental health platform across Canada

As Mental Health Week gets underway in Canada, a Victoria-based startup is marking the moment with the launch of a new tool it hopes will help clinics better support patients—and reduce delays in getting care.

HiBoop, which develops mental health technology, is rolling out the beta version of its assessment platform to clinics and healthcare providers across the country. The platform allows patients to complete self-guided, evidence-based assessments before they see a clinician, and generates reports that help providers understand symptoms and potential comorbidities early on.

“Clinics saved time, clients felt heard, and the feedback was clear—we’re filling a gap in the system,” said HiBoop CEO Jason Morehouse. “This launch is about building on that momentum and getting the platform into the hands of more people who need it.”

The timing is notable. Canada continues to lag behind peer countries when it comes to access to mental health services. Long wait times, limited system capacity, and ongoing funding challenges have only become more acute in the post-pandemic era. Mental illness is estimated to cost the Canadian economy $51 billion annually.

Keep reading.

📰 More Victoria innovation news

👀 On the lookout, day in and day out: Applications for scholarships through Island Women in Science and Technology (iWIST), in partnership with Redbrick and Shift have opened. Women studying in STEM fields can apply until June 15.

🍎 Now you're in New York: Shift is also taking applications for its “Pay It Forward” program, which will see the winning startup light up New York City’s Times Square with a billboard feature in the Big Apple.

🚧 Build me up buttercup: Shovels are in the ground as construction on UVic Properties’ expansion project at the Vancouver Island Technology Park kicks off.

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Generalist Software Engineer at Electronic Arts

• Customer Experience Manager at First Light Technologies

• Electromechanical Support Specialist at Dometic

Hiring in Victoria? Reply to this email and let us know!

SPONSORED BY REED POPE

Reed Pope is a leading business law firm with longstanding ties to the Victoria tech sector, advising local start-ups, emerging companies, and investors on entity formation and structuring, financings, M&A transactions, and general corporate matters.

📅 Upcoming events

Tomorrow, May 12 | iWIST Casual Drinks

Join iWIST on the patio at Glo - your ticket includes one happy hour drink and tasty appies. Your special host for this evening is Zoe MacLeod. As head of Royal Roads University Professional and Continuing Studies, Zoe is also offering a prize of $500 towards any of the programs in her department.

May 13 | Business Leaders Luncheon: Hon. Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

Hear directly from the Honourable Diana Gibson about her ministry's mandate and the provincial government’s work to help businesses create good jobs and build a sustainable economy that will allow future British Columbians to thrive.

May 23 | How to Use Storytelling to Empower Your Ocean Project

Marketing and communications within the ocean industry require time, storytelling skills, and specialized expertise—resources that many ocean projects often struggle to access. Whether you're managing a collaborative ocean project, driving research, or building the latest ocean tech, this workshop will help you captivate funders, engage stakeholders, and ensure your project’s success through compelling and impactful narratives that capture the nuances of the ocean industry.

June 10 | TEDxVictoria 2025 | Ripples

TEDxVictoria brings together inspiring speakers, community organizations, businesses, and passionate individuals to share exceptional ideas that can transform into waves of global impact. Hosted at the historic McPherson Playhouse in downtown Victoria, TEDxVictoria is a full-day event featuring talks, performances, and community exhibitions.

Have an upcoming event? Reply to let us know.

SPONSORED BY AEROPRESS

Enjoy the world-renowned flavour of AeroPress, a velvety-smooth coffee without the grit or bitterness found in other methods.  Loved globally, with 55K+ 5-star reviews.*

Have something or someone we should know about?

Reply or email [email protected] so we can work together to spotlight the lesser-known stories of Victoria's tech ecosystem.