Welcome to this week’s Sunday Briefing. In this issue, read about the COAST Pitchfest 2024, upcoming infrastructure projects, another Victoria company pitching its plan, and SIPP’s Indigenous Prosperity Centre.

Now onto today’s briefing. It’s 787 words: a three-minute read.

-Emily, [email protected]

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B.C.’s marine industry shows off for COAST

Vancouver Island is no stranger to innovative marine technologies. But this time, it’s the mainland that’s taking home first place.

Vancouver-based Seacork Studios’ Annie Dahan emerged victorious in the COAST Pitchfest 2024 with her concept of biodegradable acoustic panels made from seaweed, an idea aimed at reshaping our connection to materials and their sources.

“I am thrilled to be named the first ever winner of COAST Pitchfest 2024. At Seacork Studios, we are focused on developing biodegradable acoustic panels sourced from local seaweed, redefining our relationship to materials and their origins. We have recently filed patents for our innovative acoustic attenuating seaweed material and are now at the pilot project stage, we plan to use the prize to grow our production process to supply our pilot projects,” said Dahan, Seacork’s founder. “Our mission at Seacork Studio is two-fold. First, is to replace environmentally degrading acoustic panels with locally sourced, biodegradable Seacork acoustic panels. Second, is to rethink our approach to material development by prioritizing the life of the natural resource in its ecosystem as a greater value than that of the final product made from it.”

Seacork Studios beat out four other finalists:

• Bruce Bradley, Bee Sea Kelp

• Dorn Beattie, Swordfish Energy Incorporated

• Ranah Chavoshi, PhyCo Technologies

• Omid Moradtalab, Tesla Robotics

In its first year, COAST Pitchfest is sponsored and facilitated by Spring. COAST hosted Pitchfest as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting emerging talent and driving forward-thinking initiatives in the Blue Economy.

📰 More Victoria innovation news

🚧 Another brick in the wall: Infrastructure changes are coming. In the latest Chamber Chat, Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch discussed what projects are underway.

🔌 Start me up: Victoria’s Axolotl Biosciences pitched at the Plug and Play University Pitch Session last week. Axolotl Biosciences is aiming to improve human health through novel 3D printing technologies.

🤝 Together we’ll stand: The South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) shared more information about the Indigenous Prosperity Centre, SIPP’s non-profit initiative dedicated to supporting the economic vision of First Nations and Indigenous Peoples on Southern Vancouver Island.

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Engineering Technologist (CAD Technician) at DSA Ocean

• Service Desk Analyst at BC Public Service

• Agile Technical Product Owner at VertiGIS North America

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

📅 Upcoming events

April 30 | Leading to Election - Breakfast with Premier David Eby

Start your day with insights from BC's Premier, the Hon. David Eby, on key issues shaping our province's future. Engage in a lively, moderated Q&A session focused on business and community priorities for Greater Victoria and beyond.

The event is a chance to connect with fellow community leaders over a delicious breakfast. You'll gain valuable perspectives and build relationships that help guide our community's path forward.

May 6 | Ambition 2035 Hybrid Event

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster regularly convenes its network to report on activity, share insights, and build the path to transformational growth of Canada’s ocean sector. This spring, the group is hosting two hybrid events to continue working toward Ambition 2035, a discussion paper around the 5X growth, and the $220 billion vision for Canada’s sustainable ocean economy.

Don't miss an opportunity to hear from sector leaders, learn how the ocean economy is enabling communities, engage in action planning, and make connections with like-minded peers in Canada’s ocean network.

May 23 | Victoria Tech Nachos

​Victoria Tech Nachos… a covert group at the intersection of Nachos and Technology. A no-speaker, social-only, no-sponsor, nacho-friendly event.

June 4-25 | Data Management & Analytics Roadshow 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of data and analytics, this conference stands as a beacon for industry leaders, professionals, and innovators seeking to navigate the complexities of today’s information age. Discussions will unravel the paramount importance of data governance, efficient data management, and the strategic application of AI.

From understanding strategic frameworks for robust data governance to exploring the ethical implementation of AI, attendees can anticipate gaining actionable perspectives and knowledge essential for navigating the intricacies of the information age.

Have an upcoming event? Reply to let us know.

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