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

Now on to today’s briefing.

-Emily, [email protected]

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COAST, Founders Factory, and Blue Action announced six ocean tech ventures joining the second Blue Action Canada accelerator cohort, with the program expanding internationally for the first time by welcoming two UK companies alongside four Canadian startups. The move reflects deepening collaboration between the UK and Canada on maritime security, defence, and energy transition, while positioning B.C. as a global centre for maritime technology and robotics innovation.

The cohort spans autonomous ocean systems, AI-driven marine monitoring, maritime decarbonization, and nature-based solutions. UK participants include ACUA Ocean, which develops autonomous surface vessels for ocean monitoring and threat detection, and Armada Technologies, working on hull air lubrication systems to reduce shipping fuel consumption.

Canadian ventures include Vancouver's Deepwater Robotics building low-cost autonomous underwater vehicles for surveying and threat detection, Montreal's Flux Lines developing battery barges for maritime electrification, Vancouver's PhyCo creating seaweed-based bioplastics, and Montreal's Whale Seeker using AI to detect marine mammals and birds.

Blue Action Canada will help the UK companies establish and grow their B.C. operations, while Canadian participants gain access to global markets through Founders Factory and Blue Action's international network of ports, shipping companies, and government partners.

"This cohort reflects the scale of talent and new ideas emerging at the intersection of ocean innovation, climate action and security," said Jason Goldsworthy, COAST's executive director. The program, supported by Canada's Ocean Supercluster, will wrap up in Victoria and Vancouver in May 2026, coinciding with Web Summit Vancouver and the MariTech event.

The first cohort attracted over $2 million in funding, while Blue Action's global portfolio has raised $60 million.

🚤 Come sail away: Victoria-based Future Marine Inc. shared plans to begin testing its autonomous electric water taxi service in the Victoria region, with the project featured on CTV News highlighting the company's vision for self-operating vessels on local waters.

🏢 Let's get down to business: Royal Roads University launched REV—a business hub on the third floor of its Langford campus designed to support West Shore entrepreneurs through workshops and community conversations, backed by $1.5 million from the City of Langford and $677,800 from PacifiCan.

🌍 I feel the earth move: Ocean Networks Canada's seismic network detected a 3.0 magnitude earthquake 19 kilometres southwest of Victoria on April 22, providing Vancouver subscribers with 12 seconds of advance warning before ground shaking arrived through its land and seafloor sensor system.

🌿 New from Mateína: A zero sugar, organic yerba mate that delivers clean, balanced energy — no crash, no weird ingredients. Just plant-powered fuel that works.*

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May 1 | Precision in Transit: Active Multi-Axis Stability for Neonatal Transport

In 2025, Victoria-based Iris Dynamics partnered with the National Research Council, CHEO, and Carleton University to develop a six-degrees-of-freedom motion platform that actively cancels road vibration during neonatal transport. This VIES webinar covers the research objectives, platform design, and outcomes—including the electromechanical decisions that enabled real-time stabilization to protect infants where every movement matters.

May 8-May 22 | HR Happy Hour at Fort Tectoria

VIATEC is hosting HR Happy Hour, a drop-in series for tech leaders looking for practical, judgment-free advice on the people side of running a tech team. Fractional HR professionals will be on hand to field questions on hiring, retention, leadership, performance, and culture. No registration required — just show up, grab a drink, and connect with peers. Sessions run May 8 and May 22.

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.