Welcome to this week’s Midweek Memo. In this issue, learn about a $1.2 million B.C. investment in an industry you’ve never thought of, how to apply for a digital entrepreneur grant, and the plan for Island powerhouse COAST.

Now onto today’s briefing. It’s 650 words: a three-minute read.

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Building a new BC workforce

Vancouver Island’s blue economy businesses are getting more attention. This time, it’s through a seaweed industry pilot project — an industry that the province believes will prove an important food source in the future.

Led by North Island College (NIC) and its Centre for Applied Research, Technology and Innovation (CARTI), the initiative brings together skills training and new economic development opportunities to northern Vancouver Island. The province is supporting the project with $1.2 million over three years.

“Industry-based, real-time learning that enriches the natural abundance of northern Vancouver Island takes a big leap forward with this project,” said Lisa Domae, the president of NIC. “NIC is honoured to bring the burgeoning seaweed sector together to advance learning that elevates sustainable economic development in the blue economy.”

The pilot includes seven micro-credentials with hands-on field training that will be delivered over 18 months, benefiting an estimated 80 participants. Funding will cover students’ full tuition costs, as well as a variety of supports. Registration opens in October, and participants will start courses for the winter and spring 2025 semesters.  

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📰 More Victoria innovation news

🧜‍♀️ Under the sea: Open Ocean Robotics shared a case study highlighting its use of the DataXplorer, an unmanned surface vessel, to map eelgrass beds in Victoria.

🤝 Help! I need somebody: Alacrity Canada’s Digital Adoption Program has now opened applications. The grant program helps entrepreneurs build their businesses online.

⚡️ Moving ahead: The South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP) zeroed in on its plans for the future of the Centre for Applied Ocean Sustainable Technologies (COAST), up to 2030.

🕴️Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Senior Solutions Specialist at BCI

• Digital Marketing Specialist at Web Advisors

• Solutions Engineer at VertiGIS

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

📅 Upcoming events

August 23 | VIATEC Summer Tech Together

Picture this: Crowd surfing the CEO of your team to the raddest live band under the sun, and savagely beating your tech rivals in the potato sack race, all while showing off those summer gains in the tug-o-war.

• Chill and connect: Soak up those summer rays with top tech teams in our city.

• Demolish your tech rivals: Prove to the Tectorian community why your company is the best by sprinting to the finish line in the three-legged race and flaunting your superior senses in the blindfolded obstacle course.

• Bring your conductor hat: Take a relaxing cruise through the heritage grounds on the trains with your kiddos.

• Wave your glow sticks: Mosh-pit with your boss and embarrass your kids in front of the main stage.

August 28 | Geeky Girls Patio Party 2024

Join iWIST (Island Women in Science and Technology) for its annual patio party! This year, Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) is hosting. The company’s CEO Kate Moran will make a special welcome and show off the work being done by ONC to support ocean tech.

Have an upcoming event? Reply to let us know.

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