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Now on to today’s briefing.

-Emily, [email protected]

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HiBoop, a Victoria-based mental health technology company, has partnered with the University of Victoria Psychology Clinic to integrate its digital assessment platform into the clinic's intake process. The integration is designed to streamline administration, support data-informed care, and reduce delays in getting patients into treatment.

HiBoop's platform brings multiple validated mental health assessments into a single adaptive digital workflow. Using machine learning, it analyzes response patterns in real time, identifies potential conditions, and flags likely comorbidities — prompting additional questions where relevant. The result is a more comprehensive picture of a patient's mental health profile within a single session, rather than across multiple visits. Final diagnoses and treatment decisions remain the responsibility of licensed clinicians.

"Too many patients face needless delays in diagnosis and treatment," said Jason Morehouse, CEO of HiBoop. "By removing those barriers, our platform helps people begin care sooner and access the comprehensive support required for better outcomes."

The UVic Psychology Clinic provides practicum placements for master's and doctoral students in clinical psychology, where clients are assessed and treated under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. The partnership also creates a training opportunity for students in the use of digital clinical tools.

"Research shows that regularly screening and tracking mental health over time leads to better outcomes for patients," said Dr. Jill Robinson, clinic director, UVic Psychology Clinic. "Using modern tools in a clinical setting will alleviate the administrative burden and provide actionable insights, allowing more time to focus on the therapeutic relationship."

The clinic serves Greater Victoria and beyond, offering services on a sliding scale and telehealth appointments for clients across B.C.

🎓 Back to school: In other UVic news, the university partnered with Northeastern University to launch an applied AI innovation alliance, training students through the inaugural CascadAI Impact Network launching this summer.

🚀 We got the beat: Innovate BC advanced 45 ventures to the final rounds of its New Ventures BC Competition, including three Victoria companies—Circl Brain Health Metrics, Radiant Fluidics, and CampMatch.

🌊 Ocean man: Douglas Magazine featured Victoria's ocean tech sector in a cover story highlighting COAST's Ocean Tech Live event, Barnacle Systems' growth, and the Ocean Startup activator where kelp-based toilet paper idea SeaCheeks won top prize.

Find your next career:

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May 22 | HR Happy Hour at Fort Tectoria

Join this 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. The last session in the series runs on 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.