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

Now on to today’s briefing.

-Emily, [email protected]

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Innovate BC is gearing up for the second year of its "Road to Web Summit Vancouver" initiative, preparing B.C. tech companies for the international conference coming to the city in May 2026. The program offers workshops, pitch practice, and networking opportunities designed to help startups connect with global investors and break into new markets.

Last year's debut featured 40 events that supported hundreds of B.C. startups ahead of Web Summit's first Vancouver conference. This year's expanded program includes bootcamps, masterclasses for growth-stage companies, and an investor showcase that will connect high-potential ventures with international funders. Most programming will be offered in hybrid format so companies across the province, including Victoria's tech sector, can participate without travelling to Vancouver.

The initiative brings together 16 partners from across B.C.'s innovation ecosystem, including accelerators, industry groups, and investment networks. Web Summit is one of the world's largest tech conferences, drawing thousands of innovators, investors, and industry leaders annually.

🎨 Imagine all the people: Ocean Networks Canada launched its 2026 ArtScience Fellowship application process, inviting UVic Fine Arts graduate students to explore intersections between creative practice and marine science through a paid research opportunity.

🌞 Here comes the sun: Open Ocean Robotics received the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label for a second time, with its emission-free DataXplorer vessel recognized for combining profitability with environmental sustainability in ocean data collection.

💪 Eye of the tiger: Camosun College installed a DEXA body composition scanner at its Interurban campus Athletic and Exercise Therapy Clinic, providing students with hands-on training equipment while expanding wellness assessment services for athletes and the public.

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November 17-21 | Victoria Tech Week

Inspired by successful models from Boulder Startup Week, Seattle Tech Week and NY Tech Week, this new event adopts a decentralized format that turns Victoria into a city-wide innovation showcase, with dozens of events hosted by local companies in their own venues across the capital region.

November 20 | Tour of Reliable Controls Manufacturing Facility

Join an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Reliable Controls, a leader in building automation systems. Discover how their technology supports sustainable, energy-efficient building operations worldwide—all designed and manufactured right here in British Columbia.

November 27 | Victoria Tech Nachos

Victoria Tech Nachos is a covert group at the intersection of nachos and technology. It bills itself as a no-speaker, social-only, no-sponsor, nacho-friendly event.

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.