Welcome to this week’s Sunday Briefing. In this issue, read about Indigenous knowledge of tsunami preparedness, electric planes in B.C. skies, and what attracts tech companies and workers to Victoria.

Now onto today’s briefing. It’s 696 words: a three-minute read.

-Emily, [email protected]

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Innovators near and far come to the COAST

The Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST), in partnership with the Association of British Columbia Marine Industries (ABCMI), last month hosted a forum centred around emerging technologies and innovation in the ocean and marine sectors. The inaugural two-day event featured panels, speakers, and industry showcases.

The showcase featured exhibitors from near and far, with some innovators coming from as far as Ottawa and Nova Scotia, while organizations like Barnacle Systems and SEAMOR Marine represented the Island.

Over two days, panelists delved into topics including the federal fleet and innovation in the Canadian navy, support and assistance for innovators, strategies and challenges mitigating CO2 levels in oceans, and the impact of autonomous vessels.

Attendees heard from speakers from Ocean Networks Canada, the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE), the Ocean Foundation, Kongsberg, Poseidon Ocean Systems, Ocean AID, the National Research Council of Canada, and many more.

The COAST/ABCMI Innovation Forum included a pitch event, held in partnership with Spring. Innovators showed off a tidal power prototype, bioplastic and bioproducts, an AI tool to remove abandoned fishing gear, and more.

In the end, Annie Dahan, founder of Seacork Studios, took home the $10,000 cash prize for her concept of biodegradable acoustic panels made from seaweed, an idea aimed at reshaping our connection to materials and their sources.

📰 More Victoria innovation news

🌊 There is a swelling storm: Ocean Networks Canada showcased Tsunami 11th Relative, an ONC-supported documentary highlighting the effectiveness of combining traditional Indigenous knowledge with ocean science to help communities prepare for the “Big One.”

🛩 Leaving on a jet plane: Harbour Air announced its intent to purchase 50 electric engines for its seaplanes, which could mean electric planes in B.C. skies as early as 2026.

🏆 Simply the best: Western Investor highlighted Victoria’s tech sector and what makes the city a great choice for tech workers. The verdict? Good jobs, lower cost of living, cheaper to do business, and a different lifestyle.

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Intellectual Property Director at New Ventures BC

• Junior Project Engineer at Ocean Networks Canada

• Production Assembler at Quester Tangent Corporation

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

📅 Upcoming events

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.

🙋 I need a…

We at Victoria Tech Journal know you, our community, pretty well. Are you searching for someone in your field to have coffee with, a hiring hookup, a lead on local investors, or suggestion for a great Victoria tech tool? Whatever you’re hunting for, let us know. We’ll post it in this section and make it happen.

Email your requests to [email protected].

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.