Welcome to this week’s Midweek Memo. In this issue, read about $16.8 million for the Greater Victoria transit system, deep-sea droids monitoring the Pacific, and financial literacy tips for 2024.

Plus we have one more opportunity for you: the Startup TNT Agri-Food Summit 2024. Applications for the capital-raising program close January 15.

Now, onto today’s briefing. It’s 660 words, a three-minute read.

Nanaimo manufacturing firm wins up to $3.4 million

2024 is off to a flying start for VMAC Global Technology, a Nanaimo-based outfit developing vehicle-mounted air compressors. To close out last year, the Government of BC announced that the company would receive up to $3.4 million in funding through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund.

Air compressors may not sound super techy — even vehicle-mounted ones — but VMAC’s innovation increases range and lowers maintenance costs for transport, allowing for easier adoption in the commercial market and, critically, lowering emissions. 

VMAC also incorporates circular economy elements into its operations by reusing aluminum and steel in production and maximizing the use of all raw materials. 

The funding will help VMAC establish a new 5,000-square foot manufacturing facility. It also will help buy equipment to scale up the production of lightweight air compressors for the heavy-duty commercial EV market, including semi-trucks, buses, and other specialized vehicles requiring air brakes and air suspension.

The project will create 45 new jobs, and aligns with CleanBC’s priorities to strengthen adoption and infrastructure of heavy-duty EVs.

“As a successful manufacturing and export business in Nanaimo, with over 180 employees, VMAC is proud to provide high-quality local jobs and support various local suppliers in Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, and in B.C.,” said Brent Johnston, CEO of the company. “This has been VMAC’s driving purpose for the past 38 years and the support from the Province of British Columbia will enable us to continue this mission.”

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📰 More Victoria innovation news

🤓 Money, money, money. Bruce Williams, CEO of the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, sat down with Luke Biles of MNP, and Travis Koivula of Island Savings, to discuss financial literacy tips to start 2024 off strong.

🤖 Do you have the force: Ocean Networks Canada expanded its deep-sea monitoring capabilities with the deployment of new Argo floats, affectionately known as “droids of the deep.”

🚎 Magic bus: BC Transit announced a $16.8 million update to Greater Victoria’s transit system. Victoria Regional Transit System buses will begin receiving NextRide technology replacements in mid-January, a change that it says will improve riders’ experience.

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INNOVATEwest is a multi-sector tech and innovation conference founded on Canada's West Coast — designed by industry, for industry.

This two-day conference merges ideas and strategies that will inspire thousands of leaders in tech innovation.

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🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Corporate Controller – Hospitality at the Westin Bear Mountain Resort

• Business Analyst at EducationPlannerBC

• CRM Implementation Specialist at RFDM Solutions

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

📅 Upcoming events

Jan 25 | Women Leaders in STEM Panel and Networking

All are welcome to join the iWIST community for a social evening to meet and network with other women in STEM, sponsored by Quicksilver Software Development. Hear from a panel of accomplished women leaders in science, engineering and technology: Christina Jones, Humaira Ahmed, Dr. Kathryn (Kate) Moran, and Dr. Katherina Tarnai-Lokhorst.

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 a 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].