TOGETHER WITH
Welcome to this week’s Sunday Briefing. In this issue:
Joni celebrates six years with giveaway
Rising Economy Conference wraps up
UVic study tracks heat dome impact
Now on to today’s briefing.
-Emily, [email protected]
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Photo: MyHealthspan
MyHealthspan selected for Google's Canadian startup accelerator
Victoria-based MyHealthspan has been selected for the 2026 Google for Startups Accelerator: Canada program, joining 13 other AI-driven startups for a 10-week intensive aimed at scaling their businesses. The company, which describes itself as an AI preventive health operating system for employers, combines over 100 tests with coaching to reduce health risks and improve employee healthspan.
Participants will work with Google experts to sharpen their business models, scale their AI capabilities, and connect with potential investors. They'll also get early access to Google AI products, mentorship, and eligibility for Google Cloud Credits and free Cloud TPUs to accelerate their machine learning research.
Since launching the Canadian program in 2020, Google for Startups has supported 145 startups across the country. Those graduates have collectively raised over $580 million and created 1,400 new jobs. The current cohort will showcase their progress at Demo Day during Toronto Tech Week in May.
SPONSORED BY PHS COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY
Can Your Company Help PHS Support People in Crisis?
PHS Community Services Society is seeking business partners committed to making a meaningful difference in homelessness, mental health and addiction crisis.
The most effective response to street homelessness is truly accessible low‑barrier supportive housing — bringing people indoors and providing stability, dignity and a path forward.
Since 1993, PHS has delivered supportive housing, daily meals and vital community programs for thousands of people who are unhoused or at risk in Vancouver and Victoria.
In Victoria, PHS provides 290 units of supportive housing with round‑the‑clock supports, a homeless shelter, a 22‑bed recovery program, and all include daily meals.
To explore partnership opportunities, contact [email protected].
To help people regain independence, please donate to PHS today.
📰 More Victoria innovation news
💡 What a feeling: The South Island Prosperity Partnership wrapped up its Rising Economy Conference, bringing together regional leaders and innovators to share ideas driving economic growth across Greater Victoria.
🎂 Happy birthday: Victoria's Joni turned six last week, launching a $2,000 Periodcation giveaway with Canadian women-led businesses while asking entrants to share period travel stories to normalize menstrual equity conversations.
🌡️ Hot, hot, hot: A UVic-led study published in Nature Ecology and Evolution tracked the widespread impact of B.C.'s 2021 heat dome on ecosystems, from seagrass and mussels to baby birds and caribou.
🌿 New from Mateína: A zero sugar, organic yerba mate that delivers clean, balanced energy — no crash, no weird ingredients. Just plant-powered fuel that works.*
*Sponsored listing
Want to reach Victoria tech leaders? Advertise in the Victoria Tech Journal to get in front of founders, investors, and innovators. Contact [email protected] to learn more.
🕴️ Tech jobs of the week
Find your next career:
Electrical engineer at ALS Environmental Services
Customer solutions specialist at Barnacle
Account executive (IoT) at IoTKinect
Hiring in Victoria? Reply to this email and let us know!
🗓️ Upcoming events
April 1 | VIATEC Awards
The VIATEC Awards bring the tech community together to connect, to celebrate, and to shine a spotlight on this year's most notable tech companies and individuals within Greater Victoria's $5.9 billion tech sector. This isn't your average award show – The VIATEC Awards are well known for its elaborate and fun production!.
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.