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

Now on to today’s briefing.

-Emily, [email protected]

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Ocean Startup Project is accepting applications for its Ocean Idea Challenge, a national competition designed to help early-stage ocean innovators test whether their idea could become a viable business.

The program is aimed at aspiring founders at the earliest stages — people with an idea and a question about what's possible. Participants receive structured support to explore their concept, talk to potential customers, and validate real market need, with the chance to receive up to $8,000 in non-dilutive funding to continue developing their idea.

Past alumni include Annie Dahan of Seacork Studios, who is designing biodegradable acoustic panels from local seaweed, and Ranah Chavoshi of PhyCo Technologies, a Vancouver-based marine biologist developing seaweed-based bioplastics for the agri-food sector in partnership with BC Indigenous Nations.

Ocean Startup Project is hosting an information session on April 9 for prospective applicants who want to learn more before applying. Applications close April 12, 2026.

🌊 O Canada: Ocean Networks Canada hosted Parliamentary Secretary Karim Bardeesy and MP Will Greaves at its Marine Technology Centre in Sidney, showcasing Canadian-made deep ocean innovations and technologies that support the organization's role as a federally funded major research facility.

🏆 Simply the best: The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce announced finalists for its 2026 Business Awards across 12 categories, recognizing companies and leaders for resilience and innovation despite economic pressures, with the June 11 ceremony set to celebrate achievements in customer service, entrepreneurship, and community building.

🚀 We got the beat: Innovate BC advanced 283 B.C. tech startups to Round 2 of its 26th annual New Ventures BC Competition, with 24 Victoria-area companies making the cut, including Azor Biotek, CaseClock, WikiSleep, VoxCell (as Circl Brain Health Metrics), and Radiant Fluidics among the local finalists.

🌿 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.*

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Find your next career:

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April 1 | RBCx Afternoon Brew

​We're bringing together early stage founders and innovators from the tech ecosystem for relaxed afternoon of networking and insightful conversations. Drop by anytime between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM for coffee, snacks, and good company! No presentation or formal agenda — just a relaxed space to connect, catch up, and hear what people are building in Victoria.

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!

April 10 | A Locally Developed Technology Stack for Marine Safety and Climate Resilience

Join Michael Fischer, Director of Software Engineering at MarineLabs, for a behind-the-scenes look at a locally built system that’s delivering real-time coastal data to ports, terminals, and marine operators. From rugged sensors deployed in the ocean to the cloud-based platform that turns that data into actionable insight, this talk connects the full stack powering safer maritime operations.

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.