Welcome to this week’s Sunday Briefing. In this issue, read about funding for coastal food security, the regional spotlight shining on Victoria, silent autonomous boats, and the Canadian Council of Innovators’ new member.

Now onto today’s briefing. It’s 644 words: a three-minute read.

-Emily, [email protected]

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Preparing for climate change — under the sea

Nine Vancouver Island companies are set to receive funding through the Climate Ready B.C. Seafood Program. The province’s $1.7 million dollar fund is intended to increase understanding of ocean acidification and hypoxia and support B.C.’s coastal food security.

“We’re helping seafood producers prepare for and respond to climate change by supporting research and projects that promote the long-term health of B.C.’s oceans and the economy of our coastal communities,” said Pam Alexis, B.C. Minister of Agriculture and Food. “The continued partnership between scientists, governments and industry leaders will help ensure a strong, sustainable sector that provides people with fresh, local seafood for generations to come.”

Island companies selected for the funding round include:

• Ocean Networks Canada

• Redd Fish Restoration Society

• Salish Sea Indigenous Guardians Association and Semiahmoo First Nation

• T Buck Suzuki Foundation

• North Island College

• Maaqutsiis Hahoutlhee Stewardship Society

• Vancouver Island University Green Lab

• Nova Harvest

Eleven proposals were selected in total. Projects will run from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026.

📰 More Victoria innovation news

✨ A star is born: In the latest Chamber Chat, Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams sat down with Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto to discuss the spotlight shining on the City of Victoria.

⛵️47 metres down: MaRS highlighted Open Ocean Robotics’ autonomous, solar-powered boats and the important role that the company plays in data collection and analytics. CEO and founder Julie Angus shared how Open Ocean Robotics came to be – including a rowboat trip across the Atlantic.

👑 The council: Victoria-headquartered Certn joined the Canadian Council of Innovators. Certn’s background check and screening solution is used by the likes of Tesla, Deloitte, WestJet and Saks Fifth Avenue.

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Director, Media & Issues at BC Ferries

• Director of Finance at Belfry Theatre

• Finance Manager at Pacific Opera Victoria

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

📅 Upcoming events

March 12 | OpenHack Victoria

A weekly get-together to hang out and write code. The format is simple:

• Introductions at 6:00 PM sharp.

• Work on anything you want: open-source, closed-source, side-projects, work, play.

• All experience levels and technologies are welcome.

• Food and drinks are available from the restaurant, but are not provided.

• 🚨 Don’t forget your laptop! 🚨

March 28 | The Creator...Likes Nachos

In a world where AI surpasses human intelligence... will it enjoy nachos? Join the Humans of Victoria in consuming Melted Cheese, Tortilla Chips and Jalapeños to prepare for the AI Revolution. ​​A no-speaker, social-only, nacho-friendly event. Non-tech guests are welcome, but they may be bored by conversations about no-code tools and Generative AI. 

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.