Welcome to this week’s Midweek Memo. In this issue, check out photos from summer mixers hosted by the South Island Prosperity Partnership and Island Women in Science and Technology, plus follow a 30-kilometre journey for Open Ocean Robotics’ uncrewed surface vessels.

Now onto today’s briefing. It’s 742 words: a three-minute read.

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$1M partnership to support video game businesses

Video game creators in B.C. are getting a boost with the announcement of new funding through Creative BC and the Canada Media Fund (CMF).

The two organizations recently announced a new program that will invest $1,000,000 in grants of up to $200,000 to support the growth of video game businesses in British Columbia. Funding for these businesses will be available through the Video Games Business Development Program.

The program was created to establish domestic funding models and will offer grants to B.C.-owned and controlled companies to develop their own creative intellectual property, encouraging growth for mid-level and experienced studios beyond the constraints of project-by-project funding.

“In B.C. we have top-notch skill in the gaming industry, and we know there are companies poised for growth. Through this unique partnership with the Canada Media Fund, we are providing B.C. companies with a strong advantage to develop a slate of projects in a highly competitive global market,” said Lana Popham, minister of tourism, arts, culture, and sport.

Through the Video Games Business Development Program, companies can apply for business development activities, including promotion and marketing, user acquisition strategies, labour and personnel, technology, content and design, playtesting for quality assurance and usability, travel costs, foreign market expansion, consulting fees, and more.  

Victoria has a thriving video game industry, with its roster including Skybox Labs, Metalhead Studios, and Kano, among a number of others.

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📰 More Victoria innovation news

⛵️ On the road again: Open Ocean Robotics deployed its uncrewed surface vessels (USV) on a 30-kilometre journey from Victoria Harbour to Race Rocks, all the while monitoring the USVs from their Victoria office.

🎉 Celebrate good times, come on: Island Women in Science and Technology (iWIST) celebrated its annual Geeky Girls Patio Party alongside 70 guests. Check out the photos from the event!

🙌 Everybody get together: The South Island Prosperity Partnership was also in the social mood, hosting its summer patio mixer in the sun last week. See if you can spot some familiar faces.

🕴️Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Project Manager at Myra Systems

• Director, Observatory Digital Operations at Ocean Networks Canada

• Electromechanical Support Specialist at Dometic

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

📅 Upcoming events

September 11 | Online | COAST's Blue Pathways Initiative and advancements in AI for the workplace

Discover how AI is revolutionizing marine conservation through COAST's innovative Blue Pathways Initiative. Explore groundbreaking advancements in artificial intelligence that are shaping the future of ocean sustainability and conservation efforts worldwide.

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