TOGETHER WITH

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

Now on to today’s briefing.

-Emily, [email protected]

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Open Ocean Robotics is taking its zero-emission autonomous boat north for testing at the Port of Prince Rupert. The Victoria company's DataXplorer Gen 2 will spend time collecting ocean and marine data as part of a $409,000 project backed by Innovate BC's Integrated Marketplace program.

The vessel runs on solar power and operates without anyone on board, monitoring ocean conditions more sustainably than traditional boats while gathering data for port operations. Co-founder and CEO Julie Angus says the Prince Rupert testbed gives the company a chance to show how uncrewed surface vehicles can make port and coastal operations safer and more sustainable in real-world conditions.

"Through Innovate BC's Integrated Marketplace, we are able to validate our technology alongside public-sector partners, accelerating the adoption of low-emission, ocean-monitoring solutions in ports," Angus said.

Open Ocean's project is one of three technology tests happening at the port, collectively worth more than $1.7 million. Nuport Robotics is installing a data system on a short-haul truck to cut emissions and boost productivity. Hydra Energy is building a hydrogen-fuelling station and testing zero- and low-emission vehicles for port deliveries.

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🐧 Come together: Ocean Networks Canada's Ruchie and Bradley reached Spain's Juan Carlos I Base on Livingston Island in Antarctica, climbing Mount Reina Sofía to install equipment for two partner observatories that will monitor ocean conditions in the under-observed Southern Ocean.

🎓 9 to 5: Victoria's Redbrick earned recognition as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People for 2026, highlighting the company's co-op program that hired 21 students last year and has converted nearly 40 per cent of participants into full-time roles since its launch.

🏆 Simply the best: The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce opened nominations for its Business Awards, inviting the community to recognize businesses and leaders making significant impacts in their industries and across the region.

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To help people regain independence, please donate to PHS today.

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February 19-12 | 7th Western Angel Investment Summit

Western Angel Investment Summit returns for its seventh year on February 19-20 in Victoria, bringing together founders, investors, fund managers and ecosystem supporters. Day one focuses on founders with workshops on AI-powered sales generation, advisor sessions and a kickoff social, while day two explores current realities for both founders and investors. General tickets are limited; founders day tickets still available.

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.