Welcome to this week’s Midweek Memo. In this issue, read about a STAR for the University of Victoria, new transit technology, and who’ll be leading the development of a Gigafactory with the Malahat Nation.

Now, onto today’s briefing. It’s 812 words, a three-minute read.

Unlocking the potential of recycled light

Two Victoria-based companies, Solaires Enterprises and XLYNX Materials, are partnering to build high-efficiency, high-stability perovskite solar cells that will unlock the full potential of recycled light.

What exactly does that mean? According to the U.S. Department of Energy:

In other words, more efficient solar cells. But as said, they’re not without their challenges, including stability, durability, scalability, and manufacturability. Together, XLYNX Materials and Solaires Enterprises aim to tackle those challenges.

Solaires Enterprises is a cleantech company that has invented a unique perovskite-based solar technology with efficiencies as high as 35% and recently announced plans for a new Langford-based production facility.

Meanwhile, XLYNX Materials, a technology start-up spun out of the University of Victoria, has developed a molecular bonding agent, BondLynx, proven to be a highly effective stabilizing agent for perovskite solar cells, improving efficiency and long-term performance in recent studies.

“The stability improvements it made in academic perovskite solar studies were remarkable, so we’re thrilled to find a neighbour like Solaires, right here in Victoria, to help validate the commercial potential of this application with their perovskite-based solar modules,” said Sean Bourquin, director of strategy, XLYNX Materials.

The two companies are now working on incorporating XLYNX’s diazirine crosslinking technology into Solaires’ perovskite inks to develop high-efficiency indoor solar modules.

“Our PVModules use wasted light to power battery-driven devices to reduce the number of single-use batteries. Through collaboration with XLYNX Materials, we are one step closer to making solar energy even more sustainable, cost-effective, and accessible,” commented Dr. Sahar Sam, co-founder and CSO, Solaires Enterprises.

The indoor photovoltaics market is entering a period of rapid growth and is projected to be worth $58 billion by the end of 2027. Perovskite-based indoor photovoltaics are expected to represent the largest share of this total market.

📰 More Victoria innovation news

💫 In a sky full of stars: The University of Victoria was recognized as one of only 14 post-secondary institutions around the world to achieve a STARS Platinum sustainability rating. The university was also recently named one of Canada’s greenest employers.

🚌 The wheels on the bus: BC Transit announced that Victoria transit users will now have access to high tech NextRide technology. How will the tech change your transit experience? Users will now be able to see their bus’ real-time location and predicted arrival time.

⚡️ I’ve got the power: Victoria’s Energy Plug announced a new team member — Shawn Henson will join as a technical consultant and is set to lead the development of a planned Gigafactory project, developed in partnership with Malahat Batteries Technologies Corp. and Malahat Nation.

SPONSORED BY TEDXVICTORIA

Enter this giveaway to win one of five pairs of tickets to TEDxVictoria happening May 15th at McPherson Playhouse. Do you know someone who sparks change? Visit this Instagram post and tag a friend, colleague, or family member who inspires you to make changes—big or small—for yourself, your community, or the planet and they could win 2 tickets to TEDxVictoria.

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Business Process & Data Integration Automation Engineer at NextAcre

• Manager, Technology Systems Architecture at School District 63

• Enhanced Executive Support Analyst at ISM

• Inside Sales Representative (ISR) at Smart Dolphins IT Solutions

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

📅 Upcoming events

May 6 | Ambition 2035 Hybrid Event

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster regularly convenes its network to report on activity, share insights, and build the path to transformational growth of Canada’s ocean sector. This spring, we’re hosting two hybrid events to continue working toward Ambition 2035, a discussion paper around the 5X growth, $220 billion vision we share for Canada’s sustainable ocean economy.

Don't miss an opportunity to hear from sector leaders, learn how the ocean economy is enabling communities, engage in action planning, and make connections with like-minded peers in Canada’s ocean network.

June 4-25 | Data Management & Analytics Roadshow 2024

In the ever-evolving landscape of data and analytics, this conference stands as a beacon for industry leaders, professionals, and innovators seeking to navigate the complexities of today’s information age. Discussions will unravel the paramount importance of data governance, efficient data management, and the strategic application of AI.

From understanding strategic frameworks for robust data governance to exploring the ethical implementation of AI, attendees can anticipate gaining actionable perspectives and knowledge essential for navigating the intricacies of the information age.

Have an upcoming event? Reply to let us know.

🙋 I need a…

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Email your requests to [email protected].