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Now on to today’s briefing.

-Emily, [email protected]

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Two of Vancouver Island's industry organizations have announced a formal partnership aimed at building stronger connections between the region's technology and manufacturing communities. VIATEC, the hub of Greater Victoria's technology sector, and the Vancouver Island Manufacturing Excellence Alliance (VIMEA) will work together to help Island companies find partners, pursue larger contracts, and develop their workforces.

Rather than adding another layer of industry networking, the alliance is designed around practical outcomes. Near-term work will focus on introducing manufacturers to technology firms and suppliers, strengthening awareness of capabilities already available across the Island, and helping smaller companies team up to compete for contracts that would be too large or complex for any single SME. Defence, marine, and aerospace procurement readiness is also on the agenda.

"Ray and the VIMEA team have done the hard part," said VIATEC CEO Dan Gunn. "They built real relationships with manufacturers across the Island, and they understand what those companies need because they are those companies. We bring thirty-five years of relationships, the capacity to run programs properly, and a permanent home for the work."

Longer-term initiatives under consideration include a Vancouver Island supply-chain platform, shared access to training facilities and equipment, and supplier development programmes. VIATEC's technology sector generates approximately $6 billion in annual revenue and employs more than 20,000 people across 1,172 companies.

🌊 48 hours: ONC is bringing the Ocean Hackathon back to Victoria, challenging participants to build ocean conservation solutions using real ocean data over 48 hours — with the winning team earning a trip to compete at the Grand Finale in Brest, France.

💰 Money, money, money: PacifiCan extended the deadline for its Regional Innovation Ecosystems program to October 30, giving B.C. organizations more time to apply for funding that supports SMEs in commercializing technology, expanding markets, and boosting productivity.

🤝 Money for nothing: A new Victoria event called VIBE — Vancouver Island Business Experience — is bringing together investors, founders, and business leaders on November 17 to bridge the gap between the Island's established wealth and its emerging tech sector, including a $10,000 non-dilutive pitch prize.

🌿 New from Mateína: A zero sugar, organic yerba mate that delivers clean energy — no crash, no weird ingredients. Just plant-powered fuel that works.*

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September 21-25 | Victoria Tech Week 2026

Unlike traditional single-venue conferences, Victoria Tech Week empowers local businesses to open their doors and welcome attendees inside, offering an authentic behind-the-scenes look at Victoria's thriving tech ecosystem. From startup workshops in James Bay to AI panels in downtown office towers and networking sessions in Saanich tech hubs, participants will experience the full breadth of Vancouver Island’s innovation landscape.

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.