Welcome to this week’s Midweek Memo. In this issue, read about how her mother’s cancer diagnosis led VoxCell BioInnovation’s CEO to print human-like tissues, why local leaders think steep U.S. tariffs might actually be a win for Victoria, and why Canadian entrepreneurs and investors need to take a look in the mirror and put themselves first.

Now on to today’s briefing. It’s 751 words: a three-minute read.

-Emily, [email protected]

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VIATEC gets a $2.5M boost from the federal government

Last week, the federal government announced over $17 million in PacifiCan funding for 10 organizations, including $2.5 million for the Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council (VIATEC).

The $17 million, delivered through PacifiCan’s Business Acceleration Pilot, is targeted at helping organizations in key sectors — such as life sciences, clean technology, and construction — to scale up their operations. The government said that the funding is expended to help create more than 2500 jobs and support more than 900 businesses across British Columbia.

The funding for VIATEC will be used to deliver a business acceleration program for high-growth-potential companies in the South Island. VIATEC will offer mentorship from industry experts and advisors on strategic planning, leadership, and operations, and will help companies with private capital attraction through pitch days, workshops and networking events.

The government says that the PacifiCan support will help businesses in the South Island’s tech sector leverage new market research and customer acquisition strategies to capitalize on domestic and international growth opportunities.

📰 More Victoria innovation news

🍁 Home is wherever I'm with you: Victoria business owners weighed in on how U.S. tariffs, which have now been delayed, could have a positive impact on local tourism.

⭐️ Don’t stop believin’: Karolina Valente, CEO of VoxCell BioInnovation, was featured in Victoria Rising. Valente described the journey that took her being from a young girl living in Brazil to many years later becoming the leader of a healthtech company printing human-like cancer tissue models on Vancouver Island.

🫎 The True North strong and free: Jayesh Vekariya, co-founder of Victoria-based Joni, shared his thoughts on how Canada has historically strengthened the U.S. economy at our own expense — and what we can do about it now.

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Office coordinator at VertiGIS

• Scientific data specialist at Ocean Networks Canada

• Accounting and compliance at the University of Victoria

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

📅 Upcoming events

February 20-21 | 6th Western Angel Investment Summit

Presented by Angel Forum with the support of VIATEC and the National Angel Capital Organization, the theme of this year’s Western Angel Investment Summit is “B.C. Be Bold.” Targeted at angels, founders, funds, and accelerators, the event will explore how B.C. founders and investors should be ready to take centre stage.

February 24-25 | 9th Annual BC Communications Forum

Join the BC Communications Forum, the premier gathering for communication professionals across the province. This is your opportunity to connect with industry leaders, exchange ideas with peers, and dive into the latest insights that can transform your day-to-day work.

March 4-6 | Rising Economy Conference

Now in its fifth year, the Rising Economy conference is a highly anticipated “business conference for business insiders.” Rising Economy features a curated selection of in-person and online events designed to guide businesses and other organizations to meet the challenges and pursue the opportunities of the 21st century. With an A-list of exciting keynote speakers and panelists, Rising Economy explores topics critical to Greater Victoria, British Columbia, and the world around us.

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].

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