TOGETHER WITH

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

• A new CEO for the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce

• Request for public input on our economic future

• CVCA bids its CEO farewell

Now on to today’s briefing.

-Emily, [email protected] 

By the way, if you're not already subscribed, you can fix that here.

Victoria firms ride innovation wave with new funding

Two Victoria-based companies are part of a provincial push to test and scale homegrown technology through the B.C. government’s Integrated Marketplace (IM) program.

MarineLabs and 3GA Marine are among eight innovators sharing $3.38 million in funding delivered by Innovate BC. The IM program connects B.C. tech companies with real-world testbeds to accelerate commercialization and export readiness.

At the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority testbed, MarineLabs is partnering with the Pacific Pilotage Authority to evaluate Forecast AI, a MarineLabs system that generates hyper-local marine weather forecasts. The project will assess how the AI-driven forecasts compare to conventional methods and how they might improve real-time decisions around wind, wave, and visibility conditions.

Meanwhile, $1 million has been allocated to a collaboration between Vancouver-based Tymac Boat Launch Services and Victoria-based 3GA Marine for the development of an electric water taxi. The vessel is intended to offer a zero-emission alternative to traditional fossil fuel-powered marine transport, while maintaining the performance and reliability needed for operational use.

The funding is part of a broader investment in the Integrated Marketplace, which includes an initial $11.5 million commitment from the B.C. government, an additional $30 million over the next three years, and $9.9 million in federal support through PacifiCan.

Learn more.

SPONSORED BY REED POPE

Thoughtful. Practical. Effective.

Reed Pope Business Lawyers is a leading business law firm based in Victoria, offering top-tier service to a wide range of clients involved in local, national, and international transactions. For over 18 years, Reed Pope lawyers have served as trusted counsel to entrepreneurs, start-ups and emerging companies, established businesses, high-net-worth individuals, investment funds, and other investors. The firm has deep expertise in entity formation and structuring, capital raising and investments, acquisitions, exit transactions, and general start-up advisory services.

Reed Pope is proud to support the local and provincial tech sector and is excited to partner with Victoria Tech Journal to help increase visibility for innovative start-ups, scaling technology companies, and the broader ecosystem. Learn more.

📰 More Victoria innovation news

👋 You know my name: The Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce has named its new CEO: John Wilson. Wilson, the chamber’s former chair, takes over from Bruce Williams.

👀 Leaving, on a jet plane: In another leadership change, Kim Furlong, CEO of the Canadian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, announced that she would step down come summer.

📣 Tell me what you want: The South Island Prosperity Partnership is inviting members of the Greater Victoria business community and the public to the Rising Economy Open House on Tuesday to share input on the region’s economic future.

SPONSORED BY ACERA INSURANCE

Customized coverage for tech trailblazers

Launching a new technology business or venture? Protect your investment with coverage built for tech entrepreneurs. With over 60 years of experience, Acera Insurance offers proactive risk management and insurance solutions to help technology businesses navigate an evolving industry with confidence. Contact Acera today!

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Product technologist at Urban Solar

• Senior .NET developer at Rok Software

• Senior full stack developer at Cloud DX

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

SPONSORED BY IWIST SCHOLARSHIPS

iWIST, with partners Redbrick and Shift, are offering three scholarships focused on women in STEM ready to innovate, make an impact, and change the future.

Know the next recipient? June 15 is the deadline!

📅 Upcoming events 

June 10 | TEDxVictoria 2025 | Ripples

TEDxVictoria brings together inspiring speakers, community organizations, businesses, and passionate individuals to share exceptional ideas that can transform into waves of global impact. Hosted at the historic McPherson Playhouse in downtown Victoria, TEDxVictoria is a full-day event featuring talks, performances, and community exhibitions.

June 12 | Victoria Tech Nachos

Victoria Tech Nachos is a covert group at the intersection of nachos and technology. It bills itself as a no-speaker, social-only, no-sponsor, nacho-friendly event.

Have an upcoming event? Reply to let us know.

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.