AI's real business value

How big orgs are using AI to win, and what Web Summit really delivered for founders.

Author

Emily Edwards
June 04, 2025

Welcome back to VTJ’s Midweek Memo: the Vancouver tech events and opportunities newsletter you can’t miss. In this week’s edition:

  • Explore AI’s real business value at #VTJLive

  • Unpack the impact of Web Summit Vancouver

  • Tap into new founder-focused programs and events

VTJ EVENTS

🗓️ Thursday, June 12 | Save your seat

🚨 Not yet a member? 

Remember: VTJ members get 50% off our #VTJTalks series. Don’t miss out — become a member now.

🗓️ Wednesday, June 25 | Register

  • Once the dust has settled, we’re bringing together local leaders from the worlds of tech, startups, and government to unpack the first-ever Web Summit Vancouver. Our speakers include:

    • ​Alycia van der Gracht, Founder, QuantoTech Solutions Ltd.

    • ​Roya Aghighi, CEO, Lite-1

    • ​Sean Elbe, Partnerships, Creative Destruction Lab

    • ​Pieter Dorsman, President & CEO, Redpeaks Management Inc.

  • ​Moderator: Nicole Brassard, VP of British Columbia, Global Public Affairs

SPONSORED BY THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES GROUP

Vancouver's tech office experts

Connect with The High Technology Facilities Group at CBRE – leaders in sourcing office space for BC’s startup and unicorn companies. The HTFG excels at helping clients find unique workspaces that drive productivity, reflect values, attract top talent, and fuel workplace culture.

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

🗓️ Friday, June 6 | 🎟️ Register

  • ​If you enjoy running businesses and pavements, gather with other tech founders for our first meeting, where RBCx and the VANTEC Angel Network will jog a fun and friendly 5k loop along the seawall to Stanley Park. Connect, swap stories, and get those endorphins flowing.​

SPONSORED BY BURNABY BOARD OF TRADE

Something’s happening in Burnaby. Long recognized for its manufacturing strength and thriving film industry, the city is now rapidly emerging as one of Canada’s most important clean energy leaders. The question now is: how do we harness it? That’s what’s driving the Burnaby Board of Trade’s Clean Energy Summit. Read the full article here.

🗓️ Tuesday, June 10 | 🎟️ Register

  • ​​​Founders Huddle is a monthly event where up to three founders can use 5-10 minutes to share what business they are building, what kind of challenges they are facing, and what kind of help they need. The audience can then ask questions, offer suggestions, and provide resources to help the founders overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals.

🗓️ Wednesday, June 11 | 🎟️ Register

  • ​​​​Are you a visionary tech founder ready to transform your idea into a thriving business? Join this three-month startup incubator program designed to catapult your venture to new heights.

🤝 NEW OPPORTUNITIES

🗓️ June 15 | Apply

  • Apply to the C100 Fellows and Growth programs, where high-potential founders and executives connect with a global network of seasoned entrepreneurs, operators, and investors. Over the course of a year, participants gain the insights, mentorship, and connections needed to scale faster and smarter.

🗓️ June 17 | Apply

  • Submit your application to this fund supporting the development and deployment of BC-based innovative clean energy technology solutions.

SPONSORED BY WEWORK

Whether you're an established enterprise or a scaling startup, find a coworking space that's right for you. Connect with a WeWork expert today.*

🗓️ July 10 | Apply

  • Throw your hat in the ring for this first-of-its-kind celebration from the Canadian Food Innovation Network recognizing Canada's most ambitious and impactful foodtech innovators. Selected companies benefit from targeted media coverage, enhanced investment attraction, strategic partnership opportunities, and elevated visibility nationally and globally.

🗓️ Multiple | Apply

  • If you’re a founder developing a science- or technology-based venture with the potential for massive scale, this is your opportunity to work with world-class mentors, serial entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, and operators who’ve built and backed industry-defining companies.

🗓️ Ongoing | Apply

  • Submit an expression of interest for Digital’s co-investment program, designed for projects focused on unlocking the opportunities in the mining and energy sectors.

🗓️ Ongoing | Apply

  • Apply for Innovate BC’s Venture Acceleration Program, developed to help tech entrepreneurs accelerate the process of defining a proven business model. Whether you’re just starting out or you have already established your business, this program is designed to help growing technology companies.

SPONSORED BY 1440 MEDIA

Seeking impartial news? Meet 1440.

Every day, 3.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a brief 5-minute email. Enjoy an impartial news experience.

👋 YOUR COMMUNITY

🗣 VTJ Community Slack | Can’t make it to any in-person events? Network and chat with your friendly neighbourhood tech professionals using our dedicated Slack.

🗓️ Vancouver Tech Events Calendar | All local events in one place.

💪 Become a VTJ Corporate Member | Get your brand in front of thousands of tech professionals, investors, decision makers, and leaders. Get in touch today.

📱 Stay connected with VTJ | Twitter and LinkedIn.

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