Morning everyone,
It's been a busy week for Vancouver tech. Here's a taste of what's inside:
Funding: A Vancouver clean-tech company closed an oversubscribed round to bring its critical minerals extraction technology to global markets.
For the sports fans: IBM is running an AI sports tech pitch competition at Web Summit Vancouver, and Science World is gearing up for a FIFA Museum exhibition ahead of the World Cup.
Web Summit: A few stories tied to the conference this week, which is now less than a month away.
Speaking of Web Summit, our unofficial after party list looks a little sharper in website form.
From The Journal
SPONSORED BY PHS COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY
When Lives Are on the Line, Every Step Matters
PHS Community Services Society supports thousands facing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges.
Help change lives. Join PHS’s Run Team in the Under Armour Eastside 10K or forming a company team to help PHS raise $30,000 for Food Security.
Register or donate today: [email protected]. Use code 26PHS for 10% off.
Funding, Deals, and More
Innovate BC is hosting an invite-only Investor Showcase on May 11 ahead of Web Summit Vancouver, connecting 25 of BC's most promising tech companies with global investors. Read more →
NorthX Climate Tech has committed $2.2 million in follow-on funding to three BC-based wildfire technology companies as North America heads into another high-risk fire season. Read more →
Vancouver-based Ascent Systems Technologies was among four companies to receive $100,000 each through Innovate BC's COAST Innovation Challenge to develop clean energy technologies for coastal and marine environments. Read more →
Fasken has supported founders, investors and acquirers in the emerging tech ecosystem for over 30 years. We offer a full suite of services that scale as your needs evolve. Learn more →*
*Sponsored listing
In Other News
Vancouver-based Ideon Technologies is featured in Scientific American's May issue for its work using muon tomography — a technique that harnesses cosmic rays — to map rock deep underground, helping mining companies find critical minerals and prevent dangerous cave collapses. Read more →
Innovate BC has appointed four new members to its board of directors, including 1QBit CEO Andrew Fursman, BioWare co-founder Dr. Ray Muzyka, and life sciences investor Nancy Harrison, with Jessie Adcock set to take over as board chair in May. Read more →
Science World will host the North American debut of the FIFA Museum's Soccer & Technology exhibition starting May 15, offering Vancouver visitors an immersive look at the data, refereeing tools and broadcasting innovations behind the modern game. Read more →
Surrey-based Safe Software has been named one of Canada's Top Small & Medium Employers for 2026 for the 12th time, as the FME platform creator surpasses $100 million in annual revenue and grows its workforce by nearly 22%. Read more →
Vancouver's Raaj Chatterjee, a 30 Under 30 winner, is building Meaningful, an AI-powered CRM designed to help nonprofits scale fundraising and community engagement without losing the human relationships at the heart of their work. Read more →
IBM and Web Summit are inviting AI startups focused on the sports industry to apply for a pitch competition at Web Summit Vancouver in May, with judging from IBM Ventures partners and sports and tech executives. Read more →
Attending, presenting, or sponsoring at Web Summit? Portfolio.YVR's Special Edition gives businesses a 10-page feature reaching 100,000 North American professionals and global press release — before the opening keynote. Are you ready for the room? Read more →*
*Sponsored listing
👋 Your Community
🗣 VTJ Community Slack – reply back if you need access.
💪 Become a VTJ Corporate Member and get your brand in front of thousands of tech professionals, investors, decision makers, and leaders. Get in touch today.