Welcome back to VTJ’s Midweek Memo: the Vancouver tech events and opportunities newsletter you can’t miss. In this week’s edition:
A hands-on AI workshop
Hit the pavement in Stanley Park
A participant-driven conference
UPCOMING EVENTS
🗓 Thursday, October 2 | Register
In this hands-on workshop, you'll dive deep into the world of AI agents and learn how to leverage them to enhance your business, automate tasks, and boost productivity. Whether you're looking to streamline processes, improve customer experience, or discover new ways AI can work for you, this session will give you the tools and knowledge you need to unlock their full potential.
🗓 Wednesday, October 29 | Register
Raising capital is never easy — and in today’s market, founders need more than just a great pitch to secure the right investors. This edition of #VTJTalks brings together experienced Vancouver founders and ecosystem leaders to share their real-world fundraising stories, lessons learned, and practical strategies for success.
SPONSORED BY RIIPEN
Important tasks piling up, but not ready to hire full-time?
For tech founders who need to scale but aren’t ready to hire full-time, Riipen FuturePath offers flexible, low-commitment support. From product research and QA to marketing and admin, get real work off your plate—fast.
You choose the project. You set the timeline. Start with as little as 10 hours and scale up to 300. With 50% of the cost subsidized by the Government of Canada, it’s a smart, founder-friendly way to boost capacity without the overhead.
It’s on-demand, hands-on support from skilled vetted student talent—ready to contribute.
Learn more: riipen.com/futurepath/employers
🗓 Wednesday, November 19 | Register
This #VTJTalks roundtable brings together BIPOC founders, innovators, and ecosystem champions for an honest, solutions‑focused conversation on what it takes to thrive in tech while breaking barriers for the next generation.
🗓 Wednesday, December 10 | Register
Vancouver’s tech and innovation sector has seen explosive growth over the past decade — from AI and biotech breakthroughs to world‑class climate tech and gaming studios. But as we enter the second half of 2025, the big question is: Are we living up to our potential as a leading innovation hub?
SPONSORED BY THE HIGH TECHNOLOGIES FACILITIES GROUP
Vancouver's tech office experts
Connect with The High Technology Facilities Group at CBRE Ltd. – 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.
Check out how The HTFG can help, or reach out to Alain, Blair, Kevin or Andre from The HTFG.
THIS AFTERNOON: The Sweat Equity Run Club: September Edition
🗓 Wednesday, September 24 | 🎟 Register
If you enjoy running businesses and pavements, gather with other tech founders to jog a fun and friendly 5k loop along the seawall to Stanley Park. Connect, swap stories, and get those endorphins flowing.
🗓 Saturday, September 27 | 🎟 Register
This unconference is focused on bringing hardware products into reality, like wearables, industrial sensors, machinery, and more. From industrial design to firmware to project management to legal, if it's key to building & launching hardware, it's a good fit here.
SPONSORED BY CUBE BUSINESS MEDIA
Tech Talent North Western brings HR and People & Culture leaders together to explore the future of work. VTJ readers save 20% on tickets with promo code VTJ20.
🤝 NEW OPPORTUNITIES
🗓️ November 20, 2025 | Apply
Submit an application to the Innovator Skills Initiative, designed to increase diversity in the tech sector and help B.C.-based businesses fill talent shortages and grow. The program provides grants to employers that are hiring for tech or tech-related roles.
SPONSORED BY NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Northeastern University’s Vancouver MSCS program equips professionals with AI, cybersecurity, and software development skills through industry-focused curriculum and co-ops. Eligible Canadians starting January 2026 may receive 50% scholarships. Learn more.
🗓️ Ongoing | Apply
Apply for this cost-sharing grant program that funds small, medium and large enterprises to support skills training for their workforces, including prospective new hires.
🗓️ 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.
👋 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.