Welcome back to VTJ’s Midweek Memo: the Vancouver tech events and opportunities newsletter you can’t miss.
👋 We are four days away from the end of our supporter drive, and we are so close to reaching our goal of 200 new members. Like, really, really close. William, Nicole, Emily and I are so grateful to all the people who have signed up to support Vancouver Tech Journal so far, and we need just a few more of you to become members in order to keep Vancouver’s tech news coming. Please consider supporting us — it’s only $2 a week.
In this week’s edition, discover our members-only event to learn what you didn’t know you could do with AI (it’s also another great reason to become a member now), attend a founders huddle to get support from fellow Vancouver startup leaders, and apply to get your climatetech company on stage at Web Summit.
VTJ EVENTS
🗓 Wednesday, March 19 | 🎟 Register
Join the Vancouver Tech Journal team and our partners at CBRE's The High Technology Facilities Group (HTFG) for our next Tech Industry Social.
And as usual, your first drink is free, compliments of The High Technology Facilities Group and Hudson Pacific Properties!
🗓 Wednesday, March 26 | 🎟 Register
Scaling a SaaS business is a game of strategy — one that requires founders and investors to navigate pricing models, go-to-market motions, and sustainable growth tactics. Whether you're building your first software startup or scaling an established SaaS company, this session will provide practical insights to help you optimize revenue at every stage.
Join us for an in-depth discussion with experienced SaaS operators and investors as we break down the key levers for growth, from customer acquisition to retention and expansion. We'll also explore the art of bootstrapping — how founders can scale smartly without relying on external funding.
You’ll hear from:
Moderator: William Johnson, founder, Vancouver Tech Journal
Serge Salager, CEO, Visualping
Brianna Blaney, co-founder and CEO, Pocketed Grant Platform
🗓 Thursday, April 3 | 🎟 Register
Join us for an exclusive VTJ members-only workshop with Kushank Aggarwal, a creator entrepreneur with over 1 million followers, AI SaaS founder, and consultant helping businesses harness AI for real-world impact.
This session isn’t about the AI basics you’ve already seen. Instead, Kushank will dive into surprising, practical, and game-changing AI use cases — from workflow automation to unexpected productivity hacks. You’ll leave with immediately actionable insights that go beyond ChatGPT prompts, including:
Underrated AI tools that can supercharge your daily tasks
AI-powered automation techniques that save time and reduce manual work
How to build AI-assisted workflows that actually stick
If you’re curious about what’s really possible with AI — and how to make it work for you — this is your chance to explore the next frontier of AI-driven productivity.
🚨 Not yet a member? 🚨
🚨 Remember: VTJ members get exclusive events, first-access to all our public events, plus 50% off our VTJ talks series. Don’t miss out — become a member now.
SPONSORED BY FORESIGHT CANADA
Empowering First Nation communities through clean energy
Amlamgog First Nation is leading the way in sustainable energy independence — and they’re looking for innovators to collaborate on their next step.
The Amlamgog (Fort Folly First Nation) Microgrid Challenge is seeking scalable, renewable energy solutions that enhance community resilience, reduce emissions, and drive economic self-sufficiency.
This challenge is a rare opportunity to build a lasting partnership with Amlamgog First Nation, supporting Indigenous-led energy leadership while creating a blueprint for sustainable power in remote communities across Canada.
Why apply? The winning innovator will:
✔️ Present their solution to the Amlamgog Chief, Council, Band Administration, Elders, Youth, and interested community members
✔️ Showcase their technology at the 2025 Atlantic Indigenous-Led Energy Symposium
✔️ Partner with Amlamgog to establish the Indigenous Distributed Energy Demonstration Project
Learn more.
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS
🗓 Saturday, March 22| 🎟 Register
Join an informal and welcoming coffee chat where cybersecurity professionals from all backgrounds can connect, share experiences, and build lasting relationships in a relaxed atmosphere.
Whether you're just starting your journey in cybersecurity, transitioning from another field, or you're a seasoned expert, this event is designed for anyone passionate about the world of digital security.
🗓 Thursday, March 27 | 🎟 Register
Are you a founder who is working on an exciting startup idea? Do you want to connect with other founders and get feedback, advice, and support? If yes, then join the Founders Huddle event at WeWork Main Street in Vancouver.
Founders Huddle is a monthly event where up to three founders can use five to ten minutes to share what business they are building, what kind of challenges they are facing, and what kind of help they need.
The audience then asks questions, offers suggestions, and provides resources to help the founders overcome their obstacles and achieve their goals.
🗓 Friday, March 28 | 🎟 Register
Are you a first-time tech startup founder with a burning desire to create the next big thing? Join an exclusive event that will equip you with the essential tools and strategies to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
By the end of this event, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to generate promising startup ideas and validate them effectively, setting you on the path to entrepreneurial success.
SPONSORED BY AEROPRESS
Enjoy the world-renowned flavor of AeroPress, a velvety-smooth coffee without the grit or bitterness found in other methods. Loved globally, with 55K+ 5-star reviews.
🤝 NEW OPPORTUNITIES
🗓️ March 31 | Apply
Get up to $250,000 in cash and prizes in the largest and longest-running tech competition in B.C. The contest helps startups grow by providing knowledge from industry experts and networking opportunities to connect across the tech ecosystem.
🗓️ Not disclosed | Apply
Get onstage at Web Summit Vancouver as part of the Climate Stage. Various Vancouver-based organizations are collaboratively curating the stage’s program, and are looking for topics, speakers, and partners.
🗓️ April 2 | Apply
Lease a retail unit (ranging from 300-600 sq. ft.) for free at The Shops at Bentall Centre for six months, through this program designed to help shoppers buy local.
SPONSORED BY THE RUNDOWN AI
Learn how to make AI work for you
AI won’t take your job, but a person using AI might. That’s why 1,000,000+ professionals read The Rundown AI – the free newsletter that keeps you updated on the latest AI news and teaches you how to use it in just 5 minutes a day.
🗓️ May 26 | Apply
Get free access to all three days of Web Summit Vancouver, including the exhibition floor, hours of onstage content, and after-hours events. Tickets are available to anyone from First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities in Canada who is over the age of 18 and who has a genuine interest in attending Web Summit Vancouver.
🗓️ 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.
🗓️ Ongoing | Apply
Get investor and funding support, industry connections, tech validation, and more as part of Foresight Canada’s acceleration program, which provides tailored support for startups developing cleantech solutions that drive decarbonization and/or adaptation to climate change.
🗓️ Various | Apply
Get travel support for B.C.-based film, TV, digital media, media producers, and sales agents to access key international markets, conferences, co-production and co-financing events. Creative BC’s support offsets a portion of travel, accommodation, and registration expenses.
🤝 VANCOUVER TECH JOBS
Whether you're looking for a dream role or a dream employee, Vancouver Tech Jobs has you covered, with open jobs including:
Safe Software is hiring for multiple roles
Marine Biologics is hiring a project manager
Coreplan is hiring an implementation customer success manager, North America
Aritzia is hiring a digital product manager
PwC is hiring an intermediate product manager
Growing your team? Post a job with us »
👋 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 Jobs board | Looking for work? Looking for your next hire?
🗓️ 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.


