Welcome back to VTJ’s Midweek Memo: the Vancouver tech events and opportunities newsletter you can’t miss.
In this edition:
A workshop on three generations of computer vision — with Dr. Lino Coria
How founders can stop deferring the personal wealth conversation
Mark your calendar: Tech Days Vol. 2 is in October
UPCOMING EVENTS
🗓 Thursday, August 27 | Apply
For most founders, the business is the single largest asset they'll ever own. It's also the most illiquid, the most volatile, and the hardest to separate from personal net worth. Between reinvesting every dollar, deferring salary, and betting on the exit, founders often build tremendous enterprise value while neglecting the personal wealth that's supposed to come with it.
Vancouver Tech Journal, in partnership with SaaS Wealth Insurance, is bringing together founders, operators, and financial experts to tackle the question most entrepreneurs put off until it's too late: how do you build durable personal wealth when your business is your portfolio?
🗓 Thursday, September 17 | Apply
On September 17, explore the evolution of computer vision in a hands-on workshop with Dr. Lino Coria at the Northeastern University Vancouver campus. Compare rule-based systems, neural networks, and today's vision-language models to discover how modern AI interprets images.
SPONSORED BY PHS COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY
$8K raised to date. Run, donate or support the PHS Run Team
The PHS Run Team is taking on the 2026 Under Armour Eastside 10K with a goal of raising $30,000 to build a purpose-built kitchen and expand the PHS Vancouver Food Program.
So far, PHS has raised $8,000, but there's still a long way to go.
Every day, PHS provides more than 3,900 meals, including over 2,000 hot meals, to people living in supportive housing, shelters, and community programs. As food costs continue to rise, so does the need. This program is vital for people who don’t have access to a kitchen or cold storage.
Your support helps ensure vulnerable community members have access to reliable, nutritious food every single day.
🗓 Monday, October 19 | Apply
Vancouver Tech Days is back for round two. Vol. 1 sold out in five days and went over capacity — proof that this city's builders want more than another networking mixer. They want real playbooks from teams that have actually scaled.
Vol. 1 speakers included Sarah Huggins (Hiive), Don Murray (Safe Software), Edward Chiang (Moment Energy), James Clift (Durable), and Gary Agnew (Ideon Technologies) — and Vol. 2 is shaping up to be even bigger.
🗓 Thursday, August 20 | Apply
Registration is open for Webinar 3 of DIGITAL's Defence Market Access Series! This series is a free, practical guide to entering Canada's defence market – built for Canadian innovators.
In this session, co-hosted with Strix, you'll gain an inside look at how Canada's prime defence contractors build supplier partnerships. While Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) obligations create valuable opportunities for Canadian SMEs, ITBs alone don't secure partnerships—primes choose companies that strengthen their programs. Hear directly from prime contractors, successful SMEs, and industry advisors as they share what primes look for in suppliers and how to position your company to compete successfully.
SPONSORED BY THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES GROUP
Vancouver's tech office experts
Rethinking your office space strategy? Connect with The High Technology Facilities Group at CBRE, leaders in sourcing premium office space for BC’s startups and unicorns. Whether navigating a cost-saving renewal or a relocation, we secure high-quality workspaces that drive productivity, reflect your values, attract talent, and fuel culture. Contact us.
🤝 NEW OPPORTUNITIES
🗓️ 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.
SPONSORED BY WEWORK
Ready to find your ideal workspace? For businesses of all sizes—from startups to enterprises—discover the coworking space that fits your needs. Connect with a WeWork professional today.
👋 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.
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