Welcome back to VTJ’s Midweek Memo: the Vancouver tech events and opportunities newsletter you can’t miss.
And now, in this week’s edition:
Office hours this Thursday—informal conversations, no agenda
Defence tech sold out, but you can request an invite to a secret event on March 31 by replying to this email
Student projects ready to solve your tech challenges
BUT FIRST: Web Summit is only two months away—to the day! If you’re hosting an afterparty, don’t forget to add it to our Unofficial Master Afterparty List.
UPCOMING EVENTS
🗓 Wednesday, March 18 | Register
Canada is modernizing defence procurement. Innovation programs are expanding. The question is: how can BC founders win in this new landscape?
As geopolitical tensions reshape global supply chains and domestic capacity becomes a national priority, Canada is rethinking how it works with innovators—particularly in areas like advanced manufacturing, AI, cybersecurity, sensors, and dual-use technologies. For founders in British Columbia, that creates both opportunity and complexity. New funding streams are emerging. Procurement pathways are evolving. But translating early innovation support into long-term, revenue-generating government contracts remains a challenge.
SPONSORED BY VRIFY
AI Needs Data — But First, Data Needs Discipline
For AI to produce results you have to start with clean data.
Mineral exploration offers a clear example. Over years of exploration, rock samples are tested and logged by different geologists. If changes aren’t documented, an AI model may learn differences in testing procedures instead of differences in the ground, ultimately producing confident predictions that point explorers to the wrong drill targets.
But all is not lost. With sustained data discipline — keeping datasets consistent, interpretable, and trustworthy over time — AI can produce accurate outputs for actionable business decisions.
🗓 Thursday, March 19 | Register
We get a lot of requests for coffee meetings, quick drinks, and “can I pick your brain?” chats about Vancouver tech. We love the curiosity—but we can’t meet one-on-one with everyone.
So we host open office hours.
Every couple of weeks, we post up at a bar or café for informal, no-agenda conversation. Grab a beer, coffee, or tea and come talk to us about whatever’s on your mind—fundraising, storytelling, media, community building, where the ecosystem is heading, or something totally different.
SPONSORED BY STARBOARD RECRUITMENT
Canada's trusted boutique tech recruitment partner.
When quality and experience matter. Starboard Recruitment specializes in finding the best talent for Canada's top tech companies. A trusted partner, they are highly recommended by many industry leaders. View testimonials here: Link to testimonials.
Contact David today @ david [at] starboardrecruitment [dot] com
🤝 NEW OPPORTUNITIES
SPONSORED BY BCIT COMPUTING
Work with BCIT computing students this spring
Put students to work on your tech projects. BCIT Computing’s Industry Sponsored Student Projects (ISSP) program spring deadline is March 23 - submission is easy.
New this spring: learn about M.Sc. internships with possible salary subsidy.
🗓️ 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 INNOVATE BC
Is your startup ready for Web Summit Vancouver? The Road to Web Summit Vancouver, powered by Innovate BC helps you maximize the conference with tailored events to build skills, share your story, and drive growth.
👋 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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