Real AI, real results — Plus a Web Summit reality check

Hear how Canadian tech leaders are deploying AI, and whether Vancouver’s biggest tech event lived up to the hype.

Author

Emily Edwards
May 28, 2025

SFU BCCAI

Welcome back to VTJ’s Midweek Memo: the Vancouver tech events and opportunities newsletter you can’t miss. In this week’s edition:

  • AI strategies driving real business outcomes at Industrio AI and Metaspectral

  • What Vancouver’s tech scene really thought of Web Summit’s debut

  • New founder-focused events and workshops to sharpen your edge

  • Grants, fellowships, and funding calls to grow your startup or research initiative

VTJ EVENTS

🗓️ Thursday, June 12 | Save your seat

🚨 Not yet a member? 

Remember: VTJ members get 50% off our #VTJTalks series. Don’t miss out — become a member now.

🗓️ Wednesday, June 25 | Register

  • Once the dust has settled, we’re bringing together local leaders from the worlds of tech, startups, and government to unpack the first-ever Web Summit Vancouver.

  • ​We’ll dig into:

    • ​Whether the event delivered real value for founders and funders

    • ​What goals local startups had—and whether they met them

    • ​How the city and province showed up, and what should change next time

    • ​What role ecosystem builders and investors should play going forward

SPONSORED BY SFU BCCAI

SFU BCCAI

BCCAI: The power to grow agritech innovations

BCCAI drives agritech innovation across B.C., investing $17M+since 2022 to support 32 projects, train 1,650+ HQP, and bring 23 products to market—delivering $18M in revenue growth. Through a 580+ partner network, we connect industry,researchers, and producers to build a stronger, more resilient food system.

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS

🗓️ Thursday, May 29 | 🎟️ Register

  • ​Founders Huddle is a monthly event where up to three founders can use 5-10 minutes to share what business they are building, what kind of challenges they are facing, and what kind of help they need. ​

SPONSORED BY THINKRR.AI

Most Vancouver websites sit silent, missing sales. Thinkrr.ai animates them with a voice-AI widget that greets visitors, answers questions, books calls, and follows up automatically. Over 500 companies already sell 24/7 through their new “smart sites.” Click to chat with the demo and hear your future.

🗓️ Thursday, June 5 | 🎟️ Register

  • ​​Streamline the patent process, and learn how to save time and money when working with an IP Professional in filing a patent application.

  • If you’re a startup looking to protect an invention with a high-quality patent asset, this workshop is for you. In this session, you will:

    • ​Build a comprehensive Invention Disclosure

    • ​Craft a Plain-Language Patent Claim that defines your Invention

    • ​Search the Patent Literature and the Non-Patent Literature for points of comparison to your Invention

    • ​Evaluate your Invention using an Invention Scorecard 

    • ​Prepare a Patent Drafting Work Package for your IP Service Provider

SPONSORED BY BURNABY BOARD OF TRADE

Canada’s clean energy future starts here

Join industry, government, and community leaders at the Burnaby Board of Trade’s Clean Energy Summit on June 12. This one-day event drives bold conversations across sectors and municipal borders to accelerate our transition to a more sustainable, connected energy future.

🤝 NEW OPPORTUNITIES

🗓️ June 15 | Apply

  • Apply to the C100 Fellows and Growth programs, where high-potential founders and executives connect with a global network of seasoned entrepreneurs, operators, and investors. Over the course of a year, participants gain the insights, mentorship, and connections needed to scale faster and smarter.

🗓️ June 17 | Apply

  • Submit your application to this fund supporting the development and deployment of BC-based innovative clean energy technology solutions.

🗓️ July 10 | Apply

  • Throw your hat in the ring for this first-of-its-kind celebration from the Canadian Food Innovation Network recognizing Canada's most ambitious and impactful foodtech innovators. Selected companies benefit from targeted media coverage, enhanced investment attraction, strategic partnership opportunities, and elevated visibility nationally and globally.

🗓️ Multiple | Apply

  • If you’re a founder developing a science- or technology-based venture with the potential for massive scale, this is your opportunity to work with world-class mentors, serial entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, and operators who’ve built and backed industry-defining companies.

SPONSORED BY THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES GROUP

Are your office needs changing? Connect with The High Technology Facilities Group at CBRE – the Vancouver team representing BC’s startup and unicorn companies, to find unique workspaces that drive productivity, attract top talent and create amazing culture.

🗓️ 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.

🗓️ 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.

SPONSORED BY RBC

AI-powered defence. Canadians continue to embrace the convenience of digital banking. RBC’s approach to innovation and client safety is underpinned by their responsible and proactive use of AI to enhance cybersecurity abilities. Read the full article here.

👋 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.

📱 Stay connected with VTJ | Twitter and LinkedIn.

VTJ MERCH

Reply

or to participate.