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:
Global ambitions, local questions
Beyond the pilot trap
The compensation equation
UPCOMING EVENTS
🗓 Wednesday, October 29 | Register
New InBC chief investment officer Thomas Park to speak alongside other investors and founders.
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 VRIFY
From Corporate to Startup: A Geologist’s Leap into Tech
After working for a major mining company for many years, geologist Kevin Byrne, Ph.D., has spent the last 12 months exploring a new frontier: the intersection of geoscience and artificial intelligence. Trading field work for data models, Byrne now helps shape how mineral explorers find and validate targets using machine learning and AI. His journey reflects the curiosity of a new generation of scientists who see technology not as a departure from discovery, but as its next evolution. For Byrne, the startup life means rapid iteration and creative problem-solving, all alongside a collaborative team that embraces innovation. Read more.
🗓 Tuesday, November 4 | Register
Join us for this special Web Summit 6-Month Countdown event, as we take stock of where we are, where we’re headed, and what it will take to build a truly global tech city—right here in Vancouver.
🗓 Tuesday, November 25 | Register
According to the MIT State of AI in Business 2025 study, 95% of Generative AI pilots fail. Despite massive investment, most organizations remain stuck in the GenAI Chasm: adoption without transformation, pilots without measurable ROI. Yet, a small group - the 5% who succeed - are showing an emerging path forward.
Join Vancouver Tech Journal and GovAI.fm for an honest conversation about what it really takes to cross — or fall into — the GenAI chasm.
SPONSORED BY STARBOARD RECRUITMENT
Your Trusted Recruitment Partner.
"David is next-generation talent. He is part of a select group of top performers that will build the next batch of iconic software companies.”
“David was a delight to work with and was invaluable in helping coordinate technical and nuanced conversations between CXOs and other team members."
More testimonials: Click here.
🗓 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 PHS COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY
Make a difference
Is your business looking to show leadership by supporting vulnerable, marginalized individuals?
PHS Community Services Society is looking for organizations who want to work together to build a safer, healthier future for people in crisis.
Your partnership can make a life-saving difference, fostering dignity and stability. Please contact: [email protected]
🗓 Wednesday, November 19 | Register
Canada’s tech and creative tech sectors continue to evolve at a rapid pace — from shifting pay transparency laws to the growing impact of AI on People & Culture practices. Join TAP Network and Mercer for an exclusive one-hour webinar to unpack the latest data and insights from the 2025 Tech Sector Salary and Total Rewards Survey.
🤝 NEW OPPORTUNITIES
🗓️ November 27, 2025 | Apply
NorthX is inviting all eligible and interested applicants to apply to its 2025 Wildfire Tech Call for Innovation. Through this call, up to $3 million in non-dilutive investments will be awarded to Canadian-based innovators developing commercial pathways to scale hard-tech wildfire management solutions across the value chain that directly address associated emissions.
SPONSORED BY VANHACK
Discover the Tech Hiring Trends for 2025 shaping the future of recruitment. VanHack reveals five powerful shifts redefining how companies hire and why global talent could be your ultimate competitive edge.
🗓️ 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.
🗓️ 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.
💪 Become a VTJ Corporate Member | Get your brand in front of thousands of tech professionals, investors, decision makers, and leaders. Get in touch today.
