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:
Digital innovation's $4B impact story
The demographic crunch threatening tech growth
How BC is building resilience through technology
UPCOMING EVENTS
🗓 Tuesday, February 17 | Register
The DIGITAL Effect: Innovation Showcase is a curated open-house event highlighting the real-world impact of Canada’s digital innovation ecosystem, presented in partnership with Vancouver Tech Journal.
The program features short presentations from DIGITAL members, offering concrete examples of innovation moving from concept to market and delivering measurable outcomes. With a 12× return on federal investment, $4B in GDP growth, 34,000 jobs created, and more than 730 IP assets secured by Canadian SMEs, DIGITAL has proven a model that works—and one that is ready to scale.
SPONSORED BY THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY FACILITIES GROUP
Vancouver's Tech Office Experts
Connect with The High Technology Facilities Group at CBRE – leaders in sourcing office space for BC’s startup and unicorn companies. The HTFG excels at helping clients find unique workspaces that drive productivity, reflect values, attract top talent, and fuel workplace culture.
🗓 Wednesday, February 18 | Register
Join Vancouver Tech Journal and Northeastern University for a candid discussion on what’s actually happening in the tech talent market—and what needs to change so Canada can keep building world-class companies while maintaining public trust.
We’ll dig into hiring realities across startups and enterprise, the role of post-secondary pathways, and where provincial and federal policy can help (or hinder) outcomes over the next decade.
You’ll hear from:
Steve Eccles, Regional CEO and Dean, Vancouver at Northeastern University
Victoria Brydon, Principal Brydon Strategies; former Chief People Officer, D-Wave Systems
Moderator: David FitzGerald, Founder & Principal Technical Recruiter, Starboard Recruitment
SPONSORED BY THE CANADIAN FOOD INNOVATION NETWORK (CFIN)
Meet CFIN: Powering Foodtech Growth
The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) connects innovators, investors, and industry leaders working to build a more competitive and resilient food sector. Through funding, insights, and community, CFIN helps tech builders develop innovative solutions to the sector’s biggest challenges.
🗓 Thursday, February 26 | Register
Join Vancouver Tech Journal and BCIT for an in-depth conversation on how technology is reshaping the way we anticipate, respond to, and recover from disruptions.
From wildfire detection and emergency response to infrastructure modernization, workforce readiness, and data-driven decision-making, this event will explore where BC is leading, where gaps remain, and what it will take to build a truly resilient province.
Who should attend: Leaders and professionals in tech, public sector, emergency management, infrastructure, sustainability, policy, and anyone invested in BC’s future resilience.
🗓 Wednesday, March 18 | Register
Join Vancouver Tech Journal & VanHack for an evening conversation with experienced founders and operators who have scaled products and teams across different stages of growth.
From early-stage scrappiness to global expansion, our panelists will share candid lessons on what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they knew earlier.
SPONSORED BY DEEL
Deel has launched The Pitch, presented by J.P. Morgan, a global startup competition offering up to $1M in investment in your startup. Founders submit a 2-minute pitch for a chance to win funding, exposure, and access to exclusive perks. Apply here.
🗓 Thursday, February 19 | Register
If you enjoy running businesses and pavements, gather with other tech founders for our first winter meeting, where we will jog a fun and friendly 5k, starting and ending at The Grind by VEGAIN. Connect, swap stories, and get those endorphins flowing 👟*
SPONSORED BY TECHEXIT.IO
Where Founders Plan Their Exit
TechExit.io Vancouver is Canada’s leading event for founders, operators and investors navigating growth, M&A and long-term outcomes. Through real founder stories, expert insights, and curated networking, TechExit helps leaders build optionality, make smarter decisions and prepare for the moments that matter most.
🗓 Tuesday, February 24 | Register
Access to capital remains one of the most critical and complex challenges founders face as they build and scale their companies. From early non-dilutive funding through seed and pre-seed rounds to later-stage growth capital, each stage presents distinct expectations, risks, and decision points for founders.
This VEF event brings together investors, founders, and ecosystem partners for a candid, practical conversation about navigating the funding landscape in today’s market, and is a ‘must attend’ if you plan to raise in the next 12 months.*
🗓 Tuesday, February 24 | Register
Join Vancouver’s business and tech community for an evening of stand-up comedy, an improv Startup Pitch-Off with surprise decks and prizes, plus networking and drinks.*
Sponsored listing
🤝 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 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 tech companies, to find unique workspaces that drive productivity, attract top talent and create culture.
👋 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.