Hi everyone,
This week, I sat down with Minister Ravi Kahlon for his first interview since returning to lead BC’s rebranded Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth. His message? “Things have changed.”
Also inside: Debrand lands funding for textile recycling, Push Operations teams up with Crumbl, and a new generation of firetech and foodtech is taking shape.
Plus: Join us August 27 for an honest founder conversation about burnout, balance, and building with purpose.
More below.
From The Journal
"Things have changed."
Exclusive: We sat down with Minister Ravi Kahlon to talk about BC’s new tech and innovation playbook. In his first interview since returning to lead the rebranded Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth, Kahlon breaks down:
Innovate BC’s move under Finance
The province’s AI strategy and Rick Glumac’s new role
Web Summit Vancouver and what’s next for BC’s tech sector
His mandate for economic growth amid global uncertainty
AI tools, sustainable ingredients, and real-time food safety tech featured in the latest Innovation Booster funding round.
Local innovators secure a share of over $1M in Startupfest 2025 prizes.
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.
Funding, Deals & More
Debrand awarded $300K grant for textile recycling: Vancouver’s Debrand received $300,000 from the CleanBC Plastics Action Fund to expand its software platform and develop AI models to improve textile identification and recycling.
Push Operations teams up with Crumbl: Vancouver-based Push Operations is partnering with U.S. bakery chain Crumbl to streamline restaurant management across hundreds of locations. Push’s tools will help Crumbl scale workforce and payroll operations.
Front Row Ventures backs clinical trials platform: Student-run VC firm Front Row Ventures announced its latest investment in a startup transforming clinical trials. The unnamed medtech company is working to make trials more efficient, inclusive, and data-rich.
SPONSORED BY FASKEN
From farm to Fasken
From production to processing, distribution to finance, technology is transforming every aspect of the agricultural industry. With over 30 years in the emerging tech space and deep experience in agribusiness, intellectual property, ESG, and life sciences, Fasken is the go-to legal partner helping AgTech and FoodTech innovators shape the industries of tomorrow. Tomorrow starts here. Own it with us. Learn More.
In Other News
Theory+Practice named one of Canada’s Top 100 AI Startups: Rogayeh Tabrizi’s Theory+Practice has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 AI Startups by SCALE AI. The Vancouver firm develops AI-driven solutions for data-rich decision-making in retail, finance, and more.
Read more →Tao listed on TSX Venture Exchange: Vancouver-based XTao Tech has begun trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “XTAO.” The startup develops a decentralized protocol designed for the tokenization of real-world assets.
Read more →BC tech startups fight fire with innovation: From aerial surveillance to AI-driven response systems, BC tech companies are developing tools to help combat the growing threat of wildfires. The innovations aim to assist first responders and improve preparedness.
Read more →
SPONSORED BY VRIFY
Listen now: The debut episode of The VRIFY Podcast explores how AI is transforming the search for critical minerals. Not an explorer? Tune in for valuable insight into the industry's direction and impact.
👀 Can't-Miss
Building a startup is thrilling — but it can also be all-consuming. Join us and SaaS Wealth Insurance for an honest and energizing conversation about what it really takes to lead a company while protecting your mental health, setting boundaries, and staying aligned with your values.
RSVP here →
👋 Your Community
🗣 VTJ Community Slack – reply back if you need access.
💪 Become a VTJ Corporate Member and get your brand in front of thousands of tech professionals, investors, decision makers, and leaders. Get in touch today.