Good morning,
A big question sits at the centre of a BIV op-ed we’re flagging this week: why do so many Canadian breakthroughs end up being commercialized somewhere else? SFU’s Elicia Maine makes a pointed case that the answer has less to do with research funding and more to do with the incentives and pathways available to researchers who want to build companies.
On the events side, we have two VTJ Talks coming up — one on the physical AI era and one on leadership lessons from women founders and funders. Tech Days Vol. 2 is now on the waitlist, so if you haven’t signed up, now’s the time.
The rest of the week’s news is below.
—Emily
Events
SPONSORED BY PHS COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY
Fuelling change, one meal at a time
Thanks to the incredible efforts of the PHS Run Team and their generous supporters, they raised more than $34,000 through the Under Armour Eastside 10K in support of PHS's Vancouver Food Program Expansion Project.
Today, PHS produces more than 3,900 nutritious meals every day from their Vancouver kitchen originally designed for just 200 meals daily.
To meet the demand, they're working to relocate to a dedicated commercial production facility and raise more than $2.1 million needed for seismic, building, and operational upgrades.
This facility will increase meal production and help ensure reliable access to ready-made meals for thousands of people experiencing homelessness, housing instability, and complex health challenges, many of whom lack access to kitchens or adequate food storage.
Help PHS reach their goal: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/146462
From The Journal
Funding, Deals, and More
Zymeworks has closed its US$929 million acquisition of Theravance Biopharma, adding a commercialized respiratory drug and approximately US$2.5 billion in Irish tax attributes to the Vancouver biotech’s portfolio. Read more →
SPONSORED BY SHAWNIGAN RETREATS
Your escape on Vancouver Island
Shawnigan Retreats offers the perfect cozy retreat for family gatherings or romantic getaways. Nestled by the serene Shawinigan Lake, our luxurious accommodations feature a sauna, hot tub, games room with ping pong, cards, and board games, and even a private pickleball court. Enjoy nearby hikes through breathtaking nature and unwind in comfort. With space for up to 18 guests, Shawnigan Retreats promises an unforgettable experience.
Explore Shawnigan Retreats and plan your getaway today. Learn more about Shawnigan Retreats.
In Other News
Moment Energy has been named one of MIT Technology Review’s 2026 Climate Tech Companies to Watch, recognizing the Surrey-based company’s work repurposing retired EV batteries into grid-scale energy storage systems. Read more →
Vancouver’s Collabstr has added Snapchat to its creator marketplace, giving brands self-serve access to Snapchat creators alongside its existing roster across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and other platforms. Read more →
SFU’s associate vice-president of knowledge mobilization Elicia Maine argues in a BIV op-ed that Canada’s innovation gap is fundamentally a commercialization problem, and that creator-owned IP policies like SFU’s are one of the most effective tools for keeping Canadian breakthroughs at home. Read more →
Foresight Canada has announced the fourth group of investor judges for its 2026 Foresight 50, with the annual showcase of Canada’s most investable cleantech companies set for November 4 in Vancouver. Read more →
👋 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.