Hi everyone,
From funding news to leadership moves, BC’s tech ecosystem continues to deliver big headlines. This week’s briefing includes Redwood AI’s TIA recognition, new tax credits for game and VR developers, and PacifiCan’s $6.5M investment in hydrogen infrastructure. Plus, a Vancouver professor steps into a major West Coast leadership role, and more below.
We’re also getting closer to our next event: #VTJTalks: The Year in Vancouver Tech — So Far on July 23. You’ll hear insights from David Weekes (Pangaea Ventures), Anne Hunger (Glüxkind Technologies)—whose AI-powered stroller caught CNN and Axios’ attention—and Nicole Brassard (Global Public Affairs) as moderator. We’ve got one more speaker to announce soon. We have a few early bird tickets left, so save your spot.
More below.
– William
From The Journal
The team at Blossom Social–VTJ’s biggest newsmakers, so far.
We’ve pulled together the biggest stories of the year (so far)—based on views—to get you caught up on the moments that defined our innovation economy—and set the stage for what’s still to come.
The Life Sciences BC Awards spotlight the people and companies advancing therapeutics, AI drug discovery, and more.
2025 Local innovators secure a share of over $1M in Startupfest 2025 prizes.
How Canusa Wood Products scaled, survived, and stayed relevant in a “boring” industry.
Four local companies are getting a boost to help doctors spot cancer faster and more accurately.
From $1M seed rounds to $400M mega-deals—here’s your mid-year funding snaps hot.
How to get the most value out of your office lease.
🔒 Insiders: Unfiltered feedback on Web Summit Vancouver
SPONSORED BY FORESIGHT CANADA
Women-led venture shaking up the mining sector
Foresight Canada's new video series highlights three ventures shaping BC's future through clean productivity and innovation, including woman-led Tersa Earth. Embracing the biopower of bacteria, their technology tackles Acid Rock Drainage, neutralizing mine wastewater and recovering valuable metals that were previously lost. Their scalable, self-powered units offer a more affordable path to sustainable mining and responsible closure, fostering a cleaner future.
Watch the video to learn more about how Tersa Earth is transforming the mining world.
Funding, Deals & More
Miraterra acquires Trace Genomics technology: Miraterra has acquired the technology and products of Trace Genomics to expand its capabilities in measuring and providing insights across soil, plants, and food systems.
Read more →B.C. increases tax credit for video game and VR developers: The Province of B.C. has raised its interactive digital media tax credit from 17.5% to 25% and made it permanent, effective September 1. The move aims to help developers hire talent, attract investment, and grow the sector.
Read more →HTEC’s hydrogen initiatives supported with $6.5M from PacifiCan: PacifiCan has invested $6.475M in clean tech company HTEC over multiple projects, including Canada’s first retail hydrogen fueling station, hydrogen module commercialization, and a green hydrogen production plant in Burnaby.
Read more →
SPONSORED BY STARBOARD RECRUITMENT
Canada's 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.
In Other News
Michelle Ng joins Vanedge Capital as Associate: Michelle Ng announced her new role as Associate at Vanedge Capital, where she’ll back early-stage deep tech and hard tech founders across sectors like energy, defense, data analytics, and health.
Read more →Redwood AI named TIA Startup of the Year finalist: Vancouver’s Redwood AI is a finalist for Startup of the Year at the BC Tech Association’s Technology Impact Awards. The company helps organizations harness generative AI to streamline business operations.
Read more →Bethany Edmunds appointed Associate Dean of Computing Programs: Dr. Bethany Edmunds, Vancouver-based teaching professor at Northeastern University, has been named Associate Dean of Computing Programs for the West Coast. She will now oversee programs in Vancouver, Seattle, Silicon Valley, and Oakland.
Read more →
SPONSORED BY SFU BCCAI
BCCAI: The power to grow agritech innovation
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, they connect industry, researchers, and producers to build a stronger, more resilient food system.
👀 Can't-Miss
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