Through the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), the federal government will soon deliver $3.5 million in funding to eight organizations to help strengthen Vancouver Island’s tech and tourism sectors.
Federal minister Harjit Sajjan, who is responsible for PacifiCan, made the announcement on Thursday, Sept. 5.
Most of the funding will be divvied between three Victoria-based tech companies.
Industrial Plankton, which produces bioreactors that grow seaweed and algae to feed shellfish, received $900,000 to help build a new manufacturing facility.
$569,000 more will help Fluorescent Designs, which produces templates and apps entrepreneurs can use on Shopify, expand their reach.
Open Ocean Robotics received $800,000 to help increase the production of their uncrewed surface vehicles. These solar-powered craft help researchers collect real-time oceanographic data.
“Thanks to PacifiCan’s support, we’re scaling up our manufacturing to meet the growing need for safe, zero-emission ocean monitoring,” said Fritz Stahr, Open Ocean Robotics’ CTO, at the announcement. “The ocean ecosystem, both literally and from a blue economy standpoint, are large and growing, and we intend to keep growing with it.”
The remaining $1.25 million will help bolster a business-development corporation on Cormorant Island and tourism organizations in Victoria, Port McNeill, Port Alberni and the Cowichan Valley.
“Vancouver Island has an amazing combination of talent, resources and ambition,” said Sajjan in a news release. “By investing in some of the Island’s most innovative organizations and championing leaders in areas such as ocean technology and Indigenous tourism, PacifiCan is increasing B.C.’s competitiveness on the world stage.”
