VICTORIA, B.C. — September 9, 2026 — The Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council (VIATEC) and the Vancouver Island Manufacturing Excellence Alliance (VIMEA) are joining forces to create a stronger, more connected technology and manufacturing ecosystem on Vancouver Island.

The alliance brings together two complementary business communities with a straightforward objective: help Vancouver Island companies find partners, develop people, adopt technology and compete successfully for major opportunities in Canada and around the world.

VIATEC is the hub of Greater Victoria’s technology sector, which generates approximately $6 billion in annual revenue, has an estimated $8 billion economic impact and employs more than 20,000 people across 1,172 high-tech companies. Its work focuses on connecting the technology community and providing resources to address shared opportunities and challenges.

The VIATEC-VIMEA alliance will extend that collaborative approach across Vancouver Island’s manufacturing, technology, marine, aerospace, defence and advanced-industry communities.

Turning Connections into Opportunities

The partnership is designed to be action-oriented, giving companies practical ways to collaborate rather than simply creating another industry network.

Initial priorities include:

• Connecting companies - introducing manufacturers, technology firms, suppliers, service providers and potential partners.
• Pursuing larger opportunities together - helping Island companies form collaborative teams to compete for contracts that may be too large or complex for individual small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
• Strengthening Vancouver Island supply chains - improving awareness of the capabilities, facilities, expertise and technologies already available on the Island.
• Preparing companies for major procurement opportunities — helping companies understand defence, marine and aerospace procurement, Industrial and Technological Benefits and what prime contractors look for in a supplier.
• Developing the workforce - bringing employers, educators and training providers together to identify skills shortages and develop practical, employer-driven training solutions.
• Accelerating innovation and technology adoption - connecting manufacturers with Greater Victoria’s technology expertise to improve productivity, automation and competitiveness.

The partners will also explore longer-term initiatives including a Vancouver Island capability and supply-chain platform, workplace micro-learning, supplier-development programs, shared access to training facilities and equipment, and programs to improve defence-industry readiness.

"Ray and the VIMEA team have done the hard part. They built real relationships with manufacturers across the Island, and they understand what those companies need because they are those companies. We bring thirty five years of relationships, the capacity to run programs properly, and a permanent home for the work. Neither of us needed to build what the other already has, and the door is open to anyone else who sees it the same way."

Dan Gunn, CEO, VIATEC

“At Rainhouse, collaboration has always been how we operate. We work with complementary companies, government and academia to combine capabilities and pursue opportunities that no single company could take on alone. Joining forces with VIATEC allows VIMEA to scale that model across Vancouver Island and beyond. The goal is simple: to become the one button to push for manufacturing, connecting customers with the right companies, technology and capacity through a coordinated, Lean approach.” 

Ray Brougham, Co-founder of VIMEA and CEO of Rainhouse Manufacturing Canada Ltd.

Building an Island-Wide Competitive Advantage

The alliance reflects a simple premise: Vancouver Island already has significant technology, manufacturing, marine, aerospace and specialized industrial capabilities. Connecting those capabilities more effectively can help local businesses scale, attract investment, develop skilled workers and compete for opportunities that might otherwise leave the region.

By combining VIATEC’s technology ecosystem and experience in connecting companies, talent and resources with VIMEA’s growing advanced-manufacturing network, the organizations intend to create a stronger bridge between technology, manufacturing, workforce development and major procurement opportunities.

The goal is not simply more networking. It is Island companies finding each other, working together and being ready for the opportunities coming to this region.

About VIATEC

VIATEC supports Greater Victoria’s technology sector through connections, talent development, education, mentoring, promotion and resources designed to help companies grow. The sector currently represents approximately $6 billion in annual revenue and an $8 billion regional economic impact. www.viatec.ca

About VIMEA

The Vancouver Island Manufacturing Excellence Alliance brings together manufacturers and industry partners to strengthen collaboration, share expertise, develop workforce capacity and increase the competitiveness and visibility of Vancouver Island’s manufacturing sector. www.vimea.ca

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MEDIA CONTACT

Tessa Davies

Director, Communications and Events

VIATEC

tessa@viatec.ca

250-896-7668