VICTORIA, BC (September 8, 2025) - VIATEC is pleased to announce the second series of BOOST recipients. Seven (7) Victoria-based, high potential technology ventures have been selected to receive assistance to implement high-impact projects totaling $847,000, receiving investment of $256,500. These projects will help to accelerate proven local tech companies, unlock new opportunities and achieve higher levels of growth, adding further to the economy of British Columbia.

These seven new projects represent $847,000 in growth activity, supported by $256,500 in investment. Combined with the first series, BOOST has now backed 18 projects, driving more than $2.2 million in expansion activity with $654,000 in investment.

BOOST is a new initiative led by VIATEC to help Greater Victoria’s tech companies grow faster and stronger. It focuses on supporting local startups and scale-ups that show high potential by connecting them with expert advisors, targeted resources, and customized growth plans.

Qualifying companies are selected through a comprehensive screening process that assesses their growth potential, leadership team, market opportunity, and readiness to scale. Those selected receive funding to implement self-designed growth strategies—giving them the flexibility to focus on what they need most, whether that's hiring, product development, customer acquisition, or operational improvements. 

The Government of Canada, through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), is supporting VIATEC with a $2.5-million investment to deliver BOOST through the Business Acceleration Pilot (BizAP), which aims to accelerate job creation and long-term economic impact in the region. Recipients receive up to $45,000 in investment to implement their personalized growth plans to expand into new markets. 

“These companies already have the ideas, the customers, and the determination,” said Dan Gunn, CEO of VIATEC. “What BOOST does is give them the lift to move faster, aim higher, and create more opportunities right here in Greater Victoria. We’re proud to back them as they turn potential into impact. Scaling a company isn’t just about vision — it’s about removing the roadblocks that slow growth. BOOST helps founders clear those hurdles with targeted investment and expert support so they can grow faster, compete globally, and strengthen our local economy.”

The projects funded in this round range from aggressive sales growth and international expansion, to strengthening cybersecurity and financial readiness. We would like to offer our congratulations to the following recipients:

• FabStation (Eterio Realities Inc.)
• Grit AI Tech
• GuideStar Medical Devices
• OneFeather Mobile Technologies Ltd.
• Open Ocean Robotics
• Origen Air Purifiers
• SSI (ShipConstructor Software Inc.)

These ventures will be implementing projects such as:

• Driving an 8x sales increase to unlock major expansion funding
• Achieving critical security and cybersecurity compliance to compete in regulated markets
• Launching a six-month North American growth campaign
• Building visibility and credibility in European markets through a targeted media strategy
• Enhancing platform features to boost margins and prepare for the next fundraising rounds
• Meeting requirements to compete in strategic defence procurements and integrate with global prime contractors
• Leveraging fractional executive talent (CFO, Chief Accountability Officer) to sharpen financial planning, investor relations, and scaling strategies.
• Engaging specialized advisors to secure Investment Tax Benefit (ITB) capital.

Application intake for the next BOOST round will open on September 15th and close on September 30th at 11:59 pm PT. Details about the program, including how to apply and a full program guide, are available on www.viatec.ca. For project-specific questions, please email rbennett@viatec.ca. 

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About VIATEC
VIATEC’s (Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council) mission is to serve as the one-stop hub that connects people, knowledge and resources to grow and promote the Greater Victoria technology sector. Technology is Victoria's #1 industry with a $5.87 Billion Annual Revenue, a $7.87 Billion Economic Impact and over 20,000 employees across 1,172 high-tech companies - and growing!

About PacifiCan

PacifiCan (Pacific Economic Development Canada) is the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners who are building innovative businesses, creating quality jobs, and supporting inclusive growth throughout our province.

Through the Business Acceleration Pilot, PacifiCan is providing funding for organizations to deliver tailored support for growth-oriented businesses. This includes providing them with access to the investment capital, customers, and expert advice they need to grow.

Business Acceleration Pilot projects were funded through an open call for proposals from both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations, including business accelerators, angel networks, Indigenous-led or owned organizations, and industry associations.

For media inquiries related to VIATEC
Dan Gunn, CEO

dgunn@viatec.ca

250-882-2820

VIATEC

www.viatec.ca

Tessa Davies, Director of Communications and Events

tessa@viatec.ca

VIATEC

www.viatec.ca