Photo: University of Victoria Centre for Aerospace Research
Sector Overview
Relative to its size as a mid-sized city of 400,000 people, Greater Victoria boasts one of the most dynamic technology ecosystems in Canada. With an educated population, a high quality of life, proximity to major markets, and a collaborative entrepreneurial spirit, Greater Victoria has become a magnet for startups, scale-ups, and established tech firms in the Pacific Northwest.
In 2024, Greater Victoria’s tech sector consisted of more than 1,100 companies, employing 21,000 people and generating $5.9 billion in annual revenue, with an overall economic impact of $7.9 billion. The region’s educational attainment is among the highest in Canada, with 39% of people aged 25 to 64 holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, which fuels a robust talent pipeline in technology fields.
Greater Victoria has a strong presence in the following areas within the broad tech sector:
- Software as a Service (SaaS)
- Ocean and Marine Technologies
- Cleantech and Environmental Innovation
- Advanced Manufacturing (specifically in Aerospace & Defence)
- Applied AI and Machine Learning
- Digital Health and Health Informatics
Notable Companies & Successes
Greater Victoria is home to several leading technology firms making a national and global impact.
EY Design Studio (Freshworks)
FreshWorks Studio began in 2014 as a technology consulting firm specializing in designing and developing mobile and web applications. By the time Freshworks was acquired by EY Design Studio in 2022, it had already established a reputable brand among startups and Fortune 500 companies, particularly in the healthcare and government sectors. Founded by two young immigrants, Freshworks played a notable role in Western Canada’s response to COVID-19, supporting the design and build of apps like BC’s Vaccine Card Verifier and Espri by TELUS Health. By joining forces with EY Canada, one of the largest consulting firms in the world, FreshWorks has broadened its reach and deepened its public sector focus to help accelerate Canada’s digital future.
Video: Sam Mod, EY Design Studio
Redbrick, one of Greater Victoria’s major tech success stories, builds, acquires and grows digital companies. In March 2025, Redbrick announced its acquisition of New York-based Paved, expanding its reach into newsletter advertising and pushing annual revenues to $152.2 million in 2024, up from $100 million the previous year.
As a leader in online background screening, Certn secured an additional $30 million in Series B financing in February 2025, bringing its total venture funding to $114 million. This investment, led by EEDC, supports Certn’s global expansion efforts into European, Middle Eastern, African, and Asian markets.
This Victoria company stands out as a beacon in high-resolution radiation-based imaging products, based on Cadmium Zinc Telluride. These products are used in critical areas, such as medical and security applications. Redlen Technologies’ industry-leading tech, combined with world-class engineers, researchers and designers, led to their acquisition by Canon, Inc. in 2021.
Redlin Technologies is a world leader in advanced CZT sensors for medical imaging and security applications. (Photo credit: Redlen)
Recognized on the Globe and Mail’s Top Growing Companies list, AOT Technologies specializes in AI products, software development, and cloud-based services. AOT has been awarded Great Place to Work® certification for multiple consecutive years, highlighting its strong workplace culture.
A staple leader in Victoria’s strong culture of sustainability-focused enterprises, Reliable Controls offers full-suite building automation systems featured in a wide variety of building applications around the world, including retail, healthcare, education, agriculture, recreation, corporate and financial facilities.
Leaders in global evolution to the multi-gigabit, content-rich networks of the future, Vecima Networks delivers future-ready software, services and integrated platforms that power broadband and video streaming networks, monitor and manage transportation, and transform experiences in homes and businesses. Vecima is the largest publicly traded company on Vancouver Island, based on revenue.
Others to Watch:
- Solaires Entreprises Inc. — Emerging leader in photovoltaic energy technologies that improve the efficiency of solar panels using perovskite-ink.
- UrbanSolar — A leader in modernizing the international bus stop experience with solar-powered excellence.
- Ocean Diagnostics — A pioneer in accessible technology packages that help clients assess and address ocean health and microplastic pollution.
- Racerocks 3D – RaceRocks uses immersive game engines, virtual reality, augmented reality, appropriate pedagogical approaches, artificial intelligence and machine learning to consistently advance the state of training for tech, aerospace and defence industries.
- Peloton Technologies – A fintech darling in Canada after only a few years in business, Victoria-based Peloton Technologies acquired KIS Payments in fall 2023. More recently, Peloton launched a self-serve currency exchange feature, enabling businesses to manage cross-border transactions more effectively. Peloton Technologies continues to simplify payment processes for small and medium-sized enterprises.
- For more information about the region’s tech companies, visit the VIATEC member directory.
- Check out Greater Victoria’s leading tech companies in:
- Life Sciences
- OceanTech
- Creative Industries
Collaborative Support Ecosystem
Greater Victoria’s technology sector thrives within a robust, collaborative support system:
VIATEC
The Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council (VIATEC) is the tech sector’s main convener. VIATEC offers programs like the Venture Acceleration Program, provides coworking space at Fort Tectoria, and hosts major tech showcase events, as well as frequent socials and connection events, including their extremely popular annual awards gala.
Fort Tectoria in Victoria is a co-working space, event hub and home to VIATEC accelerator program. (Photo credit: VIATEC)
University of Victoria (UVic)
UVic’s Computer Science, Engineering, Business, and other specialty programs provide a steady talent pipeline for Greater Victoria’s tech sector employers. UVic’s Innovation Centre incubates student, faculty, and alumni ventures, helping to turn their cutting-edge research or novel ideas into business ventures.
University of Victoria professor and Canada Research Chair Marie-Ève Tremblay uses AI in her globally recognized research on microglia. (Photo credit: UVic)
Camosun College
Through Camosun Innovates, Camosun College delivers applied research services to companies, from prototyping and testing to process improvements, along with strong programs in applied data analytics and engineering technology. Services include access to the Camosun Technology Access Centre (CTAC), where business clients can use specialized machines and design/scanning services to improve products, manufacturing processes or test prototypes.
Camosun Innovates provides applied research services to businesses. (Photo credit: Camosun College)
Royal Roads University (RRU)
Branded as Canada’s University for Changemakers, RRU has a strong focus and national market position for mid-career professionals who want to upgrade their education as part of their career journeys through a flexible approach. Many tech leaders in Victoria hold advanced degrees from RRU in leadership and global business management.
South Island Prosperity Partnership (SIPP)
Through initiatives like COAST (Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies) and the Indigenous Prosperity Centre, SIPP helps foster innovation clusters in ocean tech, cleantech, and beyond. As Greater Victoria’s economic alliance, SIPP also leads the marketing and promotion efforts for the region to attract companies here from outside markets. Some of these business attraction successes include the U.S.’s NetMotion (now Absolute) and Brazil’s Daitan (now Encora) are past success stories.
Alacrity Canada
Backed by a family office and its prominent venture capital firm, Wesley Clover, and other partners, Alacrity Canada (based in Victoria) has the firepower to catalyze growth for startups through a range of supportive programs and a network of offices and affiliates internationally, via Alacrity Global.
Island Women in Science and Technology (iWIST)
iWIST aims to support women and allies in STEM by building a trusted community that promotes and facilitates access to peer connection and individual development. As opportunities in STEM continue to evolve, iWIST supports and encourages women to engage with and thrive in their workplaces and communities.
COAST
For tech leaders in the Ocean and Marinespace, the Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies (COAST) is the place to find support and a rapidly growing network. The new COAST Ocean Innovation Hub, located at 517 Herald Street, is the central point to find connections and programs. COAST is home to Blue Pathways (workforce development program), Blue Action Canada (Canada’s first OceanTech accelerator) and the newly announced Marine Energy and Decarbonization Hub, in partnership with UVic and others.
Vancouver Island Tech Park & The Marine Technology Centre
Owned and operated by UVic Properties, the Vancouver Island Tech Park in Saanich and the Marine Technology Centre in North Saanich offer unique office environments for technology companies, predominantly in life sciences and ocean technologies.
Innovate BC
This British Columbia provincial organization supports Greater Victoria’s tech companies with grants through programs such as Ignite, commercialization programs and IP strategy programs, and international market access initiatives. Innovate BC also works with Trade Acceleration Programs (TAP) across B.C., including the Greater Victoria TAP program delivered by VIATEC.
KWENCH
Located on the edge of Victoria’s downtown in Rock Bay, KWENCH offers clients more than just coworking in an aesthetically pleasing environment. KWENCH is more like a culture club than an office, offering freelancers, remote workers and small teams a place to connect and thrive in their work.
Opportunities in Greater Victoria
Photo credit: VIATEC
The prospects for Greater Victoria’s blue economy and ocean technology sector are promising. With the world increasingly focusing on sustainable ocean resource management, the region is well-positioned to become a leader in this field. Realizing this
Greater Victoria’s tech sector continues its upward trajectory, with VIATEC projecting annual revenues to hit $10 billion by 2030. Across the region, the tech sector is not just growing — it’s thriving and poised to cement its place on the global tech stage due to:
- Access to Talent and Talent Attraction: From UVic’s engineering and computer science graduates and Camosun College’s applied technical graduates to remote workers who have migrated to the region for its supremely high quality of life, your venture will be able to find the talent you need to fuel your success.
- Cross-Sector Innovation: Greater Victoria is a network-forward culture. Leaders in OceanTech, FinTech, MedTech, CleanTech, enterprise software, gaming and more converge here and support each other. Victoria features one of the most cohesive tech communities, making it easy to collaborate and connect with peers across disciplines.
- Global Reach: Greater Victoria is located on an island equidistant from Vancouver and Seattle. But companies like Certn, Reliable Controls, de Havilland, StarFish, Redlin, Redbrick and more demonstrate that global scalability is possible from Victoria.
- Lifestyle Advantages: High quality of life nurtured by Canada’s best year-round weather, access to nature — from relaxing beauty to past-paced adrenaline sports, low crime rates and world-class schools, all while boasting lower operational costs relative to major coastal cities.
- Supportive Ecosystem: Our dynamic web of accelerators, funders, academic institutions, mentors, globally connected leaders and civic support makes the region entrepreneurial and optimistic.
With key players continuing to innovate and collaborate, Greater Victoria’s technology sector is well on its way to becoming one of Canada’s leading innovation hubs.
Connect with us to explore further: office@southislandprosperity.ca
