VIATEC is a 350-member strong organization made up of South Island’s tech companies who post a combined annual revenue in excess of $4 billion. It is a vocal, active force in the Greater Victoria business community, known for its big ideas and playful personality.

VIATEC stands for Victoria Innovation, Advanced Technology and Entrepreneurship Council. In existence since 1989, its mission is to cultivate the most cohesive tech community in the world by providing resources to tackle shared opportunities and challenges.

Several of its member businesses operate out of its headquarters in downtown Victoria, dubbed Fort Tectoria, a co-working space, startup and innovation incubator, and event hub. They’re known for their F*ckUp Nights, where entrepreneurs share stories of failure, and the VIATEC Awards, celebrating local tech leadership and innovation.

Among other initiatives, VIATEC recently partnered with the Federal Government to implement the Start-up Visa program, aimed at attracting immigrants from around the world who want to build a company from scratch in Canada. VIATEC is supporting 87 new ventures as a business accelerator and mentor.

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