Tectorian of the Week

January 31, 2014 by Tectoria

United Engineering has been around a long time – 93 years. They started out as a small repair shop, eventually grew to serve local industry and became heavily involved with forestry. As the economy changed so did their focus as they started working on structural steel projects. United has always distinguished themselves from the competition by being leaders in technology. In 1991 they added two state of the art machines that distinguished them from other steel and machine shops locally and abroad. They were just getting warmed up for a major capital purchase 10 years later in 2001 when they acquired a CNC burning table and started stocking their own steel. Today Victoria based United Engineering excels in steel fabrication and machining.

What do they fabricate?
United does a lot of work on marine related projects (barge abutments, steel stairs, floating leads for BC Ferries) but recently they made the news for their role in helping Vancouver-based Flyzone Bodyflight become so successful. While Bodyflight is based out of Vancouver – virtually all of their manufacturing happens right here in Victoria. Their product, Flyzone, gives extreme sports enthusiasts the opportunity to experience human flight. That’s right: human flight. They do this by using a patented mobile vertical wind tunnel that gives a person the sensation of sky diving without the flight–or the parachute. The wind tunnels are 10 feet in diameter and channel winds of up to 200 kph that virtually lift a person off of the ground. The “Vancouver Sun” calls it “skydiving without the terror.” As you can imagine putting together this type of machinery and making it safe, is a complicated engineering problem.

Local Benefits
United Engineering currently employs 30 people in full time positions. The FlyZone project by itself involves the manufacturing of a semi stationary multi-level units that are suitable for military applications, family fun and corporate team building. These units, which can be outfitted to be open air or closed chamber, cost about $1M each with 80% of the components being sourced from Canadian suppliers. All of those components have to be assembled and fortunately, the majority of assembly happens right here in Victoria. United Engineering and other local engineering firms have been signaled out for their role in making Flyzone a success.

To learn more about FlyZone BodyFlight, visit their website or Facebook page. To learn more about United Engineering check out their webpage.

Are You Dropping Tasks?

January 31, 2014 by Tectoria

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If you are using task or project management software you might want to consider giving Droptask a try. Free (right now) and completely visual it works very differently than your standard PM program (which are, basically, lists). The creators of Droptask, were at some point, greatly annoyed at people’s inability to clearly and easily understand what projects they were on, what was a priority and what other people were working on. At a quick glance Droptask allows you to do all of those things. It is still relatively new but they do have iOS apps available at the moment with Android support on the way. They are working on the Freemium model so a free version will always exist but a pro version is due to be released soon. Check out a full review from PC Magazine here.

Accessing Asia

January 31, 2014 by Tectoria

If you are trying to get products delivered to Asia and specifically the Chinese market logistics can be a challenge to say the least. At this round table discussion, lead by Michael Mulder FTS Environmental, we will explore join effort possibilities as well as freight and container consolidation and optimization strategies. The group will also be looking to identify other professionals, willing to lead discussions, who deal with other aspects of supply chain management. As with all VIATeC hosted round table discussions this is a great opportunity to network and learn from peers who face similar challenges on a regular basis. Register here.

Round Table Profile

January 24, 2014 by Tectoria

Business development is typically top of mind for most companies. The more you focus the better it gets, so why not start the year off right with this VIATeC hosted roundtable discussion. Be part of a lively group, led by Rob Cooper (PlusROI Marketing), on Business Development, Marketing & Sales. Getting unfettered access to Rob and the rest of the group, for free, is a great way to stay on top of the latest trends and work on your own professional development. Group discussions also allow for networking and learning in a way that is only possible when you are working with your peers. Register here.

Tectorian of the Week

January 24, 2014 by Tectoria

AXYS Technologies began in 1974 with a consulting contract with Environment Canada. They were asked to conduct a study on waves that eventually resulted in several marine technology devices. From there they never stopped and eventually AXYS was designing, manufacturing, installing and servicing sensors not only across Canada but also the world. Their sensors can be found on Canada’s ‘Marine Weather Buoy Network’ as well as buoy networks in Italy, Columbia, Spain, Portugal, the United States and Brazil.

HydroLevel Mini was developed to accurately measure water levels from a buoy.

Recently The Chronicle Herald, out of Nova Scotia, published a story that provides a real world example of AXYS Technologies sensors saving lives and providing real economic benefits to Eastern Canada. The ‘SmartATLANTIC Herring Cove Buoy’ project was completed using AXYS sensors designed to tell, among other things, if a storm is approaching. For harbour pilots, who themselves assist other ships in dangerous and congested waters, it can literally be a lifesaver. One safety concern in particular, harbour pilots getting on and off ships via rope ladder, should get much less dangerous. There are about 3,000 such transfers per year which typically result in at least one fatality per season. This project has been a 10 year undertaking, involves a network of buoys, associated AXYS sensors, a website and of course the many dedicated professionals in the Nova Scotia marine industry. The project is projected to save taxpayers $2.6M per year due to less ocean related accidents and fatalities.

Arctic Lake Monitoring System deployed in Noell Lake to collect data year-round.

AXYS also just finished filling an order for an Oceanographic Ocean Institute in Ecuador. News like this, after 40 years in business, is actually starting to become common place. They continue to push, developing new products, markets and revenue streams. Many people outside of VIATeC wouldn’t even know this company, based out of Sidney, even exists. Yet there they are, day after day, quietly getting things done on a world stage. They continue to successfully compete head to head with some of the biggest companies in the world while being an inspiration to all of us here at home. AXYS – our hats are off to you and your entire team.

Local Start-Up Whips Their Tech Into Shape

January 10, 2014 by thestevehof

Eco-Fit was one of the first Start-Ups to enter our accelerator program.. They build a custom hardware and software solution that is sold all over the world and employ people right here in Victoria. Their modules combine with the cardio fitness equipment at your local gym to make your workouts fun, social and competitive with people across the globe.

Their first major hurdle was simple; how do they demonstrate that their fitness modules, which attach to things like treadmills and stationary bikes, can work on a large scale in a massive gym? The challenge – the interference caused by so many wireless transmitters & receivers all in one place operating at the same time. The solution – building a custom wireless protocol designed to eliminate the wireless interference issue.

What you are seeing in the above picture is their testing boards that prove, unequivocally, that their modules operate at 100% efficiency even when in extremely close proximity to one another. All together you are looking at 149 modules, all powered and all sending and receiving data effortlessly. Admittedly the VIATeC Accelerator community wasn’t entirely pleased with this solution. We wanted to see a ‘testing facility’ with 149 pieces of exercise equipment, sauna, steam room, roman bath, massage room, etc.

While we didn’t quite get what we wanted, Eco-Fit did set up a gym of sorts that is being enthusiastically used by ‘beta-testers’.

Food Bank Challenge Winners

December 20, 2013 by thestevehof

While every company involved deserves a solid pat on the back, special congratulations go out to the five companies that made the 2013 Food Bank Challenge Podium. As previously mentioned, the names we announced as the winners last Friday night were, shall we say, less than correct. For this we truly apologize.

Now, we present to you THE REAL WINNERS of the

2013 VIATeC Food Bank Challenge:

Greatest Overall Contributor

1) Schneider Electric

2) Helm Operations

3) Seeker Solutions

Greatest per Employee Contributor

1) Quimper Consulting

2) Smart Dolphins

3) Helm Operations

Their creativity and dedication have truly made a difference in the lives of their Victoria neighbours, and they’ve once again proven how vital the tech sector is to our city. Well done folks, well done!

A Look Back at Discover Tectoria

December 20, 2013 by thestevehof

Discover Tectoria

We were aiming for a big crowd but were blown away by the 4,500 people that came through the doors at Discover Tectoria 2013. The event was a massive success no matter which way you measure it, and it’s a testament to the profile the sector now enjoys and how fascinating the services and products created here really are.

With so much to do and see, chances are you weren’t able to see everything Discover Tectoria 2013 had to offer. So here are some of the top recaps of what turned out to be an iconic day in Tectoria history……

Official Recap by UberVideo

A selection of photos from the event:

Discover Tectoria Photo Album

Prefer a written recap? No problem, among many others, both TechVibes and the Times Colonist published articles about the event.

Thanks again to all of our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, organizers, and volunteers. You’ve set a very high standard for Discover Tectoria 2015.

Discover Tectoria 2013 – Your Insider’s Guide

December 13, 2013 by thestevehof

Ladies and Gentlemen: Start your Engines…… and robots, and video games, and smoke shows, and………. Oh man this is gonna be epic.

Pay attention and we’ll give you a heads up, an insider’s scoop, if you will, on what to expect, when to be where, what not to miss, and how to win some PRIZES!

Where is this event anyway?

Discover Tectoria is happening at The Crystal Gardens at 713 Douglas St.

What do I need to bring?

We’re raising money for the VIATeC Food Bank Challenge in support of Victoria’s Mustard Seed, so this is how it works. Everyone falls into one of the following categories.

You’re in the know, and you, therefore, downloaded a free ticket. Great! Please bring your ticket, on paper or your phone, and one non-perishable food item with you.
Unfortunately, you missed the download, and don’t have a free ticket. Please bring two non perishable food items with you, then sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss the next one. http://eepurl.com/Jlq99
Unfortunately, you missed the download, don’t have a free ticket, and didn’t bring a food item or cash to donate. Come on people! #TechFansGiveCans. But yah, you’re probably still a good person, so we’ll let you in anyway. Or, you could sing us a song? It’s just a suggestion.

Anyway, moving on:

When should I show up?

The event runs from 11am – 6pm, but if you’d like to be a wee bit more strategic, pay attention to the following:

The Keynote speeches by Bob McDonald and Ann Makosinski begin at 3:15pm. If you’ve registered for these speeches, you’ll want to arrive a few hours before that to ensure you see all of the exhibitors as well.
Camosun College Presents Mr. Wizard Rocketsauce Show – 11:15am, 12:45pm, 2:00pm
Coding for Kids by Mozilla – 12:00pm, 1:15pm
If you don’t have tickets to the keynote speeches, I’d highly recommend heading to the event around 2:30pm. You know, ’cause the lines might be a little shorter.

What’s there to do besides the scheduled presentations above?

There’s absolutely nothing to do or see besides the above events. ARE YOU CRAZY?? There’s so much to do and see:

More than 70 exhibitors
The Innovation Showcase (all the big, shiny, cool stuff that can’t fit in a booth)
Tectoria Video Game Lounge – 19 Victoria gaming companies set to blow your mind
and SO MUCH MORE – Check it all out here, if you actually need more motivation

Post, Tweet, Click, and Sign Up your way to Prizes

Here are the keys to walking away a winner:

Our social media accounts are going to be in full force, tweeting, posting, tagging, Instagramming and much more. For the latest, up to the second info, and to see what everyone at the event is talking about, log in often, and contribute to the #DiscoverTectoria conversation. And please, please, please, take a ton of ridiculous, off the wall, insane pics to share with us.
To win any of the prizes, you must have signed up for the This Week in Tectoria Newsletter.
Today is the launch of @Tectoriagram – our new Instagram account. To celebrate, we’re giving away a prize for Best Tectoriagram photo at the event. Don’t forget to mention us!
The hashtag for today’s event is #DiscoverTectoria and we’re giving away a prize for most creative tweet. Don’t forget to mention us (@VIATeC) and include the hashtag!

Keynote Speakers:

Bob McDonald

Loved by audiences across Canada for making complex scientific issues understandable, meaningful, and fun, Bob McDonald is in high demand. A fixture in broadcasting for more than 30 years, he is currently the host of CBC Radio’s Quirks & Quarks, the award-winning science program that is heard by 500,000 people each week. He is the author of numerous bestselling books, and a member of the Order of Canada.

In addition to hosting Quirks & Quarks, McDonald is a regular reporter for CBC TV’s The National. As a writer, he has authored three science books, and contributed to numerous science textbooks, magazines, and newspapers, including The Globe and Mail. His latest book is Measuring the Earth with a Stick.

McDonald has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of science within Canada. He is a recipient of the “Michael Smith Award” from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council; the “Sir Sanford Fleming Medal” from the Royal Canadian Institute; and the “McNeil Medal” from The Royal Society of Canada. He also won a 2008 Gemini Award for “Best Host in a Pre-School, Children’s or Youth Program or Series.” He holds six honorary doctorates from Canadian universities.

Ann Makosinski

You may recognize Ann as the 15-year-old Victoria student who won top prize in Google’s annual global science fair this year. Makosinski, whose entry was chosen from among thousands to represent Canada at Google’s global fair in California, created what she dubbed ‘The Hollow Flashlight,’ to show how humans can be a source of thermal energy.

Just last week Ann was also chosen by Time Magazine as one of the 30 People Under 30 Changing the World. She’s only half way to 30 years old!

Ann will speak about her experience at Google’s science fair and how she first came up with the idea of making the flashlight. There will also be a Q&A period where members of the audience can ask Ann their questions.

Food, Glorious Food

A great event needs great food. We’ve got not one, not two, but three of Victoria’s most popular food trucks parking right out front of the Crystal Gardens.

Leave your lunch at home.

Are you coming to Discover Tectoria Today? What are you most excited for? Do you have any questions?

Post your comments, questions, and concerns below.

And if you’re at the event, swing by and visit us at the VIATeC table.

by Steve Hof

Results are in for the Food Bank Challenge

December 13, 2013 by thestevehof

Food Bank Challenge

What’s less predictable than the NCAA Final Four? The lengths Victoria tech companies will go to raise money for a worthy cause.

For three weeks, dozens of Tectoria companies competed to see who could raise the most food and money for The Mustard Seed Food Bank.

Keep in mind that we’ll be accepting donations at Discover Tectoria today as well, so these totals aren’t complete. However, look how much we’ve raised so far!

Total Cash: $81,297.22
Total Pounds of Food: 3,440
Total Combined Value: $89,897.22
Grand Total Since 2002: $1,663,354.22

Everyone involved should be INCREDIBLY proud of themselves. The team results and final numbers will be announced at tonight’s VIATeC Christmas Party, and what a great reason to celebrate.

So how did these companies raise so much food and money? Creativity baby, creativity.

They jumped in the ocean, one CEO did so while still wearing his suit, they dawned Sumo Wrestler Suits and sparred below Wharf St, there were canned food tower competitions, silent auctions, ridiculous outfits, a ton of tweeting and posting, and a great deal of good old fashioned generosity.

Here’s a small snippet of what we saw…….. The first Harbour Hop, (yes, there were two) I can personally attest to being cold as hell. However, when Helm CEO, Ron deBruyne jumped in a week later, it was literally freezing outside. Well done Ron, well done. They even made the paper!

Ron deBruyne takes a dip for charity

Will Helm win the Food Bank Challenge? Or will it be Quimper, Contech, Smart Dolphin, Starfish, or one of the many other incredible companies that have made such a massive difference in the lives of their neighbours this Christmas?

You’ll find out this evening at the VIATeC Christmas Party. Can’t make the party? Don’t worry. We’ll have all of the Food Bank Challenge results, AND a full recap of Discover Tectoria, the Christmas Party and more, in our very special Christmas Newsletter edition next week.

by Steve Hof