Advanced Technology

Advanced technology is the fastest growing industry in Greater Victoria and has become the leading economic generator, exceeding $1.95 billion in annual revenues. Over the past two decades, the technology industry has grown to over 900 technology companies, employing more than 13,000 people, for a total economic impact in excess of $2.6 billion. The growth of this industry has outpaced the provincial average, making Greater Victoria the second largest technology sector in B.C. and the No. 1 private industry in Greater Victoria.

VIATeC (Victoria Advanced Technology Council) represents many advanced technology sectors in the region, including green energy, engineering, new media, and life sciences, to name a few. The hub of Greater Victoria's technology community is the Vancouver Island Technology Park (VITP), owned by the University of Victoria. UVic owns more technology transfer space than any other university in the province. VITP is a vibrant hub of emerging and established companies with strong representation among life sciences, new media, and alternative energy. UVic also leads the VENUS and NEPTUNE projects, which are creating new economic opportunities in the marine technology sector. Additionally, UVic is home to the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, created in 2008 by the provincial government to: increase understanding of the magnitude and patterns of climate change; evaluate its physical, economic, and social implications; assess options and develop solutions; and communicate climate change issues to government, industry, and the general public. (On campus, UVic's Innovation and Development Corporation helps UVic researchers together with industry to transform their ideas and discoveries into commercially viable businesses.)

The advanced technology industry in Greater Victoria includes companies representing a wide range of areas, from Abebooks.com, Carmanah Technologies Corp., Vifor Pharma Aspreva, Schneider Electric, and Cebas Visual Technologies to Viking Air and Scott Plastics.

See more information in our latest newsletter.