Welcome to this week’s Sunday Briefing. In this issue, read about an investment in mental health care, the impact of AI on Pani Energy, winterization at ONC’s Antarctic observatory, and how the Island’s largest municipality is changing.

Now onto today’s briefing. It’s 561 words: a three-minute read.

-Emily, [email protected]

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Mental health gets a $2 million boost

Earlier this month, Victoria’s Cognito announced $2 million in seed funding, which will be used to launch the company’s mental health services in Ontario and expand partnerships with organizations looking to offer mental health support.

“Expanding our services across Canada is not just a milestone for Cognito, it's a leap forward for mental health care accessibility,” said CEO and co-founder Armon Arani. “Thanks to our mission-driven investors, we're not just envisioning a future where effective mental health treatment is available in a timely and affordable manner, we're actively building it.”

Through a monthly subscription service, Cognito provides online access to cognitive behavioural therapy, treatment led by nurse practitioners, self-directed courses, group therapy and support with access to medication. Users can access personalized treatment for anxiety, depression, insomnia, ADHD, burnout, stress, low mood, self-esteem, and confidence.

In 2022, Cognito was chosen by the Island Health Authority as a mental health treatment partner for Vancouver Island’s 800,000 residents. Island Health refers patients to Cognito and fully covers patient costs.

With its latest financing, Cognito will begin to expand its mental health services across Canada in 2024. 

📰 More Victoria innovation news

🧜‍♀️ Under the sea: Ocean Networks Canada shared video of the Spanish National Research Council team preparing the Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) Antarctic Ocean subsea observatory. The observatory has been sending data since its deployment in January.

🙇‍♂️ I’ve been thinking about you: Devesh Bharadwaj, founder of Victoria’s Pani Energy and University of Victoria alumni, discussed how AI has made his company’s operations more efficient.

⁉️ So what you gonna do?: Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams met with Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock to discuss how the Island’s largest municipality is changing to accommodate the needs of its residents.

🕴️ Tech jobs of the week

Find your next career:

• Full Stack Developer at Alegro AI

• Solutions Architect at VertiGIS

• IT Project Coordinator at BC Transit

Hiring in Victoria? Reply to this email and let us know!

📅 Upcoming events

March 28 | The Creator...Likes Nachos

In a world where AI surpasses human intelligence... will it enjoy nachos? Join the Humans of Victoria in consuming Melted Cheese, Tortilla Chips and Jalapeños to prepare for the AI Revolution. ​​A no-speaker, social-only, nacho-friendly event. Non-tech guests are welcome, but they may be bored by conversations about no-code tools and Generative AI. 

April 4 & 22 | The Building Blocks of Black Inclusion at Work

Join an in-depth workshop in partnership with the Black Women’s Business Network.

This will be a meaningful three-hour session with a focus on sharing practical tools and resources, highlighting what leaders can do to utilize EDIB related practices to better support Black professionals.

Have an upcoming event? Reply to let us know.

🙋 I need a…

We at Victoria Tech Journal know you, our community, pretty well. Are you searching for someone in your field to have coffee with, a hiring hookup, a lead on local investors, or suggestion for a great Victoria tech tool? Whatever you’re hunting for, let us know. We’ll post it in this section and make it happen.

Email your requests to [email protected].

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