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PacifiCan announces $18.3 million to scale up local businesses, boost exports, and opens intake for business growth program

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Government of Canada funding will help businesses across the province grow, export and compete

SURREY, BC, March 3, 2025 /CNW/ – Across British Columbia, ambitious entrepreneurs are growing their companies and creating prosperity, in sectors from agriculture to life sciences. PacifiCan is investing in this growth.

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $18.3 million in PacifiCan funding for seven British Columbian companies to scale up their operations, create more jobs, accelerate growth, and bring made-in-B.C. products to markets around the world.

Among these companies, HealthTech Connex, a life sciences company based in Surrey, is receiving over $3.7 million to expand its operations. The company’s advanced brain imaging medical device, NeuroCatch® Platform, evaluates cognitive function within six minutes and is designed to help healthcare practitioners, researchers, and clinicians provide the best health care to their patients. PacifiCan’s investment will allow HealthTech Connex to commercialize their device across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

EggSolutions Vanderpol’s, a family-owned and operated egg processor based in Abbotsford, is receiving $5 million to expand manufacturing. With PacifiCan’s support, this company will purchase new equipment, move to a larger manufacturing facility, and improve wastewater treatment capability to reduce its environmental footprint. This investment will strengthen Western Canadian supply chains, increase food security, and bring more B.C.-made products to Canadian consumers.

The investments announced today are expected to create over 270 jobs, grow the local economy, and bring B.C. innovation to more people and markets locally and globally.

Today Minister Sajjan also announced that the next intake for the Business Scale-up and Productivity (BSP) program will open on March 4, 2025. The portal will remain open for companies to submit expressions of interest until April 30, 2025.

Through the BSP program, PacifiCan makes repayable contributions to high-growth businesses in B.C. that are scaling and bringing innovative goods, services or technologies to market.  Potential applicants can learn more about the BSP program on PacifiCan’s website.

Quotes

“British Columbians are known around the world for innovation. Business leaders across the province are transforming industries like agriculture and digital technology. PacifiCan is here to support these businesses. The investments announced today will strengthen B.C. companies’ competitiveness and help to ensure long-term prosperity for all British Columbians.”

-The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada

“HealthTech Connex focuses on delivering advanced healthcare by connecting science and innovation to real world impacts in brain health. In medicine, you can’t treat what we can’t measure. NeuroCatch represents a global breakthrough to ensure there are objective and accessible vital signs for our brains. This PacifiCan investment will greatly help rapidly scale NeuroCatch deployment further across the globe to all points of care where clinicians need a simple and powerful tool to evaluate the cognitive health of their patients.”

-Dr. Ryan D’Arcy, Co-Founder, President & Chief Scientific Officer, HealthTech Connex

“Surrey is the hub of innovative B.C. businesses who are creating solutions for complex problems for Canadians and around the world. Our investment in HealthTech Connex demonstrates how supporting local companies can create more opportunities right in our own backyard. Today’s news of PacifiCan’s new intake for the Business Scale-up and Productivity program is an opportunity for more innovative Surrey companies to scale their innovative goods and bring their technologies to diverse markets.” 

-Randeep Sarai, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Surrey Centre

“As a city that thrives on innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, Surrey is proud to see local businesses like HealthTech Connex benefiting from the substantial investment by PacifiCan. This funding not only supports the growth of cutting-edge technologies that improve healthcare access but also aligns with Surrey’s commitment to fostering a vibrant economy. By empowering businesses to scale and compete globally, we are shaping a future where prosperity is shared by all British Columbians. Together, we are building a sustainable and inclusive economy that meets the needs of today and tomorrow.”

–Brenda Locke, Mayor, City of Surrey

Quick Facts

PacifiCan is the federal economic development agency dedicated to British Columbians. PacifiCan works with partners who are building innovative businesses, creating quality jobs, and supporting inclusive growth throughout our province.Funding announced today was provided through PacifiCan’s Business Scale-up and Productivity program and the Jobs and Growth Fund.The Business Scale-up and Productivity program makes strategic investments in key economic sectors, helping innovative companies accelerate their growth and compete globally.The Jobs and Growth Fund helps job creators, and the organizations that support them, to future-proof their businesses. This includes building resiliency and growth by transitioning to a green economy, fostering an inclusive recovery, enhancing competitiveness, and creating jobs across British Columbia.

Associated Links

PacifiCanBusiness Scale-Up and Productivity Program Jobs and Growth FundHealthTech ConnexEggSolutions Vanderpol’s

Stay connected
Follow PacifiCan on X and LinkedIn
Toll-Free Number: 1-888-338-9378
TTY (telecommunications device for the hearing impaired): 1-877-303-3388

Backgrounder

Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada (PacifiCan), announced $18.3 million in repayable  funding for seven British Columbian companies to scale up their operations, create more jobs, accelerate growth, and bring made-in-B.C. products to markets around the world.

The projects announced today are:

Business Scale-Up and Productivity Program

4AG Robotics
$2,500,000

Funding will enable 4AG Robotics to scale up its robotic mushroom harvesting technology. The Salmon Arm-based company’s robots use artificial intelligence to help farmers pick, trim, and package mushrooms, significantly reducing production costs and boosting productivity. This investment will allow 4AG to expand manufacturing, hire more employees, and increase sales globally.

EggSolutions Vanderpol’s
$5,000,000

Funding will allow EggSolutions Vanderpol’s (ESV), B.C’s only family-owned and operated egg processor, to expand manufacturing and reach new markets. ESV produces traditional egg products such as albumen, yolk, and whole eggs, as well as specialty products for Asian markets. This investment will allow EggSolutions to move to a larger manufacturing facility and purchase the first and only tamagoyaki machine in North America, making the Abbotsford-based company the exclusive producer of fresh Japanese omelettes for Canadian and Asian markets.

ESV will increase its production capacity, bringing more B.C.-made products to existing markets, and expand to markets outside of North America. PacifiCan’s funding will also allow EggSolutions to improve wastewater treatment capability, which will convert waste into fertilizer and reduce the company’s environmental footprint.

HealthTech Connex
$3,767,850

Funding will enable HealthTech Connex, a life sciences company based in Surrey, to expand its operations. The company’s advanced brain imaging medical device, NeuroCatch® Platform, evaluates cognitive function within six minutes at the point-of-care. This investment will allow HealthTech Connex to commercialize its device across North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe.

MarineLabs
$1,800,000

Funding will help MarineLabs, a Victoria-based company, grow its ocean data network. MarineLabs makes sensors that track weather and waves for ports and ship operators in real-time. In addition to creating new jobs, this investment will help the company add more sensors and improve its forecasting tools, making marine travel safer and more efficient. 

Mustimuhw Information Solutions
$3,266,398

Funding will help Mustimuhw Information Solutions, an Indigenous-owned software company in Duncan, expand its digital health platform. The company develops software that helps First Nations and Indigenous health and family-services organizations manage medical records and other personal data in a culturally sensitive way. This investment will help Mustimuhw Information Solutions launch and scale up a new community wellness and housing management application, making it easier for Indigenous communities to manage these services.

VitaminLab
$921,278

Funding will help VitaminLab, a Victoria-based health and biotech company, expand its operations. VitaminLab creates personalized vitamin supplements using health data. This investment will support the company’s move to a larger facility, introduce automation, and meet growing demand for its products.

Jobs and Growth Fund

Pledge Resource Managers
$1,100,000

Funding will help Pledge Resource Managers, an Indigenous and woman-owned clean technology company in Kelowna, scale up production of its smart shower system. The RainStick Shower is the first in North America to filter and recirculate water in real-time, reducing household water use by 80%. This investment will allow the company to bring manufacturing in-house, hire more employees, and meet growing demand for its product around the world.

SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada

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Tax Tops the List as Wealthy Brits Plan Their Exit, La Vida Survey Finds

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Portugal is the destination of choice for almost three in four, while Brexit is a major factor for nearly two thirds.

LONDON, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Taxation is the leading concern for 82.6% of wealthy UK investors considering a second residency or citizenship, according to new research from investment migration firm La Vida.

La Vida’s 2026 UK Investor Survey asked investors who have enquired with the firm about residency or citizenship by investment what is driving their interest in leaving the UK, and where they plan to go. The survey ran from 29 September to 8 October 2026.

“Tax continues to be the main concern of wealthy Brits looking to leave the UK, with over 82% of respondents citing it as a factor driving their decision making,” said Paul Williams, CEO of La Vida.

Wealth Tax the Biggest Fear

Wealth tax was the tax increase most likely to push respondents out of the UK, ahead of income tax and inheritance tax.

Political concerns (56.5%) and cost of living (52.2%) followed taxation as the top reasons for considering a move. Concern about crime and security fell sharply, from 59.3% in La Vida’s 2025 survey to 37% this year.

“The average wealth of respondents was around £9 million. That’s more than 20 times the national average, and no doubt a significant tax loss for HMRC for each one deciding to leave,” said Williams.

“The top 1% of UK income taxpayers pay around 30% of all UK income tax. The UK government needs to find a way to persuade such wealth to stay and encourage more into the UK.”

Portugal Pulls Ahead as Dubai Fades

Portugal was named as a top-two destination by 73.8% of respondents, up from 50.6% in 2025. Italy came second at 26.2% and Greece third at 19%.

Interest in the UAE fell from 13.6% to 2.4%, even though Dubai features heavily in coverage of wealthy Britons leaving the UK.

“Portugal is a top destination for many. La Vida’s clients alone have gone on to invest several hundred million euros into the Portuguese economy in the last decade through its Golden Visa program,” said Williams.

Brexit a Major Factor

Brexit is a major factor for 63% of respondents and a minor factor for a further 17%. La Vida asked about Brexit for the first time this year, after a summer of longer queues for British travellers under the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.

“Brexit is the one and only reason why I would have an interest in a second residency,” said one respondent.

“I don’t regret voting for Brexit but it has rather scuppered an easy move to Portugal,” said another.

Plan B, Not Panic

A Plan B or backup option was the most common goal, named by 60.9% of respondents, ahead of tax reduction at 58.7% and visa-free travel at 54.3%.

Support for a UK Golden Visa

60% of respondents said the UK should introduce a Golden Visa program to attract investment.

The Home Office closed the UK’s Tier 1 (Investor) visa to new applicants in February 2022.

However, both the previous Conservative government and the current Labour government have indicated that they could reintroduce a Golden Visa in some form.

With Prime Minister Andy Burnham looking to draw further investment to the country, the proposal is likely to gain further support heading into this year’s Budget and into 2027.

Notably, wealthy Brits back the idea. Half of respondents said they did not know who they would vote for if a general election were held today.

“The UK is being left behind not only by its citizens but by its competitors in the race for global wealth,” said Williams.

Notes to Editors

Methodology: La Vida invited more than 5,000 investors who have enquired about residency or citizenship by investment over the last decade to take part in its 2026 UK Investor Survey. The survey ran from 29 September to 8 October 2026. Respondents: 91% of respondents hold UK citizenship, 76% live in the UK and 93%, with a weighted networth of £9.7 million.Multiple answers: Respondents could select more than one concern and goal, and up to two destinations.Data and comments available: the full dataset, further respondent comments and year-on-year comparisons with La Vida’s 2025 survey are available on request.

Contact:
Lizzie Edwards
***@goldenvisas.com
+44 0207 060 1475

Photo(s):
https://www.prlog.org/13177263

Press release distributed by PRLog

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tax-tops-the-list-as-wealthy-brits-plan-their-exit-la-vida-survey-finds-302911989.html

SOURCE La Vida

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Truecaller announces preliminary numbers for the third quarter 2026

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STOCKHOLM, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Truecaller today announces its preliminary and unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2026. The interimreport will be published as planned on Tuesday the 3rd of November 2027 and will as usual be followed by a webcast.

Total net sales for the third quarter 2026 is expected to amount to SEK 464 million (468) which is estimated to be an increase of 3% in constant currencies compared to the same period last year and an increase of 18% compared to the second quarter of 2026.

Ad revenues are expected to amount to SEK 245.6 million (290.2) which is a decrease of 12% in constant currencies compared to the third quarter last year but an increase of 23% compared to the previous quarter. Premium revenues are expected to amount to SEK 127.1 million (96.4) which is an increase of 32% in constant currencies compared to the same period in 2025. Revenues from Truecaller for Business are expected to amount to SEK 85.1 million (79.9), an increase of 14% in constant currencies compared to the same period in 2025 and an increase of 15% compared to the previous quarter.

EBITDA excluding non-recurring items associated with the acquisition of TextPlus is expected to amount to SEK 147.6 million (162.5) which is a decrease of approximately 6% in constant currencies compared to the same period last year but an increase of 68% compared to the previous quarter. The preliminary EBITDA-margin is 31.8% (34.7%) and the EBITDA-margin excluding incentive costs and the non-recurring items is expected to be 37.4% (39.8%).

Average non-iOS MAU was 476.2 million in the fourth quarter which is an increase of 34.5 million users compared to the same period last year and a growth of 5.2 million users during the third quarter.

SHORT COMMENT FROM THE CEO

“During the third quarter, we saw positive momentum as all three revenue streams grew compared to the previous quarter.Total net sales is now back to growth year-over year in local currency. Profitability is now also back at a healthy level. Our user base continued to grow, albeit at a somewhat slower pace than historically. Our focus is and has to a larger extent been on improving the monetisation of the existing user base and to tap into the growing demand beyond our established markets.

Within Ads, we continued our transition toward our new proprietary ad platform and auction process and we saw a gradual revenue improvement during the quarter, while Premium delivered sustained solid revenue growth. For Truecaller for Business, message volumes for Business Messaging are now higher than a year ago following our shift to a multi-partner model and Verified Business had a stable development. Overall, we continue to strengthen our position across key areas and are positive towards continuing the revenue transition,” says Rishit Jhunjhunwalam, CEO, Truecaller.

Preliminary results for July-September 2026 (Q3)

SEKm

Q3 2026

Q3 2025

Y/Y %

Y/Y % in constant
currency

Ad revenues

245.6

290.2

-15 %

-12 %

Premium revenues

127.1

96.4

+32 %

+32 %

Truecaller for business
revenues

85.1

79.9

+6 %

+14 %

Other net sales

6.2

1.4

+>100%

Net sales

464

467.9

-1 %

+3 %

Other revenues

5.3

8.8

-40 %

Total revenues

469.3

476.7

-2 %

+2 %

Cost of goods sold

-133.0

-113.6

+17 %

Gross profit

331.0

354.3

-7 %

-4 %

Gross margin

71.3 %

75.7 %

Staff costs excl.

incentives

-72.3

-88.3

-18 %

Incentive costs

-26.1

-23.6

+11 %

Other expenses

-90.3

-88.6

+2 %

EBITDA and margin

147.6 / 31.8%

162.5 /34.7%

-9 %

-6 %

EBITDA and margin
excl. Incentive costs

173.7 /37.4% 

186.2/39.8%

-7 %

-3 %

EBITDA

129.6/27.9%

162.5/34.7%

-20 %

-17 %

Profit after net
financial items

108.6

148.4

-27 %

Net profit

68.8

108.5

-37 %

Average MAU, non-iOS,
millions

476.2

441.7

+8 %

Average DAU, non-iOS,
millions

411.1

379.3

+8 %

Preliminary Nature of the Information

The financial information included in this press release is preliminary and unaudited. The final reviewed financial statements for January-September 2026 are expected to be published on the 3rd of November 2026. Differences between the preliminary figures and the final results may arise.

This information is information that Truecaller is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 2026-10-19 06:15 CET.

For more information, please contact:
Andreas Frid, Head of IR & Communication
+46 705 29 08 00
andreas.frid@truecaller.com

About Truecaller:

Truecaller (TRUE B) is the leading global platform for verifying contacts and blocking unwanted communication. We enable safe and relevant conversations between people and make it efficient for businesses to connect with consumers. Fraud and unwanted communication are endemic to digital economies. especially in emerging markets. We are on a mission to build trust in communication. Truecaller is an essential part of everyday communication for more than 500 million active users. Truecaller is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm since 8 October 2021. For more information please visit corporate.truecaller.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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SOURCE Truecaller AB

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CCTV+: A Civilizational Dialogue Across 5000 Years — Liangzhu and the Origins of World Civilization, a China‑Russia Co‑produced Documentary, Premieres Globally

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BEIJING, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On October 18, 2026, the 4th Liangzhu Forum opened in Liangzhu, the sacred site that bears testimony to China’s 5,000‑year‑old civilization. On the same day, Liangzhu and the Origins of World Civilization, a documentary co-produced by Zhejiang Media Group Overseas Center (International Channel) and Russian Digital Television’s “My Planet” Channel, made its global debut. The film launches a cross‑millennia civilizational dialogue through visuals. It airs simultaneously on Zhejiang Media Group Overseas Center (International Channel), its English platform, Russia’s “My Planet” Channel, major global media outlets and the China Blue International Media Matrix.

In December 2025, during the 6th China‑Russia Media Forum in Beijing, the two sides signed a media cooperation agreement for long‑term collaboration in co‑production, promotion and cultural exchanges. This documentary stands as a signature achievement under this cooperation framework.

Shooting for the film began in Hangzhou last April. The joint Sino‑Russian crew visited iconic cultural sites including the Liangzhu Museum, the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu Ancient City, and the Grand Canal (Hangzhou Section). Combining on‑site cinematography, expert interviews, and archaeological footage, the film captures exquisite jade artifacts from the Fanshan Royal Cemetery, the grand Mojiaoshan palace foundations and the ancient water‑conservancy systems, showcasing Liangzhu’s city layout, jade craftsmanship, water‑management wisdom and rice‑farming culture.

Adopting two‑way perspectives, the film gathers insights from Chinese and Russian scholars including museum directors and young Sinologists. It helps Russian audiences understand China’s millennia‑long civilization from their own cultural context, and lets the world perceive the profound heritage of Chinese civilization.

As an innovative practice for international cultural communication, this production boosts Liangzhu’s global recognition and serves as a vivid footnote for people‑to‑people exchanges in the new era.

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