Tech + Science

Okanagan joins global tech pilot project

The Okanagan was the only Canadian region chosen to join a worldwide tech pilot project.

By BCBusiness /

Credit: Courtesy of Accelerate Okanagan

Raghwa Gopal, CEO of Accelerate Okanagan

The region was one of five locations chosen by U.S. accelerator Techstars

The Okanagan’s technology star keeps rising. Through September 7, it’s the only Canadian region participating in a global community pilot project. Along with Accelerate Okanagan, a tech accelerator based in Kelowna, it was chosen as one of five locations from a field of 20 applicants. The project aims to support local entrepreneurs and establish a working relationship between startup communities.

In the first of four phases, Chris Heivly, entrepreneur in residence with high-profile U.S. accelerator Techstars, is meeting startup founders in Kelowna, Penticton and Vernon. From there, the plan is to do a community assessment. Techstars will then work with Accelerate Okanagan to create a three-, six- and 12-month community road map and back its implementation. “We are confident that Chris Heivly’s insight will be valuable to us as our tech community continues to grow,” Raghwa Gopal, CEO of Accelerate Okanagan, said in a statement.

BCBusiness

BCBusiness

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