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Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST) logo

Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST)

Nelson, British ColumbiaFinesseMember

The Hub for Kootenay Technology

Sourced from website

The Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST), established in 1998, is a critical economic driver and innovator in southern BC’s Kootenay region. KAST's mission is to foster inclusive economic opportunities and job creation through science, technology and innovation.

Type

Not-for-Profit

Founded

1998

Regions

British Columbia (BC)

Industries

General/industry agnostic

Stages supported

IdeaDiscoveryValidationEfficiencyScale

Services offered

  • Access to specialized equipment, lab facilities, and/or services
  • Discounted and/or free professional services (legal, accounting, bookkeeping, etc.)
  • Financing opportunities and connections with investor groups
  • Free educational events or programming (ie. lunch and learns)
  • Mentorship and access to advisors
  • Networking opportunities and community events
  • Office space, co-working environment
Finessemedium confidence

Refining and expanding venture growth and entrepreneurial competencies and create the connections across innovation ecosystem

Sector-agnostic (broad industry focus). Higher accountability signals (equity/paid programs, later-stage focus).

DisclosureBAI type is CAIN’s inferred classification based on available data. It has not been confirmed by the member unless otherwise indicated.

Learn more about the four BAI types

Idea to Launch

College-focused workshops in Nelson and Cranbrook for ages 16-30 covering entrepreneurship and skill-building seminars tailored to industry sectors

Kootenay Venture Network

A group of accredited investors who invest in early-stage technology companies based in the Kootenay Region

Kootenay Youth Build-A-Business Program

For ages 13-18, designed to empower the next generation of innovators with skills and confidence to turn ideas into impactful businesses

Startup Launch

Career training, upskilling, and networking for startups and tech-innovators with a focus on technology and innovation

Venture Acceleration Program

Helps technology companies and entrepreneurs transform their tech ideas into reality through mentorship and connections with like-minded entrepreneurs

Youth Opportunities

Programs for youth aged 5-17 to build skills, discover passions through interactive play, and learn about science, tech innovation and entrepreneurship

Sourced from website

Empowered Startups logo

Empowered Startups

Vancouver, British Columbia

Empowered incubates and accelerates driven entrepreneurial leaders capable of building outstanding startups that bring customers and institutional capital knocking on the door. Our unique model incubates talented Canadian entrepreneurs and Foreign entrepreneurs and connects their start-ups with international customers. We invest seed capital and time in the best scalable start-ups so that our start-up founders can aggressively pursue their revenue goals.

General/industry agnostic
Finesse
Accelerate Okanagan logo

Accelerate Okanagan

Kelowna, British Columbia

Located in Kelowna, BC, and serving the Okanagan community. We give entrepreneurs the mentorship, connections, and community they need to build technology-driven ventures. As the Okanagan tech community and companies within it continue to grow, so does our support model. Coined ‘Continuous Acceleration,’ we deliver unique programming for different stages of growth. The reality is, each stage of the entrepreneurial process demands a different set of tools and we are constantly iterating in an effort to meet those needs.

General/industry agnostic
Finesse
The Fireweed Institute logo

The Fireweed Institute

Vancouver, British Columbia

Innovation Rooted in Tradition, Wealth Built in Community

The Fireweed Institute is an emerging virtual and land-based Centre for Excellence in Indigenous Entrepreneurship & Innovation, upholding the vision of a robust and thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem and equitable Indigenous participation in the global economy.

General/industry agnostic
University
Foundations & Ecosystem-Building
Innovation Island Technology Association logo

Innovation Island Technology Association

Nanaimo, British Columbia

Innovation Island Technology Association (IITA) is a regional partner of the BC Acceleration Network. We deliver the Innovate BC, Venture Acceleration Program (VAP) to Island communities outside of greater Victoria, including the Gulf Islands and the Sunshine Coast. IITA also facilitates other programs such as the DER3 Program (created and launched on Vancouver Island) and other Innovate BC Programs to qualifying clients and applicants including programs and services for NRC-IRAP. Our mission is to support entrepreneurs to start and grow technology companies by providing them with programs and resources they need to succeed. We support business and entrepreneurs build, grow and stay.

Digital media & telecommunicationsGeneral/industry agnosticOther
Finesse