BCIC Feature: West Kootenay - BC's New Tech Hot Spot
Technology and Innovation are thriving in the West Kootenays , and word is getting out about the natural advantages to doing business here. It’s growing from longtime resident businesses and innovators as well as people and businesses that are relocating to the region
“I came to visit and ended up staying forever.”
That phrase is the genesis for many folks that call the Kootenays home. The natural beauty, distinctively genuine people and one of a kind lifestyle has been drawing a diverse and talented range of folks to the region for decades. A unique melting pot of people, passionate about their lives has been a driving force in spawning innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the region. Through creativity, knowledge, experience and a driving will to succeed the West Kootenay has been driving the successful shift from a resource based economy to a well rounded region overflowing with science and technology businesses that in many cases have built upon a resource based past and taken it to the next level.
The dawn of the internet age opened up the once remote, now globally connected mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes and towns that dot the landscape and allowed a new generation of digital and online business’ to thrive. A new generation of nomadic entrepreneurs and amenity migrants have realized they don’t need to be in a city to succeed, that they can live the Kootenay lifestyle and have their business prosper.
Just as the people and culture vary greatly from town to town, so too do the businesses that have set up shop. Trail, long anchored by metals giant Teck has helped spawn a plethora of related industries. Building on the long history of mining in the region the minerals of the earth have gone high-tech. Homegrown Firebird Technologies, recently acquired by 5N Plus is one of just three companies in the world to grow high quality indium antimonide (IA) crystals used by to companies like Lockheed Martin and LG communications for use in highly sensitive heat cameras, infrared windows and even infrared missile systems.
Environmental sciences and remediation work from restoring river habitat to testing soils have found a niche locally and are expanding outward into the worldwide marketplace.
Manufacturing is on the rise as well, be it Mandala homes producing and shipping sustainability leading environmental friendly houses worldwide or developing new automated techniques that allow Kootenay companies like Drop Designs to compete with the global players in the industry and win.
Throughout the region digital new media has caught fire. Local firms are creating high end HD video and digital media solutions for big name clients around the world as well as here at home. Lifecycles Films and Juicy Studios in Rossland recently made history at the X dance Film Festival in Park City, Utah with their Lifecycles production winning all three major awards at the festival. Nelson based Vacuum Design continues to win kudos with Kris McLaughlin (Goaltender / Technical Director) being named Developer of the Universe (OK, Developer of the Year) at the CNMA awards.
Along with the benefits of inexpensive land, abundant, clean power and water resources and the close relationships that come with small communities, the catalyst driving the growth and expansion of the science and technology sectors in the West Kootenay first and foremost has been an undeniable entrepreneurial spirit.
To accelerate the translation of that spirit into emerging and maturing companies alike KAST has developed the KASTmba (Mentorship and Business Assistance) program. Participating companieshave gained insight into business topics including sales, new technology, marketing, accessing funding, business planning, developing “angel” pitches, online marketing and sales, vetting business ideas and much more. Each company that comes to KAST is unique and the KASTmba finds mentors and coaching solutions tailor made for each one. In the past year KAST has helped companies launch new products, forge new partnerships, access government program support, pitch investors and develop greater confidence and skill in day to day business. The breadth of industries also speaks to the capacity of the program as it works with clients from manufacturing, metallurgy, green energy, environmental science, food production, tourism and more. 38 companies have already profited from the experience with rave reviews as KAST helps launch the next generation of science and technology companies to call the West Kootenays home.
Whether attracted by the natural beauty or for the growing opportunities and natural advantages in the science and tech sectors, progressive home-grown businesses are proving the West Kootenay is a growing hot-spot for innovation and companies from elsewhere are quickly realizing the benefits of relocating to the region. Innovation, motivation, an entrepreneurial can-do spirit and a lifestyle that is second to none. Welcome home.