Valley’s potential for technology is unlimited
The only problem within the Okanagan technology industry is it is maybe growing too fast. “Tech is a booming sector in the Okanagan and with that comes a bit of a labour shortage,” said Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology Bruce Ralston during stops in Kelowna Friday.
“The hunt for the best talent is always on in tech. That’s why developing talent at UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College is imperative and it’s important for industry to hire co-op students. And hiring skilled immigrants is always an option, too.”
One of Ralston’s stops in Kelowna was at UBC Okanagan, where he heard more about its proposal to have an innovation precinct to develop tech partnerships among the university, Okanagan College, tech industry groups and tech companies.
“Strong partnerships is what will help the tech sector to continue to grow,” said the NDP MLA for Surrey-Whalley.
The minister was also part of a roundtable hosted by Accelerate Okanagan at the new Okanagan Centre for Innovation in downtown Kelowna.
“We heard how and why Kelowna is a tech hub and how everyone is optimistic for the future,” said Ralston. “It was a very inspiring group.” Ralston praised Accelerate Okanagan for supporting tech companies of all sizes, from startups and growing firms to mature players, with programs for securing funding, office space, consulting, mentoring and networking.
Around the table were Chris Priebe of internet security firm Two Hat, Joshua Fraser from Data Nerds, Christien Copas of Perfit Dental Solutions, Ashley Ramsey from Yeti Farm Animation, Rob Bartlett from WTFast, Accelerate Okanagan CEO Raghwa Gopal, Accelerate Okanagan program strategist Andrew Greer, Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission director Corie Griffiths and Ralston’s parliamentary secretary, Rick Gulmac.
Tech is as much a lifestyle as it is an industry in the Okanagan.
Many companies are here because their founder wants to live in the Okanagan for the lifestyle and a smaller city vibe with all the connectivity of a big city.
“The Okanagan also has lower business and housing costs than Vancouver,” said Ralston.
“That means there’s talent already here and it can also be easily attracted here.”
The Okanagan is home to 630 tech companies with 7,600 workers, who are generally well paid.
The sector is growing at about 15 per cent a year and in 2015 had annual revenues of $1.3 billion, making it the biggest economic engine in the Valley.
Ralston also had lunch with five tech CEOs to get a better sense of the local tech scene.
His lunchmates were Jason Kryski of Strawhouse, Karen Olsson of Block-Able, Mike Checkley of QHR Technologies, Jonathan Whiting from StreetText and Sheldon Gardiner of Volinspire.
Ralston’s visit to the Okanagan coincided with the B.C. Innovation Council’s BCGO roadshow coming to Kelowna.
The council invited tech companies provide details on what they offer for possible collaboration with larger companies, government, entrepreneurs and funders.