Catalyst for innovation opens in downtown Kelowna
What: Official opening of Innovation UBC Kelowna Hub
Who: Kelowna’s innovation network and UBC’s next generation of start-ups
When: Thursday, October 11, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: The Innovation Centre, 460 Doyle Ave, Kelowna
It’s official. The new Innovation UBC Kelowna Hub is open and today’s innovators are ready to showcase their ideas.
The goal of the hub is to turn research findings and entrepreneurial spirit into innovative new products, policies and practices that will improve lives around the world. With the help of dedicated mentors, program partners and sponsors, the Innovation UBC Kelowna Hub will support research partnerships, commercialization, knowledge exchange and entrepreneurship activities.
The opening includes a panel discussion about innovation opportunities in the region and a showcase of new ventures.
Media are invited to chat with the next generation of entrepreneurs and learn how UBC Okanagan is contributing to Kelowna’s innovation ecosystem.
Hosts and panelists
- Phil Barker, vice-principal, research and innovation, UBC Okanagan
- Camille Saltman, director, entrepreneurship@UBC, UBC Okanagan
- Gail Murphy, vice-president, research and innovation, UBC Vancouver
- Jeff Keen, director, Wheelhouse and Atrium Ventures
- Raghwa Gopal, CEO, Accelerate Okanagan
- Angela Nagy, president and CEO, GreenStep Solutions Inc.
- Kenneth Chau, angel investor and associate professor of engineering, UBC Okanagan
All hosts and panelists are available for interviews prior to the event.
The launch also includes a Venture Showcase, which will feature dozens of start-up companies, many of which are led by UBC Okanagan students.
There are more than 20 start-ups participating. Here is a small sample of what to expect:
- Happipad – an online rental platform to help individuals find quality homes and companionship.
- SensAI - low-impact wearable sensor technology, which allows users to monitor their fitness and exercise performance.
- Durabrace - smart self-centring bracing system, which helps to reduce seismic damage and keep structures serviceable after an earthquake.
Innovation UBC’s first hub opened this spring at Robson Square in Vancouver. UBC boasts more than 1,300 industry collaborations annually including 1,000 new student ventures and spin-off companies; and has played a key role in advancing technology, natural resources and life sciences sectors.