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Kelowna's Tech Industry
Kelowna Team
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Summary
Kelowna's tech scene in practice: the main sectors, the companies based here, and the resources that help tech workers get established in the Okanagan.
In this article:
Kelowna's tech industry is a mix of software development, digital marketing, gaming, agri-tech and e-commerce companies, with a cluster of them sharing the Innovation Centre at 460 Doyle Avenue downtown. This guide covers the key sectors, the top companies hiring, and the resources that help tech professionals get established here. The cost of living is lower than in Vancouver or Toronto, and you can close your laptop and be on the lake ten minutes later.
Kelowna's Key Tech Sectors
The city's tech industry has five main sectors: software development, digital marketing, gaming, agri-tech and e-commerce.
- ●Software Development: Probably the largest, with companies building everything from mobile apps to enterprise software.
- ●Digital Marketing: The city has a strong cluster of digital marketing firms, helped along by the growth of e-commerce and online advertising.
- ●Gaming: Several game studios are based here, shipping titles played worldwide.
- ●Agri-Tech: Farming technology is gaining ground in the Okanagan, which makes sense given the region's orchards and vineyards.
- ●E-commerce: Online retail has grown into its own sector, with many local companies running their own stores.
Top Tech Companies in Kelowna
Notable local tech companies include game studio Hyper Hippo Entertainment, email platform Bananatag and the startup hub Accelerate Okanagan, and several of them share the Innovation Centre building on Doyle Avenue. Here are the ones to know:
- ●Accelerate Okanagan: Location: 201-460 Doyle Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 0C2. The non-profit at the centre of the local startup scene, supporting tech entrepreneurs and startups across the Okanagan with mentorship, resources, and networking.
- ●Bananatag: Location: 460 Doyle Ave (Innovation Centre), Kelowna, BC V1Y 0C2. Internal communications teams around the world use Bananatag's email design and communications platform, which is now part of Staffbase. The company is known for a great culture and an employee-first approach.
- ●Hyper Hippo Entertainment: Location: 201 - 460 Doyle Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 0C2. The studio behind AdVenture Capitalist and AdVenture Communist, games played by millions worldwide, anchors Kelowna's gaming community.
- ●Artists Animation Studio (formerly Yeti Farm Creative): Location: Kelowna, BC. Artists Animation Studio took over Yeti Farm Creative in 2024 and makes 2D animation for television and digital clients, adding some tech-adjacent creative roles to the local job market.
- ●Waterplay: Location: 805 Crowley Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 7G6. Waterplay designs and manufactures aquatic play equipment. It isn't purely a tech company, but it leans heavily on technology in design, manufacturing, and project management.
- ●Pela (now Lomi): Location: 460 Doyle Ave (Innovation Centre), Kelowna, BC V1Y 0C2. Known for compostable phone cases and other sustainable products, Pela now operates under its Lomi brand: pela.earth redirects to lomi.com, which sells the Lomi countertop food recycler mainly through e-commerce to environmentally conscious buyers.
Resources for Tech Professionals in Kelowna
The main resources for tech professionals are Okanagan College, UBC Okanagan, WeBC and the city's co-working spaces.
- ●Okanagan College: Technology programs here run from computer science to electronics engineering technology, feeding a steady pipeline of talent into local companies, and the Kelowna campus is easy to get to.
- ●UBC Okanagan (UBCO): UBCO's School of Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate programs in engineering and computer science and drives much of the region's research. The campus is in the University District, north of the airport.
- ●WeBC: A business resource center for entrepreneurs, including those in tech, offering workshops, mentorship, and access to funding.
- ●Co-working Spaces: Spaces like the Innovation Centre and various private locations around town provide flexible desks for freelancers and startups, and they're a good way to meet people in the industry.
Living the Okanagan Lifestyle as a Tech Professional
The Okanagan lifestyle is a big part of why tech professionals move here, and the jobs are only part of the draw. You can finish work and be swimming in Okanagan Lake, or spend a winter weekend skiing at Big White Ski Resort, and that balance is hard to find in bigger cities. Many tech workers live in South Pandosy, Downtown Kelowna, and the Lower Mission, all close to the lake, shops, and a good restaurant and bar scene. Each season brings something different, from wine tasting in spring to hiking in fall.
Where the Sector Is Heading
The tech sector here is still growing, and the startup support network and the graduates coming out of UBCO and Okanagan College keep bringing new companies to the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main tech sectors in Kelowna?
The main tech sectors are software development, digital marketing, gaming, agri-tech, and e-commerce. Software development is probably the largest, and several game studios are based here too.
What kind of tech jobs are available in Kelowna?
Local tech jobs range from software engineers and web developers to digital marketers and project managers. There are openings for both junior and senior professionals.
Is Kelowna a good place to start a tech company?
Yes. Kelowna has good support for startups, including Accelerate Okanagan, co-working spaces, and access to funding.
How does the Okanagan lifestyle benefit tech professionals?
The Okanagan offers a good work-life balance, with easy access to outdoor activities, an active social scene, and a lower cost of living than larger cities. In summer you can be at the lake within minutes of logging off.
Where can I find more information about tech events and networking opportunities in Kelowna?
Accelerate Okanagan is your best bet. Check their website and social media channels for upcoming events, workshops, and networking nights for tech professionals.
