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KA

Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST)

The Hub for Kootenay Technology

Nelson, British Columbia

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.

Industries

General/industry agnostic

Focus Areas

technologyinnovationentrepreneurshipearly-stage companiesyouth educationcareer training

Sourced from website

Stages Supported

DiscoveryEfficiencyIdeaScaleValidation

Services Offered

Mentorship and access to advisorsFree educational events or programmingDiscounted and/or free professional servicesOffice space, co-working environmentFinancing opportunities and connections with investor groupsNetworking opportunities and community eventsAccess to specialized equipment, lab facilities, and/or services

Programs

Kootenay Venture Network

other

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

Venture Acceleration Program

accelerator

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

Kootenay Youth Build-A-Business Program

course

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

Idea to Launch

course

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

Startup Launch

incubator

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

Youth Opportunities

course

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

Company Revenue Stages

Start ($0-1M)Grow ($1-5M)

KAST operates physical spaces including coworking facilities. They also produce BroadKAST, a film series featuring entrepreneurial journeys of the Kootenays. The organization serves the entire Kootenay region with locations in Nelson and Cranbrook.

Sourced from website

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BAI Type

Finesse

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

medium confidence
Learn about BAI types →

This classification is inferred from available data. Organizations can self-classify using the typology framework.

Entity Type

Not-for-Profit

Operating Regions

British Columbia (BC)

Founded 1998
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