KAST

08/28/2026

Congratulations to the Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce on celebrating 80 years! What an incredible milestone.

KAST was so happy to play a small part in the celebration and recognize the Chamber’s many years of supporting local businesses and strengthening the Castlegar community.

Huge congratulations to Tammy Verigin-Burk, M.A., the Board, and the entire team on a wonderful celebration.

Here’s to 80 years of impact and many more ahead! 🥂
Castlegar and District Economic Development Tammy Verigin-Burk

08/27/2026

We're looking for mentors across the Kootenays to help youth ages 14-18 turn ideas into real-world solutions.

Check out the information below to learn more.
Community Futures East Kootenay Impact Toolbox

The next generation of social impact leaders is already here!
We're looking for mentors across the Kootenays to help youth ages 14-18 turn ideas into real-world solutions.
As a mentor, you'll guide a team of young people you already work with through an interactive entrepreneurship program focused on creativity, problem-solving, and community impact.
✔ $500 stipend
✔ Training and support provided
✔ Help shape the next generation of local leaders!
Applications are now open.
Apply before September 17.
Apply here: Link in comments 👇

08/14/2026

Exciting things are happening at KAST; this is your chance to be part of it!

Program & Operations Lead
Full-time contract, starting September 1, 2026
https://kast.com/hiring/

MITACS Research Intern
Part-time, starting September 1, 2026
Apply by August 17 (link in comments)

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend.

08/12/2026

In the AUGUST issue of KAST’s Newsletter, we’re excited to announce the KAST Tech Summit, coming to Kimberley in 2027!
We’re also hiring and sharing the latest news, opportunities, and updates from across the Kootenay tech and innovation community.

Subscribe to the KAST Monthly Newsletter and read the most current issue: https://kast.com/newsletter-signup/
August newsletter link in the comments.

Stay connected this summer with KAST.

07/20/2026

Be part of the first-ever KAST Tech Summit, coming to Kimberley, May 2027.

The future of AI in the Kootenays is being shaped right now ➢ will you be in the room?

📅 May 12-14, 2027
📍 Kimberley Conference Centre

Two days of bringing businesses, community leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and tech partners together to engage with AI and emerging technologies from a human-centric perspective.

How do we shape our relationship with technology to reflect community values, connection, and sustainability?

Daily use. AI assistants. Business automation to augmentation. Let's talk about it!

Attend • Speak • Sponsor • Volunteer • Connect • Collaborate

Photo: Morrissey Ridge by Kari Medig, KootenayRockies.com

Check the comments to see how you can be a part of the Tech Summit!

07/15/2026

What can you create in 48 hours?

If you love games of all kinds, creativity, and learning in a fun, competitive environment, join the Nelson Game Jam this summer. Create a prototype during this 48-hour event.

July 24 - 26
At the Nelson Innovation Centre

KAST is happy to support this amazing community-led event by providing the venue through the Nelson Innovation Centre. We love seeing the space being used to bring together creative minds, foster collaboration, and grow the Kootenay tech community.

All skill levels, ages (including kids with their guardians), and game types are welcome. Work alone or in teams. Learn from your peers and share your skills!

Show off your creation at the Sunday Showcase at 5:00 PM, where friends, family, and community can celebrate your cerebral sprint!

💵 $20 registration (100% goes toward snacks and drinks during the jam.)

📧 To register, email [email protected]

We can't wait to see what our local creators build!

07/10/2026

Meet Our Board Chair: Nick Howald!

At KAST, we often talk about collaboration, and there may be no one who embodies that more than our Board Chair, Nick Howald.
Nick believes that the Kootenays already have incredible talent. The opportunity isn't creating it—it's connecting it.

As CIO at Selkirk College, he leads technology that supports thousands of students and staff every day. As an entrepreneur, he learned firsthand that success comes from understanding your strengths and surrounding yourself with people whose strengths complement your own.

And as Chair of KAST, he's helping shape a future where innovation happens through partnerships, shared ideas, and a stronger regional ecosystem.

One of our favourite quotes from Nick is:
"The talent is already here. The opportunity is in connecting it."

Thank you, Nick, for your leadership, your thoughtful perspective, and your commitment to building a more connected and innovative Kootenay region.

Take a few minutes to get to know Nick in our latest Board Spotlight!

07/06/2026

This July, KAST is celebrating our Chair Nick Howald, kicking off our TechEdge Initiative, and welcoming new entrepreneurs and investors.

Subscribe to the KAST Monthly Newsletter and read the most current issue: https://kast.com/newsletter-signup/

July newsletter link in the comments.
Wishing everyone a great start to your week!

06/30/2026

🍁 Happy Canada Day from all of us at KAST! 🇨🇦

Today and everyday we're celebrating the entrepreneurs, innovators, small businesses, and communities that make Canada such an incredible place to build, create, and grow.

Whether you're launching a new venture, growing your business, or simply enjoying everything summer in the Kootenays has to offer, we hope you have a safe, relaxing, and joyful Canada Day with family and friends.

As a reminder, the Nelson Innovation Centre will be closed on Wednesday, July 1, in observance of Canada Day.

❤️ Here's to a resilient, connected, and innovative Canada.