InvestorInvesting in Canadian small and medium-sized businesses.
The startup scene in Canada
UBC Okanagan describes a commercialization pathway that supports translating research into spin-offs and supports campus and recent-alumni founders. It also describes a planned 50-acre Innovation Precinct on its Okanagan campus in Kelowna.
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UBC Okanagan describes a commercialization pathway that supports translating research into spin-offs and supports campus and recent-alumni founders. It also describes a planned 50-acre Innovation Precinct on its Okanagan campus in Kelowna.
The Kelowna Innovation Centre traces its project to a January 2013 meeting and opened in April 2017. Kelowna Innovation Society describes a Central Okanagan regional mandate and 20,000 square feet of founder-focused space at the Centre.
UBC News reported that Melius MicroBiomics was co-founded by Deanna Gibson and Robert Emlyn in 2023, and described the company’s in-house chemistry, manufacturing and controls work in Kelowna; Melius lists its head office in Vancouver. In September 2026, UBC News reported 15 full-time staff, most trained at UBC.
PacifiCan describes Accelerate Okanagan as supporting and mentoring startups and growth-stage companies across British Columbia. Okanagan Edge reported that Minga received a $155,000 OKGN Angel Summit prize in 2020; the report did not specify a currency code. StartupBlink’s 2026 Kelowna profile displays ranks of 19th in Canada, 162nd in North America and 538th worldwide, while its score table showed no data available.
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Kelowna ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | #472 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
9 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Kelowna
Investors 8
Investor
InvestorEmpowering growth through performance marketing and strategic partnerships.
InvestorEmpowering transformative companies in Western Canada.
The 3 most prominent of 8. Browse all investors
Accelerators 1
AcceleratorEmpowering technology entrepreneurs in the Okanagan.
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Kelowna
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Kelowna
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Kelowna
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Kelowna
StartupBlink's profile page displays 46 entries; listing inclusion is not evidence of city founding or current HQ.
Source: Top Startups in KelownaStartupBlink's 2026 city profile displays Kelowna at these three ranks; the profile's score table shows no data available.
Source: Top Startups in KelownaOkanagan Edge reported a $155,000 2020 prize for Minga; the article did not state a currency code.
Source: Minga climbs to SummitPacifiCan describes Accelerate Okanagan as serving entrepreneurs across British Columbia.
Source: Driving innovation: How Accelerate Okanagan is transforming the Okanagan tech communityKIS describes a Central Okanagan regional mandate and founder-focused space at the Centre.
Source: About The Innovation CentreThe Centre traces its project to a 2013 meeting and opened in April 2017.
Source: About The Innovation Centre
Questions about Kelowna
How does Kelowna rank as a startup ecosystem?
Its best position is #472 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025).
How many startup investors are based in Kelowna?
8 investors based in Kelowna have a profile here, including Argent Diversified Holdings Inc., Strawhouse Inc. and Cevello Management Corporation. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Kelowna?
Yes. Kelowna has 1 accelerator on record, including Accelerate Okanagan.
Geographic proximity
Nearby cities to Kelowna
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