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Nelson Innovation Centre (NiC) is a true community hub: a place for entrepreneurs and businesses to connect with one another and get the support they need through programming and referral services to take their businesses to a new level. 

NiC features a state-of-the-art boardroom for the delivery of technology training and workshops, a custom soundproof private workbooth for video conferencing as well as leasable office space for tech and tech-enabled companies. It’s also a flexible workhub; a place where people can get work done on their laptops, meet with clients, network and collaborate on projects. The lounge area functions as an event space with a high-tech projector, sound system and more.

NiC, managed by the Kootenay Association for Science & Technology (KAST), is a culmination of years of hard work by Nelson’s business and technology community. Located in Nelson’s historic CP Railway Station, the project has come to life as a partnership between KAST,  the City of Nelson, Community Futures Central Kootenay, the Nelson & District Chamber of Commerce, the Nelson & Area Economic Development Partnership, the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust, B.C Rural Dividend Fund, community stakeholders and local industry.

NiC serves tech companies, innovators and professionals in the West Kootenay, from Nelson to Kaslo, Salmo to the Slocan Valley and Castlegar to Trail and Rossland. Our community hub also serves the entire Kootenay region with virtual concierge supports.

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Nelson Innovation Centre opened virtually in spring 2020 (due to COVID-19) and then physically in summer 2020 after a monumental renovation of the west wing of the historic CP Railway Station, with design and project consulting provided by Traditional Timber Framing Company and Cover Architecture.

The completion of NiC marks the closing of a 10-year-long construction chapter of the 10,000 square-foot CP Railway Station. 

Phase 1 of NiC was completed in September 2019 and features 750 square-feet of office space for our anchor tenant, Mountain Culture Group, with high ceilings and exposed timber beams. Phase 2 of NiC, our 1,500 square-foot community hub with three leasable offices, was the last part of the heritage building to be restored.

To read more about the building of NiC, read the blog post here.

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Anchor Tenant Space Features:

  • 750-square-feet of leasable office space
  • High ceilings with exposed timber beams
  • Access to 1,500 square-foot community space
  • Two private workstations 
  • One private office space 
  • Designated car parking and bike rack
  • Fibre-optic internet access
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Community Space Features:

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The Kootenays’ Non-profit Tech Association

Nelson Innovation Centre is powered by KAST (Kootenay Association for Science & Technology).

Since 1998, KAST (Kootenay Association for Science & Technology) has led our region’s economic development through technology and innovation. We are the only non-profit tech association serving the entire Kootenay region. Our main offerings are Youth Programs, the Venture Acceleration Program and the Nelson Innovation Centre.

Our mission is to enable a vibrant, thriving and healthy tech community in the Kootenays by creating inclusive economic opportunities, stimulating job growth and by providing entrepreneurs and businesses with the support they need to thrive in the local and digital economy.

LEARN MORE ABOUT KAST