Innovations made in B.C. Interior to take spotlight at Techfest in Kamloops

KAMLOOPS – Want to geek out on the newest innovations while drinking, eating and learning about creative companies from the B.C. Interior?

Techfest is a one-night event that will fill up all three floors of the new industrial training and technology centre at Thompson Rivers University. This Thursday, Sept. 19 from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. over 50 companies will showcase their innovative ideas, which vary from robotics to augmented reality to heavy-duty machinery.

The second-annual event is a fundraiser put on by Kamloops Innovation. Kimberely Steadman, operations manager with the organization, says there are a few new things in store for this year.

“It's really a celebration of technology and innovations in our region,” Steadman says. “We’re bringing together over 50 companies that will be demonstrating their latest and greatest from industries that are surrounding Kamloops.”

Steadman says something new for this year’s event is representation from the foresty, agriculture and mining sectors, with companies from the area showcasing ways to move the industries forward.

“There's a lot of really great tech that is happening locally and Techfest a great way to showcase that to people who might not otherwise be exposed to it. There's a lot of great things happening here in Kamloops,” Steadman says.

The event will welcome companies from around B.C. with a focus on the innovations made in the Interior. As well as some new industry representation, the event will now welcome young guests this year.

“We would love to see more youth involved,” Steadman says. “If people have young entrepreneurs or young tech enthusiasts, it's a great thing for younger people to be involved with.”

Steadman says there will be a barbeque at the event, two cash bars, and Tapped Truck will be pouring non-alcoholic ginger beer.

Visitors can check out what the Thompson Rivers University students are learning while at the event.

“(Thompson Rivers University) is opening up their shop areas as well, so there will be demonstrations in the various industrial shops that they have there, so you get the chance to see what the students are learning,” Steadman says,

Steadman says tickets are $20 for Thompson Rivers University students and $30 for the general public. She says there will be some ticket sales at the door, but to ensure entry you can purchase tickets for the event here.

Techfest will be held from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Sept. 19 in the industrial training and technology centre at Thompson Rivers University at 805 TRU Way.

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