KELOWNA – It’s time to get your geek on. Startup Week is underway in the Okanagan.

The event focuses on the technology sector in the valley, which is becoming a major economic driver.

According to the organizers of the event, the Okanagan is one of the most recognized technology hubs in North America. The Silicon Vineyard if you will.

The reputation is thanks to companies like Club Penguin and Vineyard Networks and to the support from institutions like Okanagan College, UBCO and the Centre for Arts and Technology.

The tech sector is diverse, covering jobs in animation and gaming, digital communications, along with application and software development.

According to a blog on the event's website, here are the 5 reasons you should care about Startup Week and the tech industry:

1. Employment
As this industry continues to grow, it continues to create much needed jobs for young Okanagan residents and that means fewer people leaving the Okanagan in search of employment.

2. Local Dollars
Jobs in technology are usually well paying, but beyond that, tech employees value and spend some of their money right here where they live, supporting local business owners and keeping our economy strong.

3. New Okanaganites
Due to its digital nature, technology workers have a greater flexibility in terms of work, whether it’s the type of work or where they do it. As our tech sector grows, professional people are moving to and staying in the Okanagan. These benefits are felt across all industries.

4. Art and Music
With many tech employees being creative themselves, they value supporting local arts and music. A thriving technology sector also means a healthy and vibrant arts and culture community.

5. Social Impact
Socially conscious businesses are a huge benefit to our community and technology businesses in the Okanagan are also very socially responsible. Most are involved with fundraising or volunteering for local social agencies to help those in need and are focused on investing in the local community.

Startup week runs until March 16.

Accelerate Okanagan and Digital Okanagan are the main sponsors.

For all the details and a complete schedule of events go to the Startup Week website.