
“Innovation is when new or improved ideas, products, services, technologies, or processes create more market demand or cutting-edge solutions to economic, social, and environmental challenges.”
CEPCO created the Chilliwack Innovation Network in 2017 as a standing committee tasked with developing opportunities, partnerships, projects and events that foster innovation. The committee is comprised of private sector businesses, educational institutions, and business support organizations.
The Network is focused on supporting entrepreneurs, business start-ups, and established businesses in the community that are primarily focused on technology related ideas and business practices.
The success of the network will be best achieved through the development of partnerships and grass roots initiatives that include a wide range of people interested in strengthening the entrepreneurial environment for technology based start-ups, education, and innovation in Chilliwack. A top down driven initiative will not succeed, so the best role for CEPCO is to facilitate connections and support that are sustainable, ensure that adequate resources are available, and value is provided.
The following projects, events and groups are examples of activities currently underway or in development in Chilliwack via the efforts of people and organizations involved in the Chilliwack Innovation Network.
Chilliwack Tech Meet-Up
Events – Hackathon and /Next
Maker Space / Fabrication Lab
Mentorship Program
Financing Network
Retro-Computer Club
ChilliHack
Cowork Chilliwack and Downtown Business Centre
First Peoples Enterprise Accelerator Program
Chilliwack Innovation Network Committee
Rob Carnegie
Chilliwack Retro Computing ClubBrian Coombes
Chilliwack Economic Partners CorporationJohn English
University of the Fraser Valley, Trades and Technology Centre- Dr. David Harper
University of the Fraser Valley Gary Jenne
National Research Council CanadaDave Leger
Loop EnergyJason Lum
Councillor, City of ChilliwackTim McAlpine
Currency MarketingKalvin Morrow
Greenhouse GamesColin Schmidt
Wisebox/Chilliwack Tech MeetupNetty Tam
Chilliwack Economic Partners CorporationCraig Toews
University of the Fraser Valley