Raghwa Gopal

An Ex-Nausori (Fiji) Man born with perseverance in the face of obstacles, adapt initiative excellence towards work ethics, outgrew compassion and builds strength to continuously be a beacon of light to the community. The Man, now becomes unstoppable to the fundamental foundation in the creation and management of successful programs for technology companies, aligns and provides real world solutions to complex business problems. Rises to the occasion as a seasoned technology Entrepreneur and business Executive,  marking an unmatched record of leadership & community involvement, worth for a recognition as the ideal Executive to regard as  PRESIDENT and CEO of Innovate, BC

Raghwa Gopal, HUMBLE BEGINNINGS... read more

Raghwa Gopal, has an extensive understanding of business strategy, operational efficiency,  manages any enterprise or a business with considerable initiative and risk. A serial entrepreneur with International business EXPERIENCE.

Raghwa Gopal, in addition to his corporate experience, he lectured in the faculty of University of British Columbia's Business Management and School of Arts & Science, has EXPERIENCE as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Okanagan College's School of Business and serves to multiple organizations as one of the BOARDS.

Raghwa Gopal, Philanthropy is at the heart of all his efforts, paying forward to the people who granted him the opportunity to realize his leadership in establishing networks to reduce poverty, improve literacy, support health initiatives, offer disaster relief, encourage charitable works and other activities of a VOLUNTEER.

Raghwa Gopal, has been recognized as Entrepreneur of the year and as a Technology Innovator, B.C. Community Achievement Award and 2016 Kelowna Man of The Year , along with numerous other RECOGNITION.

Raghwa Gopal, from a farm boy of Fiji now transcends to be the powerful driving force in the development of tech sector into a Billion economic contributor. His humble life journey to a Business Tycoon and an Icon of goodwill has given him lots of exposure in the network industry of MEDIA.

Raghwa Gopal, “is among those rare individuals who define the character of a community through their devotion to fellow citizens and by applying their expertise and energy to good causes. His breadth of experience as an entrepreneur, business leader, sector champion, mentor and innovator has benefitted several organizations. He is thoughtful, educated, committed and ethical”, Is one of the many other  TESTIMONIALS.

Raghwa Gopal graduated in 1977-1978; The University of South Pacific (Computer Science), 1976-1977; Central Institute of Technology – Wellington, New Zealand (Graduate Diploma in Information Technology),  1975-1976; Collier Mc Millan School, Australia (Computer Science. Computer Programming)

Testimonials

Experience

Experience
2019 - present
INNOVATE BC

President and Chief Executive Officer

Connect innovators – large and small – with B.C. Government funding, tools, resources and support.

Develop programs and support entrepreneurs in the technology community.
Connect new and expanding businesses to relevant local and international initiatives.
Assist emerging businesses to develop effective tools, structures and practices.

2015 – 2019
ACCELERATE OKANAGAN

Chief Executive Officer

Develop and support entrepreneurs in the technology community.
Connect new and expanding businesses to relevant local and international initiatives.
Assist emerging businesses to develop effective tools, structures and practices.

2012 – 2015
ACCELERATE OKANAGAN

Executive in Residence

Mentored over 100 businesses and entrepreneurs employing over 1200 people.
Helped raise over $22 million in equity funding.
Helped create over 400 local jobs.

2012 – 2013
OKANAGAN COLLEGE, SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Entrepreneur-in-Residence

Guest lectured on the principles of entrepreneurship.
Offered one-on-one mentoring for business students.

2011 – present
UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, OKANAGAN (UBCO)

Guest Lecturer

Lecture in Faculty of Management (Business) and School of Arts and Sciences (Computer Science).

2010 – present
SAAVANI ORGANIC SKINCARE

Chief Executive Officer

Co-founded organic skincare company with wife Sarita Gopal.
Secured grants and funding to develop over 20 organic products.
Created national and international market opportunities.

2004 – 2006
VADIM SOFTWARE

President and Chief Executive Officer

2001 – 2003
VADIM SOFTWARE

Senior Vice-President and Chief Technology Officer

1979 – 2000
VADIM SOFTWARE

Chief Technology Officer

1979
VADIM SOFTWARE

Co-founder

Co-founded first technology company in the Okanagan.

Developed company to become the primary supplier of software and services to local governments across Canada.

Boards

Boards

2020 – present
HAMBER FOUNDATION

Governor

2019 – 2020
GOVERNMENT of BRITISH COLUMBIA

Ex-Officio Member – Food Security Task Force

2018 – 2020
GOVERNMENT of BRITISH COLUMBIA

Member – Emerging Economy Task Force

2019 – present
MSM – M SQUARE MEDIA

Member of International Advisory Board

2017 – 2019
ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE

Member of Commanding Officer’s Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Board

2017 – present
UNIVETSITY of BRITISH COLUMBIA

Governor

2015 – present
GOPAL FAMILY FOUNDATION

Chair of the Board

Raised over $400K a number of non-profit organizations including BC Cancer Society (for early cancer detection in BC), Karis Support Society, Rotary Club of Kelowna and the YMCA of Central Oanagan
Supporting International Projects – like helping victims of Cyclone Winston in Fiji – and creating Women Empowerment Program in India

2014 – present
VOLINSPIRE COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTION COMPANY

Director

2006 – 2012
OKANAGAN ANGEL NETWORK

President

Mentored and advised over 400 companies
Secured investment of over $20 million for over 100 companies
Created education programs and provided investment education to over 150 Angel investors

Volunteer Activities

Volunteer Activities

The YMCA of Central Okanagan

The YMCA of Okanagan is a growing local charity dedicated to building a healthier community, who offers child care; preschool; health fitness; aquatic programs and employment programs.

Women’s Enterprise Centre

Women’s Enterprise Centre helps BC women start and scale their own business, offers business loans for women, business workshops, business advice.

United Way of Central and South Okanagan

United way serves the communities in the Okanagan, Columbia, Shuswap and Simikameen regions, focusing on supporting kids, moving people from poverty to possibility, and building strong, healthy communities.

East meets West Foundation

A foundation helping the “poorest of the poor” in India

Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission

To facilitate a healthy, dynamic, and sustainable community economy within the Regional District of Central Okanagan, by supporting existing businesses and encouraging appropriate new business investment

Rotary Club of Kelowna

Is a modern, relevant club with value to belong and a membership in the community. Service Above Self…Actions delivering a message of Hope.

Okanagan College Foundation Board

The Okanagan College Foundation raises and manages private resources for the development and expansion of educational programs, services, capital projects, and student financial aid through scholarships, bursaries and grants. The Foundation is dedicated to assisting the College in building endowments and supporting the long term academic and other strategic priorities of the College and to foster public knowledge and awareness of Okanagan College and the economic and social benefits that Okanagan College provides to people of British Columbia.

Project Literacy-Director

Established to provide support for adults who could not read and write, has evolved to provide literacy support for immigrant families, children and seniors.

Centre of Excellence for First Nations Peoples

The Centre is dedicated to advancing Indigenous people’s health through education, innovative thinking, research, and traditional practice. It will work to improve wellness, health care and patient outcomes, and promote self determination that includes increasing Indigenous leadership in all aspects of health and health care.

Recognition

Recognition

Finalist - Person of the Year

Honor Date: Jun 2018 

Honor Issuer: British Columbia Technology Industry Association
Honor Description: This award celebrates an individual who has made a significant entrepreneurial contribution to the BC tech ecosystem in the past year. It’s an accumulation of personal contributions, bold entrepreneurial risk-taking and mentorship of key talent.

10 exceptional Okanagan business leaders

Honor Date: Mar 2018
Honor Issuer: The Kelowna Daily Courier
Honor Description: Our editorial staff’s choices for 10 exceptional business leaders in the Okanagan Valley.
http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/business_news/article_283a6034-310c-11e8-adb2-937f69951218.html

Canadian Immigrant of the Year

Honor Date: Jun 2017
Honor Issuer: RBC & Canadian Immigrant Magazine
Honor Description: These special awards celebrate the achievements of Canadian immigrants by sharing their inspiring stories.
https://canadianimmigrant.ca/canadas-top-25-immigrants/canadas-top-25-immigrants-2017/raghwa-gopal

https://www.kelownacapnews.com/news/kelowna-man-recognizing-as-top-canadian-immigrants/

Community Leader of the Year

Honor Date: Oct 2016
Honor Issuer: Kelowna Capital News
Honor Description: We give recognition to people who are the backbone of our community, Community leaders are the people around us who make things happen for everyone’s benefit. They’re not looking for glory, they often don’t like the spotlight, but if you’ve ever worked beside one you’ve felt the power of their persuasion, depth of their spirit and love of their community.
https://www.kelownacapnews.com/news/community-leader-awards-for-2016/

Man of the Year, Kelowna Civic Awards 2016

Honor Date: Apr 2016
Honor Issuer: City of Kelowna
Honor Description: Awarded to a man or woman in recognition of their outstanding voluntary contributions and community service to the city of Kelowna. Activities may be related to arts and culture, business, commerce, education, humanities, medical and recreation.
https://www.bclocalnews.com/news/kelowna-hands-out-its-civic-awards/

Top 40 Over 40 (Chamber of Commerce)

Honor Date: Sep 2016
Honor Issuer: Kelowna Chamber of CommerceHonor Description: BDO's Top 40 Over 40 program celebrates remarkable individuals in our community over the age of 40 as a means to showcase mentors, champions and role models who encourage and foster the future leaders of our community.http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/business_news/article_14c0b2ae-7f71-11e6-83af-2f0c7e253595.html?_dc=21362107477.38776

BC Community Achievement Award, 2016

Honor Date: Sep 2016
Honor Issuer: BC Achievement Foundation
Honor Description: The Community Award is the cornerstone of BC Achievement’s mission to honour excellence and inspire achievement in the province of BC. The award recognizes the contributions of extraordinary British Columbians who build better, stronger, more resilient communities and shine as examples of dedication and service

Vocational Service Award, Kelowna Rotary Club, 2016

Honor Date: January 2016
Honor Issuer: Rotary Club of Kelowna
Honor Description: Presented annually to a member who exemplifies Rotary values in their profession. 

Honorary Fellow, Okanagan College, 2014

Honor Date: May 2014
Honor Issuer: Okanagan College.
Honor Description:The award of an Honorary Fellow is a recognition by Okanagan College of distinguished achievement or outstanding service by an individual.The criteria for the award are mentorship, excellence, eminence and accomplishment. The College welcomes nominations that reflect the values of the College and the diversity of Canadian society.Nominees will be persons who have made significant contributions to the College, the Okanagan Valley, the province, the nation or on an international level.

https://www.okanagan.bc.ca/Campus_and_Community/employees/publicaffairs/news.html?BlogEntryID=35043

Kelowna Entrepreneur of the Year, 1999

Honor Date: 1999
Honor Issuer: Kelowna Chamber of Commerce
Honor Description: Through the Entrepreneur Of The Year program, we recognize and celebrate unstoppable entrepreneurs who redefine the way we live, work and play.

MEDIA/ARTICLES

MEDIA/ARTICLES

March 7, 2020

Time To Diversify Work Force

Gopal advises business to get ahead of curve at Ignite Okanagan

https://www.castanet.net/news/Kelowna/278856/Gopal-advises-business-to-get-ahead-of-curve-at-Ignite-Okanagan

November 22, 2019

Five BC tech startups that are ready to change the world

By Guest Author Innovate BC President and CEO, Raghwa Gopal

https://openoceanrobotics.com/portfolio/daily-hive/

September 26, 2019

Serial Entrepreneur: Started Kelowna’s First Ever Tech Company / Raghwa Gopal – Vancouver Prodcast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GJiZCP2__U

September 20, 2019

“we don’t have enough money”: Tech Leaders debate constraints at Vancouver start up week

Why it matters: Growth in technology may be stymied without enough investment capital, say experts

https://biv.com/article/2019/09/we-dont-have-enough-money-tech-leaders-debate-constraints-vancouver-startup-week

September 3, 2019

Getting an Inside look at innovate BC with CEO Raghwa Gopal

The team at Vancouver Start up week recognizes that without BC’s robust community to support startups and entrepreneurs, we wouldn’t be able to exist.

https://vanstartupweek.ca/blog/getting-an-inside-look-at-innovate-bc-with-ceo-raghwa-gopal/

June 17, 2019

OPINION: Kootenay tech sector is on the rise and everyone is noticing

Community Comment by Raghwa Gopal, president and CEO of Innovate BC

https://www.castlegarnews.com/opinion/opinion-kootenay-tech-sector-is-on-the-rise-and-everyone-is-noticing/

May 25, 2019

Innovate BC’s Raghwa Gopal on Building Up the Tech Sector

Raghwa Gopal, the new head of Innovate BC, discusses how his own history in the tech sector took him on path to leading the provincial Crown agency charged with facilitating development in the innovation economy.

https://omny.fm/shows/biv-today/innovate-bc-s-raghwa-gopal-on-building-up-the-tech

May 14, 2019
March 13, 2019

BC Tech Summit: Innovation At The Forefront

Riaz catches up with Innovate BC CEO, Raghwa Gopal to learn about incredible tech. innovations happening in our province.

https://www.btvancouver.ca/videos/bc-tech-summit-innovation-at-the-forefront/

Feb 2, 2019

Ex-Nausori Man Named As President And Chief Executive Officer Of Innovate BC

Raghwa Gopal is the newly appointed President and Chief Executive Officer for the Innovate BC in Canada.

https://fijisun.com.fj/2019/02/02/ex-nausori-man-named-as-president-and-chief-executive-of-innovate-bc/

January 29, 2019

Accelerate Okanagan CEO stepping down

Raghwa Gopal is leaving to head up InnovateBC
Accelerate Okanagan is looking for a new CEO

https://www.kelownacapnews.com/news/accelerate-okanagan-ceo-steping-down/

Jan. 28, 2019

Innovate BC announces Raghwa Goal as new President and CEO

Okanagan entrepreneur and executive tapped to lead B.C’s lead innovation-focused organization

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/01/28/1706373/0/en/Innovate-BC-announces-Raghwa-Gopal-as-new-President-and-CEO.html

August 1, 2018

Raghwa Gopal: Technology and innovation is everywhere, so we need all hands on deck

Author of the article: Raghwa Gopal

https://vancouversun.com/opinion/op-ed/raghwa-gopal-technology-and-innovation-is-everywhere-so-we-need-all-hands-on-deck/

Jan 11, 2018

Tech training to spread

Programs for Technology Entrepreneurs and business developed by Accelerate Okanagan will be offered province-wide under a new federal funding arrangement.

http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/business_news/article_2f95eb40-f72e-11e7-be92-ab1a3b73a326.html#tncms-source=block-contextual-fallback

November 19, 2017

Raghwa Gopal : A Community Leader

Gopal has been greatly involved in establishing networks to reduce poverty, improve literacy, support health initiatives, offer disaster relief, and encourage charitable works.

https://www.darpanmagazine.com/magazine/spotlight/raghwa-gopal-a-community-leader/?page=9

November 1, 2016

RAGHWA GOPAL NAMED 2016 COMMUNITY LEADER OF THE YEAR

Accelerate Okanagan CEO shares benefits of giving back to the community

https://www.accelerateokanagan.com/community/blog/news/raghwa-gopal-named-2016-community-leader-year/

March 23, 2016

Kewlona Chamber of Commerce (event)

Lessons in Leadership featuring speaker Raghwa Copal

https://secure.kelownachamber.org/events/Lessons-in-Leadership-Featuring-Speaker-Raghwa-Gopal-1628/details

June 10, 2013

Entrepreneurs Unplugged with Raghwa Gopal

Entrepreneurs unplugged live@ streaming cafe

https://livestream.com/streamingcafekelowna/entrepreneursunpluggedjune10/videos/21213035

Portfolio

My Works
Kelowna hands out its civic awards Raghwa Gopal and Lorena Mead are named man and woman of the year and former mayor Sharon Shepherd receives the Tozer Award.

Kelowna hands out its civic awards Raghwa Gopal and Lorena Mead are named man and woman of the year and former mayor Sharon Shepherd receives the Tozer Award.

Media
OPINION: Kootenay tech sector is on the rise and everyone is noticing

OPINION: Kootenay tech sector is on the rise and everyone is noticing

Media
Raghwa Gopal: Technology and innovation is everywhere, so we need all hands on deck

Raghwa Gopal: Technology and innovation is everywhere, so we need all hands on deck

Media
Kewlona Chamber of Commerce (event)

Kewlona Chamber of Commerce (event)

Media
Raghwa Gopal : A Community Leader

Raghwa Gopal : A Community Leader

Media
Tech training to spread

Tech training to spread

Media
Accelerate Okanagan CEO stepping down

Accelerate Okanagan CEO stepping down

Media
Innovate BC’s Raghwa Gopal on Building Up the Tech Sector

Innovate BC’s Raghwa Gopal on Building Up the Tech Sector

Media
Getting an Inside look at innovate BC with CEO Raghwa Gopal

Getting an Inside look at innovate BC with CEO Raghwa Gopal

Media
“we don’t have enough money”: Tech Leaders debate constraints at Vancouver start up week

“we don’t have enough money”: Tech Leaders debate constraints at Vancouver start up week

Media
Serial Entrepreneur: Started Kelowna’s First Ever Tech Company / Raghwa Gopal – Vancouver Prodcast

Serial Entrepreneur: Started Kelowna’s First Ever Tech Company / Raghwa Gopal – Vancouver Prodcast

YouTube Videos
Innovate BC announces Raghwa Goal as new President and CEO

Innovate BC announces Raghwa Goal as new President and CEO

Media
Time To Diversify Work Force

Time To Diversify Work Force

Media

Testimonials

Testimonials

Raghwa Gopal is among those rare individuals who define the character of a community through their devotion to fellow citizens and by applying their expertise and energy to good causes. His breadth of experience as an entrepreneur, business leader, sector champion, mentor and innovator has benefitted several organizations. He is thoughtful, educated, committed and ethical.

Jim Hamilton, President, Okanagan College

I believe that Raghwa possesses an enormous list of exceptional personal qualities that are the true mark of a thoughtful, influential and inspirational leader.  Raghwa is highly respected for his work ethic and his long list of honours and awards is only a further testament to his dedication and service to the economic and social well-being of our citizens and community

Stephen Fuhr, CD, MP, Kelowna Lake Country

Raghwa leverages his experience and knowledge of complex regional dynamics to create innovative ideas and partnerships, both with the private and public sectors. This background, and Raghwa’s ability to analyze an issue from many angles has been a benefit to our community. Raghwa has accomplished so much, yet remains a humble and appreciative individual.

Colin Basran, Mayor, City of Kelowna

Raghwa is a man of exceptional integrity. A highly successful business leader, mentor and key influencer on any issue that is of vital importance to our region and to our country. I consider him to be an extraordinary individual in his personal call to service for the betterment of all of our citizens and to our community.

Chief Robert Louie, Westbank First Nation

Raghwa is the heart of the community and a shining example for the entrepreneurs in the Okanagan. His leadership over the years has had a huge impact.

Greg Caws, President and CEO, BC Innovation Council

Raghwa is an individual who has truly influenced this community with a selfless heart.  He has been an example for all of us in the importance of giving back without expectations.  

Fred Sarkari, Power in Partners

Over the years Raghwa has made an exemplary contribution to Okanagan College as a whole and especially to the School of Business.  Raghwa’s major role has been as our Entrepreneur in Residence where he regularly appears in classes as a guest speaker, counsels students in their future careers and tries to pass along his infectious love of business to all our students. 

Dr. Barry McGillivray, Dean, Okanagan School of Business

I have had the pleasure of working directly with Raghwa through my involvement as a Board Member at Accelerate Okanagan and I can personally attest to his incredible contributions and ongoing commitment to the community.  Raghwa is a highly respected and treasured member of the Okanagan community.

Lane Merrifield, Co-Founder, Club Penguin

Raghwa is a humble man whose philosophy is simple – he wants to give young people a hand up and not a hand out.  Raghwa is a quiet worker whose contribution often goes unnoticed.  He is the kind of person who has helped make Kelowna a thriving tech sector, while working hard to ensure it is a caring community.

Garry F. Benson, Q.C., Benson Law LLP

We as citizens of Kelowna and Canadians are very blessed to have Raghwa and his family living in our city.  He has made an immeasurable impact on our community, city and country for many years. 

Sheldon Gardiner, CEO, Volinspire Community Contribution Corporation

Thank you so much for giving your time to speak to us… Your experience and insights are truly inspiring!  Studying alongside classmates who have worked within your organization really makes me want to “accelerate” my own entrepreneurial ideas beyond the classroom. 

Kevin Burns, UBCO 4th Year Student 

Raghwa is a successful entrepreneur and is an inspiration for start-up enterprises in the hi-tech industry. We are blessed to have Raghwa serve in our community.

Carmen Sparg, Past President, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce

I was lucky to have Raghwa support the Venture Okanagan team and help guide me personally over the course of my studies at Okanagan College and as Project Manager with Venture Okanagan. Raghwa was always willing to lend a helping hand or make an introduction. And best of all, he always did it with great enthusiasm and smile on his face. When I think of the kind of business person that I hope to become I look at the benchmark Raghwa sets: deeply passionate, incredibly giving, and infectiously optimistic.

Reid Schretlen, Student, Okanagan College

Not only is Raghwa one of the kindest & most thoughtful people you will ever know, he knows business like none other. Raghwa  has multidisciplinary business know-how and through his dedication to helping organizations, at all levels, he has amassed an incredible depth and breadth of business knowledge. Raghwa can deliver guidance and relevant support for maximum impact. And his network is vast. My only recommendation would be don't become a competitor to Ragwha...you will lose.

Peter Matejcek, Founder, InHouse Videos

Raghwa's experience and advice with regards to many aspects of our business has been invaluable; helping to guide WTFast from a true startup, to a strong growth company. Any startup company is lucky to be working with Raghwa!

Rob Bartlett, CEO/Founder, WTFast

Raghwa is an honest, generous man who stops at nothing to succeed and help others achieve success. He is an expert in business best practices, a leader in the community and a valued adviser of our team.

Robert Ducharme, CEO/Founder, Routezilla Software Corp.

Raghwa is a highly experienced business man with a wealth of experience. He goes out of his way to help start-ups like mine to reach their full potential.

Chris Priebe, Founder, Two Hat Security

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