Our Story
Vernon's
youth-led
innovation hub
OARA Youth Innovation Lab — formerly the Okanagan AI and Robotics Academy — is a federally registered not-for-profit based at our Downtown Vernon Makerspace. We turn K–12 students into makers, coders, and creative problem-solvers.
What started as a small community initiative on East Hill in October 2023 has grown into a thriving innovation lab — with 89 active students across Vernon, Coldstream, and Armstrong.
Federally Registered NFP · Reg. No. 1699362-1
Our Journey
October 2023
Community Initiative Launched
Started on Vernon's East Hill, sparking curiosity in our first cohort of young innovators.
March 2024
Registered & Operational
Registered as a sole proprietorship and began operating from Heritage Hall at the Okanagan Science Centre.
January 2025
Downtown Makerspace Opens
Moved into our permanent home at 3125, 31 Ave, Vernon — a dedicated space for making, coding, and innovation.
May 2026
Federally Registered NFP
Became OARA Youth Innovation Lab, a federally registered not-for-profit committed to community impact.
FLL Competition Highlights
2023–2024 Season
Mountain Shredders won the Core Values Award at the UBC Regional Qualifier — our first competition season.
2024–2025 Season
Vernon Explorers made their debut at UBC Regionals. Mountain Shredders advanced all the way to Provincials in Vancouver.
Board of Directors
RM
Renjith Madhavan
British Columbia
TE
Todd Embley
British Columbia
MS
Matthew Schafer
British Columbia
NK
Neeraj Kumar
Ontario
Get In Touch
Come visit us in Vernon
We're always happy to show families around the Makerspace.
Drop in or reach out — we'd love to connect.