On December 31, 2010 the Okanagan Research and Innovation Centre (ORIC) and the Okanagan Science and Technology Council (OSTEC) amalgamated to form Accelerate Okanagan.
ORIC was founded by Peter Haubrich in 2005 and focused on helping entrepreneurs to start and grow technology companies in the Okanagan. With centers in White Lake, Kelowna and then Penticton, ORIC played a role in the creation of over 20 companies and 60 plus new high tech jobs. ORIC offered programs covering pre and full incubation, combining mentorship, coaching and structured learning.