The number of technology companies in Kamloops has exploded in recent years, and a documentary is in the works to tell the story of how that's come about.

"There are so many great blooming businesses that have incredible potential to change the world even. Not even just the community, but so much more," said local filmmaker and Joy Factory Films owner Nathan Froese.

To bring his vision to life, Froese is competing against roughly 180 other project ideas from B.C. and Alberta. The 30 projects that win the most votes will be awarded a $10,000 production grant from Storyhive.

​Froese credits the Kamloops Innovation Centre with fostering this rapid growth in the local tech centre.

Over the past four years, the centre has helped over 35 technology-based startups enter the market. Notable local companies include Lightship, which uses GPS technology to revolutionize large worksite management, said Froese.

Another is Hummingbird Drones, which is pioneering unmanned devices in forest fire management, engineering and natural resource development throughout the province, he said.

"If people see that we have this awesome community that's slowly growing and building, and we are actually supporting it ... then other companies, instead of going to a place like Vancouver just because it's Vancouver, they're going to come to a place where everything around it is awesome, and they know they're supported," Froese said.