After a tragic mining accident claimed the life of his friend, Kyle Hamilton used virtual reality technology to create a safer workplace in the mining industry.

It’s this pitch that won the second round of the Kootenay Association of Science and Technology’s pitch competition on February 4.

At first, the Fernie local was aiming to create virtual technology to use in tourism and marketing. Instead, he’s pivoted the technology to better train workers in an industry that works closely with risk — ultimately, to save lives.