Taking a giant leap? We can support you.

The teams presenting at DiscoveryLab meetings are given guidance on the development of their business plans by members of our panel of 190+ advisors.

Advisors come with diverse expertise in forming and growing companies, and are asked to attend one (or more if they wish) DiscoveryLab meetings each year to share tips and contacts where appropriate.

We brainstorm on product commercialization routes and financial, business and legal issues in order to help teams navigate roadblocks they are facing.

For clarity, DiscoveryLab does not take a commercial interest in the companies pitching and does not pay advisors, who typically join in a personal capacity.

Our meetings are held by Zoom or in person, and dedicate time for discussing and evaluating the unique value, IP position, business proposition and investability of each pitch in order to help teams make progress.

New and existing advisors are welcome to join by registering for DiscoveryLab events, and are given access to the plans, pitches, reports and meeting invitations.

Aaron Poirier, Senior Project Officer, Government of Alberta. Previously: Projects Services Manager, The Business Link Business Service Centre; Business Development Advisor, Tailored art; Board of Directors, Aksis: Edmonton’s Aboriginal Businesses and Professional Association. Marketing, U Lethbridge; Management: Grant Macewan.

Adam Elwi, project manager with the Cancer Strategic Clinical Network, AHS, tackling complex problems in the cancer domain to transform how we deliver and measure care. PhD in Oncology and postdoc in chemotherapy drug resistance; a MBA through a joint degree with Queen’s University and Cornell University.

Adriana Lopez Forero, CEO at Onlea, which develops online learning journeys with the power to transform lives. Previously Senior Development Director at Bioware. MSc in Computing Science - AI, U Toronto, Project Management, NAIT.

Aimee Charest, Senior Trade & Investment Officer, Americas at Government of Alberta, supporting companies through trade & investment development initiatives in energy, environment, ICT. Previously Development Officer, Canadian Cooperative Association. MA , International Affairs and Development: Carleton U. BComm: UAlberta.

Akshay Kakar, Senior Investment Analyst - Corporate Planning and Portfolio Management, Alberta Innovates. Previously Global Head Of Corporate Development, GVK BIO; Finance Planning Analysis Manager, Airtel. MBA, Finance: XLRI Jamshedpur; B.E. Mechanical, Delhi College of Engineering.

Aleina Spigelman, Manager, Access & Health Policy, Roche. Previously Market Access Manager, Purdue Pharma, Western Canada; Territory Manager GSK; Epidemiologist, Communicable Disease Control, BC Centre for Disease Control; Epidemiologist, Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcomes Sciences, MSc Health Care & Epidemiology, UBC.

Alyssa Diehl, Workforce Development Manager, North, Manpower, oversees the TECHCareers and CareerLeap, which provides free tech training services to the unemployed and employers wanting access to highly skilled talent. Previously at Concierge, Lethbridge Community College (Communications), Brandon U (BA).

Alyssa Tintinaglia, Manager, Strategic Initiatives at Edmonton Global, is experienced in driving operations and managing and executing projects to support organizational initiatives, and develops and maintains relationships with funders, stakeholders, clients and staff. Previously Operations Manager, NABI. BSc: UAlberta.

Amanda MacDonald, Economic Development Officer, Business Retention & Expansion Program, City of St. Albert, supports the growth and development of local businesses. Previously Partnerships & Commercialization Manager for the Faculty of Science, U Alberta.

Amine Benmoussa, Principal in BDC Capital’s Healthcare Venture Fund. He serves on the Circle Cardiovascular Imaging and Clearwater Clinical board and the Philadelphia and Boston Canadian Technology Accelerators; previously at FSTQ. MBA from HEC Montreal, trained in Private Equity and Venture Capital at Harvard Business School and in Corporate Governance at the Rotman School of Management.

Amy Brohman, Senior Manager at PwC Canada, is an innovative problem solver with skills in developing, executing and measuring strategic business initiatives, creating unique and actionable strategies that optimize engagement across the digital landscape and drive disruptive growth. BComm: UofA

Ana Clementin, Executive Director, PanTHERA CryoSolutions Inc. Previously with Health City, TMIC and AVI. Experienced with finances, human resources, patents, public health, legal agreements, manufacturing programs, business development and management. PhD and MPH, UofA.

Andrea Drager, Vice President at Azure Capital Partners, a San Francisco-based VC firm which invests in post-seed tech companies such as VMware, Bill Me Later, Calix, Cyan, Top Tier, TripIt and World Wide Packets; previously a director with Monitor Deloitte; cofounded a fashion and travel ecommerce company; B Comm, McGill.

Andrew MacIsaac, CEO at Applied Pharmaceutical Innovation, Assistant Dean for the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Policy Committee, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce; Steering Committee, Edmonton Health City; board member of the Canadian Mental Health Association, Edmonton.

Angela Keuling, Patent Agent, Parlee McLaws LLP, drafting and prosecuting patent applications; experience in infringement and freedom to operate analyses. Previously worked in IP management at a biotechnology company, a start-up, and Alberta Innovates. PhD in Medical Sciences from UofA.

Anita Ludwar, Venture Leader, Creative Destruction Lab, a seed-stage program for scalable, science- and technology-based ventures. Previously Business Development Officer at Genome Alberta managing a funding opportunity for R&D projects developing genomics solutions. Master of Biomedical Technology, BSc (Hon) Chem;  BSc CMMB, U Calgary.

Antonio Bruni , Business Development Manager, Edmonton Health City, which serves as a central connection point for Edmonton’s health innovation sector, working with partners who share a vision for excellence, have a culture of collaboration and are developing health innovations. PhD from U Alberta.

Archana Singh, Industrial And Regional Benefits Lead, AB Region, Western Economic Diversification. Previously Senior Manager, Qualcomm Dates. MBA and BA (Sociology): University of Alberta.

Arden Tse, Yaletown Partners Investment Manager of the Accelerate II Fund, an early stage B2B Tech investment fund focused on Alberta startups; experience includes management of private sector portfolios and institutional investments. Previously Manager of the UofA Venture Mentoring Service. BSc and MBA in Finance from UofA. Certified Executive Coach through Royal Roads University.

Armando Pinedo, Partner at PwC Edmonton, provides audit, accounting and tax planning services; experience centres on assisting companies with technical accounting and financial reporting issues for industries including media, oil and gas, telecommunications and hospitality; graduate of La Salle U, Mexico City; member, Canadian and Alberta Institutes of Chartered Accountants.

Arun Nair, Health Hub & Accelerator, Consultant - Health Innovation, U Alberta. Previously Strategy Lead, scool, India; Head Of New Business Development & Marketing, Chai Kaapi; Business Development Manager, 121 Systems Ltd; National Vice President Sales, AIESEC Serbia. MBA Candidate, U Alberta.

Ben Truong, Community Coordinator at Startup Edmonton, previously Financial Administrator, Engineering Dean's Office; Financial Analyst, Pediatric Medical Education; and Operations & Finance Coordinator and Customer Service Administrator at DiscoverE, UAlberta, where he was awarded a BCom.

Betty Jandewerth, Director, Trade and Investment, Alberta Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism; Certified International Trade Professional; Director, Advanced Industries, Europe, Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA) Branch; Senior Trade and Investment Officer, International, Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Relations.

Brad Clark, Principal, Endeavour Advisory, helping start-Ups and SMEs achieve their growth goals by reinforcing their finance team; previously Director of Finance, JV Driver Group; Senior Manager, Tax, Deloitte. Masters, Accounting, U Waterloo; Chartered Accountant, CICA, CFO Operational Skills, CPABC.

Brad Thompson, CEO at Kickshaw Ventures and Wyvern Pharmaceuticals. Previously CEO of Oncolytics Biotech and Synsorb Biotech; Chairman, Director and Audit Committee member on public company (NASDAQ, TSX, CDNX); Chairman and Chairman Emeritus of BIOTECanada. BSc in Microbiology, UofA; Ph.D. from U Western Ontario in Microbiology and Immunology.

Branka Barl, Industrial Technology Advisor at NRC-IRAP. Previously Principal Consultant, Barl and Associates, Scientific Leader, Natural Health Products and Functional Foods, Life Sciences Division, Alberta Research Council, Chief Scientist, New Era Nutrition Inc./Solo GI Nutrition. PhD in Food and Nutritional Sciences at U Manitoba, MSc in Biochemistry and Chem Eng Biotechnology, U Belgrade.

Brent Jensen, Senior Manager, Edmonton Global and Founding Partner, p's & q's. Previously Founder and Partner, Ballad Consulting Group; National Sales Director, Tropical Green; National Account Manager, Asia Active Supply Chain Solutions Canada; Canada Representative, Wines R Us; Asia Project Officer, Canadian Petroleum Institute. BCom: UofA.

Brett Clelland, Legal Counsel at AHS, focuses on the area of IP law. Experience in the preparation and prosecution of patent, trademark and industrial design applications, providing patent and trademark opinions, trademark opposition proceedings, and copyright matters. PhD: UofA.

Brooks Tanner, Founder and President of Sunburst Ltd., is a Real Estate sales and marketing specialist with expertise in developing sales and marketing solutions. As a senior-level relationship builder, he mentors and manages teams who have increased operating results, delivered revenues and increased value.

Bruce Rout, President, Green NABR Research Ltd. Previously President, 5771; CEO, Computer Troubleshooters Limited; Research Technologist, Alberta Research Council; MSc- Mathematics, Simon Fraser University; BSc - Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of Alberta.

Calvin Li, Industrial Technology Advisor - IRAP Program at National Research Council Canada. Previously director at Glazr Software Company, Flint Energy Services and statusfirm; VP, Technology, Castle Rock Research Corporation; Managing Partner, Vencom Business Solutions. MBA, International Business, UofA; B.Math, U Waterloo.

Carmen Wyton, Founder & President of Ripple Enterprise, has 25 years of experience in the non-profit sector – in health, human services, disabilities, education and employment. She has worked on policy development, advocacy and government relations in health, pharmaceuticals, non-profit, recreation and disability sectors.

Charles Evans, Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, working with private and public clients in a range of industries with a focus on Technology, Manufacturing and Real Estate, serving as Edmonton Technology Leader and leading the Emerging Company Services practice in Edmonton, which works with start-ups. Previously a Partner at Deloitte. BA, MAcc,  UWaterloo.

Charles McOsker, Project Operations Director at Biomotiv; founded Airway Therapeutics, a biotech company developing therapeutics based on pulmonary research, and worked at Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals, holding management positions in drug discovery and development. BSc in chemistry from Hope College and PhD in biochemistry and molecular biology from Cornell U.

Chen Fong is Co-Chair of the Global Strategy Board for the Creative Destruction Lab and funded over 50 companies in diverse technology sectors, with an emphasis in medical devices. Professor Emeritus at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary. Co-founder and board member of Calgary Scientific Inc., board member at Clarius Mobile Health, Cohesic Inc. and Innovere Medical.

Cheryll Watson, 2021 Edmonton Mayoral Candidate, Startup Genome Co-Chair Global Senior Policy Maker Forum, Startup Genome. Former Head, Innovate Edmonton at EEDC. Previously the Director of Employee Communications - Small Business Division at Intuit and Facilities Manager at IBM.

Chris Carvalho, Health City Co-Lead, Working Groups, Edmonton Health City and Manager, Global Networks, Health Technology Assessment international (HTAi). Previously CEO, MicroHero Surveys and Senior Manager, Health Business Consulting, TELUS Health Transformation Services; experience in the healthcare technology. BSc in Health Information Science from U Victoria.

Chris Lerohl, Consultant, Campus Innovation Consulting Group and Co-Founder, CEO, Honest Dumplings. Previously worked as Business Development Associate at TEC Edmonton and Business Development Manager Natural Sciences at UA Solve; Advisor and Co-Founder, ABCampus Dates. MBA / MEng in Business, Engineering from UofA.

Chris Stewart, Healthcare and Life Sciences Marketing Professional, Principal at CLS Strategic Consulting; previously Team Lead at john st., Managing Director at Media Platforms; Group Account Director at Klick Health; VP, Client Services, GSW Worldwide. Awarded BComm in International Business and BSc in Physiology: UofA.

Christiana Manzocco, Director of Industry Development at Alberta Enterprise, growing the venture capital industry by connecting risk capital investors with high growth potential tech companies; Director, Manzocco Industries; Member, Rainforest Steering Committee.

Christy Pierce, Founder & CEO of New West Networks; specializes in economic development, government relations, foreign direct investment; contracted by the Government of Alberta to attract investment from Silicon Valley; technology scout and Canadian partner for Thalamus Irwine, and works to bring investment into Alberta from around the world.

Colin Christensen, Entrepreneur In Residence , MacEwan University School of Business, Managing Partner, Fuse42 SDG Accelerator, President, Entrepreneur Roadmap Inc. , Co-Founder, LendHOPE, President, Evolution Building Materials Inc;Founder, THNQ.

Colin Coros, Chief Commercialization Officer at Nanostics Inc. Previously Executive in Residence at TEC Edmonton and CEO of the Delta Genomics Centre, co-founder of Helios Genomics. PhD in Biochemistry from U Western Ontario; MBA from U Saskatchewan; postdoc at the Wadsworth Centre in Albany and U Calgary.

Corey Keith, President, Keith & Associates, providing business coaching and financial advice, helping companies and organizations find grants, debt and equity to develop winning strategies. Previously Founder and President, AVNet, Senior Investment Manager, AVAC Ltd, Manager of Life Sceinces and Helath Care Industries, Royal Bank,

Cory Janssen, Co-Founder, AltaML, Board Member, Edmonton Global, President of Galt Capital, and co-founder of Janalta Interactive, director at Brace Tool Inc. He was a co-founder of Investopedia.com, a financial education site, past-President of the Edmonton chapter for Entrepreneur’s Organization and member of the A100 and Venture Mentoring Service at U Alberta.

Craig Sherburne, TEC Edmonton, is a Corporate Commercial Lawyer and Patent Agent registered in the U.S. and Canada working in the venture space; clinical development experience; well versed in Commercial and Residential construction; assisted clients through initial incorporation and corporate strategizing, IP generation and management and to sale or M&A.

Crys Vanier, Executive Director, ISAIC (Industry Sandbox and Artificial Intelligence Computing), Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Alberta. ISAIC is a new high performance computing and sandbox resource that is enabling experimentation, scale, and powering the A.I.mbition of Western Canadian businesses pursuing AI/ML adoption.

Dana Awad, Health Hub and Accelerator Consultant - Health Innovation, University of Alberta. Previously Food Safety and Quality Control Coordinator, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Lebanon; Assistant Sales Manager, Abou-Taam engineering and construction, Lebanon. MBA, University of Alberta.

Daniela Robu, Director – Innovation and Business Intelligence Provincial Clinical Excellence, Director, Knowledge Management Infrastructure at Alberta Health Services. Previously Provincial Lead, Education and Training and Director, Physician Services at AHS. CPT, CRP, CHE, MSc in Biomedical/medical Engineering, U Calgary.

Daniel Salamon, Principal, Salamon Solutins. Previously Director, Strategic Partnerships, Alberta Cancer Foundation; Senior Business Partner, Alberta Innovates - Technology Futures; Business Development, Electron Microscopy, NRC Canada. MBA in Technology Commercialization and B.Sc. in Computer Engineering, U Alberta.

Daria Venkova,Co-founder and Head Business Consultant,  Purley A&D Consulting. Previously CEO of Creative Protein Solutions; took Tim Draper’s 5-week entrepreneurship program in Silicon Valley and a clinical trials practicum with SolAeroMed. MSc: UCalgary in Biomedical Technology/Technician.

Darrell Petras, Director, Business & Community Development, Innovate Edmonton, previously Executive VP, Business Development, TEC Edmonton, owner of a diversified farming operation and ran a consulting practice working in agriculture, green energy, and IT; belongs to Alberta Institute of Agrologists, Association of University Technology Managers, and Licensing Executives Society. BSc. Agriculture.

Darren Bolding, Regional Director, Alberta and British Columbia at Natural Products Canada, connects companies, research institutions, investors and support organizations interested in natural products, and provides advice on IP, regulatory, financial and competitive analysis. Previously at Alberta Innovates working with SMEs to secure gain access to capital and develop strategic commercial partnerships. MSc in Plant Genetics from U Saskatchewan, MBA in Technology Commercialisation and BSc in Genetics from U Alberta.

Dave Damer, CEO of Testfire Labs; Business Strategist at Concordia University Edmonton; Volunteer, Venture Mentoring Service, University of Alberta. Previously: Founder, President and CEO, ThinkTel Communications. BSc, Computer Engineering, University of Alberta.

David Chavez, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships & Programs at Platform Calgary, leading the team that delivers programs to help entrepreneurs, researchers, and startups get from ideation to funding to commercialization. Previously led R&D and product management teams in Canada and China for Nortel and Ericsson. B.A.Sc. in Engineering Physics from U British Columbia. Practice of Coaching badge from the Roy Group.

David D'Angelo, Director of Strategy & Business Development, Spark Niagara. Previously VP of Strategic Partnerships, Curexe;CEO & Founder, Trivium Industries. Committee Member/Co-Founder, GenNext Niagara South; Advisory Board Member, Canadian Youth Entrepreneurship Fund BA: Brock University in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations.

David Yiptong, Director, Programs at Platform Calgary, providing entrepreneurs with coaching and mentoring; experience in industries ranging from air compressors, optical disc manufacturing, optical and wireless networking. Previously, worked with Nortel and in project management and assessment and prioritization of in-situ projects at a oil and gas EPCM. BSc in Engineering from McGill U; MBA from U Calgary.

Deborah James is the Executive Director of Innovation in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta and is CEO of eDJe Consulting Inc, a strategic healthcare consulting firm with a commitment to upholding the tenets of sustainable health and health care; expertise in precision medicine, in vitro diagnostics, pharmaceutical development, genomics, immunology and translational sciences.

Derek Dupuis, Director of Business Development at Vaultt; Director of Business Development & Commercial Partnerships, Red Maple Trials Inc; Medical Sales Representative, Covis Pharma. Preeviously Manager, Specialty Health Partnerships, Bayshore HealthCare; Senior Specialty Sales Consultant, Novartis Oncology; Paladin Labs. BSc, U Waterloo.

Derek V Exner, Professor, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, Canada Research Chair in Cardiovascular Clinical Trials and Associate Dean, Clinical Trials, Cumming School of Medicine. Chairman, Advisory Board, Analytics for Life. Advisor, Murmur. Master's in Public Health: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; MD: U of Saskatchewan.

Dominique Beaupre, Business and Project Development Consultant, elevating impact-driven business and social initiatives; Co-Founder & Vice President, The Neighbours Project; Community Initiatives Committee Member, ERIN; previously Product Development Consultant, Dorway Inc., CEO & Founder, Aliud. BComm, MacEwan U.

Don Diduck, Director, TechInvest Alberta, served as a Director of the Alberta Congress Board and on the Alberta Economic Development Authority, Alberta Council of Technologies; owner of Verigon Canada Ltd. working with Indigenous groups and communities to develop business opportunities.

Don Pare, Chair of the Board, RvC Worldwide, Mentor, SENSEI. Previously Chair of MobileyMe Inc., Cleankeys Inc, Shana; Strategic Advisor, Arrow Engineering; CEO of MessagingDirect; VP Fulcrum; Manage, Cognos; VP Sales, Zanthe-Zim; GM, Systemhouse. B Eng, Carleton U.

Drew Tetz, manager at Brad Tetz Professional Corporation, specializing in tax planning for small business owners and start up companies. In addition to helping businesses solving financial reporting issues. Drew graduated from the UofA and is a CA, CPA with successful completion of CPA Canadas In-Depth Tax Program.

Elisa Park Kim, Manager of Health Innovation, University of Calgary, Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking & Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. Previously Project Manager and Communications Coordinator, McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary. Master’s Degree, International Relations and Affairs, Yonsei University and BA in Sociology & Spanish, University of Toronto.

Elliot Cudmore, Director Of Business Development, TSGI Corporation, helping technology and energy companies maximize their return on investment in research and development; previously Business Analyst, Encana; Junior Fellow, Engineers Without Borders Canada; BA Economics and Political Science, UBC

Emily Kneteman, Calgary Economic Development, is a business development expert with a focus on assisting small-medium businesses in international export efforts. Emily founded the International Trade Program at Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, works towards promoting Alberta internationally, and remains active in researching the organizational structures of international health systems. MBA: U Alberta.

Eric Brown, Associate Investment Advisor, Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management, working with business owners to reach their goals and make responsible financial decisions. He was previously an Investment Associate at Scotia McLeod. Eric holds a BA from UAlberta and a Chartered Investment Manager designation from the Canadian Securities Institute; ands is licensed to serve clients in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Saskatchewan.

Eric Flaim, Director, nanoFAB at University of Alberta; Director, nanoBridge, Alberta Innovates - Technology Futures. PhD, Analytical Chemistry, U Alberta, BSc, Chemistry, York University.

Errol Wilson, Operations Manager, Alberta Indian Investment Corporation. Chairman, Financial Trustees of the Peguis First Nation. Previously on the Board of Edmonton Aboriginal Business and Professional Association, General Manager of the Anishinabe Mazaska Capital Corporation and Account Manager, Aboriginal Business Canada. MBA: UAlberta.

Faisal Shafiq,  Project & Program Manager, IT at Alberta Health Services. Previously Senior Project Manager, Lead (Continuing Care, Addiction Mental Health, Quality Health Improvement, AHS; Community Based Research Coordinator/PM–Albert, National Professional Officer, WHO; CEO, AMAL Human Development Network. Master, Health, Monash U, MBA Preston U, MSc Econ, UAAR.

Gabe Kalmar, Entrepreneur in Residence at UBC and Innovation Boulevard, and Mentor in Residence for Venture Connection at Simon Fraser University; provides strategic consulting to early stage pharmaceutical companies on operations, technology development, and merger and acquisition planning. He has had senior roles at Genome BC, and was the President and CEO of the Pacific Autism Family Network. BSc in Biochemistry and MSc in Virology from UBC, and a PhD in Virology from SFU.

Geoff Hansen, Partner at Grant Thornton LLP, focusing on Assurance and Business Advisory Services, engaging with clients and bring them creative and tailored ideas for their businesses. Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) in Accounting from The University of Lethbridge.

Geoffrey Beanland, Consultant with experience in the healthcare and biotechnology markets. Previously Chairman of Oxford Pharmacy Store and on the Board of Oxford Expression Technologies, held senior positions in Baxter International, Bristol Myers Squibb and Smiths Industries, led Technology Strategy Division for PA Technology in Belgium, headed the Healthcare and Biotechnology Division, Scottish Development Agency.

Graham Anderson, Program Manager, Alberta Innovates, Health; experience as a community pharmacist; co-owner of Sherwood Dispensaries, launching initiatives including a travel and immunization clinic, blood pressure clinic at a local retirement home and a mental health outreach program in collaboration with psychiatrists in the community. Graham is completing an MBA degree at the UofA, with a specialization in Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Gordon Hamilton, Director of MathPickle.com, a web site to inspire K-12 communities worldwide supported by Patreon, Nancy Blachman and the American Institute of Mathematics. He is a Mathematician in Residence at Rosedale School, a Game Designer Game Artisans of Canada with successful games on the market, and a member of Innovate Calgary. He was awarded a MMath degree from the University of Waterloo and a PhD in Mathematical Biology from the University of Calgary.

Graeme Jobe, Finance and Partnerships Lead at Co.Labs. Previously Policy Analyst, Western Economic Diversification Canada. Podcast Producer, Macdonald-Laurier Institute. Master of Public Policy, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, BA Political Studies, University of Saskatchewan.

Greg Swift, VP Business Development at LawyersinHouse.com, has 20+ years working with Fortune 500 and emerging companies in leadership roles. Previously: VP Sales, Canvass Analytics; Chief Revenue Officer, DirectedAI; VP Sales, CONTAX; Director of Business Development & Recruiting, Chase Consultants; VP Sales, SAP. BA, Wilfrid Laurier University

Houston Peschl, Instructor of entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable development at the Haskayne School of Business. Formerly Director of Operations and Sustainability of DIRTT Environmental Solutions, co-founder of Creating Eudaimonia; led multiple Alberta companies to become B Corp Certified, the most rigorous social enterprise certification globally. Co-founder of The Collective and previously director of Sustainability Resources Ltd.

Ian Lewis, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and Alberta Innovates Chair - Metabolomics, U Calgary; Founder/CEO, Rapid Infection Diagnostics Inc, Director, Alberta Precision Exchange (APEX); Lab Scientist, Creative Destruction Lab. PhD U Wisconsin-Madison.

Ian Murray, President, IMC, with a focus on natural resources and manufacturing. Previously at Parlee McLaws, Varity Corporation, Alberta Minister of Forestry, Lands and Wildlife; experience in project management, commercial negotiations, finance, law.

Isha Katyal, Manager, Centre for Innovation and Applied Research at Concordia University of Edmonton. Previously, Technology Management Officer, TEC Edmonton and Business Analyst, Evalueserve. PhD in Microbiology from U Saskatchewan, MSc in Biotechnology from Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, BSc, Delhi U.

Jacki Jenuth, Partner at Lumira Capital, helping to build transformational health and life science companies. Previously Manager Custom Software Solutions/Research Scientist at Base4 Bioinformatics / Opentext Corp. Postdoc'd at McGill U. Venture Capital Executive program at UC Berkeley. PhD in Purine Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, UCalgary.

Jake Burlet, Partner at Grey Owl Investments Ltd, Board Director of United Farmers of Alberta, A&H Steel Ltd and Wholesale Sports Outdoor Outfitters and Waskesiu Foundation Inc, President, Venture West Veterinary Services Ltd. Previously with Landco Management, Viewtrak Technologies Inc, Cattle & Co. Investments Inc., Camrose Veterinary Group. ICD.D in Corporate Governance at U Toronto Rotman School of Management, MBA from UWO.

James Song, Partner, Prowse Chowne LLP focussing on Business & Commercial Law, Secured Lending Transactions, Corporate Re-Organizations & Real Estate. Volunteer Mentor at the Peter Lougheed Leadership College and Volunteer Mentor at the Venture Mentoring Service. Previously Founding Partner of Bosecke Song LLP. BA History/Political Science and LL.B Bachelor of Laws from U Alberta.

Jaime Kaufman, Interim Director, W21C, as well as managing strategic programs with federal and provincial government, industry, health sector, philanthropists, clinicians, and academics. PhD: Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, U Calgary; BSc: U Saskatchewan.

Jane Halford, Co Founder, BOLT Transition and President, Halford Consulting Inc; previously CEO and Executive Director of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta; served the technology commercialization industry as an executive-in-residence at TEC Edmonton; on boards of Farm Credit Canada, United Way of the Alberta Capital Region, Institute of Corporate Directors Edmonton Chapter, Hyduke Energy Services, Delta Genomics. BComm in Accounting, UofA.

Janelle Goulard, Director of Health Investment, Pangaea Ventures Ltd. has experience in healthcare, both in strategic and operations consulting and private investments; worked at GE Healthcare, launched a startup that became a joint venture between GE and Microsoft; MBA from the University of British Columbia in Entrepreneurship and Innovation and a BComm from McGill University.

Jason Ding, Edmonton Corporate Finance Leader and National Biotechnology Leader for Deloitte Canada. Chartered Accountant and Chartered Business Valuator with expertise in biotech and life sciences, information technology and clean technology. Experience in licensing, partnering & alliances, M&A, equity and debt financing, business valuations and corporate finance.

Jen Bisson, CEO, Mountain Integrated Medical Devices, Co-Founder, Pretium Inc. Previously Lead Auditor, Med Tech Consulting, Charge D'Affairs - Project Manager, LNE/G-MED North America, Project Engineer, Baylis Medical Company, Engineering, University of Calgary.

Jenn Chan, Senior Associate, Tax at PwC Canada. A Chartered Accountant and tax specialist experienced in providing accounting and tax services to private corporations; with a focus on industries including Technology, Manufacturing and Construction, and Emerging Company Services. Previously Staff Accountant at Pennock Acheson Nielsen Devaney. Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) from U Saskatchewan; BComm, UofA.

Jennifer Dotchin, Executive Director, Interim at Campus Alberta Neuroscience. Previously Health Policy Consultant Company with the College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta; Senior Consultant Company, Alberta Health Services; Manager, Knowledge Exchange Centre, Mental Health Commission of Canada; Population Health Consultant, AHS; and Sudan Grants Manager, IRC - Sudan. MA:University of Saskatchewan in Political Science and Government.

Jennifer Hamilton, Senior Director, New Ventures (Canada) and Advisor, Impact Investing, Johnson & Johnson Innovation. She also serves as the industry representative on the CIHR Standing Committee on Ethics. Previously a Venture Partner at Nomura Phase4 Ventures and Investment Director with Rothschild Asset Management. MSc and a PhD in Experimental Pathology/Lipid Metabolism from UBC and a BSc from the University of Guelph.

Jennifer Schab, HR Advisor with PEO Canada, a Professional Employer Organization providing integrated human resource outsourcing services including payroll administration, Human Resources and Workers Compensation Administration, helping to reduce employer risks by ensuring compliance while meeting your employee management needs. 

Jessica Ambler, Senior Advisor, Emerging Clean Technology at Government of Alberta, managing the delivery of GreenSTEM. Previously Capability Development Intern, World Food Programme; VP Marketing and Communications, Cooperative Education Students Association - Alberta Business School; Junior Business Officer - Cooperative Education Student, Western Economic Diversification.

Jessica Doody, Lead Program Manager, Startup Edmonton, provides expertise in entrepreneurship, coaching, human-centered service design, and business strategy. Co-founder of Forged By Fire CrossFit, GirlStrong Gang and Messie Jessie. Masters of Innovation and Entrepreneurship program from Queen’s University and BSc in Human Ecology from UofA.

Joanne Fedeyko, CEO, Connection Silicon Valley, helping startups leverage the best of innovation from Silicon Valley via curated introductions, custom events & programming and direct client engagements. Founder of the Canadian Women’s Network in Silicon Valley. Managing Director of the Boardlist Canada. Founding Board Member of Canadian Entrepreneurs in Life Sciences.

Joanna Preston, Associate Director of the Technology Management team (Health Sciences) at TEC Edmonton, providing IP management and commercialization services to inventors. Experience in production roles in biomanufacturing. BSc in Genetics and an MBA in Technology Commercialization from UofA. Member of the Association of University Technology Managers and Licensing Executive Society.

John Porter, Director, Vesmyr Life Sciences Inc. responsible for partnering and commercialization of domestic and international innovative biotech, pharma and medical device technologies; President, Cansul Inc. providing strategic product commercialization in the life sciences sector; previously at  Isotechnika Pharma, Isodiagnostika, GCMP, Tyco Healthcare.

John Rainford, CEO Strawberry Fields, Darwin Matrix - Coaching Teams to Innovate using Creativity, AI, Scenario Planning & Systems Thinking. Co-Founder, systemicinnovators.com. Executive, business innovation, Northwestern, Business & Innovation Management, Western U.

John Yao, CEO, Hermay Labs Corporation. Previously CEO, TC Scientific Inc.; Research Scientist, NAEJA Pharmaceutical Inc.; Research Scientist, Medicure; Visiting Scholar, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Assistant Professor, PhD:  Wuhan University.  Postdoc'd in Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Manitoba.

Jonathan Butterworth, Director of Business Development, ST Innovations and Principal at J.Butterworth & Associates Ltd, Previously Manager Trade & Investment, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation; National Sales Executive, Adecco; Managing Director, SEMISUL Canada Ltd. Master's in Public Relations, Marketing: IULM University of Milan.

Jonathan Kaida, Partnerships Lead - Sustainable Development Technology Canada, works with start ups in the cleantech space to help commercialize their technology.Previously with KANATA Energy Group and ATCO Energy Solutions. BSc in Chem Eng, UofA; MBA, UBC.

Jonathan Troyer, Partner at MLT Aikins LLP. Previously Senior Counsel, GE Canada; Alumni Association - Board of Directors, University of Saskatchewan; Associate, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP. Volunteer Youth Mentor for the Dare to Dream Program, Changing Lives Through Law (formerly Canadian Lawyers Abroad).

Joseph Jobin, Director of First Nation Engagement in the Ministry of Indigenous Relations for the Government of Alberta, previously Manager of Renewable Energy; member of the Sucker Creek First Nation; focussing on helping Indigenous community-owned businesses capitalize on business development opportunities to improve socio-economic outcomes in First Nations and Metis Settlements.

Joseph Tucker is the CEO and co-founder of Epimeron; served as CEO, CFO and VP for several biotech companies, both public and private, taken companies from incorporation through to acquisition, out-licensing, and stock market listing; raised millions in funding through capital market equity financings and from non-dilutive funding sources; holds > 20 issued or pending patents; Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from U of Calgary; is a member of the Board of BioAlberta.

Joshua Fortier, Partner at Bishop & McKenzie LLP; focuses on business transactions, corporate, commercial, real estate law, estate planning, trusts; previously an account executive for a major courier company.

Julie Woda, Director of Technical Operations at BioMotiv, and has over 23 years of biological research and drug development experience. Previously worked as Director of Translational Research at Juventas Therapeutics on preclinical development of biologics and at Athersys on cell therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular, immunological, and neurological indications. PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Harvard U. Postdoc at Massachusetts General Hospital on the protein mutated in Huntington’s Disease.

Justin Riemer, Assistant Deputy Minister, Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan). Previously Senior Provincial Director, Innovation Partnerships at Alberta Health Services and Assistant Deputy Minister of Alberta Health’s Innovation and External Relations Division, facilitating increased innovation adoption in the health care system with the goal of building the strongest health innovation ecosystem in Canada.

Karla Blonsky, CEO, Lunaverse Inc., CEO, Biobasix Inc., Previously Director of Operations for Diabetogen Biosciences Inc. and Manager of Research Collaborations, Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. MBA, Western University.

Kathryn Ambler, Team Lead, Innovation Evidence & Impact at Alberta Health Services. Previously Manager of Health Technologies and Services Policy at the Government of Alberta, Research Coordinator of the Pediatric Centre for Weight and Health at the University of Alberta, and Manager of the Treatment and Research of Obesity in Pediatrics In Canada, Canadian Obesity Network – Réseau Canadien en Obésité.

Keith Gilchrist, Government Affairs and Market Access - Prairies at The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, focussing on government relations, healthcare policy and pharmaceutical reimbursement, and developing and implementing market access strategies for pharmaceutical and medical device products. Previously Manager, Public Affairs and Reimbursement, GlaxoSmithKline Canada.

Ken Hein heads up consulting services for TechInvest Alberta Inc. and is a member of CAMC and the Alberta regulated ICMCA organization; Managing Director, Sound Management Consulting Inc. (SoundMC), Vice President and Board member; Pearl Towe. FCMC, Institute of Certified Management Consultants of Alberta.

Kevin Ens, Executive-in-Residence at TEC Edmonton. Kevin is a senior executive with over 30 years of strategic and operational management experience in biotechnology/biopharma and medical devices. A broad track record of success spanning sales and marketing to operations and general management with a strong business development focus. Entrepreneurial and thrives on the challenges of technology commercialization and building value in start-up and early-stage companies.

Kim Ha Nguyen, Business Technology Consultant at Kinetica Ventures, building bridges between the energy industry and technology innovators to accelerate world-class technologies for hydrocarbon recovery and processing; energy transport; carbon capture, reuse and storage; and renewable energy. Investor with VA Angels. Previously an engineer at Rally Engineering, WorleyParsons, Bantrel, Keyera and Syncrude. BSc from UAlberta.

Kurian Tharakan, Managing Director, StrategyPeak; Managing Director, Social Lite; TEC Edmonton Executive in Residence Company NameTEC Edmonton; Co-Founder, Bradford | Tharakan Prizes in Entrepreneurship; previously Executive in Residence, NABI.

Lazina Mckenzie, Manager, ThresholdImpact Venture Mentoring Service, University of Alberta. Previously: Management Consultant & Founder, L Squared Enterprises Inc; Instructor - MIS, NAIT- JR Shaw School of Business; Senior Consultant, Sierra Systems. BA Kinesiology and Health Sciences, York University; MBA, U Alberta.

Lin Tang, Innovation Manager, Medical and Life Sciences at Innovate Calgary, working with researchers and institutes at U Calgary and Pharma/Biotech companies in developing and managing partnerships; helps researchers to commercialize research and services. PhD in molecular biology from the Faculty of Medicine and received her postdoctoral training in stem cell biology from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at U Calgary.

Lindsay Matheson, Trade & Investment Officer at Government of Albert, supporting the planning, development, and execution of Alberta's international trade and investment strategy for the Americas with a focus on the Life Sciences, Aerospace and Sustainable Building sectors. Previously Client Services and Supply Chain at GO Productivity. BComm: Grant MacEwan.

Lorena Forster, Market and Corporate Development Lead, Roshan Water Solutions; Principal, Technology Venture Strategy; Senior Advisor, G2V Optics Inc.. Previously GrowthX Coach, Alberta Innovates; Advisory Board & Member Board Of Directors, MOPPITT by Dakota Supplies. MBA, UAlberta.

Madison Reamsbottom, Valhalla Private Capital UK; Strategic Partnership Development, Toorak Art London; Professional Artist. Previously: Business Optimization Specialist, Advertiise; Membership Development Executive, Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce; Vice President, The Young Professionals Association of Lethbridge; Volunteer, Alberta Clean Technology Industry Alliance.

Malcolm Bruce, CEO, Edmonton Global, leads the development of new investments into and promotion of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, and has a 30-year military career with an background in strategic planning, organizational change, financial management and stakeholder engagement. Trustee, PPCLI Foundation. Previously Director of Corporate Services, APEGA.

Manuel Caceres, Partner, Grant Thornton LLP, working with owner-managed businesses that are looking for a proactive business advisor to help them achieve their growth potential, including in oil and gas services, manufacturing, transportation and distribution. BComm in Accounting, UofA.

Mariam Brian, CEO & Co-Founder Systemic Innovators; International Associate, Context Consulting Company NameContext Consulting Inc.; Visual Artist; Founder, Nova Spere Consulting; Strategic Advisory Board Member, Multiple Start-ups. Master's Applied Human Sciences, Concordia U; BSc, York U.

Marlise Stewart, Business Development Manager - Life Sciences, Calgary Economic Development. Previously Business Development Manager, Meetings & Conventions Calgary, Corporate Sales Manager, Hotel Arts Group, Director Sales & Marketing, True Key Hotels and Resorts. BA Psychology & Business Development, U Manitoba.

Marita Hobman, Assistant Chair, Administration, Department of Biochemistry; previously Director, IP and Business Development at Biomira/Oncothyreon; contributed to UofA's research management and commercialization as the Executive Director, Financial Operations and Strategic Development for Livestock Gentec and as Senior Manager, Partnerships, at the Research Services Office. Ph.D in virology: U Goteborg, Sweden, MBA: UofA.

Marc Leduc, Senior Provincial Director, Innovation & Research Management at Alberta Health Services. Previously Executive Associate to the Executive Vice President, Strategy and Performance. Marc was awarded a Master of Arts in Political Science and Government from the University of Alberta.

Mark Benning, Managing Partner, Sprout Fund, CEO of Founderly, Executive Advisor, BDC; founded four investor-backed, technology startups in Silicon Valley over a 20-year period; worked for various private equity and venture capital firms, raised over $100 million in angel and venture funding for startups. BA, Economics, Harvard U, MBA: Stanford U.

Marnie Fyten, IP Advisor, Canadian Intellectual Property Office. Previously: Senior Programs Advisor, Western Economic Diversification Canada; Policy Advisor, Research and Innovation, Government of Alberta - Ministry of Health; Senior Analyst, Red Tape Reduction Commission, Treasury Board Secretariat. MBA: U Saskatchewan, BSc U Alberta.

Matthew Blimke, Legal Counsel at Prowse Chowne LLP, experience, particularly in the property management, development, and construction industries. Previously Legal Counsel, ProCura Real Estate Services; Lawyer, Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP. Doctor of Law, UofA.

Matthew Parker, EVP Innovation, HelpSeeker, Previously Manager of Health ML at AltaML and worked in commercialization and innovation in Toronto for Sinai Health System. PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Victoria and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business with a specialization in Health Industry Management.

Melanie Swain, Manager at Western Economic Diversification Canada, running its Innovation Shop, providing interactions and advice on financing options for innovation and technology commercialization as well as linkages to federal innovation programs.

Michael Bosdet, President, TSGI Corporation, a professional services firm with experience assisting companies with their Scientific Research and Experimental Development claims; helping all sizes of technology companies in numerous industries; PhD scientist skilled in data analysis and business development.

Michael Overduin, Director, DiscoveryLab; CEO, Science Capital; Professor, Dept of Biochemistry, UAlberta; Director, NANUC.ca and Molscreen.com facilities for NMR and biophysical analysis of protein structures and interactions, Director, SMALP Network, Honorary Professor of Structural Biology, University of Birmingham, UK. PhD Rockefeller U, BSc Wilfrid Laurier U.

Michael Richard, Senior Business Development Specialist, Sturgeon County, covering investment attraction & business expansion, expertise in oil & gas, advanced manufacturing, transportation, logistics, cannabis; previously Industry Development Officer, Govt of Alberta; Investment Advisor, Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management Canada.

Michael Weber, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Riipen, an online platform designed for connecting organizations with universities and colleges on projects & internships; partnered with >300 schools offering their programs for free to organizations to participate in. Co-owner, Pressure-Drop; Digital Market Specialist, KGK Science. MEd, UToronto; BA, Queen's U.

Michele D'Elia, Director Medical Affairs, Roche Diagnostics, providing advice on clinical and technical validation for novel diagnostic assays including sensitivity, specificity, delivery route and market demand. PhD in Immunology and Virology and MSc in Experimental Health Sciences, INRS Institut Armand-Frappier BSc in Microbiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal.

Michelle Lessard, Director, TechInvest Alberta, assisting companies with Information Technology needs including all facets of web design and development projects, project prioritization, strategic planning, conceptual design, development, execution, implementation and testing; worked with both small and large companies involved in the oil and gas industry andwith the Alberta Council of Technologies.

Michelle Normand, Investment Attraction Manager, Agriculture and Forestry, Govt of Alberta provides coaching on improving productivity, profitability and sustainability, market development and lean thinking. Previously Senior Manager, Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency, Industry Development Officer, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, and U.S Trade Director, Alberta Economic Development. BA from the UofA.

Mike Riou, Technology Development Advisor, Alberta Innovates, coaches SMEs and provides connections to the innovation ecosystem. Previously President, Three R Consulting. Co-Founder of Vario Ventures. Corporate Director, Newcastle Medical Investments.  Previously Business Development Manager at D-Tex. MBA and Executive Education, U Alberta.

Mounia Azzi, Vice President, Program Development & Partnerships, adMare Bioinnovations, leading project identification and scientific and commercial evaluation process. Previously at Nexelis, NEOMED-LABS, CQDM. PhD: Pierre and Marie Curie University.

Neeraj Gupta, Chief Strategy Officer & Advisor, Attabotics; Member, imYEG (Innovation Masterminds Edmonton); Chief Advisor for Technology & Innovation Investments, Invest Alberta; Advisor, Alberta IoT; Expert/Observer, Global Partnership on AI; Senior Technology Advisor, Sweden-India Business Council; Cofounder, Lawcubator Technologies.

Nikhil Bedi, Innovate Calgary Manager, Business Development (UCeed) Innovate Calgary. Previously Accelerator Development Associate, UAlberta Health Accelerator, University of Alberta; Strategy Associate, GetSet YEG; Business Development Manager, Shiv Plastics. MBA, UAlberta, BComm Dehli U.

Nima Najand is a technology transfer professional at Innovate Calgary with experience in IP and licensing; Associate Director, Business Development for the Life Sciences Innovation Hub, working to build the life science ecosystem; experience in health science and research commercialization to drive research from bench side to bedside. MSc from UofA in Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology. PhD from the faculty of Medicine at U of Calgary.

Paramita Chaudhuri Basu, Ph.D., M.Sc. Innovation and Entrepreneurship Manager Health Hub & Accelerator Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry University of Alberta, Previously Business Analyst, AltaML ; Business Development Manager, Outbreaker Solutions;  Assistant Professor, Presidency University, Kolkata. MBA, UAlberta; PhD, Jadavpur University, Kolkata.

Patty Wickson, Executive Director, Innovation, Impact & Evidence AHS, leads on health impact, evaluation and transforming AHS into a health innovation hub to improve outcomes for Albertans. Extensive leadership experience for over 17 years with clinical, operational, management, strategy, quality improvement, project management, stakeholders engagement, person centered care and research/innovation.

Paul Wannamaker, Investment Advisor with RBC Dominion Securities, provides access to a range of financial services and wealth management solutions to clients. He is aCertified Financial Planner (CFP) and Registered Retirement Consultant from the Canadian Institute of Financial Planners. BA from UofA.

Perry Kinkaide, President of Kinkaide Enterprises Inc. and founder and former CEO of ABCtech; formerly Managing Partner with KPMG Consulting and ADM with the Alberta Government; Director, Varafy. Former Director: Canadian Certified Management Consultants, Alberta Public Planners Institute, Certified Management Accounts – Alberta.

Peter Ciechanowski, Lawyer, Alberta Justice and Solicitor General - Energy Legal and Research Analyst, with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) in Law and Master’s degree in Public Health with Specialization in Environmental and Occupational Health from the University of Alberta.

Rajesh Jaiswal, Executive Director at Northern Alberta Business Incubator (NABI), Vice President Business Development Company NameATI Composites Canada, Inc. Previously Manager, Advanced Technology Centre, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, Market Researcher, ACAMP. MBA, UAlberta; PhD Reproductive Physiology, USask.

Randal Adcock, President, Wayfinders Business Co-operative; supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through accessible and affordable software as a service in a cloud; Business Officer, Western Economic Diversification; Co-founder, Edmonton Think Tank.

Ranice Macyk, Senior Manager, Entrepreneur Capital at ATB Financial, leading the development of financial products for Alberta entrepreneurs, including Solar Financing Program. CSBFA Specialist. Previously Senior Credit Analyst, Executive Assistant to VP, Agriculture and the Independent Business and Agriculture team. BA in Psychology, Sociology from the UofA.

Ray Bergstra, President and CEO of MTN Consulting Associates, an Edmonton-based market research, technology commercialization, and project management firm specializing in businesses in Alberta; experience agriculture, oil & gas, industrial biotechnology, forestry, renewable energy, food processing, specialty chemicals, and polymers.

Ray Muzyka is the CEO & Founder of Threshold Impact; co-founded BioWare; focus on sustainable, profitable impact investing: mentoring and angel investing in information technology, new media, and medical innovations with social entrepreneurs. Member of the Young Presidents’ Organization, the A100, the Ashoka Support Network, chair of the Venture Mentoring Service, venture advisor at iNovia Venture Capital.

Raye Willms, Office Manager at CKS Professional Corp., has significant experience in early startups and understand the pressing need to get stuff done. Raye provides graphic design and operational support to CKS Legal. BSc with Specialization in Pharmacology from the University of Alberta.

Riya Ganguly, Vice President, Strategy and Innovation for Edmonton Global, Previously Director, Strategic Partnerships, UBC; Director, UAlberta Health Accelerator; Research Facilitation Specialist, UCalgary; IP Manager, Innovate Calgary; Technology Manager, UManitoba. MBA, Queen's U; PhD,UManitoba; MSc, York U.

Robert McGarvey, Partner and Co-founder, Rethinking Capital Ltd (Re:Cap); Tech Invest Alberta, Correspondent, Troy Media; Co-Founder and Partner, Genuine Wealth Institute; Head of Strategy, Heroic Hearts Inc. Post Grad in Economic History: The London School of Economics and Political Science, BSc in Geology.

Robert Ritlop, Director of Investments at MEDTEQ, is an experienced seed-stage investor for health/medical companies with skills in operations management, finance management, business development, and entrepreneurship. MBA: New York University - Leonard N. Stern School of Business.

Robb Stoddard, President & CEO at BioAlberta; Principal, What Matters! Consulting; Previously: Industry Director, Refrigeration Industry Promotion Committee; Assistant Commissioner, Labour and Employment, Government of Alberta; Commercial Director, Public Sector, Axia NetMedia Corp.; Vice President, Public Affairs, Hill & Knowlton; BComm: UoA.

Romano Robusto, Advisor-Analyst and COO, Emovi, Investment Committee Member, Municipality of Laval. Previously Board Director & Chair of Audit Committee, MedMira Inc., General Manager, Charter Kontron, CEO & Board Member, Radient Technologies Inc. BSc, BCL, LLB: McGill.

Ronald Odynski, QC Chair, Ogilvie LLP, providing advising private and public sector organizations; board member for Fedora Pharmaceuticals and OneSoft Solutions; Chief Agent for Canadian Airports and Reciprocal Insurance Exchange. Bachelor of Laws, UofA.

Ryan Mercer, Research Program Manager Genome Alberta, managing its research portfolio, involved in funded initiatives and program development. Postdoc in Food Microbiology and MBA from UAlberta. PhD in Microbiology and BSc from Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Ryan Heit, COO, Pacylex Phamaceuticals. Director, World in Need. Previously Director, Merck Invention Accelerator and at TEC Edmonton, assisting companies in obtaining financing via the angel investing network, TEC VA. Masters in Experimental Oncology and his Masters of Business Administration with a specialization in Technology Commercialization from UofA.

Samantha Kernahan, Associate Counsel, DLA Piper LLP, practicing in the areas of corporate, commercial, intellectual property and technology law; focus on intellectual property and technology law, advising clients on trademarks, copyright, trade secrets and franchising. Previously with McLennan Ross LLP and Alberta Enterprise Group.

Samarendra Maiti, Distinguished Scientist at Brass Dome Ventures, experience in medicinal & synthetic chemistry, collaborated with large pharmaceutical companies on antimicrobials, cardiovascular, CNS, and metabolic disorders; antimicrobials. PhD from the Kalyani University, India.

Sameeh Salama, VP of Business Development, Brass Dome Ventures, VP of Fedora Pharmaceuticals; formerly VP of NAEJA Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Director of Microbiology at SynPhar laboratories Inc. PhD in Medical Microbiology, U Salford, UK, postdoc’d at the UofA.

Sandra Spencer, Sr Innovation Advisor, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. Previously Manager, UAlberta Health Accelerator. Founded Nimble Strategizing; worked with Volition; Valhalla Private Capital, 321 Growth Academy Accelerator, NACO World Angel Investment Summit. Previously at NAIT in the Office of Research & Innovation. 

Sandra Stabel, a Program Manager for Alberta Innovates, works with Alberta Innovates to coordinate and catalyze research and innovation efforts within the health system, government, industry and community organizations; focuses on Quality Improvement, helping family medical practices improve clinical processes, access and patient centered care. MBA at the UofA. BSc in Kinesiology.

Scott Exner, Partner, MLT Aikins LLP, specializing in agri-business, real estate property development, corporate finance; Director, Plant Protein Alliance of Alberta Ltd; Executive Member, Food and AgriBusiness Section, Canadian Bar Association; Director: Alberta Food Processors Association; Sessional Lecturer, Food and Agribusiness Law, U Calgary. LLB Law: York University; BA Economics: U Regina.

Scott Reed is the Director, Business Development at Brass Dome Ventures. He obtained his Chartered Financial Analyst designation in 2007 and his MBA in 2013. He has been working in the financial and consulting industry since 2002. He has worked in both small and large organizations and has a variety of experience.

Sean DeWitt, Program Manager at Alberta Innovates, is responsible for grant and investment portfolios including Precision Health, Primary Care, and Health System Research and Innovation. He has worked in operations and manufacturing with Afexa Life Sciences, in sales with Novartis and Bristol-Myers Squibb, and as a Primary Care Manager with Alberta Health Services. BSc in Biological Sciences and an MBA from U Alberta.

Shaheel Hooda, Executive in Residence for and Program Director for TEC’s T-Squared Accelerator; served as board member at Login Radius; was CEO of two startup software companies, Director of Business Development for a US enterprise software company, and previously a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company, launched one of Canada’s first online banks.

Sharon MacLean, Director, Tech Invest Alberta; Director RoadShowz/StreetSeenz; President, WorldGate Media; Contributing Writer, Certified Management Consultant; Directors, Alberta Council of Technologies; MacEwan University, Advertising and Public Relations/Communications.

Sheetal Raithatha, Vice President Research And Development at Symvivo Corp. Previously Research Scientist, Drug Discovery, viDA Therapeutics Inc; Post-Doc'd at the Centre for Drug Research and Development and UBC. PhD Biochem, UAlberta. BSc Biochem, UCalgary.

Stace Wills, Corporate Development Director, URUS Group, Previously Director, New Ventures at Innovate Calgary, co-founded KICS Labs at SAIT, Green Tech Mentors program, Kinetica energy tech accelerator; CEO of Direct-C Ltd; senior corporate development roles with Elluminate Inc. and Alta Genetics; co-founded Accolade Capital and The Strongest Oak Foundation. BComm from U of Calgary.

Stephen Urquhart, Managing Director, ACG Inc. Works directly with multinational organizations, start-ups and SME’s in a variety of countries, facilitating acceleration from concepts to commercial success utilising strong market access and government relations skills. MBA from U Athabasca and BSc in genetics from U Alberta, certifications in Health Care Economics, Engineering, LEAN execution, and Project Management.

Stuart Cain, Search and Evaluation, adMare BioInnovations, focusing on translating research into therapeutics for the treatment of degenerative and developmental neurological disorders. Previously Research Associate, University of British Columbia; Research Scientist, U. Glasgow; PhD, Strathclyde; BSc(Hons) Pharmacology, U. Glasgow.

Svenja Chenikel, Senior Trade + Investment Officer, Government of Alberta. Previously a Commercial Officer at Canadian Consulate Munich - Ontario International Marketing Centre. Dipl. Betriebswirt from the University of Applied Sciences, Worms and DEUG Lettres Modernes/Anglais from the Université Paul Valéry (Montpellier III).

Svenja Espenhahn, Project Manager at Campus Alberta Neuroscience. Previously Postdoctoral Medical Science Researcher (Neuroscience), University of Calgary, Business Consultant, Enactus UK, Research Assistant, Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernatics.  PhD, Clinical Neuroscience, UCL; MSc, U Tübingen; BSc, UAlberta.

Svetlana Sapelnikova, Business Development, The Metabolomics Innovation Centre; Board Of Directors, BioAlberta; Vice President, BD Strategy, KMT Hepatech, Inc; Director, Edmonton Heritage Festival Association; Visiting Worker, National Institute for Nanotechnology. PhD PChem, Bashkir State U; MBA, UAlberta.

Ted Yoo, Partner Bennett Jones, is a registered patent and trademark agent, focused on patent applications, licensing, patentability and freedom to operate opinions; acts for clients in the fields of biotechnology, nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, forestry, agriculture, oil/gas. Lecturer, UAlberta.

Thach Lang, previously Senior Project Manager, Alberta Health Services. Previously Program Director, Alberta Innovates; Director, Intellectual Asset Management/Strategic Development, Alberta Research Council; Associate/Technology Counsel, Parlee McLaws; Instructor, MacEwan U. PhD, Medical Sciences, UAlberta

Thanh Ngo, Health Innovation Analyst at Government of Alberta; Board of Director, Asian Heritage Foundation; Advisor Vietnamese Students' Association, UofC. B.Sc in Biological Science and Nanoscience and Master of Biomedical Technology from the U of Calgary.

Thomas (Yong-il) Ahn, CEO at Mad Ventures, leverages Internet technologies and allows early-stage innovators and start-ups to incubate without the need to physically relocate; offers business connections, helps Canadian businesses secure business opportunities in the Asia Pacific region, ensures the right mix of R&D, Venture Capital, and business development.

Tim Buckland, Senior Project Manager, AHS, previously Policy Analyst, Government of Alberta, focusing on support strategic development, investment, and implementation of health care solutions for oncology research and care, data access and linkage, diagnostic imaging; Alberta Cancer Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society and Cancer Knowledge Network. MBA and MSc (Biochemistry), UoA.

TJ Zastrow, Founder at SellStory, Crewbooks and Mezzolio, Designer at Tiem Creative,  Pedego Electric Bikes and ITFO Communications, Inc. Volunteer at Metro World Child, Royal Family KIDS and Startup Calgary. Master of Fine Arts in Digital Media from University of Victoria and Bachelor's in Media Arts and Digital Technology from Alberta University of the Arts.

Tom Ogaranko, Co-Founder and Principal at Tessellate Inc, which works with companies and public innovation organizations to implement a systematic approach to innovation management and strategic sourcing. He is a serial entrepreneur and seasoned technology executive with experience in several IT, Medtech and business service startups, and government agencies.

Tony Wigglesworth, Associate Director of Science and Engineering at Innovate Calgary, focussing on nanotechnology, printed and microelectronics, advanced coatings, medical devices and clean tech from the concept phase through to product launch and new venture creation. PhD in Chemistry from Simon Fraser U, postdoc'd at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.

Travis Dahl, COO & Co-Founder at Cannabis & Hemp Innovation Centre (CHIC) Inc. Previously Project Manager at BMS Holdings; Project Coordinator at Willow Spring Construction; Lead Carpenter at Viking Entreprenør; Omicron Field Expediter / Project Coordinator at Omicron; Construction Safety Coordinator at RPM Safety Management. B. Tech from the British Columbia Institute of Technology in Construction Management.

Trevor Prentice, Intellectual Property Strategist, The IP Link, empowering entrepreneurs; Vice President Education Prentice Family Human Creation and Development Group; Founder and CEO, Play Flags. Previously Senior Technology Management Officer, TEC Edmonton.

Ubaka Ogbogu, Associate Professor, Faculties of Law and Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences at the UofA, with interests in health law, science and health policy, bioethics and biomedicine, and the law of torts including medical malpractice and governance of novel and controversial health care technologies; Research appointment as the Katz Research Fellow in Health Law and Science Policy;a member of the Faculty’s Health Law Institute.

Val McCarty, Transparency Advocate, Kudosee Software Inc. provides strategic business planning through to implementation including aligning & transforming operations. Experienced in sales, training, customer service, team building, public speaking. Studied at University of Alberta and Grant MacEwan University in Management, Education, and Human Services.

Vinoth Babu, Manager, Client and Marketing Support at Ian Murray & Company, focussing on technology commercialization, financial analysis, and business management, feasibility study development, opportunity assessment, business valuation, financial modelling, market research and competitive benchmarking; MBA graduate (Natural Resource, Energy and Environment Specialization) from the UofA.

People interested in joining our panel of investment and business advisors are welcome to enquire about membership.

People presenting at DiscoveryLab meetings are asked to share their plans in a round table discussion, and are free to share contact details and request follow up meetings with advisors.

DiscoveryLab does not recommend advisors, but can make introductions.

Each person and company has the responsibility of obtaining legal advice and performing due diligence before signing contracts or taking investments.