Allison is an equity Partner with PFM Executive Search, a BC-owned and operated boutique executive search firm that has been a trusted partner of many of BC’s leading organizations since 1992.
Andre Beaulieu, CEO of AEGIS Medical Innovations Inc. has served as a senior Executive and General Counsel to public, private and government entities, with over 30 years expertise in managing personnel and departmental activities including securities, contracts, employment, insurance, M&A, marketing, privacy and compliance.
Bob is a seasoned engineer and executive with over 35 years of experience driving technical and business innovation across various industries, including the life sciences. He is skilled in new technologies, leading teams, and building relationships, while keeping financial objectives in focus.
Carlee is a business development professional here in the Vancouver area with expertise and focus on talent resourcing and outsourced solution to support customers in a flexible way. She has a passion for learning and keen investment in the life science space across BC as it continues to grow the ecosystem locally. She is excited to be apart of this group to continue to learn about what is important to the different stakeholders in this community.
Chris is a lawyer and Canadian patent agent trainee with a PhD in Physiology and Pathophysiology, who specializes in advising start-ups, early-stage ventures and established life science companies on patent prosecution and IP strategy. His wide range of technical expertise includes genetics, cell biology, neuroscience, and stem cell therapeutics.
David is a registered Canadian and U.S. patent agent with over 15 years of experience and a background in chemical engineering (BSc) and organic chemistry (PhD). He works primarily with universities, startups, and SMEs focusing on patent-procurement, portfolio management, and IP strategy.
How can Life Science companies build stronger, more effective quality management and compliance processes, quickly and reliably? That’s the question I help answer. With over a decade in pharmaceuticals and biotech, I bring a pragmatic, innovative approach focused on delivering value, ensuring speed, and being a reliable partner every day.
Dr Edwin Blewett is a self-employed economist doing business for forty years as Counterpoint Consulting Inc (www.gocounterpoint.com). Edwin has been an angel investor for the past twenty years.
Elyse is a Vancouver-based scientific consultant and research manager with a Ph.D. in Genome Sciences. She has broad experience in portfolio management, landscape analysis, workshop facilitation, and multidisciplinary partnership development from her work in research funding at Genome BC and the Science Philanthropy Alliance.
Life Sciences Executive, Entrepreneur and Advisor
Fattah graduated with master’s degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Business Administration from SFU. His focus is on technology and business strategy in skin treatment, stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, and pelvic floor disorders within startup environments.
With 20 years of experience in life sciences and entrepreneurship, Iain is currently VP Commercial at Rapid Novor. Iain holds an MBA from Queen’s and Cornell Universities, and has founded two successful startups. He is skilled at commercialization strategy, partnerships and team building.
John began his career as a research assistant examining biomarkers and disease progression, has played an instrumental role and led the sales team of a manufacturer of dietary supplements to support rapid growth.
Dr. Jon Thomas is a BC Regional Innovation Chair and the Director of the Esposito Family Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (EFCIE) at the University of the Fraser Valley.
Justin is the Founder & CEO of NovaSense Technology Ltd.
Ladan Kalani is a research assistant at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, focusing on the epigenetics of cardiovascular health.
Landon Steele is an innovative senior executive, entrepreneur, board member and angel investor. Her consulting company, Steele Consulting, helps startups become “Silicon Valley Ready”. She provides fractional COO expertise, advisory services, market analysis, pitch feedback, fundraising and business development consulting. More info at www.steeleconsultinggroup.com
Lauren Mao is a highly experienced Regulatory Affairs Professional with a proven track record in global regulatory strategies, product approvals, and market launches. Currently expanding her expertise in Canadian regulatory frameworks, she combines deep international insight with a proactive approach to support life sciences companies navigating the Canadian healthcare market.
Fractional COO and strategic growth advisor, engaged in competitive positioning and operational transformation projects, with deep cross-border expertise. Helps biotech, pharma, and CROs navigate change, scale, optimize clinical trials, and attract investment. Advises VC and PE firms on clinical stage investments, ensuring strategic and operational success.
Michael is a registered Canadian and U.S. patent agent with a PhD in biochemistry. He advises start-ups, early-stage ventures, and established life science and clean-tech companies on patent prosecution, strategy, and portfolio management to protect their innovations in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, wastewater treatment, and biomaterials.
Mike is a government relations consultant with over 30 years of political and consulting experience.
He provides government advocacy, stakeholder relations and communications expertise to clients, with a particular focus on the health care sector, working with pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and technology companies.
I’m Mostafa Azimzadeh, a PhD student in mechanical engineering at the University of Victoria, BC, with expertise in nanobiotechnology, nanobiosensors, and molecular biology. My research focuses on 3D bioprinted skin models and wound monitoring sensors, driven by a passion for research and entrepreneurship.
Norma has 29 years of senior leadership experience with Merck and Co. She is also the Board Director and Advisor to various Healthcare/Life Sciences organizations to deliver on Board/Company objectives.
Patrick is a Manager of Clinical Trials and Business Development at Fraser Health.
Pedram Torabian, a bioinformatics expert at the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, specializes in advanced genomics and transcriptomics analysis. Proficient in R, Python, and machine learning, Pedram leverages spatial and single-cell data to lead computational projects, driving breakthroughs in multi-omics research and precision medicine across biological domains.
Using primary and secondary market research, Ramona helps academic institutions, start-ups, and inventors assess the commercial potential of their innovations.
Robin has a Bachelors of Science in Genetics from Western University and a Doctorate in Cell and Molecular Biology from the University of Cincinnati. Robin moved to Vancouver after conducting research at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and as a Project Manager at NanoString.
Roger is the CEO at Life Science Strategies Inc.
Dr. Roy Jackson is a highly experienced obstetrician-gynaecologist with over 25 years in the field. He trained at the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of British Columbia. Dr. Jackson has held leadership roles at several hospitals, including Peace Arch and Delta, and served as medical director at both Southern Health Centre and False Creek Surgical Centre. In 1996, he co-founded the Romich Group, focusing on healthcare, real estate, and tech. He mentors entrepreneurs and is an active angel investor.
Sherry is currently at Belharra Therapeutics as Head of Platform & Proteomics. She has 20+ years of experience in chemical biology and proteomics. Sherry completed her PhD at The Scripps Research Institute in the laboratory, her MS in Experimental Medicine from McGill University and a BS in Biochemistry from Simon Fraser University.
Stephanie has over 30 years of experience having held executive level global and operating roles, with deep experience in product launches in therapeutic areas. She is currently a Board Director at Resilia, Inc., a Canadian company with a novel device for urinary stress incontinence.
Dynamic executive with extensive global experience in regulatory affairs & program management. Accomplished career in US, Canada & Europe within small-medium sized companies. Led Aurinia to FDA & EMA approval for LUPKYNIS™ for LN. Provides FDA Regulatory consulting & interim/fractional leadership from preclinical through approval.
Vivek’s medical device career has spanned engineering, sales, marketing, product, and business strategy roles at early-stage startups and large manufacturers. He aims to share his extensive US experience in IVD and Digital Health with the Vancouver device community.