
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.

Andrew Yui, Director, Canada, Hong Kong Trade Development Council – Toronto Office Branch Office in Canada of Hong Kong’s statutory trade promotion agency.

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.

Carla is currently focused on Life Sciences executive talent consulting and workforce development with TalentSphere in BC. She hopes to contribute to developing a rich resource of talent within the sector and growing a sustainable, vibrant Life Sciences sector in BC.

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.

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.

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.

Loki Jörgenson is a leading technologist with 20+ years of entrepreneurship in medtech, fintech and IT, with experience within academia and research NCEs, and innovation-focused non-profits.

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.

Experienced executive in drug development and diagnostics. R&D team management taking a compound from discovery to IND in 3.5-years. Consulting in strategic development and financing. Former NRC ITA with experience in Federal and Provincial programs. CEO of a new anticancer firm NK BioScientific.

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.

Peter is the Founder at Third Quarter Consulting Group.

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.

Robyn is a Fractional PR and Engagement Officer. Experienced in life sciences through work in BC and on the East coast with ACOA, Robyn has an eye for unique opportunities. A skilled writer, she is also a sought after media spokesperson trainer for sciences.

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.