Barbara M. Campbell, M.Sc

Barbara has gained an international reputation for her enthusiastic support of science-based innovation.

At Natural Products Canada, she is the champion for clients in the Atlantic region. She is highly regarded for her extensive technical and business knowledge delivered with genuine respect, energy and enthusiasm. Barbara is equally known for connecting expertise and resources within the rest of the NPC team and its expansive network to help local companies thrive.

She began her career in business and clinical development roles in Vancouver’s biotech start-up community before joining the university technology transfer department at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Barbara contributed to and then led the team that managed the university’s diverse life sciences technology portfolio–the largest of its kind in Canada. There she was involved in extensive due diligence, technology assessment, license negotiation and partnership development. With the support of the Gates Foundation, Barbara was the architect of the Global Access Initiative at UBC, which became the gold standard for global access from Canadian universities.

Barbara then spent three years in technology transfer at Dalhousie University before launching Hammock Facilitation, a boutique consulting firm focused on life sciences start-ups. From this venture, Barbara played a pivotal role in the development of a range of companies, delivering corporate positioning, business development strategies, intellectual property management and contract negotiation. She sits on the boards of various start-ups and has filled key roles within many of them, and has recently joined the Board of Feed Nova Scotia.

Barbara’s entrepreneurial ventures include co-founding two medical device companies: OrthoMX Inc. and FIVAMed Inc., both based on clinician-led innovations. Most recently, Barbara was engaged as VP Commercialization with Oberland Agrisciences Inc., an alternative protein company. In these roles, she helped to propel emerging technologies and companies through proof of concept, prototype development, clinical validation, and multinational partnerships.

Barbara has gained extensive experience navigating regulatory landscapes for pharmaceuticals, medical devices, natural health products, alternate protein ingredients and fertilizers. She has also cultivated a diverse network of experts in part due to her role as an expert reviewer for multiple large scale federal funding programs. Barbara obtained a Master of Science in Biochemistry and Immunology from Simon Fraser University.

Gregg Curwin

Gregg Curwin is the Founder of TruLeaf Sustainable Agriculture; a world-leading indoor-vertical farming company; and also Founder of TruLeaf’s wholly owned subsidiary, GoodLeaf Farms; a branded packaged lettuce company. Gregg is an entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in various industries; including medical devices, biologics, consumer packaged goods, and ag-tech. He has consulted hospitals and governments in the broad area of health design, with a recent focus on the role of food production in disease prevention. Gregg is currently the Co-Founder, CEO and Board Chair of Novagevity, an award-winning Medical Nutrition company whose brand Sperri is now sold across Canada and soon the USA.

Gregg holds a B. Comm from Saint Marys University and was SMU’s inaugural Entrepreneur in Residence at Saint Mary’s School of Entrepreneurship. Gregg is an active investor, Board member and Advisor in a number of high growth Ag Tech, Food Start ups; as well as Academia and Government. 

Jack MacDonald, J.D.

Lead on business development, strategy, funding and growth. Jack has experience with establishing numerous business-to-business relationships globally for ingredient sales, and has also co-founded Earthli Superfoods.

Jack has a background as a lawyer in Nova Scotia and is passionate about building scalable businesses that make positive contributions to both people and the environment.

Justin Burt

Justin Burt  is the Sales Manager with Natures Crops International and has been working with the company for ten years. Passionate about environmental sustainability and balanced nutrition, Justin is part of a team that is bringing forward Ahiflower, an innovative solution for the omega-3 market that supports overall human and animal wellness.

Marc St-Onge

Marc is a Halifax-based entrepreneur focused on technology-enabled food and well-being. He believes that to safeguard future generations we need an immediate shift to a transformative economy centred around environmental sustainability and the collective well-being of our global community.

Marc is the founder of Smallfood , a biotechnology company that commercializing a novel microalgae fermentation platform aimed at solving the world’s massive seafood sustainability challenges. Smallfood is a finalist in the global XPRIZE Feed The Next Billion competition.

Taylor MacGillivary, MSM

Taylor MacGillivary is a co-founder and Executive Producer at Snack Labs. As a host and content creator, Taylor specializes in developing podcasts that make complex topics accessible to general audiences.

At Snack Labs, Taylor is involved in all aspects of production for multiple shows, from conceptualization and script writing to interviewing and team management. His work often focuses on health, science, and innovation, aiming to foster public engagement with these subjects through compelling storytelling.

Taylor holds a Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) for his contributions to public discourse through podcasting.

Anne Woods

Anne is the Managing Director of Life Sciences & Healthcare at RBCx where she leads the banks efforts in the sector across Canada. Born and raised in Toronto, Anne brings over 25 years of experience in life sciences and capital markets, with 15 years of experience within pharma and biotech. Prior to RBCx, Anne launched and led the Life Sciences and Healthcare practice in Canada for Silicon Valley Bank.

Anne is a member of the executive at Life Sciences Ontario and also sits on the boards of the Ontario Biotech Innovation Organization, Ontario Genomics and Exactis. An active member of the Canadian life sciences community, she is a regular panelist and contributor to podcasts and various publications. Anne also offers coaching and advice to early-stage founders, reinforcing her passion for nurturing the ecosystem and enabling the next generation of changemakers to push their next breakthrough forward.

Anne holds a BSc from McGill University, an MA in leadership from the University of Guelph, and became a CFA Charterholder in 2001.

Meryeme Lahmam

Based in Montreal, Meryeme joined Pender in 2022 bringing 8+ years’ experience in healthcare and enterprise software both as an operator and investor.

Before joining Pender, Meryeme most recently worked at BDC Capital’s Women In Tech Venture Fund, where she led investments for multiple early-stage / growth companies across Biotech, enterprise software and digital health. Prior to BDC Capital, Meryeme was at Medteq where she solely focused on early-stage investments in digital health, diagnostics and medical device companies.

Meryeme started her career as a consultant in bioproducts and wearables before co-founding a venture-backed health tech startup. Meryeme is active in the startup community, including mentorship roles with a number of Montreal-based incubators and accelerators. She holds an MBA from Laval University.

Inès Holzbaur

Inès Holzbaur, Ph.D., is the co-Founder and Managing Partner of AmorChem. With more than 25 years of experience in life sciences and venture capital, she played a key role in developing AmorChem’s early-stage investment model and building university relations. She has led significant investments and transactions with companies like Hoffman LaRoche and Vertex Pharmaceuticals. In addition, she helped establish NuChem Sciences, Canada’s top medicinal chemistry service provider, serving as Chairman until its management buyout. Inès also chairs the Nanomedicines Innovation Network and is vice-chair of the Quebec Centre for Innovation in Biotechnology. She is involved with Montreal InVivo, Réseau-Capital and mentors aspiring venture capitalists. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge and multiple leadership certifications.

Sarah Murphy

Sarah Murphy is a Partner with Pelorus VC, an pre-seed and seed stage venture capital firm that invests in Newfoundland & Labrador-based innovation companies. Sarah has a background working with early-stage startup companies and as a founder of her own construction-tech startup, Sentinel Alert.

She was an Entrepreneur-in-Residence with Propel ICT, an Atlantic Canada accelerator, and has mentored startups throughout Atlantic Canada through groups like Propel, Volta, and Creative Destruction Lab. 

Sarah is one of the co-authors of the Gender Diversity Playbook, a collection of best practices that startup companies can use to build more diverse and stronger performing organizations.

Peter Hickey

Peter is a founder and investor. He has cofounded and financed three companies in the life sciences sector.   

He cofounded and serves as Executive Chairperson of Allumiqs Corp, a company whose platform solution is standardizing outsourced collaboration for biotech and biopharma through sample prep, mass spectrometry and data analytics. With sales growth of over 250% last year, the company employs more than 40 people in Canada. 

He is also a cofounder and current executive director of IR Scientific, a biomaterials research and development company that has developed a unique biomaterial that is clinically proven to provide fast and effective relief for dentin hypersensitivity.

As the Cofounder and CEO of Adaptiiv Medical Technologies Inc., Peter led the company through the financing, development, FDA clearance of the 3D Bolus solution and sales in 14 countries. 

Peter recently partnered with other local founders and investors to launch SUMS Capital, an innovative Investor Relations firm based on their shared experience as founders, investors and organizers of the investment club.  This informal club has organized founder presentations on a regular basis since 2016 and has invested more than $20,000,000 into local life science and medtech companies, often being the first cheques. 

Peter is a native of Prince Edward Island. Peter, his wife Leanne and two sons, Liam, and Ryan, live in Halifax, Nova Scotia

David Philpott, PhD

David Philpott is a member of the investment banking team at Bloom Burton & Co. – Canada’s premier healthcare investment bank. At Bloom Burton, he is responsible for conducting scientific and commercial due diligence, strategic advisory and venture incubation for a wide spectrum of Canadian healthcare companies. David completed his PhD in Engineering from the University of Toronto in 2022. His doctoral research focused on developing high throughput microfluidic tools for functional genomics and antibody discovery. During his studies, David was a Vanier scholar and a fellow at Amplitude Ventures and Flagship Pioneering. David also holds a B. Eng in Engineering Physics from McMaster University.

Travis McDonough

Travis McDonough has dedicated his career to driving innovation in sports, health, wellness, and human performance. Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Travis was a multi-sport athlete, competing internationally in boxing and tennis, and playing semi-professional basketball in Europe. A sports injury introduced him to rehabilitative medicine, leading to a BSc in Kinesiology and a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine.

Travis spent 10 years in Europe scaling health and sport businesses, including a network of multidisciplinary clinics, a custom orthotics company, and a fitness franchise. In 2008, he returned to Halifax to launch Kinduct Technologies, which grew into the world’s most advanced Human Performance Platform, serving over 650 elite organizations and 25 world champion teams. Kinduct was acquired by mCube Technologies (now Movella) in 2020, where Travis served as VP of Business Development and President of Movella Canada. Movella went public on Nasdaq in February 2023.

Jimmy Yang

Jimmy Yang is a Managing Director and Accenture’s Canadian Health Practice Leader. He is also a Co Chair of Accenture’s Global Health Strategy Council.

Throughout Jimmy’s career, he has worked in industry and advisory capacities in the health care and life sciences sectors – with hospitals, government, agencies, primary/seniors/rural care, clinical research organizations and pharmaceutical companies. He has led and advised in the domains of digital health transformation, corporate strategy, clinical and health system planning, and new models of care with technology and AI as enablers. He is empowered to collaborate with leaders focused on improvement and transformation, through business and clinical process innovation, and enabled and powered by analytics, AI, and technology.

Jimmy co-founded and serves as Vice Chair and Board Member of Red Maple Trials Inc., an Ottawa-based clinical research organization (CRO). It works with global biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, and research centers of excellence to help support phases I through IV research programs in allergy, asthma, rare disease, and immunology. He has previously held roles at GlaxoSmithKline and ScheringPlough.

Additionally, Jimmy is an Adjunct Professor and member of faculty in the Health Industry Management Program at York University’s Schulich School of Business. Recently, Jimmy was awarded 2024 Digital Health Executive of the Year by Digital Health Canada.

Marc Sauer

B.Sc. in Organic Chemistry and M.Sc. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Oldenburg, Germany.

Worked as a Scientist at Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany in developing and analyzing Pegylated medical devices.

Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Basel, Switzerland.

Postdoctoral Research (NATO and Swiss National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Fellowship) at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver.

Lecturer at the University of British Columbia.

Joined BIOVECTRA in 2006 as an Analytical Research Chemist.

Took the position of Analytical Research Group Leader in 2007 and Analytical Services Group Leader in 2008 to oversee the Analytical Research and Quality Control groups.

Assumed the Manager as Analytical Services in 2010.

Promoted to Director of Analytical Services in 2013.

Appointed to Vice President, Research & Development in 2014.

Appointed Vice President & General Manager, Process Science & Development Services in 2020.

Doris Grant

For over 20 years, Doris has led commercialization, intellectual property protection and business development initiatives with a proven track record of building impactful partnerships and securing transformational funding to advance innovation mandates. Most recently Doris served as Senior Director of Innovation at Nova Scotia Health where she led the implementation of multiple high-priority, transformative and innovative initiatives to enhance healthcare and the health of Nova Scotians.

Alyse Hand

Alyse is a seasoned broadcaster, having spent 15 years working at two of the country’s top television stations; CTV Atlantic and Global News Maritimes. During her career as a reporter, host, and anchor, she covered some of the top stories in the region and interviewed hundreds of people throughout the region and worldwide.

Previously, Alyse was a consultant at Canada’s largest public relations agency, providing communications advice and media training to public and private sector organizations. She launched a media training and on-air coaching company in 2022, where she helped clients better understand the changing media landscape, how to secure media coverage and improve communication skills during media interviews. Alyse is currently a senior consultant at Iris Communications, a leading independent strategic communications, government relations, and public advocacy firm in Halifax. Alyse has strong relationships with media and community members and business leaders in the public and private sectors.

Alyse was born and raised in Halifax and has lived in Nova Scotia for her entire life. She graduated from the Radio and Television Journalism (Honours) program at NSCC.

Rob Henderson

Rob Henderson is President and CEO of BioTalent Canada. Rob has expanded BioTalent Canada’s partnerships throughout Canada with industry-leading organizations such as STEMCELL Technologies, adMare BioInnovations, Innovative Medicines Canada, and Sanofi Canada, among others.

Under Rob’s guidance, BioTalent Canada has engaged with governments, employers, associations, post-secondary institutions, immigrant serving agencies, and service providers. Together, this dynamic network strengthens skills, connects job-ready talent to industry, and creates opportunities. 

With the help of several prominent board members, Rob has transformed BioTalent Canada into an in-demand partner, policy influencer, and project leader that brings together the largest national bio-economy network in Canada.

Annette Elliott Rose

With decades of experience as a clinician, researcher, and health system leader within Nova Scotia, Dr. Annette Elliott Rose is Chief Nurse Executive (CNE) and Vice President, Clinical Performance & Professional Practice with Nova Scotia Health. Backed by a Master of Nursing and PhD in Nursing from Dalhousie University, she believes collaboration and connection are key for practice, organization, and system change. Committed to designing and supporting systems of health and social care, Dr. Elliott Rose focuses on the talent and expertise of teams to meet individual, family and community health needs grounded in quality care, equity, and social justice. Her portfolio at NSH is focused on professional development, learning and workforce planning. In addition to her executive leadership role at NSH, she is also the co-lead for the provincial health workforce, part of health transformation in Nova Scotia. In this role, she works closely with system partners to advance the recruitment and retention of those working in health, including nurses. Annette’s almost 24-year nursing and health care career includes practice experience in maternal-newborn care and acute and primary care settings in Nova Scotia and northern Canada, as a lecturer and clinical instructor in the Dalhousie University School of Nursing and School of Health Sciences and in progressive leadership roles in Nova Scotia and the Atlantic.

Mark Gillingham

Mark is an alumnus of Memorial University in NL, holding a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and an MBA. An accomplished IoT strategic management professional with 20+ years of experience in executive and operational management. Mark is well-versed in business growth strategies, technical sales, marketing, and production manufacturing in national and international markets.  As VP of SkyHawk Telematics, he was key in scaling the company and negotiating the sale of the firm to Telus in 2019.

Mark joined PolyUnity as its President in Sept. 2021 and leads the business development, sales, and production functions. PolyUnity is an award-winning health-tech company based in Atlantic Canada. Its i3D.Health platform provides frontline healthcare workers with access to leading 3D Printable products and applications as well as innovative digital design services. PolyUnity is on a mission to Improve Healthcare via improved patient outcomes, cost reductions, and operational efficiencies.

Mark is a proud and active member of the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) – National Board of Directors, and the Chair of Newfoundland & Labrador’s Advanced Manufacturing Cluster.

Bruce Birdsell

Bruce has over 25 years of sales and general management experience in the healthcare sector with a focus on oncology software solutions and medical devices. 

Bruce is currently Vice President, Digital Oncology for Varian Medical Systems.  He has P/L responsibility over the Americas’ geography for Varian’s newest 360 Oncology cancer operating platform and has previously managed both the North Americas Strategic Accounts and Software Solutions portfolio.    With a Master’s degree in Engineering and a Price Waterhouse Coopers background, he has a track record of exceeding orders and revenue targets, growing highly successful teams, and providing strategic input to Product Management and Engineering. 

Bruce has been with Varian for over 20 years, and spent close to 10 years at an oncology software company purchased by Varian. He now resides with his wife outside Atlanta, GA after being transferred from Canada in 2000.

Dr. James Robar, PhD, FCCPM

Dr. James Robar is the Chief of Medical Physics at Nova Scotia Health (NSH), Professor of Radiation Oncology at Dalhousie University. He was the founding Director of the Masters, Doctoral and Certificate programs in Medical Physics at Dalhousie University. He divides his time between a leadership role at NSH, direct support of patient treatment with expertise in adaptive radiotherapy. He is a co-founder of Canadian spinoff companies including Halifax-based Adaptiiv Medical Technologies for which he became a Governor General of Canada Innovation Award Laureate in 2021.  Dr. Robar is dedicated to the promotion and assurance of safety and quality in radiation oncology and radiosurgery, serving as an expert in the Novalis Certified Program. A champion of quality education in science, he has served on the graduate program review committee of the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP) and various boards of directors including the Society of Directors of Academic Medical Physics Programs (SDAMPP).

Dr. Amanda Caissie MD, PhD, FRCPC

Dr. Amanda Caissie MD, PhD, FRCPC is Associate Professor and Head of Dalhousie University’s Department of Radiation Oncology (DRO). A native Maritimer, she returned to work in the Dalhousie DRO after completing medical school at Queen’s University 2007 and radiation oncology residency at the University of Toronto 2012. A McGill alumna who completed her PhD in 2005, Dr. Caissie’s current research interests focus on Patient Reported Outcomes and Big Data in the context of research and value-based healthcare. Her contributions to national and international radiotherapy quality improvement initiatives include co-founder/co-lead of the recently formed Canadian Artificial intelligence and big Data in Radiotherapy Alliance (CADRA) and member of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM)’s Big Data Subcommittee. Through her Nova Scotia Health (NSH) roles as Innovator in Residence and Medical Director of the Cancer Care Program’s Oncology Transformation Project, Dr Caissie aims to align clinical and research priorities for digital health solutions across the continuum of cancer care and beyond.

Dr. Alex Mitchell

Dr. Alex Mitchell is an experienced surgeon, healthcare leader, and entrepreneur. Dr. Mitchell has previously led the planning, procurement, and delivery of major healthcare infrastructure projects for Nova Scotia. He currently leads an Artificial Intelligence start-up producing solutions for healthcare (Brightlight Health Inc.). Dr. Mitchell has also recently founded Translate Health, providing strategic health systems advisory services. Alex is passionate about system level transformation and desperately wants to “Make Healthcare Make Sense!”. Alex has built his career dreaming, developing, and executing great ideas in healthcare. At home Alex is best known as a husband, proud father, surfer, and hockey coach.

Courtney Howell

Courtney Howell is the Co-Founder and CEO of 7 Fathoms Skin Care, Ltd., which produces premium, bioactive seaweed extracts from the North Atlantic, transforming them into advanced skincare products. Their unique extraction process preserves key bioactives like fucoidan, known for its potential to improve skin health by mitigating sun damage, environmental pollutants, supporting the skin barrier, and helping manage chronic skin conditions. 7 Fathoms plans to expand its advanced skincare line and research seaweed’s therapeutic and wound care properties.

Courtney completed AmeriCorps *NCCC and VISTA and earned a degree in Anthropology from the University of New Orleans. In 2005, she co-founded Bayou Grace, a nonprofit aiding Louisiana’s recovery after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, while advocating for coastal restoration. She received the Coastal Stewardship Award in 2007. In 2009, she and her family settled in Grates Cove, Newfoundland, where they established Grates Cove Co. Their restaurant was named Restaurateur of the Year in 2018. 7 Fathoms was incubated within Grates Cove Co. before incorporating in 2020 with Co-Founder Terrence Howell and joined Bounce Health Innovation and the Incubator Emergence soon after.   

Jennifer Johnston, MD, CCFP

Jennifer Johnston, MD, CCFP, is a family physician and assistant professor at the Dalhousie University School of Medicine. With board certification in Lifestyle Medicine from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, she has spent the last 12 years in clinical practice in Nova Scotia.  After seeing first-hand how hormonal birth control affects patient lives, she is now determined to develop a safer alternative.  Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys staying active in the beautiful Annapolis Valley with her husband, four kids, three cats and an especially lively border collie pup. 

Dr. Jeremy Brown

Dr. Jeremy Brown is a Professor with the School of Biomedical Engineering in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University. Dr. Brown also holds appointments in Electrical Engineering and is an Affiliated Scientist in the Department of Surgery at Nova Scotia Health. Dr. Brown has over 23 years of experience developing ultrasound technology, has published over 60 peer reviewed journal articles, and has filed for 26 technology patents. Dr. Brown’s research is focused on developing high-resolution ultrasonic imaging and therapy devices, microfabricated and packaged into small endoscopic form factors for image guided therapy. Dr. Brown has co-founded multiple med-tech spin out companies including Daxsonics Ultrasound, Conavi Medical, AudiOptics, and Sound Blade Medical. Combined these companies currently have over 100 full-time employees.

Mandy Woodland

Mandy is a third generation type 2 diabetic, former medical researcher and health lawyer, and is the CEO and co-founder of Amp Health, a startup preventing and managing chronic disease through focusing on the individual and their data. Mandy is the past Entrepreneur-in-Residence for Bounce Health Innovation, Vice-Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Innovation and Business Investment Corporation, a trustee of the Canadian Museum of Nature, and runs business retreats for entrepreneurs. With a B.Sc. (Biology) from Memorial, LL.B. from Dalhousie, and a Masters of Technology Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the Sobey School of Business at SMU,  Mandy applies her education and work experience to improve and advocate for preventative healthcare. She is a past winner of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Innovation) from NLOWE, former Chair of NATI, a Rotary award winner for community contribution, and was a fellow of the School of Graduate Studies at Memorial University.

Christine Goudie

Originally hailing from St. John’s, Christine Goudie is an entrepreneur with in-depth experience designing tools and devices within the med tech industry. She is currently a PhD student at Memorial University and Co-Founder of Granville Biomedical, a health tech venture that specializes in the design of anatomical pelvic health models to address the lack of patient education within women’s health.

Granville Biomedical recently scaled its manufacturing to meet international demand of its flagship product “Venus” – a novel and diverse pelvic health model used to enhance clinical training and advance patient education. The company now distributes their products throughout 24 countries with plans to launch two new products in 2024.

In 2023, Christine was named the Stewart McKelvey Innovator of the Year by the Atlantic Business Magazine, as well as one of the Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Business. She was also named one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada (2022-2024) based on her contributions within the company and through her philanthropic efforts.

Through Granville Biomedical, Christine launched a series of “Granville Gives Back” initiatives with their annual “Operation Period” campaign, which raises funds for local charities to purchase period products for women in need. In addition, she established two annual scholarships for women in industrial design at NSCAD U and Carleton University.

Dr. Jason Cleaversmith

As Executive Director, Incubation and Infrastructure at the PEI BioAlliance & Emergence, Dr. Jason Cleaversmith has an extensive network both nationally and internationally. Before working at the BioAlliance, Jason was VP Health and Nutrition for the Center for Aquaculture Technologies and General Manager of Canadian Operations. He has also served as Managing Director of AKVA Group Scotland, Director of Operations and Business Development at the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Center, and Head of Novartis Aqua Health in PEI overseeing manufacturing and R&D. He was also an industry expert with HATCH Blue, an innovative aquaculture accelerator supporting a cohort of 13 technology companies on three different continents.

Previously, Jason led the bioscience portfolio on behalf of the Government of Prince Edward Island as Senior Investment Manager. He currently sits on the Board of the University of Prince Edward Islands technology transfer office (Synapse) and on the Innovate UK Animal Sector Advisory Board.

Jason is a graduate of Edinburgh University in Scotland, majoring in natural sciences followed by a PhD in Marine Geochemistry. He also completed an Executive MBA with the University of Glasgow, where he gained a Distinction.

Scott Doncaster

Appointed to Vice President, Manufacturing Technologies & Engineering in 2014.

B.Sc. in Biochemistry from Mount Allison University in 1990.

Worked towards a Masters program in Biochemistry at Queens University from 1991-1994.

Worked for the Hunter Group in Aurora, Ontario from 1994-1995 in developing and supervising high purity solvent distillation processes.

Joined BIOVECTRA in 1995, supervising the enzyme and natural products bioextraction processes.

Promoted to Operations Manager in 2000 and served in that position until 2003.

Served as capital project manager for the BIOVECTRA API facility in 2001-2002.

Took the position as Director of Operations for Atlantis BioActives in 2003 to oversee the capital installation, start-up and commercial extraction process for natural taxanes.

Promoted to Director of Manufacturing for BIOVECTRA in 2005.

Rashmi Prakash

Rashmi Prakash is the CEO and Co-founder of Aruna Revolution. She holds a B.A.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (Biomedical Option) and an M.Eng. in Biomedical Engineering from UBC. With experience bringing medical devices from concept to market, Rashmi now leads Aruna Revolution in developing compostable menstrual products that meet the highest standards. She is setting up a pilot facility in Nova Scotia while partnering with a sustainable, family-run manufacturer in Europe. Rashmi’s expertise spans end-to-end manufacturing processes, integrating waste-free fiber extraction, and promoting sustainability. She champions responsible manufacturing to increase Canada’s capacity and drive sustainable consumption.

Erin McKean

Erin has held leadership roles in the medical device industry for more than a decade. She has extensive experience in commercializing medical devices as well as biotech M&A. Her previous roles include Chief Operating Officer and Global Director of Marketing for a Canadian manufacturer.

Brianna Coffin

Brianna Coffin is the Senior Director, Commercial at Island Abbey Nutritionals, overseeing New Product Development and Quality. Island Abbey Nutritionals is located on Prince Edward Island and specializes in gummy and lozenge production.  Brianna has over ten years experience in the pharmaceutical and natural health products industry, manufacturing products for both domestic and international markets.  Brianna’s background is in managing complex projects, expanding manufacturing capacity while maintaining compliance with global regulatory requirements.  Known for her collaborative approach and ability to be agile, Brianna excels in navigating challenges and finding creative solutions to solve problems. 

Brianna is a registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with Engineers PEI and is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). When Brianna is not working, she loves spending quality time with her husband and four kids. Whether she is camping, cheering on her favourite players at the rink, or gathered around for a family board game, she truly enjoys these moments.

Mohammed Shameer Iqbal

Kevin Sullivan

Dr. George “Buzz” Kenney

Permjot Valia

Permjot Valia (he/him) is co-founder at Nava Develop Inc., a business development firm serving innovation focused corporates, startup organizations and academic institutions. A globally recognized mentor, facilitator and business coach, he has led strategic planning successes for organizations throughout Canada’s innovation ecosystem. He founded MentorCamp and was Lead Mentor of Cape Breton’s Navigate Startup House.

He is an expert pitch coach with companies he has coached winning over $10m in prize money.

Permjot serves on Boards of several startups, works with Dal Innovates, and lectures globally on business modelling, strategy and leadership. He is passionate about contributing to Canada’s economic development and cultural success.

Permjot holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from University of Leeds and an MBA from Open University (UK). He is an MIT-trained mentor program manager.

Justin Hartlen

I’m passionate about transforming healthcare. With over 15 years of experience bringing innovative healthtech solutions to market across North America and Europe, I’ve led teams, driven change, and helped disrupt markets. At Virtual Hallway, we’re revolutionizing access to specialty care by breaking down knowledge silos and enabling faster, more effective clinician-to-clinician consults.

I’ve held leadership roles at major medtech companies and high-growth startups like Urotronic. My experience, along with an MBA from the University of Oxford, helps me approach challenges with both strategic insight and practical know-how. I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries of healthcare innovation from Nova Scotia, and beyond.

Andy Fisher, P.Eng

Andy Fisher is a dynamic leader with over 25 years of experience spanning academia, entrepreneurship, and industry.  Andy’s extensive background includes guiding local companies through product and process development, mentoring startups, and driving innovation within the university and the local business community.

As the Director at Bounce Health Innovation, Andy provides strategic advice and support by connecting with aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs to accelerate the growth of the healthtech sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.  His hands-on approach and significant track record in fostering innovation have led to numerous successful product launches and industry advancements.e innovation from Nova Scotia, and beyond.

Margaret Palmeter

Margaret Palmeter has a proven track record of commercializing research and supporting industry-academic partnerships. She comes to Nova Scotia Health in the role of Director of Business Development, Research & Innovation from Dalhousie University, where she was the Founding Director of the Emera ideaHUB — the first University led startup incubator in Nova Scotia. She has managed a patent portfolio and commercialized technologies on behalf of University and Academic Researchers. Previous roles included international business development consulting and economic development projects across Atlantic Canada. 

Margaret is a result-driven professional, experienced in working with multiple stakeholders including private industry, government, and academia. With a track record of leadership and collaboration to drive successful outcomes she has a proven ability to think strategically and juggle multiple priorities in fast-paced environments. She is also on the Board of Directors of Scotian Wind Inc., a community owned developer of wind energy projects. 

Her educational background includes a Master’s in Diplomacy, with a concentration in International Commerce from Norwich University in Vermont, and a Bachelor’s degree with an Advanced Major in History and Minor in Sociology from St Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS.

Susan Mullin, CFRE

Susan Mullin is President and CEO of the QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation and is currently leading the $100 million We Are campaign, Atlantic Canada’s largest fundraising campaign for health care. She has more than three decades of experience leading teams and working with community and business leaders in the health and higher education sectors guiding campaign strategies. Prior to this role, Susan served in senior executive roles with organizations in Ontario including CAMH Foundation, York University, and Southlake Foundation before returning home to Nova Scotia. Susan gives back as a volunteer and has served as chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Toronto Chapter; chair of AFP Canada’s Government Relations Committee; and she currently serves on the board of both Casey House, a specialty hospital in Toronto and, The North Grove in Dartmouth. Susan holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Mount Allison University.