As a part of Alberta Innovates’ Post Secondary Investments & Emerging Technologies team, Adam has focused his career on emerging technologies. Since returning to his home province of Alberta in 2012, he has worked in the Alberta innovation ecosystem to build strategic partnerships between Alberta’s high tech inventors and entrepreneurs, and create bridges between industry and academia. Earlier in his career, he worked in communications and operations management in telecom, utility and non-profit organizations in Alberta and Ontario. 

Anthea Sargeaunt is CEO of 2S Water, where they have developed the world’s first sensor for detecting metals in water in real-time. She is an MBA, a 3x entrepreneur, and a mother of two. Anthea received the Clean50 2021 for her research and development work. She was voted Startup Alberta’s Most Promising Startup Entrepreneur 2019, and her company has been awarded the Covergx Precommercialization award for the best new technology with applications in industry and defense, and was selected by Famae as one of the top 100 best water innovations worldwide. 

Brent Olund is a Professional Engineer and Gold Seal Project Manager with a Master of Business Administration from the Richard Ivey School of Business. With over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Brent has established himself as a national leader in Mass Timber technology, driving innovation in sustainable building solutions. Brent’s expertise spans industrial, commercial, and marine construction, but his passion lies in revolutionizing residential and educational buildings through Mass Timber. Recognized as a thought leader, he has played a key role in validating and advancing cutting-edge Mass Timber systems, including the design and patenting of a unique lateral structural system that accelerates construction timelines. Committed to solving the housing crisis, he is dedicated to making high-quality, sustainable housing more affordable and accessible. His leadership in optimizing construction processes continues to shape the future of the built environment.

Chris is the CEO and Co-Founder of Zero Point Cryogenics. He is an entrepreneur with a background in economics and extensive leadership experience. He began his career at Aecon Group, managing large industrial projects, and later led a land development, construction, and real estate company, overseeing asset completion and sales. He co-founded Fox Oilfield, a transportation company specializing in over-dimensional assets across North America. As CEO of Zero Point Cryogenics, he has grown the company from a university project into an advanced manufacturing facility, expanding the team to 24 professionals and establishing operational, financial, and cultural strengths. Beyond Zero Point Cryogenics, Chris developed a multifamily residential community in Fort Saskatchewan and is active in Edmonton's tech community. He participates in the Entrepreneur Organization's Edmonton Chapter, demonstrating his commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

David Usher is an artist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the founder of Reimagine AI, an artificial intelligence creative studio. As a musician, he has sold more than 1.4 million albums, toured all over the world, and has had #1 singles singing in English, French, and Thai.  He is also the co-creator (with Dr. Damon Matthews) of the Climate Clock, tracking global warming in real-time. David has a degree in political science from Simon Fraser University and his book on creativity and innovation, Let the Elephants Run • Unlock Your Creativity and Change Everything, is out now.

Dr. Marcus Collins is an award-winning marketer and cultural translator, bridging practice and academia as a marketing professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan. Formerly Head of Strategy at Wieden+Kennedy, New York, and Chief Consumer Connections Officer at Doner Advertising, he has helped blue-chip brands and startups leverage culture to inspire action. Recognized by Advertising Age's 40 Under 40 and the American Advertising Federation’s Advertising Hall of Achievement, Marcus was recently honored by Thinkers50 with the Radar Distinguished Achievement Award. His best-selling book, For The Culture, explores the influence of culture on consumer behavior. Previously, he led social engagement at Translation, developed music initiatives at Apple, and managed digital strategy for Beyoncé. Marcus holds a doctorate from Temple University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. A proud Detroit native, he is also a husband and father. 

Dr. Michael Mahon, Chief Executive Officer 

With over 35 years of experience in Alberta and Manitoba’s post-secondary sectors, Mike brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of research and innovation leadership to Alberta Innovates as the CEO. President of the University of Lethbridge for 13 years, Dr. Mahon spearheaded the University’s largest capital campaign, during his tenure, for construction of the Science Commons, a major science and innovation facility. Before his appointment in Lethbridge, Mike served as a Dean at the University of Alberta for 10 years during which time he also served in a dual role of Chair of the Health Sciences Council. Mike has contributed leadership provincially and nationally including as Chair of Universities Canada. His own research is focused in Disability Studies and Health and has been funded by federal and provincial granting agencies along with foundations and federal and provincial governments.

Dr. Muhammad Arshad is a distinguished Polymer Chemist and Research Associate with an extensive academic background, holding an MSc in Chemistry and a PhD in Organic Chemistry. With over a decade of experience in applied research, he is a leading expert in polymer processing and plastic circularity, with a strong focus on renewable materials. His expertise lies in converting these materials into monomers and polymers using innovative approaches, including conventional and microwave-assisted processes.

Josh (he/him) is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and over 15 years of experience in healthcare. After 8 years on the frontline in Medicine and Neuro Medicine, Josh transitioned to healthcare innovation, spending the past 7 years as a Senior Designer at the AHS Design Lab. As the longest-serving member of the lab, he leverages design thinking to tackle complex healthcare challenges, empowering teams to drive meaningful change. 

Katanya is co-founder and CEO of Qubo Consulting Corp, and an experimental quantum physicist at the Institute for Quantum Computing, University of Waterloo, Canada. Her main role with IQC is the Science Team Coordinator for Canada’s first quantum satellite mission: Quantum EncrYption and Science Satellite (QEYSSat). Katanya is an excellent public speaker, known for explaining difficult concepts in easy-to-understand language for business and government leaders.

With two decades of experience in federal public policy development and government relations, Ken brings deep knowledge of the history of Canada's college applied research and innovation ecosystem. Since 2016, he has served as the Executive Director of Tech-Access Canada, the national network of Canada's Technology Access Centres. Ken's knowledge and experience, his management skills, and positive attitude make him a strong leader for the TAC network. Ken is responsible for ensuring the network achieves its mandate of facilitating the sharing of best practices between member TACs, and promoting the adoption of comparable service excellence standards. Based in Ottawa and originally from New Brunswick, Ken held progressively senior roles within different postsecondary associations. Ken holds a master's degree in Public Policy and Administration, a bachelor's degree in Public Affairs and Policy Management, and the CAE designation from the Canadian Society of Association Executives.

Kira is the CEO of Kasm Consulting, which specializes in helping startups across Canada grow and scale with marketing. She is also one of the only Certified Digital Marketing Experts in Canada. Kasm Consulting is listed among the Top 30 Digital Marketing Agencies for Startups Worldwide and ranked in the Top 10 Digital Marketing Agencies to Work with in Canada by Yahoo Finance. 

Leah is a storyteller. Currently, the Head of Story for Thin Air Labs where they support startups as they grow into globally competitive companies. Prior to this position, she worked as a broadcast journalist for 23 years in numerous roles including Health Reporter, News Anchor and Morning Show Host. She's also a passionate book lover and volunteers regularly with the Calgary Public Library and Wordfest. She specializes in building meaningful relationships, knowledge translation and learning something new every day.

In his role at Shred Capital, Matt is working to double the size of the game industry in Alberta.  Prior to this, he has been an early-stage investor and serial exited entrepreneur, with experience as a policy advocate, media pundit, trade commissioner, and visiting professor. This has taken him from New York, to Toronto, Vancouver, and Silicon Valley, where he has launched six startups, three non-profits, three skunkworks, and a nationally televised animated series.

Megan Lee is Managing Director of Calgary’s “Quantum City,” with nearly 20 years experience across the full spectrum of research, innovation and commercialization. She has a significant depth of experience in various organizations from operational leadership at a publicly traded biotech company, to the world’s top university-affiliated incubator to a large oncology research and care funder.  

She is a recognized expert in conducting technical and business due diligence, start-up creation, strategy and management consulting, investment portfolio management and organization management of a growth stage biotech company, where she led the development of new pharmaceutical products and recorded multiple consecutive years of record turnover and profit. She has a MBA in entrepreneurship and technology commercialization and a PhD in Biochemistry. 

Mehr Nikoo is a seasoned professional engineer with dual master’s degrees and over two decades of experience in process and research engineering, as well as project management. Her career includes roles at EPCs, InnoTech Alberta, and various start-up companies. Since June 2018, Mehr has been with Alberta Innovates, where she manages projects focused on utilizing agricultural and forestry residues, diverting plastics and municipal solid waste from landfills, and advancing clean technologies.

In her current role as Program Director for Bioindustrial and Circular Innovation, Mehr leverages her expertise to drive impactful initiatives that promote sustainability and innovation. Recently, she was elected as a board member for the Recycling Council of Alberta, where she advocates for a circular economy in the province.

Michael Liebe is CEO and founder of Booster Space. He acts as Outreach Games Europe lead for Kickstarter. During his eight years with Kickstarter, he worked with more than 1000 projects, with a funding goal success rate of about 90%. At Booster Space he is responsible for all things consultancy and fundraising. In the times before founding Booster Space he co-initiated the indie games and art festival, A MAZE., the Digital Games Research Centre of the University of Potsdam (DIGAREC) as well as the Computer Games Collection of European Media Studies at the University of Potsdam, the European Masters program, Ludic Interfaces and the games:net berlinbrandenburg. Until 2012 he was Advisor – New Media at the Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg and responsible for consulting on public funding and networking in the German capital region. He holds an M.A. in European Media Studies, is an advisor and jury member, and works regularly as a university lecturer. 

Mohamed El Daly is the Director of Outreach & Product Services at APEGA, where he leads the organization's Outreach, Professional Development, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives. He is a registered professional engineer (P.Eng.) with APEGA, holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, and is a graduate of Cornell University’s Diversity & Inclusion program. Mohamed is the recipient of two Google RISE Awards for his contribution to computer science outreach. He is also the recipient of the Human Rights Award from the John Humphrey Centre for Peace & Human Rights for his efforts to promote STEM education of under-represented groups and Indigenous communities. 

Muna is passionate about advancing change in the health system through her role on the Health Innovation team at Alberta Innovates. With nearly three years of experience in Strategy and Innovation roles in both for-profit and non-profit sectors in Ontario, paired with a background in biomedical engineering, she brings a unique and valuable perspective to her work. Muna is particularly excited about making cutting-edge solutions accessible to those who need them most in Alberta, aiming to bridge gaps in healthcare and foster collaboration across communities.

Nancy is a purpose-driven change leader. She holds a master’s in health administration and has more than 10 years of health system experience from across multiple disciplines which focused on health system surveillance, improvement, and innovation. This included roles in Infection Prevention & Control, Quality Management & Clinical Safety and the formerly known Strategic Clinical Networks. In her current role with the Health System Transformation Portfolio at Alberta Innovates, she is responsible for identifying and nurturing partnerships with health ecosystem partners to realize novel, human-centric models of care that leverage digital health technologies. She is passionate about bringing together people, ideas, and capabilities to achieve a better health system and better health and wellness experiences for the people of Alberta.

Robert Lai, Vice President, Investments

Robert has extensive experience in executive positions from Bell West, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation to Fujitsu Consulting and 3Pillar Global. He's built, nurtured and led high performance teams to success in sales and business development. He was part of the team in Advanced Education and Technology that developed the Bringing Technology to Market Action Plan in 2008, the precursor to many of the programs that are delivered by Alberta Innovates today. He was instrumental in securing funding for the Alberta Ingenuity Machine Learning Centre, the predecessor to Amii. Over the course of his career, he has established a consistent track record of sales achievement and investment attraction that has positively impacted government services and Alberta’s priority sectors.

Dr. Terry Rock is the President & CEO of Platform Calgary, an organization focused on driving growth and velocity in Calgary’s tech sector. Terry’s previous experience has covered a wide variety of contexts and industries. He was the Executive Director of the Alberta Small Brewers Association and founding CEO of the Calgary Arts Development Authority. He worked on Civic Partnerships at the City of Calgary and was an Assistant Professor in Strategy at the University of Calgary. Dr. Rock holds a Ph.D. in Management with a focus on Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation from Texas Tech University and a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing (with Distinction) from the University of Saskatchewan. 

Coming soon

Tracy is dedicated to fostering community and business growth, with over 15 years of experience in economic development. She has worked across various sectors, including not-for-profits, private companies, education, and provincial and municipal governments. Her expertise spans financial appraisals for hotels across Canada, talent attraction and retention, student entrepreneurship support, and helping municipalities with business development and investment attraction. Currently, she is the manager for the APEX Regional Innovation Network (RIN) of Southeast Alberta. This collaboration is an alliance of local organizations focused on helping regional innovators and tech companies from ideation to scale. Tracy also collaborates with economic development, post-secondary, and innovation stakeholders across Alberta to grow the province's innovation ecosystem. She is excited to see more innovators come from rural Alberta and compete on the global stage than ever before. 

Wayne Klaczek is a professional engineer with graduate degrees in both mechanical engineering and business, and over 20 years of experience working in the applied research industry in Western Canada. He currently works at C-FER Technologies where he manages the Pipeline and Structural Research group. He has a strong background in full-scale experimental testing.