Venture Companies
Boro Therapeutics
Boro Therapeutics
Biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the discovery and development of boron-based therapeutics (i.e. borapeutics).
CliniSonix
CliniSonix
Developing a novel wire-tethered handheld/wearable ultrasound systems for 2D/3D ultrasound imaging and bedside monitoring with quantum leap improvements in resolution, sensitivity, speed, and intelligence.
Karma Medical Products
Karma Medical Products
KarMed is engaged in the complete life cycle of medically-relevant products encompassing concept, design, and development through to launch and consumer experience. KarMed’s flagship product is the FEPSim®.
Maman Biomedical
Maman Biomedical
Maman biomedical is dedicated to alleviating the emotional and physical pain associated with In Vitro Fertilization. Through innovative, compassionate solutions to empower individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood.
My Fertility Labs Inc.
My Fertility Labs Inc.
The all-in-one platform by My Fertility Labs, combines advanced home fertility testing and lab blood analysis, AI-driven cycle tracking, and personalized telehealth consultations to provide comprehensive and accessible care.
Neuraura Biotech Inc
Neuraura Biotech Inc
LoOoP by Neuraura will be the first effective and accessible solution for polycystic ovarian syndrome, the most common, profound and overlooked condition affecting individuals assigned female at birth.
Pulmvita
Pulmvita
Developing a new type of nasal cannula to improve portable oxygen delivery. Portable oxygen delivery is used by those who require supplemental oxygen due to lung conditions such as COPD.
SpectraCann Ltd.
SpectraCann Ltd.
SpectraCann is building the world’s first rapid onsite THC screening test, with unmatched speed, accuracy, reliability, and accessibility.
Synapsis Medical Technologies Inc.
Synapsis Medical Technologies Inc.
Synapsis Medical Technologie is developing sensor and algorithms for hemodynamic monitoring and cardiovascular health assessment in a convenient, wearable form-factor.
Thoth Biosimulations Inc.
Thoth Biosimulations Inc.
Thoth Biosimulations is a start-up company leveraging generative AI to explore new chemical frontiers and design innovative therapies. Specializing in computational drug discovery, focusing on optimizing drug interactions and expediting the drug discovery process.
Venture Coaches
Tiffany Linke-Boyko
Early Stage Investor
“Entrepreneurship is an incredibly challenging journey, and I have great respect for each person who takes that leap to solve a problem and build a company. I am excited to play a role in supporting these individuals on their journey.”
Tiffany Linke-Boyko is a principal at Flying Fish Partners. Her expertise is in investing in early stage companies and operations such as leading and growing a team. Tiffany is the former CEO for Startup Edmonton. She played a vital role in Startup Edmonton’s growth into a campus and community hub that has welcomed more than 25,000 participants at events, helped launch 50 startups, and currently houses 180 shared and resident members.
Jalil Hakimi
Global Product Manager, Sartorious Stedim Biotech
“Helping organizations to establish, grow and succeed is my passion. I am thankful for the opportunity to connect with companies at the early stage of their development and to help them navigate through the various hurdles that they will encounter. API’s Life Sciences Venture Coaching program is a great vehicle to help startups manage the bumps in the road that lies ahead.”
Jalil Hakimi is a visionary biotech and pharmaceutical professional with more than 20 years of experience in research and development for Sanofi Pasteur, establishing and managing the core facilities for the Sunnybrook Research Institute, and the University Hospital Network. Currently, he is the Global Product Manager for Sartorius Stedim Biotech and a board member of the QCare Health Group. Jalil is passionate about next-generation medicine, advanced therapies, and cell immunotherapy, and has been recognized for his distinctive mentoring and coaching skills. He holds an Undergraduate Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences from the Babol University of Medical Sciences, a Postgraduate Degree in Biotechnology from the University of Toronto, and an Executive MBA from the Ivey Business School at Western University.
Brian Lewis
Director of Industry and Investment Relations, EXCITE International
“Throughout my career, I have been a strong advocate for innovation and commercialization of products that have a real impact on patients, whether it was through my work at an industry association or at a biotech company involved in treating rare diseases. Participating in API’s Life Sciences Venture Coaching program is an opportunity to support the people and organizations with dreams of making a difference in the life sciences.”
Brian Lewis is the former President and CEO of Medtech Canada and Country General Manager, Sanofi Genzyme. His passion is helping medical technology innovators succeed in the quest for fast, efficient, cost-effective adoption of innovations, and maximization of financial performance. Currently, he is the President of Brian Lewis and Associates Inc. and also the Director of Industry and Investor Relations at EXCITE International, a not-for-profit focused on de-risking investment of breakthrough technologies and accelerating the global adoption of non-drug health technologies. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Guelph and a Bachelor of Business Administration from York University.
Elodie Martin
Digital Transformation Leader
“I am passionate about the impact of digital technology in all forms and its potential applications in the life sciences sector. I am looking forward to meeting the various companies in the API Life Sciences Venture Coaching program, and to provide any kind of advice and assistance to help start-up companies succeed.”
Elodie Martin is a Digital Transformation and Omnichannel Engagement Consultant. She is an experienced pharma professional in digital transformation strategy with a proven track record of successfully leading complex projects and driving change in a highly regulated environment. Her experience in regulatory and medical affairs ensures that regulatory constraints and compliance considerations are always on their radar. Elodie has over a decade of experience in regulatory affairs, business planning and strategy in Pharmascience, Sanofi, Hospira, and more. She holds a Bachelors of Biology from McGill University and a Masters in Molecular Biology from Université de Montréal.
Nicolas Petit
Biotech Executive
“Our ability to innovate and move from startup to commercialization is key to build a strong Canadian Life Sciences Ecosystem. Coaching a startup is a way to contribute to this mission while discovering new technologies, partnering with a highly motivated team, and ultimately improving healthcare and patients’ outcomes.”
Nicolas Petit is a biotech executive with 15+ years’ experience in pharma, vaccines, and biotech with a focus on commercial operations, corporate development and external affairs. Until recently, he was the Vice President, Commercial Operations at Medicago. He spent a decade at Sanofi in Commercial Operations and Business Development positions across five different countries. He is also the Director at BioQuebec since 2021. He holds a Master degree in Agronomy and Life Sciences from ENSAIA School in France, and an Advanced Master Degree in International Management from ESSEC Business School.
Myles Smith
Regional Director, UK, ANZ, and Canada, Masimo
“I enjoy working with creative entrepreneurial people; their energy is motivating and energizing. I also love learning about new businesses and identifying their path to success. If my experiences can lend any support to this development path to success, I am happy to play a role.”
Myles Smith is a sales and marketing professional for medical devices with over 25 years of experience. He has worked across Canada, USA, the UK and Australia. As the VP of Sales in Canada and US RPM, Myles has led Masimo’s business in Canada for 7 years and seen it almost triple during that time. He also oversaw the introduction of several newly developed technologies. He has extensive experience of working with almost every major healthcare provider in Canada as well as Canada’s group purchase organizations (GPO). He led Masimo’s UK/ Australian businesses for 3 years and showed double business growth during that time. With his time working in international markets, he has developed a sound understanding of go to market requirements in different jurisdictions.
Solomon Ssenyange, PhD
CEO, RedNOX Inc.
“I had such great experience attending the University of Alberta and living in Edmonton for several years. I would like to see the life sciences ecosystem in Alberta thrive and through the API Venture Coaching program, I’ll serve as a coach for start-ups as a serial entrepreneur with a successful exit. There are a lot of real-world experiences to share with future and current budding entrepreneurs in the hardware and medical technology space.”
Solomon Ssenyange, PhD is an experienced serial entrepreneur. He is the former CEO of Spirosure Inc., co-founder and former CEO of Single Helix Genomics and Silvertip Medical, Inc., and is the current co-founder of RedNOx, Inc. Solomon developed a sensor that can diagnose asthma and COPD via a nitric oxide biomarker in exhaled breath at Spirosure, a diagnostics startup which was later acquired. He is using the same technology for his current venture RedNox Inc., where he is building sensors for emission detection. He holds a Bachelor of Sciences from the University of Manitoba, and a PhD in Analytical Chemistry from University of Alberta.