Jim Wilson

Based in Hamilton, Ontario, Innovation Factory is one of 17 Regional Innovation Centres across Ontario, providing free advisory services, training, and mentorship to entrepreneurs at every stage - from idea to scale-up. With a particular strength in life sciences, roughly 35% of the 850+ companies Innovation Factory supports each year come from that sector, drawn in part by Hamilton's exceptional ecosystem of hospitals, universities, and research institutions.In this episode, host Jim Wilson speaks with Shannon Graszat, Manager of Venture Growth at Innovation Factory, about how the organization helps founders turn ideas into products, access hospital and university networks, and tap into funding programs - all at no cost. Shannon discusses the Synapse Life Sciences Consortium, which brings together key institutional partners to support life sciences companies not just locally, but from across the province and country.This conversation highlights why Hamilton has emerged as a hub for life sciences innovation in Canada, and how entrepreneurs anywhere in Ontario can access Innovation Factory's growing suite of resources - remotely or in person.

Based in Toronto, Ontario, Skinopathy is a medical technology company on a mission to provide accessible healthcare on demand. By integrating advanced AI with smartphone technology, Skinopathy allows patients to screen for skin cancer and other conditions from home, bridging the gap between early detection and specialized medical intervention.In this episode, host Jim Wilson speaks with co-founder and CEO Keith Loo about the company’s "accidental" beginnings during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a conversation between friends about the alarming rise in late-stage skin cancer became a life-saving tool now used globally. Keith discusses the technical challenge of building AI that works on all skin tones, navigating Canadian healthcare bureaucracy, and the emotional weight of building a company that helps patients "cancel their funerals."This conversation explores the intersection of high-tech innovation and human-centric care, highlighting how a tool meant to be given away for free evolved into a clinically validated platform that outperforms traditional diagnostic standards.Note: We unfortunately ran into some technology issues with our microphone and apologize for Jim's mic quality. We have added a transcript to this podcast to make Jim's side accessible.

Join host Jim Wilson for a conversation with Zaid Atto, founder and CEO of Xpan in Vaughan, Ontario.Xpan is a medical device company focused on minimally invasive surgery, developing a new approach to surgical trocars used in laparoscopic procedures - tools that haven’t changed much in decades, despite being used in millions of procedures every year.Zaid shares how the idea started while he was studying biomedical engineering at the University of Toronto, after hearing firsthand from surgeons frustrated with the limitations of existing devices. He walks through the journey from a university capstone project to building a company, and why he chose to move beyond research and into entrepreneurship to bring real solutions to patients.This episode offers a grounded look at what it takes to turn a real clinical problem into a viable medical device.

Based in Laval, Quebec, NMX Research and Solutions is a specialized biopharma firm helping scientists find new medicines faster. By using tools like NMR spectroscopy and Fragment-Based Lead Discovery, NMX bridges the gap between lab research and real-world cures while mentoring the next generation of Canadian biotech leaders.In this episode, host Jim Wilson sits down with founder Steven LaPlante to trace his journey from a dairy farm in upstate New York to the front lines of drug discovery. Steven discusses the "shoveling manure" work ethic that fueled his move into science, his childhood spent building farm tools with a welder and torch, and why he eventually moved to Montreal to care for his family.This conversation explores the role of curiosity in innovation, the shift from big pharma "four walls" to the fast-paced world of startups, and how a background in biophysics became the foundation for a revolution in medicine. From Hepatitis C to COVID-19 research, Steven explains why "building your own tools" is the secret to solving the world's biggest health challenges.

Join us for throwback insightful conversation with Matthew Miller, a distinguished scientist and academic leader, as he shares his journey from a small town in Ontario to becoming a key figure in infectious disease research.Discover how serendipity and mentorship shaped his career, the challenges of starting a lab, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his work.Matthew also discusses the importance of basic science funding, the role of serendipity in scientific discovery, and his vision for the future of health sciences in Canada. Tune in to explore the next great big idea on the horizon and how it could transform the health and economy of Canadians.

Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Vive Crop Protection is a leading agri-tech company dedicated to helping farmers "do more with less." By focusing on development over discovery, Vive combines synthetic chemistry with bio-based pesticides to create high-performance products that lower costs for growers while reducing the environmental footprint of traditional farming.In this episode, host Jim Wilson sits down with CEO and co-founder Darren Anderson to trace his journey from a chemistry-obsessed high schooler in Sarnia to the head of a major Canadian innovation success story. Darren discusses the "accident of history" that led to his birth in West Virginia, his burnout during undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, and the pivotal influence of his PhD supervisor, Dr. Cynthia Goh, who saw an entrepreneur in him before he saw it in himself.This conversation explores the critical role of humility and luck in business, the transition from a "perfect" academic mindset to the fast-paced world of startups, and how a specialized background in chemical physics became the foundation for a sustainable revolution in agriculture.

Based in Sherbrooke, Quebec, AxCell Labs is a biotech engineering startup developing a new generation of biomaterials designed to help the body heal itself. Their core innovation is a specialized scaffold made from bacterial cellulose—originally derived from a local kombucha culture—that provides a physical structure for human cells to colonize and regenerate soft tissue lost to trauma, surgery, or cancer.In this episode, host Jim Wilson sits down with CEO Jérémie Chaussé to share the "accidental" origin story of the company, which began when two university students went door-to-door hunting for kombucha scoby to start their first lab culture.Jérémie discusses the grit required to navigate a three-year master’s degree while acting as his own tax accountant, the critical technical pivot they made after a failed animal trial, and how their "scaffold" technology provides a new benchmark for reconstructive surgery.This conversation offers a candid look at the reality of student entrepreneurship, the importance of securing intellectual property early, and how a bit of "kombucha luck" turned into a high-stakes medical mission.

Join host Jim Wilson for a conversation with Simon LaPointe, founder and CEO of EncephalX in Sherbrooke, Quebec.EncephalX is a medical device company focused on helping people recovering from severe head injuries and strokes. Their main invention, the Dynamic Cranioplasty System, aims to turn two dangerous brain surgeries into one by creating a special implant that allows the brain to swell and heal safely without having to leave a piece of the skull out.Simon shares how a college internship took him out of the classroom and directly into operating rooms, where seeing the reality of brain trauma changed his career path. He talks about the patience it took to study the problem for months before ever building a prototype, the challenge of starting a business during the pandemic, and how a "moving" skull piece can save patients from a second high-risk surgery.This episode offers a clear look at how a young engineer is using simple mechanics to solve a massive healthcare problem and get patients home sooner.

Join host Jim Wilson for a conversation with Dylan Horvath, founder and principal of Cortex Design in Toronto, Ontario. Cortex helps MedTech teams take medical devices from early concept through to commercialization, with a focus on designing for real users and the full set of stakeholders who influence adoption. Dylan shares how a childhood obsession with robotics led him into systems design engineering, then into industrial design, and ultimately into building Cortex into a specialized MedTech practice. They talk about the high-stakes Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE experience, what it taught the team about focus and execution, and why usability, workflow, and practical realities like cleaning and procurement can determine whether a device succeeds in the market. This episode offers a clear look at what it takes to turn complex ideas into viable, commercial medical products. 

In this episode of NGBi Lab, host Jim Wilson welcomes Loreen Wales, the Founder and CEO of Revive Wellness and My Viva.Discover the harrowing origin story that fueled Loreen's mission: a near-fatal accident at age 19 that left her with a miracle survival and a relentless drive to transform how we deliver patient care.From her early days as a dietitian in Edmonton to realizing that the healthcare system lacked a personalized, scalable plan for patients, Loreen discusses her 18-year journey of building a holistic digital health platform.From the grit required to transition from a "bricks and mortar" clinic to a global technology company, to the reality of a "10-year overnight success," this conversation dives into the conviction and risk required to innovate in the health sciences sector.

In this episode of NGBi Lab, host Jim Wilson welcomes Akeem Gardner, CEO and Founder of Canurta Therapeutics. Discover how Akeem transitioned from law school and farming into the biotech space to build a company developing botanical drug candidates for neurodegenerative diseases, with a lead program targeting ALS.From his unconventional entrepreneurial journey and the shift from ingredient supplier to full biotechnology company, to the stark financial realities of funding clinical trials, this conversation dives deep into the conviction and risk required to innovate in the life sciences sector.Tune in to learn about his vision for Canurta Therapeutics and what it really takes to run a startup. 

In this episode, host Jim Wilson sits down with the team at McCallum-Sather Architects to explore their forward-thinking approach to sustainable, integrated design in the life sciences sector. Mary Georgious and Liam Brown share how their architectural and mechanical engineering expertise come together to shape high-performance lab environments. They discuss the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and user-centered planning—especially when transforming aging facilities into modern research spaces. Their work on the University of Waterloo’s Earth Sciences and Chemistry complex offers a compelling look at the opportunities and challenges of renovating existing buildings to meet today’s scientific and environmental standards. 

Dr. Amol Deshpande shares his journey from a Toronto upbringing to a diverse career spanning chronic pain medicine, emergency and cardiac care, healthcare consulting, and venture support at MaRS. He reflects on key experiences at UHN, WSIB, Toronto Rehab, and AIoT Health, as well as launching his podcast Reboot Health.Amol also discusses the state of Canadian life sciences, the need for genuine collaboration, and the importance of clear national vision. He closes with personal reflections on fatherhood and what’s next in his mission to improve healthcare and innovation in Canada.

Join us for an engaging conversation with Nima Zamani, co-founder of Cobionix, as he shares the inspiring journey of building a cutting-edge robotics company. Discover how Cobionix is revolutionizing healthcare with its needle-free AI-powered robotic injection technology, addressing labor shortages, and pioneering autonomous medical solutions. Nima also delves into the challenges of entrepreneurship and the critical role of human-robot collaboration in transforming the medical field.

In this episode Jonathan Bramson walks us through his path from childhood in Montreal to pursuing a PhD at McGill and becoming a leading voice in gene and cell therapy. He reflects on early influences, academic anxieties, and the unexpected turns that led him into oncology and biotech. We explore the evolution of gene therapy, the power of mentorship, the realities of building in the life sciences sector, and the creativity behind developing new treatments. Jonathan also shares what he's most proud of—both personally and professionally—and his aspirations for the future of universal cell therapy. 

In this episode of NGBiLab, host Jim Wilson welcomes the innovative minds behind YellowBird Diagnostics: Nicholas Calvert, Alexia Kirby, and Adam Shuhendler. Discover how this dynamic team, spun out of the University of Ottawa, is revolutionizing disease diagnosis with cutting-edge chemical technologies. From their entrepreneurial journey to the challenges of bringing molecular imaging to the clinic, this conversation delves into the heart of innovation in the life sciences sector. Tune in to learn about their vision to become leaders in advanced imaging dye innovation and their plans for the future.

In this engaging episode, Jim Wilson sits down with Marc Jeschke, a renowned surgeon and researcher, to explore his fascinating journey from Germany to becoming a leading figure in burn care and research. Marc shares insights into his early life, the challenges and triumphs of his career, and his vision for the future of healthcare. Discover how his passion for innovation and dedication to patient care have shaped his path and continue to drive his work at Hamilton Health Sciences.

In this archived episode of NGBiLab, host Jim Wilson revisits his conversation with Bronwyn Bridges, CEO and co-founder of PragmaClin, a pioneering startup from St. John's, Newfoundland. PragmaClin's innovative digital tool, Prims, is designed to enhance the assessment of Parkinson's disease, offering more objective and efficient pathways for neurological care. Bronwyn reflects on her journey, the hurdles overcome, and the serendipitous moments that shaped PragmaClin's mission to make healthcare more accessible.

In this archive episode of NGBideas, host Jim Wilson sits down with Professor Christine Allen from the University of Toronto's Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. Join us as we explore Dr. Allen's remarkable journey from her early days in Ottawa to becoming a globally recognized leader in drug formulation and development. Discover her insights on the integration of AI in drug development, her experiences in academia and industry, and her inspiring personal story of resilience and innovation. Tune in for an engaging conversation that delves into the future of life sciences and the power of formulation to transform medicine.

In this throwback episode of NGBiLab, host Jim Wilson sits down with Kevin Neal and Jean-Francois Mio from Tatum Bioscience in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Discover how they are revolutionizing cancer treatment by programming bacteria to become cancer-fighting drugs. Learn about their journey, the challenges they face, and their vision for the future of immunotherapy. Tune in to explore the cutting-edge innovations in Canada's life sciences sector.

In this throwback episode of NGBideas, host Jim Wilson sits down with Brigitte Nolet, President and CEO of Roche Canada Pharma. They explore Brigitte's journey as a trisector leader, her personal experiences as a patient, and her insights into Canada's life sciences sector. Discover the importance of honesty in leadership and the potential of healthcare innovation. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, ambition, and the future of healthcare in Canada.

This week, we’re throwing it back to when Jim connected with Sydney Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Vessl Prosthetics, based in London, Ontario. Sydney and her team are pioneering next-generation prosthetic solutions specifically designed for below-knee amputees. Their innovative technology features automatic adjustments that ensure a consistently comfortable fit—greatly improving quality of life for many.In 2025, Vessl Prosthetics made significant strides, securing key funding and expanding their impact in the prosthetics field. Their journey perfectly exemplifies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that NGBi is proud to amplify—showcasing real-world breakthroughs happening across Canada’s life sciences ecosystem.Tune in to hear their inspiring story, and stay connected for more fresh conversations coming soon!

This week, we’re revisiting an episode with Cate Murray, President and CEO of the Stem Cell Network (SCN) in Ottawa. SCN is a Canadian not-for-profit supporting three main objectives: advancing stem cell and regenerative medicine research, training the next generation of researchers, and sharing breakthroughs in this incredible field.Founded in 2001 with federal support, SCN has grown from a few dozen labs to over 270 world-class research groups and dozens of clinical trials.Cate will also be joining NGBi25 to speak about regenerative medicine, sharing her insights on the latest innovations and trends in this exciting field.

Join host Jim Wilson as he sits down with Dr. Arinjay Banerjee and Dr. Volker Gerdts from the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) in Saskatoon. Discover how VIDO is at the forefront of infectious disease research and vaccine development, bridging human and animal health. Learn about their cutting-edge facilities, global partnerships, and the ambitious plans to make Canada a leader in pandemic preparedness. This episode offers a deep dive into the world of life sciences and the inspiring stories behind the scientists driving innovation. Tune in for insights that could shape the future of global health.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Shanil Ebrahim as he shares his journey from Saudi Arabia to Canada, navigating cultural transitions, and building a successful career in healthcare consulting. Discover how his experiences shaped his leadership style and his vision for creating a lasting impact in the healthcare industry. Shanil's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning.

This week on NGB Ideas, we’re revisiting a Season 1 conversation with Gordon McCauley, President & CEO of AdMare BioInnovations. Gordon has built his career at the intersection of politics, investment, and life sciences — and today, he’s at the center of Canada’s growing biotech ecosystem. In this episode, Gordon shares his journey from political staffer to venture capitalist to leading one of Canada’s most influential life sciences organizations. He reflects on lessons learned from both successes and setbacks, the importance of building domestic anchor companies, and how AdMare is working to transform Canada’s research strength into a globally competitive industry.Gordon will also be joining us at NGBi25 as the moderator of the Investment Panel, where these very themes will take center stage.Tune in for insights on leadership, ecosystem building, and the future of Canadian life sciences.

Join Jim Wilson as he sits down with Bill Hunter, a pioneering figure in the Canadian life sciences community. From his early days in Mississauga to founding Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, Bill shares his journey of innovation, resilience, and the pursuit of medical breakthroughs. Discover how his passion for science and entrepreneurship led to the development of life-saving technologies and his vision for the future of med-tech. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of progress in healthcare.

In this episode of NGBideas, we sit down with Bharat Srinivasa, Co-Founder of Amplitude Venture Capital, to trace his journey from Bangalore to Canada and into the world of biotech investing. Bharat shares how curiosity, persistence, and networking shaped his path from biology labs to consulting and venture capital, and reflects on the growth of Canada’s life sciences ecosystem, the challenges of company creation, and the exciting future of AI, new biology, and transformative healthcare innovation. Bharat will also be joining our Investment Panel at NGBi25 — hear his perspective live at the Summit. 

Join us for an insightful conversation with Matthew Miller, a distinguished scientist and academic leader, as he shares his journey from a small town in Ontario to becoming a key figure in infectious disease research. Discover how serendipity and mentorship shaped his career, the challenges of starting a lab, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his work. Matthew also discusses the importance of basic science funding, the role of serendipity in scientific discovery, and his vision for the future of health sciences in Canada. Tune in to explore the next great big idea on the horizon and how it could transform the health and economy of Canadians.

Join us as we delve into the remarkable career of Neil Fraser, a visionary leader in the Canadian medtech sector. From his early days growing up in a nomadic family to becoming the president of Medtronic Canada, Neil's journey is one of innovation and leadership. Discover how he transformed Medtronic into a powerhouse in the industry, his insights on value-based healthcare, and his ongoing influence as a policy advisor. Tune in to explore the pivotal moments and lessons from Neil's 38-year career that continue to shape the future of healthcare in Canada.