On October 18th, 2023, NeuroSphere transformed the Engine Centre as its temporary headquarters as more than 50 participants gathered for its half-day conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Researchers. The event aimed to unravel the complexities of translating research findings into tangible, real-world solutions. From captivating speakers to insightful panel discussions, the conference explored alternative pathways to amplify the impact of research on a grand scale.
Unveiling Non-Academic Paths
The day started with an enlightening session by Robert Nason, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at McGill University's Desautels Faculty of Management. Nason shared important insights and different perspectives, guiding participants through the maze of non-academic paths in entrepreneurship. His session set the tone for a day filled with exploration and discovery.
A Thought-Provoking Panel
The conference featured a panel of exceptional individuals who successfully bridged the gap between academia and industry. Dr. Manuel Cruz from Innovobot Labs, Dr. Sherin Al-Safadi of Radiopharm Theranostics, and Dr. Cynthia Goh from the University of Toronto, led by Katya Marc, provided diverse perspectives on combining research with entrepreneurship or non-profit endeavours. Attendees gained valuable feedback on ethical dilemmas, the alignment of professional activities with personal values, and the multifaceted nature of success.
Unlocking Funding Frontiers
Funding is a crucial aspect of turning innovative ideas into reality, and the conference brought together a lineup of funding experts to shed light on novel funding sources. Mark Weber from McGill Research + Innovation, Jean-Philippe Taillon from Investissement Québec's Fonds d'investissement Eurêka, Alexandra Ferland from MEDTEQ+, Jean-Philippe Delisle from Axelys, and Romain Lortille Bruel from the Conseil de l'innovation du Québec took the stage to provide valuable support. Attendees learned how to navigate the funding landscape based on their project's innovation and maturity.
Closing Keynote: Jeffrey Blum's Insightful Journey
The conference reached its zenith with a captivating closing keynote by Jeffrey Blum, Technical Project Manager for the IMAGE project at the Shared Reality Lab. Blum showcased how to unlock impact without the conventional patent route. Through industry collaboration, grants, and innovative intellectual property strategies, he demonstrated how researchers can make a meaningful difference.
Acknowledgments and Appreciation
A warm thank you to our partner, the Desjardins Centre for Advanced Training (DCAT), and Emily Bell, for their invaluable support. Their collaboration played a crucial role in making this conference a success.
To the vibrant audience, your active involvement and thought-provoking questions played a pivotal role in bridging the realms of academia and entrepreneurship. Together, we are propelling meaningful innovation and nurturing a culture where research transforms into impactful solutions.
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