Since 2016, I’ve had the pleasure of being an NRC IRAP industrial technology advisor (ITA), serving Canadian businesses in the Toronto area. I am a physicist by training, with a Master of Science degree in Medical Imaging, and my career has yielded a wealth of practical experience in software systems development and entrepreneurship. In my first job as a joint-founder in a medical devices company, I learned the value and the difficulties of integrating hardware and software technologies as part of inventing something new. Managing software and technology development for successful start-up, scale-up and business growth, defined my career in industry for over 17 years.

When I learned about NRC IRAP, I was excited by the breadth of support it offers to SMEs. Not only could I continue to provide advice and guidance to firms, but the program also includes the possibility of providing them with financial support. Combined, these resources give companies the edge they need to expedite the development of new technologies and innovations, and I loved that idea. So, I took on the role of an ITA, became a member of NRC IRAP’s information and communications technology (ICT) sector team and am currently the go-to expert team lead in artificial intelligence (AI) and big data. Today, I am able to help Canadian SMEs with their digital transformation, so they have the right foundation to apply AI, machine learning and other applications that are needed to be competitive in any industry.

While delivering NRC IRAP over the years, I have contributed to some amazing innovations, and have also been part of some remarkable public service moments. In March 2020, at one of the most uncertain times of the pandemic, our Ontario NRC IRAP team checked in with 1,000 companies to see what their needs and challenges were and to offer support. It was such a fulfilling experience to see the entire team pull together in aide of our clients when they needed it the most. This was happening across all regions in Canada and you could really feel the dedication of the whole of NRC IRAP during this time to support Canadian SMEs.

I am very proud to work for a program that is focused on the success of our clients. I get to work with colleagues across the country who have expertise on different kinds of technology and in a variety of industries. We work together and draw on each other’s expertise, not only from a technical standpoint, but also in resolving the pragmatic issues that entrepreneurs face day-to-day in growing their businesses. That is where I think NRC IRAP’s special place is within Canada’s innovation ecosystem–it’s the personal touch. We combine science and technical knowledge with business and market expertise to find and create the best opportunities for our clients.