The University of Ottawa, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, and The University of Ottawa Heart Institute welcome you to the Bench, Biz and Beyond: A Path to Commercialization series Over the next few months, join us for an informative journey through the world of academic innovation and entrepreneurship. This series is designed to empower researchers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts with the knowledge and tools needed to foster groundbreaking ideas, drive intellectual property strategies, and transform innovations from the bench to real-world solutions.
Through a diverse range of lunch sessions with a host of experts, we will explore various key factors of the innovation ecosystem, from intellectual property and industry collaborations to startup ventures and regulatory pathways. Whether you’re an academic, a business professional, or simply curious about innovation, this series is your gateway to unlocking the full potential of Ottawa’s innovation scene.
Schedule overview
Phase 1: Setting the Stage for Innovation
- September 26, 2023: Introduction to Ottawa’s Academic Innovation Ecosystem, feat. John Bell
- November 17, 2023: An Introduction to Intellectual Property and Commercialization
Phase 2: Navigating the Innovation Journey
- January 23, 2024: Collaborating with Industry
- February 29, 2024: Starting a Company – A How-To Guide
Phase 3: Practical Insights and Connecting with Experts
- April 11, 2024: Clinical Trials and Regulatory Pathway Insights
- June 6, 2024: Putting it all Together – Building a Successful Company
All sessions will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Phase 1: Setting the Stage for Innovation
Session 1: An Introduction to Ottawa’s Academic Innovation Ecosystem
Session overview
Discover the heart of Ottawa’s academic innovation landscape in this session. Learn how innovation offices operate, and gain insights into the world of intellectual property (IP) from the technology transfer office’s perspective. Dive into the invention disclosure process, explore how technology is assessed, and understand how researchers can actively engage with innovation offices. This session is a must for anyone seeking to navigate the interface of academia and innovation.
Speakers
- Dr. John Bell, Senior Scientist, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
- Leah Labib, Technology Transfer Officer, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
- Olanta Negeri, Business Development Manager, Innovation Support Services, uOttawa
- Adim De, Innovation Advisor, The University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Date: September 26, 2023 (completed)
Session 2: An Introduction to Intellectual Property and Commercialization
Session overview
Unravel the intricacies of intellectual property and its role in successful commercialization. From the basics of patents to exploring different forms of IP, this session will equip you with a comprehensive understanding of protecting your innovations. Delve into patent procedures both locally and internationally, grasp the significance of prior art and public disclosure, and explore strategic avenues for commercialization, be it through licensing or launching your own startup.
Speakers
- Hans Schroeder, PhD, Partner, Patent Agent. Firm: Gowling WLG
- Kushal Shah, Patent Agent. Firm: Gowling WLG
- Maura Campbell, PhD, President and CEO, Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization (OBIO)
Date: November 17, 2023
Watch session 2 recording (Zoom) (Passcode: ZR287.Wt)
Phase 2: Navigating the Innovation Journey
Session 3: Collaborating with Industry
Session overview
Understand the strength of academia-industry collaboration in tackling R&D challenges. Engage with experts as they share insights on establishing fruitful relationships with industry players. Plus, explore funding opportunities that can fuel research-commercialization collaborations, fostering a cooperative relationship that drives innovation forward.
Panelists:
- Dr Matthew Bromwich, MD (Moderator) – Surgeon and Innovation Director – Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
- Dr. Robert DeKemp – Head Imaging Physicist, Cardiac Imaging - University of Ottawa Heart Institute
- Dr. Peter Liu, MD – Chief Scientific Officer and Vice President of Research – University of Ottawa Heart Institute
- Dr. Jean-Simon Diallo – CEO and Scientific Founder – Virica Biotech, Senior Scientist - Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
- Dr. Emille Rodrigues – Business Development and Commercialization Manager - Ontario Centre of Innovation
Date: January 23, 2024
Location: OHRI South Cancer Centre, Room C3202, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Session 4: Starting a Company – A How-To Guide
Session overview
Embark on the exhilarating journey from idea to startup success. Discover how to determine the feasibility of spinning off your technology and time your venture for success. Explore the support systems in place and gain insights from entrepreneurs who have spun out from academia as they share their experiences, challenges, opportunities, and key lessons learned along the way.
Panelists
- Kathleen Kemp (Panel Moderator) – Manager of uOttawa eHub (Entrepreneurship Hub)
- Carolina Ilkow, PhD – Founder, Esphera Synbio and Senior Scientist, OHRI
- Nicholas Calvert – CEO and co-founder, Yellowbird Diagnostics and PhD Candidate, uOttawa
- Dayre McNally, MD, PhD –Founder, insightScope and Senior Scientist and Pediatric Intensivist, CHEO
Date: February 29, 2024
Location: Foustanellas Auditorium (H-2367), University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Session recording:
Watch session 4 recording (Zoom) » (Passcode: XPD9F+*x)
Phase 3: Practical Insights and Connecting with Experts
Session 5: Clinical Trials and Regulatory Pathway Insights
Session overview
Navigate the complex world of translating your research from bench-side to clinical trials in this informative session. Learn about clinical trial procedures and regulatory requirements while gaining deeper insights into avoiding pitfalls and determining the right path for your innovation. Learn when and how to initiate the regulatory process and explore key concepts of good practices (GxP) in your endeavours.
Speakers
- Ivy Salter - Clinical Research Facilitator, OHRI
- Jennifer Cox, JD - Manager, Research Contracts, OHRI
Date: April 11, 2024
Location: OHRI Critical Care Wing, Room 5225 (5th Floor), 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Watch session 5 recording (Sharepoint)
Session 6: Putting it all Together – Building a Successful Company
Session overview
Discover the keys to building a thriving startup, particularly in the high-tech and biotech sectors. Understand the optimal timing for seeking external funding and learn practical strategies for accessing the necessary capital. This session brings together experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts who will share insights into fundraising, pitching, and securing the resources needed to take your startup to new heights.
Speakers
- Michael Weider – Partner, Fundfire and Vice-Chair Board of Directors, OHIRC
- Richard Meadows – Serial Investor, Multiple and Board Member, OHRI
Date: June 6, 2024
Location: Foustanellas Auditorium (room H-2367), University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Registration
In person (Eventbrite) Virtual (Eventbrite)
For more information
Please contact Olanta Negeri at onegeri@uottawa.ca.