Editor & Publisher, The Daily Digest

Jim is the editor & publisher of The Daily Digest, the world’s most widely read bioeconomy daily with 5.9 million readers globally. He is the co-founder of the Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference (ABLC) series, and founder of The Circular, Reenergize, and Robin.Stream.

Vice President Business Development, SixRing Inc.

Ron joined Calgary-based bio industrial tech firm SixRing Inc in the fall of 2021, following more than 35 years of diverse professional experience, including leadership positions in Canada’s diplomatic service, and federal and provincial governments. Ron served in six countries spanning four continents, with extensive experience in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa including Senior Trade Commissioner, Director General of Strategic Policy, Director of Defense and Security Policy, and Senior Advisor to two Canadian foreign ministers. Previously, Ron served Alberta as Senior Representative to Asia based in Hong Kong, and Interim CEO and COO of Invest Alberta tasked with standing up the corporation in its initial year. While based in Hong Kong, Ron was elected Vice Chairman of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce from 2015-2019. He is a frequent commentator on foreign policy, international affairs and government.

President and CEO, ECOSTRAT Inc.

Jordan has been President and CEO of Ecostrat for over 20 years where he oversees the Biomass Advisory Group and the Biomass Supply Group. He has overseen the supply of more than 5MM tons of biomass feedstock to projects around North America. As head of Ecostrat Advisory, Jordan has led supply chain de-risking teams for JP Morgan, Shell, Enviva, NREL, DTE Energy, Macquarie Bank, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Southern Company, Rentech, Noresco, EDF, Sweetwater, Solvay, McKinstry, LaFarge, PGE, Eastman, Coca-Cola, Johnson Controls, Siemens, and the Canadian government. He is presently the leading partner with US National Laboratory INL in a 5 year project to develop the new US National Standards for Biomass Supply Chain Risk for the US Department of Energy.

Graduate student, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Vancouver

An economist/writer turned environmentalist, Aish has over 8 years’ experience in multiple disciplines that give her robust agility and the ability to bring a diverse point of view to the table. Aish is currently a graduate student of Green Business and Sustainability Management at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, British Columbia and spends most of her time involved in youth-led environmental projects be it engagement or education centric. She is interested in creating a circular economy, impact investing, and unlocking innovation to accelerate the transition to clean technology.

Directeur général, Innofibre

Jean-Philippe holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, and a master's degree in energy and materials science. Working for several years in the family recycling business, Jean-Philippe acquired solid expertise in business development and strategic partnerships. His expertise and leadership then led him to take on a management position at Innofibre in January 2018. Since then, he supervises the research work while maintaining a collaborative project approach. According to Jean-Philippe, teamwork is the key to success in accelerating technological development and scientific innovation.

Forestry and bio-products Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Canada to Spain

Eugenia joined Global Affairs Canada in 2019 as Trade Commissioner leading the bioeconomy sector and also as commercial infocentre coordinator. She is the first point of contact for Canadian entities seeking to do business in Spain.  In her role as Trade Commissioner, Eugenia helps Canadian companies and organizations expand their bioeconomy business in Spain by providing tailored market information and promising business leads. She has coordinated various successful events in the Bioeconomy connecting Canadian companies with the business ecosystem in Spain and Europe. She coordinates some of the Embassy’s initiatives related to diversity and inclusion and Business Women in International Trade activities. With over 10 years experience, Eugenia has worked as Project Manager for international development cooperation projects funded by the European Commission on private sector development, market access and trade policy. She also worked for the Spanish Export Promotion Agency as International Trade and Policy Advisor based in Brussels. Graduated in Law and Business and holding an MBA on International Business Management, her career has always been linked to international affairs and global business. Eugenia was born and raised in the south of Spain.

CEO, Hydrogenii Canada Inc.

Martin has over 25 years industrial and manufacturing experience. As the former Senior Director of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Technologies and Cleantech at the Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI), Martin was responsible for implementing and funding Greenhouse Gas Reduction projects for large scale provincial emitters on behalf of the Province of Ontario. Previously, as Director of Environmental Affairs for St. Marys Cement, Martin led the industry with greenhouse gas mitigation projects including acquiring Ontario’s first ever environmental approval for biomass fuels in the cement industry as well as the first ISO 50001 Certification for Energy Management in North America. Martin is a founding board member of the Ontario Clean Technology Industry Association (OCTIA.ca) and the current Chair of the CIPEC (Canadian Industry Partnership for Energy Conservation) Task Force, a partnership between private industry and Natural Resources of Canada which aims to promote and improve Canada's industrial energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial sector.

Dodds & Associates LLC

David has over 30 years’ experience leading interdisciplinary process development groups combining biological and chemical technologies to create new industrial processes. He established Dodds & Associates in 2002 to provide technical expertise and management to start-up companies in bio/pharma, industrial biotech and renewable chemicals.  He provides technical diligence to the investment community and expert witness service for patent infringement cases.  His current work in biobased chemicals includes the electrochemical regeneration of enzyme cofactors, to allow metabolic pathways to reach 100% carbon efficiency and avoid CO2 production. David pursued post-doctoral work in molecular biology with Marvin Caruthers at the University of Colorado (1984-1986), Boulder. He obtained his Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry under Bryan Jones at the University of Toronto in 1984.

Director, Carbon and Sustainability, Advanced Biofuels Canada

Fred is the Director for Carbon and Sustainability of Advanced Biofuels Canada (ABFC), a national industry association established to promote the production and use of advanced biofuels in Canada. Fred leads ABFC’s work to establish biofuel carbon value, lifecycle analyses in regulations, and sector engagement in sustainability initiatives. Fred has 14 + years experience in the Canadian renewable fuels sector, and is a partner in Waterfall Group.

Energy Transition Program Manager, Shell

With more than 20 years experience in the energy industry, Simon’s focus is in developing economic decarbonization strategies for Shell and its strategic partners. He specializes in techno-commercial de-risking of emissions reductions opportunities with strong focus in Low-Carbon Fuels, Hydrogen manufacturing and logistics, Renewable Power including EV solutions, along with Nature-Based Solutions and Voluntary Credits / Offsets trading.

Executive Chair, Hydrogen Naturally

From a young age, Ian has followed his mother’s sage advice: “When someone tells you that you can’t do something, that just means they can’t do it. It has nothing to do with you.” MacGregor is an entrepreneur who likes to build projects from the ground up. He embraces technical complexity, demonstrated in the $10 billion Sturgeon Refinery project he spearheaded. He also conceived and built the Alberta Carbon Trunk Line, the largest system in the world for the capture and storage of manmade CO2. This system is now fully operational and resulted in the storage of about 2 million tons of CO2 in 2021. After earning his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Calgary in 1971, MacGregor decided he’d earn a better living as a welder. Because he likes commercial opportunity that permits growth to world scale, he often embarks on endeavors others conclude are not economically or technically viable, specializing in building and/or fixing big pieces of missing infrastructure. He is now working on building a world scale carbon removal and green hydrogen hub. Using forest waste (treetops and branches) left behind from existing forest operations, and marginalized trees not processed by sawmills, the hub’s natural air capture facility makes and sequesters CO2, as well as making renewable fuels. The goal is to remove 1 GT of CO2 from the atmosphere and make large quantities of clean hydrogen. The first Carbon Removal and Bright Green Hydrogen hub will be in Western Canada close to existing carbon sequestration infrastructure and forest feedstocks.

Regulatory Engagement Director, EcoEngineers

Lisa has nearly 20 years’ experience leading government relations and regulatory outreach in North America and Europe. She serves as EcoEngineers policy and regulatory engagement expert. She is responsible for staying current on key local, state, national, and international legislative, regulatory, and policy developments. She analyzes policy developments and how they fit within government decarbonization goals and efforts. In previous positions, Ms. Hanke provided technical and business leadership, advocacy, and support to members of the Canadian Fuels Association. She also spent 16 years leading global government affairs for clean technology companies Enerkem and Iogen. Ms. Hanke advocated for biofuels and renewable energy under the low-carbon fuel standards in Canada, British Columbia, the United States, the European Union, California, and other emerging markets.

Chief Investment Officer, Synonym

As chief investment officer at Synonym, Dr. Alexander utilizes his unique background in first-commercial project finance to enable the scaling of the bioeconomy. Brentan’s entrepreneurial background and deep expertise in the fields of electrochemistry and thermochemistry allow him to engage with project development and project finance at a foundational level, wrapping underlying technical breakthroughs in the required commercial structures to enable financing. He has seen over 1,000 different projects over his career, giving him unparalleled perspective into the structures, risks, and opportunities that are attractive to project finance investors and the minimum requirements to attract capital. Brentan has served as president at New Energy Risk and holds advanced degrees in mechanical engineering from Stanford and MIT.

Director Policy & Regulation, Advanced Biofuels Canada

Since 2005, Doug has helped lead the development of Canada’s advanced biofuels sector. He has worked directly on all key federal/provincial energy and climate action policies, including program support to build biofuel production capacity and expand clean fuel use in Canada. He is the Past Chair of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association.

VP Strategy and Partnerships, Natural Products Canada (NPC)

NPC is the driving force behind Canada’s Natural Product Innovation Cluster–a strategic and diverse community focused on the development and commercialization of naturally-derived products and technologies including biochemicals, bioplastics and other sustainable bioproducts. NPC offers in-depth advice and a suite of commercialization programs to Canadian early-stage companies and research institutes, provides connections and innovation scouting services to corporations and investors, and leverages an investment fund (NPC Ventures) to help develop and de-risk promising Canadian opportunities. As part of the executive management team, Sue leads NPC’s key relationships and initiatives to help promote and strengthen the Cluster.

Senior Manager, Clean Technology, Alberta Innovates

Mehr manages Alberta Innovates clean technology portfolio focusing on Bioenergy and the Circular Economy. Her work concentrates mainly on the utilization of agricultural and forestry residues and waste, plastics and emerging waste, while reducing products entering landfills. Mehr is a professional engineer with two master’s degrees in chemical engineering and environmental systems engineering. She leverages her engineering and project management skills from the past 20+ years to advance renewable fuels and waste diversion technologies. In the past, she used her process engineering skills while working for Stantec and Rally Engineering. She also worked as a research engineer and project management professional in clean energy for InnoTech Alberta and in start-up companies.

Founder & CEO, Digital Networking for Thought-Leaders (DN4TL)

As a natural communicator, leader and entrepreneur, Flo has produced multimedia projects globally since 2008. In 2017, he co-created TheFutureEconomy.ca, an impressive Canadian-focused site of leader interviews on the future economy, and built an influential national network and social media following in the process. Previously, Flo produced high-profile investment profiles in Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and eventually in Canada, where he also organized 3 high-level conferences in Alberta. He speaks 4 languages, has lived and worked in 12 countries and 3 Canadian provinces (AB, BC, QC), has conducted over 1,500 top-level leader interviews globally, 1,000 of which were in Canada. In autumn 2021, Flo launched DN4TL to leverage his passion for business development, his extensive real-life networking experience and connections, and his affinity with technology, to help Canadian leaders connect and grow their social media influence in support of Canadian competitiveness.

Chairman, Cumberland Strategies

Bliss is the founder of Cumberland Strategies. Over the past 27 years, he has been an innovator, practitioner and commentator in the Public Affairs arena both domestically and internationally. He has been an advisor to two Prime Ministers, Ministers, Members of Parliament and Cabinet. He was a senior advisor to several elected officials including the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Northern Development and Mines. His private sector experience includes Senior Executive roles in the banking and renewables industry and the pipeline industry.  As a former Board Member of the Sierra Club, Bliss has had a lifelong passion for promoting public policies that protect the environment. His clients include a variety of renewable fuels companies, tech and energy-related firms, financial services, agriculture, manufacturing, first nations, clean technology providers, healthcare stakeholders and infrastructure-related firms. Bliss completed his post-graduate degree at the London School of Economics.

Managing Director, TorchLight Bioresources

Dr. Jamie Stephen is the Managing Director of TorchLight Bioresources, a decarbonization strategy and policy advisor for national, provincial, and municipal governments, First Nations, utilities, airlines, large industrial emitters, property developers, and investment funds. Projects range from the development of energy facilities to national strategies on meeting Net Zero targets. He has two decades of experience in the bioenergy industry, working at the interface of the energy, forestry, agriculture, and waste sectors. Dr. Stephen holds a PhD in Forest and Energy Economics and a Masters in Chemical and Biological Engineering from the University of British Columbia. After growing up in the prairies and spending over a decade in Ontario, he now resides with his wife and three daughters in Nova Scotia. 

Executive Director, Canadian Biogas Association

As head of the Canadian Biogas Association, Jennifer works directly on behalf of the membership to create awareness and expand opportunities for biogas and renewable natural gas (RNG) in Canada. She connects people in the public and private sector, commercial, municipal and agricultural communities and NGO’s to build relationships and discover strategic and sustainable partnerships for deploying anaerobic digestion technology. Jennifer fosters an open dialogue with industry and government on matters relating to policy, research, technology, and economic barriers and solutions to advance development of biogas and RNG projects. Jennifer is an experienced educator and influencer and intimately familiar with the biogas/RNG sector, and advocates for best practices, policies, and programs that fit industry needs.

Green Tech Solutions, Munich Re

Derek is a Chemical Engineer working in the GreenTech solutions group of Munich RE, which offers innovative technology risk-transfer solutions for industrial clients in the bio-circular economy space. A key benefit of the insurance is the transfer of technology performance risk from project investors & lenders to the insurer to enable and improve project financing. The GreenTech focus on the circular economy is aligned with Munich RE’s global decarbonization strategy by providing unique insurance solutions for companies with bioenergy, waste to energy, carbon recycling, and other green technologies. Derek previously worked for LanzaTech as a Technology Manager focused on scale-up and commercialization of a novel gas fermentation technology.

Director, Economic Development, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation)

Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek is a formerly displaced First Nation that is in the process of rapidly developing its reserve lands on the south-east shores of Lake Nipigon, Ontario. Jordan is responsible for all on-reserve infrastructure developments, housing and land management, on and off-reserve business developments including the Papasay Value-Added Sawmill operation, forestry and mining agreements, employment and training matters, and regional, multi-First Nation initiatives, all off-reserve consultation matters, and sits on multiple Boards for the community. Jordan is responsible for six staff in his department, budgeting for dozens of projects and initiatives, and all funding applications and reporting requirements associated with these Projects. He has been working with First Nations for the last 13 years in various resource development, lands and economic development-related positions. He received his Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Guelph in 2008, and enjoys spending time with his partner, family and friends, travelling the world, fishing, golfing, and heavy metal festivals.    

Executive Chairman & Founding Partner, Chrysalix Venture Capital

Wal is an award-winning business leader and visionary in innovation, sustainability and cleantech, with unique industry insights gained through deep operational experience as a venture capitalist, corporate executive, international consultant and university professor. Wal founded Chrysalix Venture Capital, one of the earliest and most recognised private equity firms focused on industrial innovation, where he has helped raise more than $250M and participated in more than $1B in venture capital funding. He has sourced, invested in and advised numerous startups, assisting them in building breakthrough solutions for the new world economy while working hand-in-hand with large multinational companies on their innovation strategies.

President & CEO, Canadian Fuels Association

Bob, a native of Hawkesbury Ontario, joined the Canadian Fuels Association as President and CEO in September 2020. He is proud to represent Canada’s innovative fuels sector, and the critical role the sector plays to provide reliable, safe and environmentally responsible transportation energy to all Canadians. Bob leads the Association in driving policies that improve environmental performance, protect industry competitiveness and strengthen Canada’s critical energy infrastructure. Focusing on maintaining an open dialogue between industry and government, its stakeholders and the public are priorities. Bob also strongly believes that the Association can offer access to information and analysis in order to help drive informed policy decisions. Prior to joining the CFA, Bob was Senior Vice-President at the Forestry Products Association of Canada where he supported the sector on policy and technical issues relating to climate change, innovation, Indigenous engagement and environmental regulations.  Mr. Larocque was also responsible for supporting the sector in achieving its “30 by 30 Climate Change Challenge”. Bob attended the University of Ottawa graduating with an Honours Degree in Chemical Engineering. He resides in Ottawa with his wife Tara and their three children.

Executive Director, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC)

Meaghan is a nationally recognized thought-leader in the bioeconomy and has been spearheading research and innovation opportunities across the country for almost a decade. Prior to joining BIC, she was Executive Director of BioNB, a high-impact NGO focused on providing support to companies and stakeholders in New Brunswick’s bioscience sector. She also served as Chief Executive Officer of New Brunswick’s Health Research Foundation. She has a graduate degree in agricultural sciences and several certificates and diplomas in communications and management development. Her influence is national in scope and brings industry and association collaborators together building strong partnerships across a multitude of science, and technology sectors. She serves in leadership roles on several regional and national boards in support of entrepreneurs, research, innovation and investment entities.

Director of Research, Corporate Knights, lead author “Earth Index: Tracking the G20 Response to the Climate Emergency”

Ralph Torrie played a central role in putting global warming on the international environmental agenda.  He conducted the first low carbon scenario analysis for Canada, pioneered the methods now used internationally for local climate change response strategies, and continues to help public and private sector clients identify and pursue the opportunities being generated by the current global energy transition.

Consultation Coordinator/Climate Change Specialist & 20/20 Catalyst 2018 Cohort of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek First Nation

As the first point of entry for all industrial undertakings, Kyla’s main priority is protecting the rights and interests of Animbiigoo Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek, along with teaching her community how to adapt to a changing climate. She sees the absolute value in using green/clean energy to fight Climate Change and lower carbon emissions for the next generations. Kyla also works closely with their Community Planner and Development Manager to research best practices as they push forward with the construction of the new community. She has been exploring clean energy initiatives to help her community move forward to achieve its Green Community vision. She has a profound passion for environmental preservation and protection. She believes if humanity works together to understand and carry out these clean energy initiatives, our world will still be here seven generations from now. She has strong feelings towards youth engagement, talking and listening to them, including them in the dialogue, and teaching them new ways of seeing. Kyla is the proud mother of six Ojibway children and co-author of The Palgrave Handbook of Global Arts Education.

Chief, Red Rock Indian Band, Lake Helen Reserve

Marcus was elected Chief of Red Rock Indian Band in September 2019. He lives with his wife and is a proud father of 7 beautiful children. At age 36, Marcus is the youngest elected Chief in the history of his community. As Chief, his priorities are the sustainability of his First Nation, Youth, and Elders and the restoration and preservation of the Anishinaabek culture and language. He volunteers as a firefighter, minor hockey coach and President of the Red Rock Minor Hockey Association. A focus area for RRIB is improving existing community infrastructure in addition to exploring and implementing energy-efficient options to suit the needs of the growing community. RRIB manages its forest, which widens the possibilities in the Bio-economy space for his community to explore further initiatives to become self-sustainable and exercise their sovereignty. Before being elected Chief, he had a 16-year career in the Canadian Armed Forces, during which he contributed to the Hurricane Katrina Humanitarian Aid efforts on the Gulf Coast, and led a section of troops on various patrols and successful missions in Afghanistan. Marcus has been awarded several Commendations and Medals. He also earned one bronze and two gold medals at the 2003 NATO Shooting Competition, where he represented Canada against 32 teams from 17 different countries. 

Vice President Investments, Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)

Ziyad joined SDTC in 2016.  As Vice President, Investments, Ziyad ensures that the organization is sourcing and nurturing innovative clean technology companies that have the potential to deliver strong environmental and economic benefits to Canada.  He oversees the day-to-day operation of the SDTech Fund investment process, from intake through to assessment, selection and recommendation of investments to SDTC’s Project Review Committee and Board (approximately $90-100M/year of allocated investment).

Prior to joining SDTC, Ziyad spent 18 years at Iogen Corporation. As EVP Operations and Engineering, and General Manager of Iogen Energy, he successfully led the commercialization of Iogen’s cellulosic ethanol technology, and completed construction and start-up of a US$105M industrial scale facility with its partner Raízen. Ziyad holds an M.B.A., an M.Sc. in Environmental Engineering and a B.A.Sc. in Chemical Engineering.

Vice President Research, Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP)

Prior to her current role at IRPP, Rachel was Clean Growth Research Director at the Canadian Climate Institute where she led the development of the report Sink or Swim: Transforming Canada’s Economy for a Global Low-carbon Future. Rachel also spent 15 years as an economist and executive with the federal government, and five years as a consultant working with clients such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on green growth, climate change and biodiversity policy research.

Director, Environment, Innovation, and Mill Regulations, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC)

Mahima develops industry positions on specific environmental regulatory topics at the mill-level including climate change and carbon pricing, water and air quality, as well as chemicals management. She also oversees the innovation file at FPAC, working closely with government officials and key industry partners in the transition towards a bio-economy. She holds a Master of Chemical Engineering, as well as two undergraduate degrees in Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry from the University of Ottawa.

President and CEO, Iogen Corporation

Brian joined Iogen in 1982 and became the company’s CEO in 1986. He has been responsible for the formation and operation of the company’s strategic alliances and overseen Iogen’s technology development and positioning. Under his leadership, Iogen became a world leader in cellulosic ethanol, and built a successful business manufacturing industrial enzymes. Brian holds Bachelors degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Civil Engineering and a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, all received in 1980.

Managing Partner, AJW Inc.

Christopher Hessler founded the government relations firm AJW and is recognized as one of the country’s foremost experts in environmental market mechanisms and renewable fuels policy. With three decades of experience, he specializes in leveraging public policy to help clean technologies enter and thriv.e in energy and environmental markets

Principal, SF Consulting

Sandy heads up SF Consulting, an independent forest and bioeconomy advisory company.  Throughout her career she has worked in senior business development and strategic roles with private, not-for-profit, and government organizations. She most recently served as VP Corporate Affairs at Conifex Timber Inc. a Canadian forest products and biomass power producer, and the Director of Marketing at the BC Bioenergy Network. She is a board member of Bioindustrial Innovation Canada and the Canadian Bioeconomy Conference. 

Advisor, Structured and Corporate Finance, New Energy Risk, California

Christopher Angelo joined New Energy Risk in 2018. He brings with him a wealth of expertise with over 15 years experience in banking, investing, and executive-level corporate finance. Prior to joining New Energy Risk, Christopher was chief financial officer at Silicor Materials Inc (formerly Calisolar Inc.), a solar manufacturing and R&D company. There he led the company’s project financing and financial operations as the company scaled and ramped its solar cell and solar silicon technologies from R&D to two high volume manufacturing plants.Christopher holds a master’s degree in Law and Accounting from the London School of Economics and Political Science, as well dual undergraduate degrees in Finance and Economics from Lehigh University.

CEO, Passmore Group Inc.; Chair, Scaling Up

Jeff has worked in the renewable energy, renewable chemicals, and bio-economy sectors for 40 years. His expertise includes strategic investor relations, project capital attraction, site location assessment, and corporate communications. In 2010, he launched the management consultancy Passmore Group Inc. In November, 2016 he created Canada’s inaugural Bioeconomy Conference “Scaling Up” focussing on the commercialization challenges faced by biochemical, bioenergy, biofuels, and bioproducts technology providers. He has served on the CleanTech Advisory Board of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, and on Canada’s National Advisory Board on Energy Science & Technology. He is the Past Chair of the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association, Past Chair of the Canadian Wind Energy Association, Past Chair of the Solar Energy Society of Canada, Past Vice-Chair of the Independent Power Producers’ Society of Ontario, and Past President of the Ottawa Chapter of the International Association for Energy Economics. He currently serves on the Board of the Canadian Association for the Club of Rome.