In 2016, Iain Stewart became the twelfth President of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). Mr. Stewart’s most recent career highlights include his role as Associate Secretary at the Treasury Board Secretariat. As Assistant Deputy Minister, Strategic Policy, he worked on national science and research policy at Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Previously, Mr. Stewart supported industry and university research through funding programs at ISED and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and as Assistant Vice-President of Research at Dalhousie University. Mr. Stewart is a member of several federal Deputy Minister committees and the Canada Research Coordinating Committee.

President, National Research Council of Canada

Elizabeth May is an Officer of the Order of Canada, lawyer, writer, activist and leader of the Green Party of Canada. She was the first Green to be elected at either federal or provincial levels in Canada in 2011. There are now six elected Greens in BC, NB and PEI.

Leader, Green Party of Canada, and Member of Parliament for Saanich – Gulf Islands

Beth has spent 25 years working in science-based economic and regulatory departments across the federal government. She began her career as a biologist working for Environment Canada’s Canadian Wildlife Service. She has held positions of Director General, Policy, at both Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. In January 2018, Beth was appointed Assistant Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Canada’s Canadian Forest Service.

Beth holds a Bachelor of Science (Biology) from STFX University, Nova Scotia, a Master degree in Environmental Studies, York University, Toronto, and a Certificate in Public Sector Leadership and Governance from the University of Ottawa.

Assistant Deputy Minister, Canadian Forest Service, Natural Resources Canada

In his role as Global Director, Oil & Gas Practice, Neeraj provides strategic direction to the business area and oversees the global Oil & Gas practice including customer relations, intellectual property development, research development, and project evaluation services. Neeraj has spent the past 15 years providing strategic advice to EVP’s, VP’s, Heads of Projects, and Functional leaders of more than 30 different oil and gas operators around the world.  In his new book, Leading Complex Projects (John Wiley & Sons, April 2018), he and co-author Ed Merrow, Founder and President of Independent Project Analysis, Inc. (IPA), explore the human side of major project leadership

Global Director, Oil & Gas Practice, Independent Project Analysis (IPA)

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.

Risk Management Consultant, Corporate Insurance Partner, Munich RE

Shirley is a Senior Partner with Cycle Capital, Canada’s most active cleantech venture capital fund. Based in Toronto, she sits on Cycle Capital’s portfolio companies across North America. These companies are in the plastics and polymer upcycling and transformation, IoT and energy storage and efficiency industries. Shirley was recognized as one of Canada’s Clean16, and one of Canada’s Inspiring Fifty. She holds her ICD.d (University of Toronto), an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University, and a Bachelor’s of Economics from the University of Waterloo.

Senior Partner, Cycle Capital

As inaugural CEO of Invest in Canada, Ian is responsible for the agency’s start-up, as well as delivery of its mandate to position Canada as a premier global investment destination, while making it simpler and more attractive to build innovative and global businesses in Canada. Mr. McKay has led a distinguished career in the international financial markets in London, Tokyo and New York and as a political advisor. Most recently as CEO of the Vancouver Economic Commission, he accelerated the diversification of Vancouver’s economy and placed it on the global investment map. He also served as Chair of the Consider Canada City Alliance, a network of Canada’s thirteen largest economic development agencies collaborating to promote Canada as an ideal destination for global trade and investment. He served as Special Envoy, assisting with negotiations that resulted in the signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership in March 2018. Fluent in Japanese, Mr. McKay studied Political Science and Asian Studies at the University of British Columbia and holds a Master of Business Administration from Queen’s University.

Chief Executive Officer, Invest in Canada

Before assuming his current role in January 2016, Marc served as President and CEO of Génome Québec. He previously served as Special Advisor, Climate Change and Energy for the Embassy of Canada in Washington, D.C., and as Consul General at the Canadian Consulate in San Francisco/Silicon Valley. In 2000, Marc was one of the founding pioneers of Genome Canada. Prior, he worked as Director of Business Development for the Medical Research Council, in charge of international partnerships with the pharmaceutical industry, venture capital and foundations.

President and CEO, Genome Canada

Theodora received a BSc and PhD in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College, University of London and is a licensed professional engineer in the United States. In 1995, she founded API – a company that focuses on value enhancement of the biomass industries through process integration, biorefinery technology applications and value engineering. She has more than 25 years experience on value enhancement of the biomass industries, and is the author of over 200 scientific publications, patents, and patents pending. API EUROPE is a company of research and experimental studies in biotechnology, and uses the experience, knowledge and expertise of American Process International LLC, a US company with 25years experience in the biomass sector. API personnel are involved in projects including more than 500 international process integration studies in pulp and paper mills, as well as biorefinery feasibility studies. API personnel were also involved in the study and construction of two bio-refinery facilities in the US.

CEO, API EUROPE, and American Process LLC

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.

Executive Chairman & Founding Partner, Chrysalix Venture Capital

With over 15 years’ experience campaigning on environmental issues, including seven years in the heart of the Canadian climate movement, Catherine is one of Canada’s foremost climate campaigners. As Executive Director of CAN-Rac, a coalition of 113 organizations operating from coast to coast to coast, she leads Canada’s primary network of organizations working on climate change and energy issues. For 30 years, CAN-Rac has been the only national organization with a mandate to promote the interests of the Canadian climate movement as a whole, rather than any one individual organization.

Executive Director, Climate Action Network - Réseau action climat (CAN-Rac) Canada

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 Investments, Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC)

Sophie joined Export Development Canada (EDC) in 2001.  In her current role as Director of Cleantech, she oversees a team of specialized Global Accounts Directors responsible for managing a portfolio of cleantech clients of all sizes as well as developing new opportunities and relationships in the sector. Prior to this role, Sophie was Director of EDC’s bonding program responsible for providing guarantees to Financial Institutions for Canadian exporters of all sizes, for the issuance of standby instruments. That program, with a total exposure of over CAD 10 billion, served clients in all sectors. Sophie also spent years in the credit insurance product group underwriting for a multitude of sectors. Sophie has a finance degree from the University of Sherbrooke and has been a CFA chartered holder since 2003.

Director, Cleantech, International Growth Capital, Export Development Canada

Stéphane became CEO of FPInnovations in December 2017. FPInnovations specializes in the creation of scientific solutions in support of the Canadian forest sector’s global competitiveness. Stéphane has degrees in electrical and chemical engineering, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Colorado, and extensive R&D experience combined with strong commercial and entrepreneurial knowledge. Prior to joining FPInnovations, Stéphane had many years of experience with General Electric, where he held management positions in several divisions and locations around the world.  He has led teams in GE Aviation and GE Oil & Gas, as well as in Industrial Outcome Optimization at GE Global Research.

President and Chief Executive Officer, FPInnovations

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.

President and CEO, ECOSTRAT Inc.

Pascale holds an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering, a masters in chemical engineering and an MBA from McGill University.  She has more than 25 years experience in environment and climate change for major forest industry players, in environmental consulting, and in environmental research management. She joined Resolute Forest Products in 2008 as environment manager, and for a while was heading the environment department as Vice-President, Environment and Climate Change.  A few years ago she added energy procurement and issues, and innovation to her portfolio. 

Vice-President, Environment, Energy and Innovation, Resolute Forest Products

Warren is the Canada Research Chair in Renewable Energy Development and Implementation, with a specialty in bioenergy technology and policy.  On July 1, 2019, he will become the Executive Director of Queen’s School of Policy Studies. His research focuses on the intersection between energy issues and other aspects of environmental management. Dr. Mabee’s research is networked through the International Energy Agency to initiatives around the world.

Professor, Department of Geography and Planning, Queen’s University

Kim became CEO of Canadian Venture Capital in 2019. A dynamic leader with strong political acumen, Kim offers a unique combination of government, corporate and trade association experience. As CEO she is the spokesperson for Canadian Private Capital, and advocates for the best investment policy environment. From 2008 to early 2019, Kim oversaw external affairs for Amgen Canada as Director of Federal Affairs & Policy.

CEO, Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association

Pat has spent over 30 years developing and commercializing renewable biobased technologies to replace petrochemicals. His teams have developed and commercialized several renewable resource-based products including organic acids, plastics, fibers, advanced alcohols, and hydrocarbon fuels. He led the development and commercialization of PLA at Cargill, and co-founded Natureworks.  As CEO of Gevo, Dr. Gruber leads the business to commercialize renewable low carbon jet fuel, isobutanol for gasoline blendstock, and low carbon renewable gasoline. 

CEO and Board Member, Gevo

David has 30 years’ experience building and leading multi-disciplinary scientific teams in biotechnology and chemical process development organizations. He holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry, and has completed post-doctoral work in molecular biology within both start-up and big pharma organizations. David has served on due-diligence teams for acquisitions, worked with regulatory groups on commercial processes, and supported legal groups defending patents.

Principal, Dodds & Associates LLC

Kateryna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and an almost completed Master’s degree in Strategic Eco Design. She has experience working with sustainable business strategies in the aviation industry, particularly with the emerging sector of sustainable aviation fuels.

Strategy and Sustainability Director, Green Aviation Research and Development Network Canada (GARDN)

Tom became CEO of New Energy Risk in 2015, and has more than 25 years experience in the insurance and reinsurance industry including senior executive and underwriting leadership positions in the US, Europe, and Asia. He is the former CEO and Chief Underwriting Officer of the Centre Group, a $10B reinsurer that pioneered innovative products to address high-value business risks and financing. Tom has also served on the boards of public and private companies, including Flagstone Re, Paragon Insurance Services, Reformation Insurance Services, and as an advisor to Cellcontrol. He graduated with honors from Stanford University, and received a Master’s degree from John Hopkins University. Currently, Tom serves on the Natural Capital Advisory Council and the board of Adara Group, a non-profit engaged in health and education development for women and children in remote communities.

CEO, New Energy Risk

Marco has been an executive officer of Fortress since April 2012. He previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of FSC from 2010 to 2012, and as the Operations Director of the Fortress Specialty Mill for its previous owner, Fraser Paper Inc., from 2007 to 2010. Marco developed his career in a series of operational and technical leadership roles in the pulp and paper sector in Eastern Canada. He has a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Sherbrooke.

Vice President, Business Development and Strategic Projects, Fortress Global Enterprises

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.

Director, Carbon and Sustainability, Advanced Biofuels Canada

A.J. (Sandy) Marshall, Executive Director, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada (BIC). Raised on a farm in Ontario, Canada, Sandy graduated from the University of Waterloo in Chemical Engineering. He began his career in 1984 with Polysar Inc., a Canadian rubber manufacturer. He worked in process and product development, and research and market development including time in Germany. In 2005 he became Site Manager for LANXESS ABS manufacturing facility in Cincinnati Ohio. He returned to Canada in 2008 to be President and Managing Director and was responsible for all aspects of LANXESS Canadian operations, providing leadership and overall direction leading the organization to the forefront of the Chemical and Rubber industries. He became Executive Director of BIC in 2016.

Chair, Bioindustrial Innovation Canada

Chris is a management professional with over 20 years experience specializing in government relations, strategic planning, sustainability planning, and project development, with a focus in the forest products and bio-economy sectors. Prior to joining CRIBE, Chris was the President and Principal Consultant for a Thunder Bay based boutique management consulting company that specialized in strategic planning, government relations, and organizational planning, and prior to that he was responsible for the environment and energy portfolio for a large integrated pulp and paper facility.

CEO, Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE)

David Watters worked for 30 years in the Canadian Public Service, including a dozen years as an Assistant Deputy Minister in Industry Canada, Treasury Board Canada and Finance Canada. In 2002 he established the Global Advantage Consulting Group, a strategic management consulting firm that provides advice to corporate, association, academic and government clients, specializing in: analyzing and visually “mapping” complex public policy economic systems; creating collaborative business models for service delivery; aligning operational processes among networked organizations for enhanced decision-making; and designing growth strategies for organizations, particularly in the areas of research and technology development, innovation, commercialization, energy/climate change and trade.   

CEO Global Advantage, former ADM Economic Development, Finance Canada

Brianna is President and Founder of DeNova, a Halifax-based biotechnology company producing an environmentally sustainable alternative source of protein from waste methane sources. Following the completion of her MBA from Dalhousie University where she was awarded the Goldberg-Schulich Award for Entrepreneurship, Brianna’s professional path solidified her calling to be an entrepreneur. This included working in a private equity investment group in Halifax, being a partner and COO of a Montreal-based software startup, and founding a co-working and community impact space in Halifax. Brianna’s view is that businesses, like DeNova, can be designed to create meaningful, global change and solve seemingly impossible challenges, using technology as an enabler of creating a healthy and sustainable planet.

President, DENOVA

Allan joined Port Hawkesbury Paper in August 2018 as their Business Development manager responsible for business development, community and government relations and strategic forestry issues. Previously, he served in senior executive roles in four Nova Scotia government departments including Assistant Deputy Minister in the departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Fisheries & Aquaculture. Over the last several years, Allan has been deeply involved in change management and sector transition, with a significant focus on innovation. He was a driving force in the establishment of the Nova Scotia Innovation Hub, and believes strongly that the emerging global bio-economy presents a significant opportunity for Nova Scotia’s renewable bio-resource sector and, by extension, rural economic development.

Manager, Business Development, Port Hawkesbury Paper

Chris is Canada’s pre-eminent Clean Energy Advisor to Aboriginal communities. where he advises how to effectively secure and leverage partnership positions in clean energy projects across Canada.  Chris also guides utilities, financial firms, corporations and governments on engaging and partnering with Aboriginal communities. His book, Aboriginal Power, was published in 2013. Chris is also Program Designer of the Indigenous Clean Energy 20/20 Catalysts Program, and Chair of the GLOBE Series of Conferences and Exhibitions. He is an honorary member of several Aboriginal communities. 

President, Lumos Energy; Author, Aboriginal Power

Adam is a licenced professional engineer in the province of Ontario with a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Toronto, and an EMBA degree from the Ivey Business School.  Adam’s experience includes process consulting services in the pulp and paper industry to optimize wet end chemistry, P&ID development, detailed design, specification and selection of major equipment, instrumentation and hand valves for modular chemical plants involving a variety of processes including hydrometallurgy, terephthalic acid production, hydrocracking, propylene oxide production, and thermo-biological processes to produce ethanol, as well as the overall project management of those projects. Adam has published articles in CEP magazine about scale-specific design and fabrication, the ALTA conference proceedings addressing issues specific to lithium pilot plants, and articles analyzing process scale up. He is a frequent speaker and presenter at various conferences including AIChE, AIChE-PDS, TCBiomass, Scaling Up, and ALTA.

Director, Business Development, Zeton Inc.

As Senior Vice President, Bob leads work with member companies on policy and technical issues relating to climate change, innovations, Indigenous engagement and environmental regulations for the forest products sector. Bob is also responsible for supporting the sector in achieving its “30 by 30 Climate Change Challenge,” as well as managing the environmental data collection of pulp and paper and wood products segments. He joined FPAC in April 2011 as Director of Environment and Labour Market Policies. Before joining FPAC, Bob held several positions at Environment Canada in regards to mitigating the risk of toxic substances on the environment. He has also worked as a process engineer in a large pulp mill. He holds a B.Sc. in chemical engineering from the University of Ottawa.

Senior Vice President, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC)

Virginie is Co-Founder at EnVertis, a consulting services company dedicated to assisting the forest, agriculture and allied sectors in identifying successful strategies for improving and/or transforming business models. To date, Virginie has assisted several forest product companies in identifying promising business models, and successfully bringing transformational biorefinery projects to fruition. Virginie is an expert in multi-criteria decision support analysis and has designed and led numerous decision making panels that bring together technical experts, managers and management teams from companies both nationally and internationally. She holds an MBA in innovative project management from University of Lyon, France. 

Co-Founder and Principal Consultant at EnVertis Inc.

A Chartered Accountant with over 30 years’ in business leadership, Fraser’s experience includes extensive work in lumber, pulp & paper, wood pellets, and consumer products. From 2013 to 2015 Fraser was responsible for the Innovacorp-led Demonstration Centre in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, at the former Bowater site, connecting the dots on emerging technologies and startup companies including Sustane. Fraser became a full-time member of Sustane’s team in 2018 to support the company’s financing, growth, and operationalization as they begin to introduce their platform to communities in Canada and abroad. Sustane produces energy products including biomass pellets and synthetic diesel from municipal solid waste. The company is in the process of commissioning its first plant at the Kaiser Meadows Landfill near Halifax, NS. Sustane has taken this technology from early stage prototype through piloting and demonstration. Fraser will speak to this experience.  

Vice President, Finance & Strategy, Sustane Technologies

Audrey has worked in energy for over 35 years with Gulf Canada Resources Ltd. and Questor Technology Inc. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Toronto, and a Master’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Calgary. She is a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineers. Audrey served as a distinguished lecturer with the Society of Petroleum Engineers in 2010/2011. She is a member of the Schulich Industry Engineering Advisory Council, and currently chairs the Canadian federal government clean technology strategy table. She was the recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2011 Prairies Award for Cleantech and Environmental Services. She was chosen by Business in Calgary as a 2014 Leaders of Tomorrow, is a 2014 Board Diversity 50 cohort and one of Canada’s 2017 Clean50.  Audrey co-chairs the Governor General’s Innovation Awards assessment committee, and Questor was recently recognized by the Cleantech Innovation exchange (CIX) as one of the Top 10 Most Innovative Cleantech Canadian Companies.  

President and CEO, Questor Technology Inc.

Rod began his career in operational roles with Alberta Pacific Forest Industries and Bowater Mersey Paper Company where he specialized in forest management. Rod holds an MBA from Saint Mary’s University, and a Bachelor of Science in Forest Engineering from the University of New Brunswick. He has been involved in the launch of several firms, and is a co-founder of BioApplied, a specialized consultancy that provides hands-on business development services to companies innovating in renewable materials.  He has successfully engaged clients and provided key business development services with leading global firms for over 5 years.

Principal Partner, BioApplied Innovation Pathways

Perry co-founded Steeper Energy in January 2011. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario’s School of Business, he has held various executive management positions related to corporate and business development within the conventional and renewable energy industries. He has over 25 years senior executive experience with such companies as Noranda Gas, Murphy Oil, TransAlta, Novera Energy, Enmax, ABG Biodiesel, and Ignite Energy Resources.

CEO, Steeper Energy

NIVA is a knowledge mobilization firm specializing in science and risk communication.  As CEO, Anton assists clients in the science, engineering, health, and environment sectors in finding ways to communicate about complex and sensitive topics to a wide variety of audiences, compellingly and in plain language.  His work helps to connect stakeholders and transform technical information into messages that have impact with decision makers and the general public.

President and CEO, NIVA Inc.

As VP Corporate Affairs and Business Development, Sandy’s responsibilities include leading corporate communications and stakeholder engagement, corporate branding and marketing, evaluating new bio-products opportunities, and other special projects.  In addition to its lumber and sawmill activities, Conifex operates a 36 MW biomass power plant which provides power to over 20,000 British Columbia homes.

VP Corporate Affairs and Business Development, Conifex Timber

​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.

President and CEO, Iogen Corporation

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

Managing Partner, AJW Inc.

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.

CEO, Passmore Group Inc., Chair, Scaling Up 2018