S4.E3. - Champions of Change

04/02/24 • 36 min

Here we go on the path of innovation. On this episode, we build on the pathway of innovation to better understand how change occurs, how the spark of a novel discovery can really kick start this journey. We do believe that all good innovation should be grounded in strong science. But how and where does it start? Where does the initial spark come from? How does the scientist see a discovery and select this path? Do they know this from the onset? Has it shaped the questions they ask? Or is it a mere process that occurs as part of good science. Featured Guests: Dr. Molly Shoichet University Professor Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Toronto Dr. Tim Corson, Professor Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto

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S4.E2. - From Lab to Market

Historically, academia has been breeding ground for groundbreaking discoveries. But often these findings remained confined within Academic Journals lacking the pathway to real world applications. However, as technology transfer offices popped up around universities around the world, entrepreneurial programs, catalysts, collaborative initiatives, universities are more and more recognizing the value of translating their research into products and therapies that can benefit society. As communities around the world grapple with complex health challenges, there's a growing pressure to deliver innovative solutions in a timely manner. This has driven academia to actively engage in commercialization and look at it as a means to fund science students and really just keep the lights on in many labs. So, that's what we'll explore this episode. Why does commercialization take place? Why should academics even bother? And is it a driving force for innovation? We'll learn from some real efforts that have been occurring here at the University of Toronto, and those that have been involved in them. Featured Guests Dr. Paul Santerre Professor & Baxter Chair in Health Technology & Commercialization at University of Toronto's Institute of Biomedical Engineering and University Health Networks Director, Health Innovation Hub Dr. Christine Allen Professor, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto Co-founder and CEO, Intrepid Labs

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S4.E4. - Prototyping Progress

So you have a good idea... no, a great idea. The science is solid. The tech is exciting. People are interested. Your innovation and its success seems certain. And yet, you fail to make the jump from an exciting idea to scaling up and being successful. As we explore the art of prototyping, and early launches, we'll explore how these foundational ideas are assessed for market fit. Join us as we explore the intricate dance of innovation and practicality for each prototype. Together, we'll uncover how these early models are pivotal and paving the way for innovation to really take flight. Featuring: Dr. Keith Pardee Associate Professor, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy Canada Research Chair in Synthetic Biology and Human Health Mike Sullivan CEO and Co-founder, Cubic Health