A celebration of McMaster’s vibrant innovation ecosystem

An event at McMaster Innovation Park celebrated the many people who contribute to the growth of McMaster’s research enterprise and its resounding impact in the community and around the world.

November 29, 2023

Insight Medbiotics uses robotic imaging for breast cancer diagnosis. AI VALI uses interactive machine learning for real-time endoscopic analysis. 20/20 OptimEYES Technologies 20|20 OptimEyes Technologies transforms eye health.

The researchers behind these and many other McMaster-based startups joined entrepreneurs and industry partners at McMaster Innovation Park (MIP) this week to celebrate the achievements and transformative impact of McMaster’s robust ecosystem. McMaster’s innovation.

Bringing together research and commercialization leaders, startup founders and aspiring entrepreneurs, the event was organized by Enedym inc., a tech startup headquartered at the McMaster Automotive Resource Centre, part of MIP, and founded by engineering professor Ali Emadi.

Ali Emadi, smiling, speaks to two people at a large gathering — With a focus on switched reluctance motor (SRM) technologies, Enedym Inc. – founded by Ali Emadi – provides sustainable, lower-cost electric motor and propulsion solutions to a wide range of industries.

“Many people contribute to McMaster’s vibrant and growing innovation ecosystem — from experienced and aspiring founders to recipients of our seed funding, partners, mentors and committee members investment,” said Andy Knights, Vice President, Research (acting).

“Individually and collectively, their entrepreneurial spirit and innovative businesses are having a resounding impact here in Hamilton and in the lives of many people across Canada and around the world.

David Armstrong speaks on the microphone in front of an audience during the MIP — Recipients of the McMaster Seed Fund – including David Armstrong, professor of medicine at McMaster and co-founder of AI VALI Inc. – shared updates on their businesses. AI VALI’s medical technology uses interactive machine learning to document and analyze endoscopy videos in real time.

McMaster’s 24 largest startups created 600 jobs and raised $515 million in investment.

Attendees met with colleagues and investors and heard from McMaster Seed Fund recipients about how they turned their research into solutions that have societal and economic impact in the Hamilton region and beyond.

Fazila Seker speaks on the microphone in front of an audience at MIP — Fazila Seker is CEO of Insight Medbotics – a McMaster Seed Fund grantee advancing robotic imaging and breast cancer diagnosis.

“The seed fund is transformational for McMaster researchers and reflects our commitment to nurturing our growing entrepreneurial ecosystem,” says Leyla Soleymani, Associate Vice-President, Research (Commercialization and Entrepreneurship).

“We are excited to continue working with McMaster’s Industry Liaison Office to launch more initiatives that support our commercialization pipeline and innovation leaders, including students and faculty.”

Three people chatting at the MIP reception — From left to right: Heather Sheardown, dean of engineering and co-founder of 20/20 OptimEyes Technologies; Associate Vice President, Research (Commercialization and Entrepreneurship) Leyla Soleymani; and Charles Lesperance, partner of BDC Capital’s Deep Tech Venture Fund.

The McMaster Seed Fund is designed to foster innovative, research-intensive start-ups that will have significant economic and societal impact in the Greater Hamilton Area. It fills the gap for early-stage startups, enabling innovations to move from research breakthroughs to products and services.