Executive Committee Dr. Jolen Galaugher Executive Director, Research Partnerships and Innovation, RRC Polytech; Chair, Labs4 Executive Committee Dr. Jolen Galaugher Executive Director, Research Partnerships and Innovation, RRC Polytech; Chair, Labs4 Executive Committee Dr. Jolen Galaugher is a leader, an innovator, a business development professional, and a connector of people and organizations. As the Executive Director of Research Partnerships and Innovation at RRC Polytech, Jolen leads a cross-institutional applied research enterprise, including several applied research centres and programmatic areas of excellence. With a doctorate from McMaster University, as well as leadership and management training from Harvard Business School, Jolen has expertise in research commercialization and industry partnered and applied research and has led research innovation and commercialization programs, new innovation centres, and strategic initiatives such as the Science Innovation Hub at University of Manitoba and Labs4 at RRC Polytech. Johny Bassan Acting Dean of Applied Research and Innovation, British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Johny Bassan Acting Dean of Applied Research and Innovation, British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) Jonathan Bassan is Acting Dean of Applied Research and Innovation at BCIT, where he leads institutional research strategy, integrates innovation into academic programs, and fosters collaboration between faculty, students, and industry. With over 30 years of international experience in technology, manufacturing, and innovation, he has held executive roles across China, Israel, and Europe, including CEO in advanced manufacturing and CTO of a biometric security firm with a successful exit. At BCIT, he previously served as Director of IoT, where he led the creation of a centre of excellence, developed curriculum, and partnered with organizations such as Vancouver International Airport. Jonathan brings deep expertise in IoT, 3D printing, non-contact inspection, and digital manufacturing, and is known for his ability to bridge academia and industry to advance applied research with real-world impact. Tyler Charlebois Director, Centres of Innovation Network & Partnership Development, Humber Polytechnic Tyler Charlebois Director, Centres of Innovation Network & Partnership Development, Humber Polytechnic Tyler Charlebois is Director of the Centres of Innovation (COI) Network and Partnership Development at Humber Polytechnic. He brings over 17 years of experience in the postsecondary education sector, joining Humber in 2019 to lead strategic partnership development and cross-institutional collaboration. Tyler has spearheaded major initiatives including the Humber-Seneca Polytechnic Partnership (HSPP) and Humber Inspired, while supporting key industry relationships across faculties and divisions. He also provides leadership to Humber’s COI Network in partnership with academic leaders. Prior to Humber, Tyler held roles in communications, marketing, government relations, and stakeholder engagement with the Office of the Premier of Ontario, Colleges Ontario, and the Ontario College of Trades. A proud graduate of Cambrian College, he also holds a postgraduate diploma in Leadership and Management from York St John University. Dr. Olle Lagerquist Associate Vice President, Industry Solutions, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Dr. Olle Lagerquist Associate Vice President, Industry Solutions, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Olle leads a diverse portfolio of applied research centres and corporate and continuing education teams that drive innovation through partnerships with industry, communities, and Indigenous organizations. With over 25 years of experience in both basic and applied research across Canada’s post-secondary landscape, he is dedicated to building innovation ecosystems that deliver real-world impact. Olle actively serves on advisory committees at the national, provincial, and municipal levels, contributing to strategic conversations on research, innovation, and workforce development. He holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and an MBA in Technology Commercialization from the University of Alberta. Jamie McInnis Director, Applied Research and Innovation Services, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Jamie McInnis Director, Applied Research and Innovation Services, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) Jamie McInnis is a leader, entrepreneur, a connector of people in research, industry, government. She thrives on bringing together strategies to build collaborative solutions for communities. As Director of Applied Research and Innovation Services at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Jamie oversees a dynamic portfolio of applied research initiatives spanning multiple sectors and disciplines. With a strong background in academic research and industry collaboration, Jamie has played a central role in launching innovation centres, advancing research commercialization efforts, and building high-impact partnerships that drive real-world solutions. Her leadership reflects a commitment to fostering innovation ecosystems that support talent development, regional growth, and meaningful social and economic outcomes. Ian McWilliams Associate Vice President Applied Research & Continuing Education, Saskatchewan Polytechnic Ian McWilliams Associate Vice President Applied Research & Continuing Education, Saskatchewan Polytechnic Ian McWilliams leads Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Office of Applied Research and Innovation and Centre for Continuing Education. Holding an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. from the Canadian Plains Research Centre of the University of Regina, Ian has expertise in research leadership and grant administration as well as twenty-five years’ experience in building effective teams, collaborations, and partnerships within and between organizations in education, culture, industry, and not-for-profit sectors. Chantal Piché Directrice adjointe Innovation et recherche; Direction de la formation continue, de l’innovation et de la recherche, Cégep de Thetford Chantal Piché Directrice adjointe Innovation et recherche; Direction de la formation continue, de l’innovation et de la recherche, Cégep de Thetford Chantal Piché holds a master’s degree in microbiology and immunology, as well as a graduate diploma (DESS) in change management and population accountability from the Université de Montréal. She brings over 18 years of leadership experience spanning the health and social services system, university research, and, most notably, applied research at the college level. Since 2018, as Deputy Director of Innovation and Research at Cégep de Thetford, Chantal has played a key role in advancing the institution’s research capacity in collaboration with its two Technology Access Centres. She also leads major innovation initiatives, including the creation of the Innovation Hub and the national Labs4 initiative. Ashley Richard Director of Indigenous Entrepreneurship, FlintHub/United College, University of Waterloo; Co-Chair, Labs4 Executive Committee Ashley Richard Director of Indigenous Entrepreneurship, FlintHub/United College, University of Waterloo; Co-Chair, Labs4 Executive Committee Ashley Richard serves as Co-Chair of the Labs4 Executive Committee and leads one of Labs4’s three Indigenous Entrepreneurship Hubs: FlintHub at United College, University of Waterloo. As Director of Indigenous Entrepreneurship at FlintHub, Ashley helps empower First Nations, Métis and Inuit innovators across Canada and the U.S. to launch and grow impactful ventures rooted in community priorities and cultural values. She brings more than a decade of experience in project management, strategic design, and Indigenous economic development, with a career dedicated to creating inclusive pathways for entrepreneurship and innovation. Dr. Jeffrey Taylor Associate Vice President of Research, Innovation and Workforce Development, NSCC Dr. Jeffrey Taylor Associate Vice President of Research, Innovation and Workforce Development, NSCC Dr. Jeffrey Taylor is Associate Vice President of Research, Innovation, and Workforce Development at Nova Scotia Community College, where he oversees applied research, entrepreneurship, continuing education, and industry partnerships across 14 campuses. He chairs CICan’s National Research Advisory Council, serves on the Board of the Digital Research Alliance of Canada, and is a member of the Council of Canadian Academies Expert Panel on Science, Technology, and Innovation. A physicist by training, Jeff holds a PhD from the University of Toronto and has held academic and research leadership roles at institutions in Canada and the U.S. Leadership Philosophy We believe in servant leadership, transparency, and building innovation systems that reflect Canada’s diverse communities. Strategic Goals Enable research commercialization Prioritize equity of access Support Indigenous entrepreneurship Labs4 launches Technology Readiness Level-Up program to turn Canadian research into real-world solutions Labs4 has launched its new Technology Readiness Level-Up (TRL) program, giving student innovators the support… Read More: Labs4 launches Technology Readiness Level-Up program to turn Canadian research into real-world solutions “We Know What Works” How Labs4 Indigenous Entrepreneurship Hubs Are Reshaping Innovation in Canada Tia Laroque-Graham never saw herself… Read More: “We Know What Works”
