About | Our Team
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You name it – industry leaders, engineers, business advisors, designers, marketers – we’re all here, ready to help.

Staff

Our highly-equipped and skilled staff works with resident startup companies to guide them through the building stages of their physical-product concept.

Clif Johnston
STAFF

Dr. Clif Johnston

Academic Director, Emera ideaHUB & IDEA Sandbox NSERC Chair in Design Engineering
gear@dal.ca

Experts in Residence

Our Experts in Residence have been in your shoes. They’ve gone through the innovation process more than once, yet, they’re interested in your product.
EXPERTS IN RESIDENCE

Franziska Bröl

Venture Coach, Emera ideaHUB
Fran, a scientist turned serial entrepreneur has a successful track record of launching venture-backed tech start-ups and over a decade experience in commercializing... Fran, a scientist turned serial entrepreneur has a successful track record of launching venture-backed tech start-ups and over a decade experience in commercializing research innovation in the biotechnology industry. Fran has actively engaged in the ever-evolving Atlantic start-up ecosystem, participating in a range of regional and international start-up programs. Her area of expertise is leveraging customer discovery to create commercial opportunities.
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EXPERTS IN RESIDENCE

Hossein Salimian

Venture Coach, Emera ideaHUB
Hossein has a Ph.D. in computer science and is a holder of a Bachelor's degree in hardware engineering. He brings extensive expertise in artificial intelligence,... Hossein has a Ph.D. in computer science and is a holder of a Bachelor's degree in hardware engineering. He brings extensive expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and IoT. Beyond his roles as an educator at Dalhousie and Saint Mary's universities, he is a serial entrepreneur, co-founding three startups: Virtus Virtual Reality Solutions, ReelData.ai, and Innologic. Serving as CEO at Virtus Virtual Reality, he spearheaded the development of VR simulators for training firefighters and RCMP personnel. In his four-year tenure as Chief Technology Officer at ReelData, he played a pivotal role in driving company growth and the development of cutting-edge AI products. Hossein is looking forward to mentoring and coaching aspiring ventures.
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Ben Bschaden
EXPERTS IN RESIDENCE

Ben Bschaden

Venture Coach, Emera ideaHUB
Ben Bschaden is a serial entrepreneur, founder of Dimetric design and co-founder & senior technical advisor of GiBLI Tech. GiBLI Tech is a company which helps to... Ben Bschaden is a serial entrepreneur, founder of Dimetric design and co-founder & senior technical advisor of GiBLI Tech. GiBLI Tech is a company which helps to develop a world class aerodynamic sensor to help athletes reach new levels of performance. His knowledge and experience for coaching new start-ups at the IdeaHUB is invaluable as he has been through it himself. As an alumnus to the Bridge program at the IdeaHUB, Ben is uniquely qualified to aid founders in grasping what it takes to navigate towards a successful venture. Ben provides experience in bringing products to market and the challenges specific to hardware companies including supply chain, funding requirements, and technical guidance.
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Alastair Trower
EXPERTS IN RESIDENCE

Alastair “Alf” Trower

Engineer in Residence
Alf Trower is the Director of Business Development at Enginuity, with over 25 years of international sales and marketing experience. Enginuity is focused on solving... Alf Trower is the Director of Business Development at Enginuity, with over 25 years of international sales and marketing experience. Enginuity is focused on solving complex engineering problems for the industrial sector in the Maritimes, designing new products for entrepreneurs and commercialising their own ideas. Including a marine connectors business (Snap Innovations) and a medical device start-up, (FIVA-Med) in Halifax. Alf and the Enginuity team are proud to be Emera ideaHUB partners and engineers in residence. Through this partnership, Enginuity provides pro-bono design and engineering consulting support to the HUB to solve engineering challenges, offer strategic advice, and connect with other network partners.
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Glen Hougan
EXPERTS IN RESIDENCE

Glen Hougan

Industrial Designer-in-Residence
Dr. Glen Hougan, Associate Professor of Design at NSCAD University is our Designer-in-Residence. In this role, he assists Dalhousie University’s Emera ideaHUB’s... Dr. Glen Hougan, Associate Professor of Design at NSCAD University is our Designer-in-Residence. In this role, he assists Dalhousie University’s Emera ideaHUB’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and start-ups to incorporate human centered design principles and industrial design expertise in the development of their products and technology. Specifically, Glen works with Emera ideaHub companies to support transforming their ideas and innovations for a wider impact. Support can include user research and evaluation, form exploration and prototype development, and design strategy and product development.
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Jacquie Walsh
EXPERTS IN RESIDENCE

Dr. Jacqui Walsh

initio Tech & Innovation Law Clinic
With the generous donation of Stewart McKelvey Lawyers, initio is a new initiative at the Schulich School of Law. The Clinic focuses on helping founders with their legal... With the generous donation of Stewart McKelvey Lawyers, initio is a new initiative at the Schulich School of Law. The Clinic focuses on helping founders with their legal requirements as they proceed through the startup journey. Jacqui leads the initio team. She has worked in a law firm, as a sole proprietor, and as in-house counsel for small technology startups. Working directly inside the firms has given her a unique perspective of the plight in becoming successful growth firms. In addition to practicing law, she has a keen interest in technology, small business and economic development. Jacqui and the initio team provide workshops and consultations to ideaHUB participants and assist with incorporation and navigating the legal considerations of starting a new venture.
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Matt d'Entremont
EXPERTS IN RESIDENCE

Matt d’Entremont

Product Designer in Residence
Matt is the Director of the Nova Scotia Product Design and Development Centre at Dalhousie University where he creates and discovers new technology solutions for startup... Matt is the Director of the Nova Scotia Product Design and Development Centre at Dalhousie University where he creates and discovers new technology solutions for startup companies. From his 25+ years of experience, he has worked with 100s of companies on the discovery of solutions and creating early concept products, pre-production prototypes, minimal viable products, and early production support. Matt also has entrepreneurial experience and has cofounded various startup companies, created and managed IP, sold and transferred companies and IP, contributed to international standard IEEE committees, and has been a mentor and advisor for various companies. Matt offers workshops and office hours for HUB participants and community membership.
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Minder Singh
EXPERTS IN RESIDENCE

Minder Singh

Business Advisor & Mentor
With over 20 years of international business and consultancy experience, Minder works to connect the local business community with partners and resources that can help... With over 20 years of international business and consultancy experience, Minder works to connect the local business community with partners and resources that can help them overcome obstacles and seize opportunities for business success in Halifax. He does this through the award-winning SmartBusiness program, which is a free resource for businesses. Minder specializes in the commercialization of research and development. Minder is fluent in English, Punjabi, Hindi, Urdu, Malay/Bahasa, and Tamil. What excites Minder most about Halifax is its bright future. He’s working directly with partners across sectors to support the green future of Halifax. Minder offers office hours for HUB participants and community members. He is always willing to connect and offer advice.
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Pierre Doucet
EXPERTS IN RESIDENCE

Pierre Doucet

Regulatory Compliance Expert in Residence
Pierre is the Innovation Officer for the NB Centre for Precision Medicine at Université de Moncton where he develops opportunities for researchers in collaboration with... Pierre is the Innovation Officer for the NB Centre for Precision Medicine at Université de Moncton where he develops opportunities for researchers in collaboration with industry. His 30+ year history has allowed him to progress from prototyping and manufacturing to product certification and regulatory enforcement. He is listed as inventor on three patents, has served on several UL/CSA committees and tasks forces and was part of the 2018 Canadian Electrical Code development team. Pierre has design experience relating to high-speed FPGA circuits, embedded programming, environmental testing, radiated/conducted emissions as well as field experience as an Authority Having Jurisdiction who evaluated, accepted, and rejected consumer products in accordance with legal requirements. Pierre offers workshops and office hours for ideaHUB participants and community members to help navigate the certification landscape.
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Sean Williams
EXPERTS IN RESIDENCE

Sean Williams

Marketing Expert in Residence
With over 22 years of marketing experience in Canada, the US, the Middle East and Australia, Sean has a unique view of human behaviour, marketing trends, and brand... With over 22 years of marketing experience in Canada, the US, the Middle East and Australia, Sean has a unique view of human behaviour, marketing trends, and brand engagement. He has worked with some of Canada’s top brands including MolsonCoors, Nikon, Kraft, CIBC, Dare and Toyota. During the last 10 years, Sean developed a Marketing Management Service as a way to help clients manage and/or build their marketing department, build and market their brands, get through a busy business period, or have a dedicated resource to develop particular strategies or initiatives. Sean provides workshops and office hours to the Emera ideaHUB companies to help define their brand promise and support early-stage marketing initiatives.
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Operating Committee

The Emera ideaHUB utilizes an Operating Committee to provide oversight for the ongoing membership of startups and participants and daily operations. This committee ensures that Emera ideaHUB, and the projects and activities undertaken within its umbrella, are managed responsibly. The Operating Committee is responsible for interviewing new resident applicants in conjunction with the HUB Team. The HUB is further governed by the Dalhousie Innovation & Entrepreneurship Steering Committee which is Chaired by the Vice President Research & Innovation.

Clif Johnston
OPERATING COMMITTEE

Dr. Clif Johnston

Academic Director, Emera ideaHUB & IDEA Sandbox NSERC Chair in Design Engineering
gear@dal.ca
Jeff Larsen
OPERATING COMMITTEE

Jeff Larsen

Executive Director, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Co-Lead & Executive Director, Creative Destruction Lab – Atlantic Member, Emera ideaHUB Operations Committee
Stephen Hartlen
OPERATING COMMITTEE

Stephen Hartlen

Associate Vice President Industry Relations Member, Emera ideaHUB Operations Committee
John Newhook
OPERATING COMMITTEE

Dr. John Newhook

Dean, Faculty of Engineering Chair, Emera ideaHUB Operations Committee

Advisory Council

The role of the Advisory Council is to provide advice to the Emera ideaHUB Operating Committee in support of the development of a governance framework, strategic plans, fundraising strategies, growth targets, milestones, and key performance indicators. This includes the identification of current and future opportunities and the development of action plans to address these priorities, including supporting key partnerships and stakeholder relationships. The Advisory Council reviews progress against milestones and key performance indicators, with the primary purpose to ensure the long-term success, impact and sustainability of the HUB.

Pat Ryan
ADVISORY COUNCIL

Pat Ryan

Pat is the Founder and President of Neocon International, a multi-million-dollar automotive OEM design and lean manufacturing company which he conceptualized in 1993.... Pat is the Founder and President of Neocon International, a multi-million-dollar automotive OEM design and lean manufacturing company which he conceptualized in 1993. From its start-up he was the strategic architect responsible for raising capital, assembling and directing a team of R&D engineers and establishing niche and disruptive product opportunities to service such "Grade A" customers as Toyota, General Motors, Subaru, Nissan and Hyundai. Under Pat's leadership joint venture relationships were also developed to augment manufacturing capability in both the USA and Mexico ensuring full service to many OEM manufacturing plants. Most recently he was appointed Chairman of the Board for core Rare Metals a publicly traded company where he plays a role in developing a sustainable North American supply stream for critical minerals that will fuel the "green technology" revolution including Li-ion battery storage, wind energy and vehicle electrification. Prior to founding Neocon, he held positions as V.P. Operations for Plastics Maritime Ltd. and Design Engineer for T.S. Simms and Company. Pat mentors many upcoming entrepreneurs and graduating design engineers from Dalhousie University from which he holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
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John Newhook
ADVISORY COUNCIL

Dr. John Newhook

John is the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Dalhousie University as well as a Professor of Civil Engineering and Director of the Centre for Innovation in... John is the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Dalhousie University as well as a Professor of Civil Engineering and Director of the Centre for Innovation in Infrastructure within the Faculty of Engineering. He has previously held various leadership roles including serving as Head of the Department of Civil & Resource Engineering, the Associate Vice- President Research for Dalhousie, and as the Acting Vice-President Research. John received his Bachelor of Civil Engineering (1989) and his Master of Applied Science (1993) from the Technical University of Nova Scotia and his Doctor of Philosophy in Structural Engineering from Dalhousie University in 1997. He has retained a strong connection to engineering practice and innovation through developing research partnerships with and providing expert advice to various Atlantic Canadian companies, projects and provincial departments of transportation. The Emera ideaHUB is overseen by the Faculty of Engineering under John's leadership.
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Malanie Nadeau
ADVISORY COUNCIL

Malanie Nadeau

Melanie is the newly appointed CEO of the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship - COVE. Previous positions have included the Director, Strategic Initiatives for... Melanie is the newly appointed CEO of the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship - COVE. Previous positions have included the Director, Strategic Initiatives for EMERA, and Project Director, Strategy and Director, Fuels, Energy and Risk Management with Nova Scotia Power. She served in the Royal Canada Navy and led technology programs in Ottawa for Natural Resources Canada. Her board appointments have included positions for international marine energy businesses and as Director and Vice-Chair of a national industry association. Melanie has earned multiple awards including Canada's Clean16 Award for her outstanding contribution towards clean Capitalism. She has been an invited speaker to numerous events, including TEDGlobal. Committed to the global community she has been chairing the UNICEF Canada's Water for Life Gala for five years running and is a business mentor with Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia. She is an accredited professional engineer graduating from the University of Waterloo, Canada and has an ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors.
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Mike Morris
ADVISORY COUNCIL

Mike Morris

Mike has over 25 years of senior management experience in the Telecom, IT Services and Electrical/Electronics Manufacturing sectors. As the Former Chief Operating Officer... Mike has over 25 years of senior management experience in the Telecom, IT Services and Electrical/Electronics Manufacturing sectors. As the Former Chief Operating Officer at Nautel, he led all aspects of the company's broadcasting equipment and navigation-aid businesses and played a key role in the development and execution of strategies to grow the business into new sectors. Prior to joining Nautel Mike held leadership roles at Seaforth Energy, Cobham Tracking & Locating, Aliant, and Andersen Consulting. At Seaforth Energy Mike was President & CEO having led the development of the business to pursue local opportunities in renewable energy and ultimately to the sale of the company to its largest competitor. Within the Cobham organization Mike was initially the President of Orion Electronics which was the North American leader in covert tracking solutions for law enforcement. That role evolved over time, becoming responsible for all of Cobham's business units in the law enforcement surveillance sector. Mike holds a Certificate of Applied Science from Acadia University, an Electrical Engineering Degree from the Technical University of Nova Scotia (Dalhousie University), as well as an MBA from Dalhousie.
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Chris Huskilson
ADVISORY COUNCIL

Chris Huskilson

Chris is recognized for his leadership, technical acumen, and extensive experience in many aspects of the energy sector. He has held the positions of Superintendent of... Chris is recognized for his leadership, technical acumen, and extensive experience in many aspects of the energy sector. He has held the positions of Superintendent of Hydro Production at the Mersey Hydro System, Senior Operations Planner at the Energy Control Centre, Plant Manager of both Lingan and Glace Bay Generating Stations, Vice President of Transmission & Distribution, and Executive Vice President of Operations. He was made COO of Emera and Nova Scotia Power in 2003 and President and CEO of Emera in 2004. Chris serves on many for-profit and not-for-profit boards. He holds a BSc and MSc in Engineering and Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa from the University of New Brunswick. Chris also serves on the Dalhousie Board of Governors, the Volta Board of Directors, and is a Founding Partner of CDL-Atlantic.
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Chuck Hartlen
ADVISORY COUNCIL

Chuck Hartlen

Chuck is currently working with several technology startup firms and national health care organizations in an advisory capacity or board role. He recently held the role... Chuck is currently working with several technology startup firms and national health care organizations in an advisory capacity or board role. He recently held the role of Executive Vice President, Customer Experience with Nova Scotia Power and prior to that was Senior Vice President of Customer Care for Bell Aliant. Chuck is passionate about improving service for customers, giving back to the community, and helping technology startup firms with technology, operations, and business strategy. Chuck began his career with Canadian National Railways and then joined the former Maritime Telephone and Telegraph (MTT) where he held various proles of increasing responsibility. Chuck's prior roles include Chief Operating Officer, Aliant Mobility: Vice President, Marketing, Aliant; and Chief Engineer, Wireless Network Development, MTT. He graduated from the Technical University of Nova Scotia (now Dalhousie University) with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and has earned his Professional Engineering designation. Chuck has also participated in the Queen's Executive Program. In addition to his role on the National MS Society Board, Chuck is Vice Chair of BoomersPlus. He is also a past member of the Atlantic MS Society Board, the United Way of Halifax Board, and the Greater Halifax Partnership Board.
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Rhiannon Davies
ADVISORY COUNCIL

Rhiannon Davies

Rhiannon's business leadership spans Europe, Asia, and South and North America. As Managing Director, she led the S2B revenue G.V.S.C. B.V a subsidiary of... Rhiannon's business leadership spans Europe, Asia, and South and North America. As Managing Director, she led the S2B revenue G.V.S.C. B.V a subsidiary of GrandVision N.V. She sat on the Board of Directors that took GrandVision, a CADS 5.5 billion revenue retailer with businesses in 45 countries, through 44% growth in SWS, expansion into 20 new markets through multiple acquisitions and organic growth, to a successful IPO on the ASE. The GrandVision IPO ranked in the global top ten IPOs in 2015. This was her second exit where she held equity ownership, following the $23B CAD acquisition of Royal Numico N.V.by Groupe Danone in 2007. At Royal Numico she oversaw the global supply chain, oversaw manufacturing and built the manufacturing and procurement strategy to integrate 25 manufacturing sites following the acquisition. Rhiannon serves/has served on multiple private and public company and NGO boards. Rhiannon's industry expertise spans medtech, CPG, retail, Al/ML, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain. Rhiannon is a Founding and Managing Partner at Sandpiper Ventures, a venture capital fund investing in early-stage women-led technology companies.
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Mo AlGermozi
ADVISORY COUNCIL

Mo Algermozi

Mo is the co-Founder and CEO of Graphite Innovation and Technologies (GIT), Canada's leading materials engineering firm focused on delivering disruptive uses for... Mo is the co-Founder and CEO of Graphite Innovation and Technologies (GIT), Canada's leading materials engineering firm focused on delivering disruptive uses for graphene and its applications. GIT got its start while Mo was an Engineering Student at Dalhousie and was launched as a startup in Dal's Emera ideaHUB company incubator graduating in 2019, Mo also completed the first cohort of Creative Destruction Lab's Atlantic program. In August 2020 GIT announced a $2.4 million dollar contract with Transport Canada and Lloyds Register. Mo's previous roles have included technical sales and international companies. Mo holds an Engineering Degree from Dalhousie University with a focus on materials engineering.
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Rick Janega
ADVISORY COUNCIL

Rick Jenega

Chair
Rick is the Chair of the Emera ideaHUB Advisory Council. He was appointed Interim President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power in June 2020, and since March 2018, he has held... Rick is the Chair of the Emera ideaHUB Advisory Council. He was appointed Interim President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power in June 2020, and since March 2018, he has held the position of COO, Electric Utilities, Canada, US Northeast and Caribbean at Emera Inc. Over his 30-year career with Emera and Nova Scotia Power, Rick has held a variety of senior leadership roles including CEO of Emera Newfoundland & Labrador (ENL) leading the team that delivered the $1.57 billion Maritime Link transmission project, on time and on budget. At Nova Scotia Power, he previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of Operations, General Manager of Power Production and Senior Plant Manager at the Trenton and Point Tupper generating stations. Since 2018, he also has served on the Board of Directors of Nova Scotia Power and is a past board member of the Northeast Power Coordinating Council (NPCC). Rick began his career in construction management, manufacturing and the pulp and paper industry. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier University and the Technical University of Nova Scotia (Dalhousie University), Rick is a professional engineer and a member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Nova Scotia. He is an alumnus of the Governor General's Leadership Conference.
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