October 08, 2024 02:00 PM Eastern Time

Life Sciences BC Announces Companies and Mentors for Fifth Annual Investor Readiness Program

VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Life Sciences BC (LSBC) welcomes the companies and mentors participating in its 2025 Investor Readiness Program (IRP). This exciting six-month program pairs small- and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) in British Columbia’s life sciences sector with entrepreneurs-in-residence (EIRs). The industry expertise and acumen of the EIRs provide the companies with invaluable insight and support.

Companies and mentors are paired according to skillset, experience, and interests. The SMEs and EIRs selected for LSBC’s 2025 IRP are:

CereCura Nanotherapeutics paired with Nancy Harrison, Venture Partner, Amplitude Ventures
Curetech e-Health Inc. paired with Brenda Irwin, Managing General Partner, Relentless Venture Fund
Geno10X Biosciences Ltd. paired with Norma Sebestyen, Life Sciences Executive
GuideStar Medical Devices paired with Lu Han, Partner, Lumira Ventures
ImageCyte Technologies Inc. paired with Malcolm Kendall, Co-founder & CEO, Microbiome Insights Inc.
Revyn Medical Technologies Inc. paired with Jason Robertson, Co-founder & Managing Partner, Nimbus Synergies
SeraGene Therapeutics paired with Ali Ardakani, Founder & Managing Partner, Novateur Ventures
Tochtech Technologies Ltd. paired with David Helliwell, Co-founder & Executive Board Chair, Thrive Health
Torus Biomedical Solutions Inc. paired with Sam Mercer, Principal, Samuel Mercer Consulting
TruMotion Technologies Ltd. paired with Geof Auchinleck, CEO, Claris Healthcare

IRP runs from October to March and emphasizes personalized coaching, educational sessions, goal setting, peer-to-peer feedback, networking opportunities, and group meetings. The program culminates in a final pitch session with investors and community stakeholders. Applications for the 2026 program will open in spring 2025.

IRP is supported in part by funding from the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP).

Quotes:

“We are excited to showcase cutting-edge innovation in diagnostics in Vancouver and its impact on easing the patient journey and improving healthcare delivery in Canada. Life Sciences BC has been an ardent champion of emerging companies like ours and we are grateful for its support in refining our strategy as we aim for transforming early disease detection globally.”

— Sourabh Banerjee, PhD, CEO, Geno10X Biosciences Ltd.

“I’m excited to be part of the Life Sciences BC Investor Readiness Program. This program offers a valuable opportunity to refine our strategy at Tochtech, build stronger investor relationships, ensure we’re well-prepared for investment, and scale our innovation in the growing AgeTech market.”

— Jessica Yang, CEO & Co-founder, Tochtech Technologies Ltd.

For more information about LSBC’s Investor Readiness Program, please contact William Burrows, Director, Business Operations and Programs: wburrows@lifesciencesbc.ca 604-669-9099 ext: 101

About Life Sciences BC

Life Sciences BC is a non-profit industry association committed to championing and representing British Columbia’s vibrant life sciences community. Our multifaceted approach encompasses local, national, and international initiatives to foster collaboration across diverse sectors, drive economic development, and facilitate vital connections, investments, and global partnerships.

At Life Sciences BC, we implement impactful programs and projects that advocate for public policies, elevate regional and international visibility, and help expand BC's thriving life sciences sector. Our representation extends to various stakeholders, including academic and research organizations, established and emerging life sciences companies, and the professional services supporting this dynamic ecosystem.