Serving clients and associates across the globe since 1994
Have an invention? Protect it. Hill & Schumacher is a Canadian intellectual property firm dedicated to helping innovators protect and commercialize their ideas.
Our team understands the unique needs of researchers, academic institutions, research hospitals, startups, and technology entrepreneurs. We work closely with our clients to build strong patent strategies that maximize commercial success.
We are delighted to welcome you to the second annual Brock Innovation Showcase, celebrating the creativity, ambition, and impact of Brock research, ideas and technologies.
Today’s Showcase brings together the Brock community, industry leaders, investors, and community partners to explore a dynamic portfolio of innovation emerging from Brock. From early-stage research discoveries to industry partnerships and high-potential startups, this event reflects Brock’s growing role as a hub for research translation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship.
We are thrilled to feature more than 30 research-based technologies, startups, and research-industry collaborations at today’s event. We are also proud to recognize the achievements of our innovators through ten awards that will be presented today, including the Brock Entrepreneur of the Year and Brock Innovator of the Year awards, which honour outstanding leadership and impact in innovation and commercialization.
Please take the time to meet the innovators in the room, ask questions, make connections, and be inspired by the breadth of work underway at Brock. Innovation thrives through collaboration, curiosity, and community, and today we celebrate all three.
Sincerely,
Farzana Crocco Executive Director
Innovation, Commercialization & Entrepreneurship Brock University
Brock LINC Overview
Welcome to the Brock LINC, Brock University’s innovation centre & incubator with a focus on connecting Brock research, ideas and technology to the market. We support this in three ways: commercializing research at Brock, developing research and industry partnerships, and supporting a robust culture of entrepreneurship. Learn more at brocku.ca/brocklinc
Commercialization
We help researchers to commercialize and license their work while protecting their interests and priorities. The team supports Intellectual Property (IP) education, IP evaluation, IP protection, market assessments, licensing technology, and more. Reach out to discuss how we can support your intellectual property and commercialization journey.
The Brock LINC helps companies connect and collaborate with our researchers to solve industry problems. The team identifies and assists with funding opportunities to support research-industry partnerships and facilitates the relationship between the researcher and industry partner. Ask us how Brock researchers can support your business R&D needs.
Georgios Eftychiou Business Development Manager
Entrepreneurship
Nahid Azizi Research Partnerships Officer
We support the growth of entrepreneurship at Brock through the development of research spin-offs, student entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial skills. Our entrepreneurship programs are designed to support early-stage entrepreneurship from ideation, discovery, and launch. Talk to us about which programs might be the right fit for your entrepreneurial journey.
Tamara Jensen Entrepreneurship Program Manager
Cassie Conte Entrepreneurship Program Manager
Brock Technologies
High-Speed Photodetector Material
Dr. Jianbo Gao
Conventional photodetectors often suffer from limited signal efficiency and slow response times. Brock University researchers have developed new photodetector materials using Silver Selenium and Silver Sulfite quantum dots that doubles signal efficiency and responds in picoseconds. This breakthrough enhances technologies such as cameras, solar panels, and infrared sensors, offering superior performance for communication, medical imaging, and LiDAR.
Immunotherapy for Age-Related Chronic Diseases
Dr. Newman Sze
Aging leads to the accumulation of damaged (IsoDGR-modified) proteins, which trigger inflammation and contribute to cardiovascular, lung and neurodegenerative diseases. Brock researchers developed a novel antibody approach to remove these damaged proteins and offer a new therapeutic solution for a broad range of age-related diseases.
Mucosal Vaccine Adjuvants
Dr. Tony Yan
Vaccination has effectively controlled many infectious diseases, but there is a significant unmet need for mucosal vaccines. Researchers at Brock University are revolutionizing vaccines utilizing fluorinated cyclic dinucleotides (FCDs) as adjuvants for oral vaccines. This has widespread applications for gastrointestinal, respiratory, and sexually transmitted infections, but is also safer, more effective, and patient friendly.
Physiologically Relevant Cell Culture Media
Dr. Jeff Stuart
Standard culture media such as DMEM, RPMI 1640 and MEM sustain growth but fail to mimic the complex biochemical environment of human tissues, leading to altered cell behaviour and poor reproducibility. Brock researchers have developed the first commercial-ready suite of cell culture media that replicate in vivo metabolite conditions across tissues, sexes, and species.
Self-Healing Silicones
Dr. Paul Zelisko
Polymer materials commonly degrade over time, leading to costly repairs and replacements. Brock University researchers have developed selfhealing silicones that repair damage at ambient temperatures, enhancing durability and extending product lifespans. This technology offers a sustainable, cost-effective solution for industries such as automotive, electronics, and healthcare, reducing maintenance costs and improving performance in seals, electronics, and consumer goods.
VR Wine Glass
Dr. Debbie Inglis
Brock University researchers have created a vessel that enhances the sensory experience of drinks like wine, beer, and coffee while using virtual-reality and/or augmented-reality head-mounted displays. By optimizing surface area, it improves aroma release and taste, bridging sensory evaluation with wearable tech. This innovation is perfect for virtual reality, consumer testing, sensory training, and assistive technologies, enhancing accessibility and self-reliance.
Brock Startups
Rowing Precision
Adam Love
Rowing Precision is a Canadian company dedicated to delivering class-leading technology for athletes, coaches, and coxswains. We design and manufacture waterproof rowing computers, wireless telemetry systems, and audio solutions that provide accurate real-time data, clear communication, and advanced analysis tools. Built to withstand the toughest on-water conditions, our devices feature durable enclosures that float and deliver reliable performance in all environments.
CREOVA
Justin Mafie
CREOVA is a creative media agency and lifestyle brand advancing innovation through storytelling, branding, and cultural expression. Rooted in community impact and identity, CREOVA collaborates with entrepreneurs, organizations, and institutions, especially BIPOC-led initiatives to produce powerful visual narratives across photography, videography, digital content, branding, and fashion. Through a fusion of strategic creative services and original products, CREOVA amplifies underrepresented voices and redefines how culture-driven brands are experienced, valued, and sustained.
Lexi’s Hair Boutique
Alexis Stephenson
High-quality, long-lasting protective styling services that prioritize comfort and convenience through studio and mobile appointments.
The Selfie Spot
Kelsey
Pitt
The Selfie Spot is a tech-driven tourism platform that helps visitors capture great photos hands-free through selfie stands and a connected app. It guides users to curated locations, encourages exploration through gamified challenges, and supports destinations by driving foot traffic, boosting engagement, and generating authentic user-created marketing content.
Axis Homme Skin
Maheen Rajani
Axis Homme Skin is a research-driven men’s skincare venture grounded in biomedical science and cosmetic chemistry. Designed specifically for the biological differences of male skin, the brand develops evidence-based formulations that simplify skincare while delivering real results.
Axis Homme also integrates men’s mental-health awareness into its mission, using daily self-care as an accessible entry point for encouraging well-being, confidence, and self-respect.
MosoPlay Games
Alex Fischer & Cole Bereskin
MosoPlay Games is developing a free-to-play game that combines aspects of popular racing and fighting genres. MosoPlay Games co-founders are fourth-year GAME student Cole Bereskin and recent GAME graduate Alex Fischer.
Influx Games
Thomas Tam
At Influx Games, we were tired of the lack of game development jobs in New Brunswick, so we decided to make them ourselves. Established in 2024 in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Influx Games is led by a team of passionate and grounded developers with years of experience. We create games we know our audience wants to see, because we are part of their community.
Fuchs
Educational Research and Development
Travis Fuchs
Fuchs Educational Research and Development brings together scholarly, leadership, and teaching expertise across schools to advance research-informed practice that improves student learning. By fostering collaboration between educators, universities, and industry partners, we help schools engage meaningfully with evidence—redefining education’s purpose, methods, and impact for the benefit of students and communities.
KIYAN
Anas Abidrabbu
KIYAN is an AI-powered career coaching platform (currently in active development) specifically for healthcare professionals turning burnout into breakthrough careers and sustainable jobs. KIYAN includes 1:1 Somatic Career Coaching (traumainformed, nervous system regulation + strategy), Career Clarity Power Sessions, IEN Leadership Program, Group Coaching Community, Healthcare Tech Transition, and Organization Consulting.
Plan-ED
Ivie Osagie
Plan-ED is a tech-driven academic guidance platform that streamlines the school-to-postsecondary pathway by centralizing course planning, milestones, and requirements. It provides personalized, evolving roadmaps that address limited counseling access, helping students understand their goals, required steps, and timing while giving educators scalable insights to reduce uncertainty and improve student preparedness.
Alexis D’Silva Art
Alexis D’Silva
At Alexis D’Silva Art, I create figurative and landscape contemporary art that explores culture, identity, and intersectionality. Using acrylics and mixed media, each piece tells a story and brings color to any space. I offer original artwork, posters, prints, and postcards.
Purvivino
Joanne Lachance & Franco Venturato
We are a new Canadian startup working with Brock university’s LINCubator program in conjunction with the Validation, Prototyping & Manufacturing Institute (VPMI). We are striving to provide a solution to a problem where 10% of wine consumers experience headaches, hives, flushing of the skin and nasal congestion due to sulphites and histamines found in wines.
Kactis.Ai
Paul Goncharow
Kactis.Ai is an intelligent health platform that streamlines testing, documentation, and analysis for clinicians. It organizes assessments, automates charting and intake, and supports hybrid care in-clinic or at home. By reducing administrative work and improving workflow efficiency, it helps clinicians focus on better patient care and practice growth.
Flexline
Abhilesh Gaikwad
Flexline is a B2B Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) revolving credit solution that helps small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) manage cash flow by paying suppliers and operating expenses through a virtual or physical business card, with the option to pay in full or split payments over time.
Fawkes
Matthew Cary
Fawkes, a public safety technology company, has launched a research-based assessment platform designed to improve how emergency dispatch centers hire and develop talent. The web-based tool evaluates the cognitive, decision-making, and multitasking demands unique to modern emergency dispatch, helping agencies identify candidates most likely to succeed before entering costly training programs.
Cluo Inc.
Charlotte Scace
Cluo is an app for conscious consumers that decodes product labels in seconds. By scanning labels, users gain transparent insights and resources to support informed purchasing choices, fostering confidence and awareness in everyday decisions. In addition to our current platform, our team is presently planning next phases that will support and connect consumers, industry and manufacturers.
Brock Research-Industry Partnerships
Chalk Monkey Labs & Dr. Shawn Beaudette Kinesiology
Chalk Monkey Labs is developing video-based movement assessment tools to help coaches and clinicians evaluate running technique and injury risk. In collaboration with Dr. Shawn Beaudette, the project applies biomechanical research to deliver objective, data-driven insights that support more personalized and preventative athlete care.
Wandler Probiotics & Dr. Dustin Duncan & Dr. Vaughn Mangal Chemistry
Dustin Duncan and Vaughn Mangal, in collaboration with Wandler Probiotics, explored a fermented, plant-based blend designed to support plant growth and soil health. Examining influences on soil conditions and nutrient availability, with greenhouse studies focused on plant growth and overall crop performance. The work aimed to advance sustainable alternatives to conventional agricultural inputs
Rel8ed & Dr. Leila Tahmooresnejad Business Analytics
Partnering with Rel8ed, Dr. Leila Tahmooresnejad led an innovationfocused project turning fragmented ESG data into clear, actionable insights. Using market intelligence and machine learning, the team built a scalable analytics framework that improves transparency and supports better decision-making for organizations, investors, and regulators.
Kevares Autonomous Solutions & Dr. Shengrong Bu & Dr. Shahryar Rahnamayan Engineering
Kevares Autonomous Services collaborated with Dr. Shengrong Bu and Dr. Shahryar Rahnamayan to develop an AI-powered smart vision system that helps autonomous robots navigate complex greenhouse environments. By integrating computer vision, sensor fusion, and intelligent navigation, the project enhances robotic safety, precision, and efficiency in modern greenhouse operations
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Agribusiness (OMAFA) & Dr. Malkie Spodek
Cool Climate Oenology & Viticulture Institute
This project investigates a sustainable treatment for managing the multi-coloured Asian lady beetle, a pest affecting wine quality in Ontario. Led by Dr. Malkie Spodek at CCOVI, it evaluates UV-C light, ozone, and hydrogen peroxide treatments to lower pest populations and support more sustainable viticulture practices.
Canadian Women and Sports & Dr. Shannon Kerwin Sport Management
Led by Dr. Shannon Kerwin in partnership with Canadian Women & Sport, this project examines women’s leadership in sport across Canada. Through interviews, policy analysis, and lived experiences, the research generates practical, evidence-based insights to advance gender equity, inclusion, and stronger leadership systems nationwide.
Dairy Farmers Canada & Dr. Nota Klentrou Kinesiology
In partnership with Dairy Farmers of Canada, Dr. Nota Klentrou leads research on supporting young athletes’ health and performance. Focusing on nutrient-dense whole foods like Greek yogurt, the project examines recovery, bone development, and inflammation, generating practical insights that connect nutrition science with real-world sport settings.
Canadian National Institute for the Blind & Dr. Nicole Luke Applied Disability Studies
Dr. Nicole Luke is partnering with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind to study attitudes toward people with sight loss. Using data from the Vision Mates program, the project explores how experiences and interactions shape perceptions, translating research insights into practical recommendations that support inclusion and improve quality of life.
Destiny Copper & Dr. Vaughn Mangal Chemistry
Dr. Vaughn Mangal is partnering with Destiny Copper to explore innovative ways to recover copper from Lake Erie algae blooms. Drawing on phytoremediation principles, the project examines how algae accumulate trace metals and how this can support sustainable copper extraction, advancing resource recovery and circular-economy solutions through applied research and industry collaboration.
Program of Events
Welcome
Land Acknowledgement ............................................... Farzana Crocco
Opening Remarks ............................................................ Dr. Tim Kenyon
Keynote Address ............................................................... Dr. Eric Brown
Innovation Celebration & Award Ceremony
Year in Review ................................................................. Farzana Crocco
Laura Sabia Entrepreneurial Awards ............................ Tamara Jensen
Brock Innovation Awards ............................................... Dr. Tim Kenyon
Brock Entrepreneur of the Year Finalists
Innovator of the Year Award Finalists
Showcase & Networking
Opening Remarks
Farzana Crocco
Executive
Director
Innovation, Commercialization & Entrepreneurship
Brock University
Dr. Tim Kenyon Vice-President, Research
Brock University
Keynote Speaker
“How AI is helping us rediscover nature’s pharmacy”
Dr. Eric Brown McMaster University
Dr. Eric Brown, a Distinguished University Professor at McMaster University, is a member of the M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research. He’s an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and has received awards like the Canadian Society of Microbiologists Murray Award. Dr. Brown was a former department Chair and founded the Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization program at McMaster. Dr. Brown is known for his top-notch research in antibiotics and his innovative approach to drug discovery using chemical and systems biology. He’s actively involved in commercializing his research and is particularly interested in technology and discoveries that could lead to breakthrough therapies.
Entrepreneurship Co-op Awards
The Entrepreneurship Co-op Award is awarded to a student at Brock University who demonstrates academic excellence and an interest in entrepreneurship and is enrolled in the Entrepreneurship Co-op program. Entrepreneurship Awards are supported through contributions from Venture Niagara, PenFinancial, and the Brock LINC.
Angad Katora – APH Performance
$1,000
APH Performance is an e-commerce store specializing in aftermarket car performance parts. Through strategic marketing and product selection, APH Performance has sustained steady sales growth and is on the way to build a strong reputation in the automotive community.
Ebad Khan – Momentum AI
$500
Momentum AI is an agentic tool designed to help secondary students study more effectively, achieve higher grades and improve their chances of getting into postgraduate programs. It turns chaotic semesters into a guided system, helping students plan, study, and succeed from day one instead of scrambling after they fall behind.
Owen Sartor – Lawn Masters Property Services
$1,000
Lawn Masters Property Services is a full-service property maintenance company that demonstrates excellence in customer service, and shows promise for ongoing growth and success.
Laura Sabia Entrepreneurial Awards
The Laura Sabia Entrepreneurial Awards are funded through a generous donation by Hilary Pearson and Michael Sabia. The award provides $10,000 for women-identifying students enrolled in undergraduate and/or graduate studies at Brock University and are actively working on developing a business idea, developing products/prototypes, or running a registered/ incorporated business.
Aashi Arora – Cake is Bae
$10,000
Operating in Canada and India, Cake is Bae offers exceptional homemade cheesecakes, tiramisu, custom cakes, and handcrafted desserts. Products are available for online ordering at in-person markets such as the Brock LINC Holiday Vendor Market.
Alexis D’Silva – Alexis D’Silva Art
$10,000
Artist Alexis D’Silva creates figurative and landscape contemporary art that explores culture, identity, and intersectionality. Using acrylics and mixed media, each piece tells a story and brings color to any space. Alexis D’Silva Art offers original artwork, posters, prints, and postcards.
Becky Kwok – LinguoTone
$10,000
LinguoTone is an AI mentor for high-stakes language proficiency exams (e.g., IELTS, HKDSE; with roadmap to Reading/Listening). It provides exam-focused assessment, highly personalized feedback, clear error categorization (grammar, tenses, pronunciation, etc.), and AI-generated, customized practice that converts into spaced-repetition (Anki) cards for effective follow-up. Unlike general language apps, LinguoTone pinpoints individual weaknesses, adapts practice across multiple languages, and supports user-defined materials.
Anna Munezero – QuickGlam
$10,000
QuickGlam is a beauty vending machine business designed to restore confidence and provide convenient 24/7 access to essential beauty and personal care products.
Ivie Osagie – Plan-ED
$10,000
Plan-ED is a technology-based academic guidance platform that simplifies the Canadian school-to-postsecondary pathway. It centralizes course planning, extracurricular milestones, and postsecondary requirements, providing students with personalized roadmaps that evolve from early high school to graduation. Plan-ED addresses gaps in student-to-counsellor ratios and unequal access to guidance, acting as an academic guidance counsellor in students’ pockets.
Brock Innovation Awards
The Brock Innovation Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in research innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship.
Remarks & Award Presentation by:
Dr. Tim Kenyon, PhD. Vice-President, Research
Brock Entrepreneur of the Year Award Finalists
Brock Entrepreneur of the Year Award celebrates and recognizes the most promising entrepreneurs developing their businesses at Brock. The award highlights the innovative startups that are shaping the world and inspiring action.
Paul Goncharow
Kactis.Ai
Kactis.Ai is an intelligent movement health platform that helps clinicians conduct accurate movement assessments and automate documentation. It saves time, increases efficiency, and improves patient care.
Dr. Anna Ignaszak
AinaTest Diagnostics Inc.
AinaTest Diagnostics is developing a minimally invasive diagnostic device to detect breast cancer markers in a liquid biopsy. The technology uses synthetic DNA and antibodies to target specific biomarkers, providing information on cancer stage, prognosis, and treatment.
Justin Mafie
CREOVA
CREOVA is a media agency and lifestyle brand that helps BIPOC individuals, startups, and community organizations tell their stories through photography, video, branding, and content creation.
Milad Nourvand
LingUp Education Inc.
LingUp is an app that helps users practice speaking English, Spanish, Turkish, French, and German through real-life, interactive conversations. Its AI gives instant feedback on users’ pronunciation, grammar, and word choice and adapts each practice to their level and goals.
Brock Innovator of the Year Award Finalists
Brock Innovator of the Year Award honors Brock faculty and staff who have demonstrated exemplary innovation or commercialization and have successfully translated their research and ideas into social or economic impact.
Dr. Shawn Beaudette, Associate Professor Kinesiology
Dr. Beaudette develops accessible computer-vision tools that use consumer-grade video to objectively analyze human movement outside the lab. His innovations have led to multiple spin-off companies that improve clinical screening, athletic performance analysis, and musculoskeletal health outcomes.
Dr. David T. Brown, Associate Professor Geography and Tourism Studies
Dr. Brown developed Interpretours and the GuideTags mobile app, an open, GPS-enabled digital platform that allows anyone to create and experience location-based multimedia stories in realworld settings. His innovation democratizes heritage interpretation, education, and tourism storytelling, engaging hundreds of students, community partners, and public organizations worldwide while enabling scalable social and economic impact.
Dr. Rajiv Jhangiani, Vice Provost Teaching & Learning, on behalf of the Inclusive Education Research Lab
The Inclusive Education Research Lab developed ISAT2, a bilingual, open-access tool that helps post-secondary institutions advance open educational practices. This innovation has informed policy and strategy across Ontario and British Columbia, contributing to affordability, equity, and over $78 million in student savings.
Dr. Robert
Steinbauer,
Professor Goodman School of Business
Dr. Steinbauer creates immersive virtual reality simulations that prepare students to respond to workplace harassment, racism, and ethical leadership dilemmas. His open-access VR tools provide emotionally realistic training that strengthens ethical decisionmaking and inclusive workplace practices.
Dr. Julie Stevens, Professor Sport Management
Dr Stevens’ work translates decades of research on change management, governance, and capacity-building in sport into realworld impact. As founder and long-time Director of the Centre for Sport Capacity, she has led the growth of a sustainable, revenuegenerating research centre that mobilizes scholarship into practical tools, training, and partnerships benefiting students, community organizations, and the broader sport sector.
