Welcome from the Executive Director
Welcome to the Brock Innovation Showcase!
This is a special evening celebrating the 5-year anniversary of the Brock LINC that highlights the cutting-edge work of Brock researchers and entrepreneurs.
Tonight’s event is a showcase of the research-based technologies and startups at Brock, as well as an opportunity for the Brock community, industry professionals, investors, and community partners to celebrate Brock research and commercialization successes.
There is a lot to showcase and celebrate. We are putting the spotlight on five of our research-based technologies that are being developed for commercialization, and nine startups that are being incubated in the LINCubator. We are recognizing $125,000 in funding for student entrepreneurs and community-based SME’s affiliated with Brock.
We are also awarding the Brock Entrepreneur of the Year, and Brock Innovator of the Year awards which celebrate outstanding achievements in research innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship.
Please take the time to meet the innovators in the room, learn about the fascinating work that’s happening here, and perhaps take a bit of inspiration to spark your own innovation.
Enjoy the evening!
Sincerely,
Executive Director, Innovation, Commercialization & Entrepreneurship
Brock University
Thank you to our event sponsor:
Brock LINC Overview
Welcome to the Brock LINC
The Brock LINC is 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.
Entrepreneurship
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.
Karyn Gicante Entrepreneurship Program Manager
Kali Brix Innovation Program Coordinator
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.
Dr.
Business Development Manager
Industry Partnerships
Hashim Business Development Manager
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.
Dr. Caitlin Sande Research Partnerships Officer
Dr. Noshin
Iva Bruhova
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.
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.
Immunotherapy for Age-Related Chronic Diseases
Dr. Newman Sze
Aging leads to the accumulation of damaged protein, particularly isoDGR-modified proteins, which trigger inflammation and contribute to diseases like cardiovascular disease and dementia. Brock researchers developed an antibody therapy to remove these damaged proteins, reducing inflammation and potentially extending healthy lifespan. Their approach uniquely targets the root cause of chronic inflammation, offering a promising
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.
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.
Brock Startups
Fawkes
Matthew Cary
Fawkes aims to address the understaffing and inefficiencies in emergency dispatch hiring by providing research-backed candidate selection services for 911 dispatch telecommunication centres.
Founder Matthew Cary spent a decade working as an ambulance dispatcher and is currently a student in Brock’s concurrent Bachelor of Nursing/Master of Nursing program.
Med-Bot AI
Ebad Khan
Med-Bot AI is an AI tool designed to help pre-medical students study more effectively, achieve higher grades and improve their chances of getting into postgraduate health-care programs. Co-founders Ebad Khan and Subquat Siddiqui are second year Computer Science students.
pHer Health Inc.
Abbie Burchell
pHer Health is a medical device company focusing on non-invasive methods for early vaginal infection. Founder Abbie Burchell is a third-year Medical Sciences student at Brock University and is advancing her innovations through ongoing research and development efforts to enhance women's health in the LINCubator.
Villagely Inc.
Zohra Sheikh
Villagely uniquely combines instant onboarding, AI-powered insights, and automated workflows tailored specifically for grant lifecycle management, removing costly sales processes and complex integrations common with existing software. Unlike competitors, Villagely offers predictable, fixed pricing tiers with internal user limits and unlimited external users, maximizing scalability and adoption speed.
MosoPlay Games
Cole Bereskin & Alex Fischer
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.
Brock Startups
OBN
Graeme McMillan
OBN is a revolution in DIY Estate Sales, designed to simplify the daunting task of decluttering and clearing out estates. Our AI-driven, human supported software offers users a seamless and intuitive platform to photograph, categorize, and manage belongings with unprecedented ease. Utilizing advanced image recognition technology, OBN quickly sorts items into categories such as Keep, Sell, Donate, or Dispose, streamlining the decisionmaking process and providing users with clarity and control over their possessions.
Healthy Habits Coaches
Isabelle Hill & Sean Locke
Healthy Habits Coaches empowers health professionals with research-based tools for behavioral change. The business offers two streams of services: personalized health coaching and an internationally recognized professional certification for health coaches. Co-founders Dr. Sean Locke and PhD student Isabelle Hill have translated their behavioural research into this exciting new venture.
Adjective Noun Studios
Adam Henderson & Agusia Krzywinska
Adjective Noun Studios is an interactive media and game development company based in St. Catharines. They specialize in helping creatives bring their stories to life in interactive formats, from games to interactive stories, to VR experiences, as well as developing original IPs in the mobile and PC markets. Clients include CBC Kids, Groupe Media TFO, and Huckleberry Films. Co-founders Agusia Krzywinska and Adam Henderson are Brock alumni.
FrostFit
Matt Hodgkinson
FrostFit is a wearable cooling device designed to help individuals with thermoregulatory disabilities. Founder Matt Hodgkinson is an MSc. student in Kinesiology and is a researcher with Brock’s Exercise and Thermal Physiology labs. Matt is dedicated to developing accessible, effective solutions for heat management.
Innovation Showcase Program
Welcome
Welcome & Land Acknowledgement.....................Farzana Crocco
Brock University President’s Remarks ......................Dr. Lesley Rigg
5-Year Brock LINC Reflection ................................... Farzana Crocco
Award Ceremony
Commercialization Recognition .......................................Iva Bruhova
SME IP Program Award .............................................. Noshin Hashim
Laura Sabia Entrepreneurial Awards..........................Karyn Gicante
Dobson Entrepreneurial Excellence Prize ............... Karyn Gicante
Finalists - Pitches:
Healthy Habits Coaches
MosoPlay Games
Fawkes
Entrepreneur of the Year Award ......................Dr. Michelle McGinn
Innovator of the Year Award .............................Dr. Michelle McGinn
Closing
Closing Remarks .......................................................... Farzana Crocco
Welcome Remarks
Dr. Lesley Rigg
President and Vice-Chancellor of Brock University
Farzana Crocco
Executive Director, Innovation, Commercialization & Entrepreneurship of Brock University
Commercialization
Commercialization at the Brock LINC
Research commercialization transforms innovative research into marketable products, services, or technologies. This process involves identifying the commercial potential of academic research, protecting intellectual property, and developing strategies to bring innovations to market. It not only drives economic growth but also ensures that research has a tangible societal impact.
The process of research commercialization can take many years, and today we will be recognizing key activities and milestones of Brock researchers. CLIPBOARD-LIST
Commercial Potential & Report of Inventions
Intellectual Property Activities
Commercialization Funding
Brock SME IP Support Program Awards
The Brock SME IP Support Program is funded through Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON), an Ontario government agency program designed to support innovation and IP commercialization in post-secondary education. The award is designed to support Brock's valued research partners and Brock LINC members in protecting and developing their innovative ideas.
Arbor Life Labs, $10,000
Arbor Life Labs is a leader in medical research and development for healthy tissue regeneration. They develop therapeutics to address a range of degenerative diseases, immune conditions and regenerative medicines.
Bornea Dynamics, $10,000
Bornea Dynamics is a defense & space firm specializing in R&D, training programs, and cyber/information capabilities.
Cluō, $10,000
Cluō provides consumers with accurate, expanded information about the labels and logos on packaged foods and other products. The app empowers you to make better, more informed choices about your diet, lifestyle and health.
Destiny Copper, $10,000
Destiny Copper has an innovative clean technology that recovers high purity copper directly from mining and manufacturing waste streams. Their technology, developed from research at Brock University, remediates hazardous waste and supplies critical copper with ultra-low energy usage.
Neotrust, $10,000
Neotrust leverages blockchain technology to provide secure, immutable verification for digital assets, identity, and ownership. Secure your data, protect your creations, and ensure authenticity.
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.
Temilade Adesina, $10,000
Temilade Adesina founded Eriworld Linens, a business specializing in high-quality, eco-friendly bed linens. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Applied Disability Studies at Brock University and participates in the Navigate program.
Maheen Rajani, $10,000
Maheen Rajani is the founder of Épanouir Beauty, a skincare brand created to challenge societal stigmas around men’s use of cosmetics. Maheen recently developed her product through the Navigate program.
Stuti Patel, $10,000
Stuti Patel is an Entrepreneurship Co-op student, and founder of Taal by Stuti, a business venture focused on providing affordable and enriching Indian folk and classical dance lessons for youth.
Isabelle Hill, $10,000
Isabelle Hill is co-founder of Healthy Habits Coaches, a business offering virtual, research-based health coaching and certification programs. Isabelle is pursuing a PhD in Behavioral and Population Health.
Trinity Samarita, $10,000
Trinity Samarita, founder of Oopsie Daisy Apparel, creates unique, hand-crafted screen-printed clothing with a focus on creativity and self-expression. Trinity is a former participant in the LINCubator program.
Tiffany Muhindi, $10,000
Tiffany Muhindi is the founder of Dawa & Co., a healthfocused beverage brand inspired by the traditional Kenyan Dawa drink, known for its immune-boosting properties. Tiffany is developing her idea through the Navigate program.
Abbie Burchell, $10,000
Abbie Burchell, a third-year Medical Sciences student at Brock University, founded pHer Health Inc., a medical device company focusing on non-invasive methods for early vaginal infection detection and menstrual cycle prediction.
Dobson Entrepreneurial Excellence Prize Finalists
The Dobson Entrepreneurial Excellence Prize is funded by the John Dobson Foundation. It is designed to support a Brock University student participating in the LINCubator program at the Brock LINC. The top three finalists are invited to pitch at the Innovation Showcase.
Isabelle Hill – Healthy Habits Coaches
Healthy Habits Coaches empowers health professionals with research-based tools for behavioral change. The business offers two streams of services: personalized health coaching and an internationally recognized professional certification for health coaches. Co-founders Dr. Sean Locke and PhD student Isabelle Hill have translated their behavioural research into this exciting new venture.
Cole Bereskin – MosoPlay Games
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.
Matthew Cary – Fawkes
Fawkes aims to address the understaffing and inefficiencies in emergency dispatch centers by providing researchbacked candidate selection and services for 911 dispatch telecommunication centres. Founder Matthew Cary spent a decade working as an ambulance dispatcher and is currently a student in Brock’s concurrent Bachelor of Nursing/Master of Nursing program.
Brock Innovation Awards
The Brock Innovation Awards celebrate outstanding achievements in research innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship.
Remarks & Award Presentation by:
Dr. Michelle McGinn Acting Vice-President, Research of Brock University
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.
Dr. Thomas Wolf
Dr. Thomas Wolf, founder of Caribou Contests, is revolutionizing math education with interactive games that enhance engagement and problem-solving. He has developed 28+ educational games, including Calcrostic®, Knot Colouring®, and Unknotting®, making complex math concepts more accessible. Overcoming resource constraints, he secured funding, strengthened cybersecurity, and implemented advanced cheating detection algorithms. Looking ahead, he plans to expand into coding and physics contests while adding Spanish as the platform’s 12th language, furthering its global educational impact.
Matthew Cary
Matthew Cary is the founder of Fawkes, which provides research-backed candidate selection and services for emergency dispatch communication centres. Matthew has advanced his business from concept to a beta product in 2024. After winning the Navigate Pitch award, he generated strong industry interest at IAED conferences in the US and UK and secured collaboration opportunities. He has recently established a research partnership with Brock psychology professors, enabling access to MITACs grants for research validation, and has been active in product development and testing.
Dr. Sean Locke
Dr. Sean Locke is addressing the gap in effective health coaching through two ventures: Healthy Habits Coaches, a fully virtual health coaching and certification program, and Healthifi, an mHealth startup connecting physicians with health professionals. He has leveraged his faculty role to develop client materials, joined Brock LINCubator for business guidance, and is seeking angel investment for growth. Both companies are launching in Niagara and Buffalo, with plans to scale across Ontario and New York within a year. Dr. Locke has received national recognition for his research and media contributions.
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. Manal Alzghoul, Associate Professor of Nursing
Dr. Alzghoul developed a multilingual, hands-on childhood injury prevention workshop tailored for immigrant and newcomer families. Her initiative promotes cultural inclusivity while educating on water safety, CPR, and bike safety. Widely adopted and integrated into community partnerships, her work directly benefits vulnerable populations, especially in the Niagara region. Through collaboration with students and organizations, Dr. Alzghoul fosters a research-driven solution that enhances societal well-being and empowers others to contribute to its success.
Dr. Jasneet Kaur, Assistant Professor of Physics & Engineering
Dr. Jasneet Kaur leads the Sustainable Nano Engineered Materials Lab, focusing on developing sustainable materials for energy applications. Her research advances green hydrogen production, solid-state batteries, and healthcare sensing devices. By collaborating with industry partners and working toward patenting her technologies, Dr. Kaur supports Canada's emissions reduction goals. Her innovative work fosters an entrepreneurial culture at Brock, encouraging students to engage in commercialization courses and contribute to Brock’s sustainability initiatives.
Dr. Sean Locke, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology
Dr. Sean Locke has pioneered innovations in health coaching, focusing on behavior change to prevent non-communicable diseases. As a Co-founder of Healthy Habits Coaches and the Behavioral Science Officer for Healthifi, Dr. Locke has developed an innovative curriculum integrating psychology-based strategies. His research, coupled with community partnerships, is transforming healthcare practices by addressing behavioral factors in disease prevention.
Dr. Tricia Vause, Professor in Child & Youth Studies
Dr. Tricia Vause’s research on treating ObsessiveCompulsive Behaviours (OCBs) in autistic children has led to the creation of an evidence-based Clinician’s Manual and Children’s Workbook. Set for 2025 publication, these resources address a significant gap in autism treatment. Dr. Vause’s work has already improved the lives of children and families and is gaining traction through workshops and conferences. Her innovative approach promotes social inclusion and improves the quality of life for children with autism.
Dr. Thomas Wolf, Professor of Mathematics
Dr. Thomas Wolf’s development of Caribou Contests has innovated STEM education through engaging math and coding competitions. With over 75,000 participants in 36 countries, his work enhances math skills and prepares students for STEM careers. His collaborations with schools and industry partners further elevate Brock University’s role in STEM education and research, fostering a deeper engagement in mathematical problem-solving.
