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© Mike Commito
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Innovation can emerge from the most unlikely places. Each week, Mike Commito and Steve Gravel, two unlikely innovators in their own right, will highlight stories of unlikely innovation in post-secondary education and the private sector. Drawing from their experiences in the college applied research world, they will showcase the bright ideas happening in colleges and communities across Canada.
Mike Commito is the Director of Applied Research at Cambrian College and Steve Gravel is the Manager of the Centre for Smart Mining, Cambrian's Technology Access Centre.
Mike Commito is the Director of Applied Research at Cambrian College and Steve Gravel is the Manager of the Centre for Smart Mining, Cambrian's Technology Access Centre.
111 Episodes
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On the latest episode Mike and Steve sat down with Suzanne Balima from Vale Base Metals. Suzanne talked about her journey from studying biomedical mechanical engineering to working in mining, how innovation is applied to various sectors, and what companies need to build a culture of innovation. Suzanne also highlighted Vale Base Metals’ Pyrrhotite Resource Recovery Challenge, which is still taking submissions until May 31, and offered some advice to students who might be contemplating a career in mining. Finally, Suzanne also chatted about her love of travel and why she jumped out of a perfectly good airplane.
This episode was originally recorded live as part of Cambrian College's annual Research & Innovation Week.
On the latest Unlikely Innovators, Steve and Mike sat down with Haley Blinn, a BEV Applications Engineer at Sandvik. Haley talked about her journey from studying astrophysics to working in mining, the future of electric vehicle technologies, the prospect of space mining, and some of her favourite video games.
On the latest Unlikely Innovators, Mike and Steve spoke with Claudia Krywiak, President and CEO of Ontario Centre of Innovation (OCI). Claudia talked about her journey from academia to business and how she’s now at the forefront of one of the world’s preeminent innovation ecosystems. Claudia also talked about the exciting return of OCI’s Discovery X, Ontario's premier tech and innovation conference, at the Enercare Centre in Toronto from April 17-18. Register now so you don’t miss out!
On this month’s episode, Mike and Steve sat down with Gus Minor, COO of Sofvie Inc. Gus talked about his entrepreneurial journey, transitioning from IT to mining, and how Sofvie is changing health and safety in industry. Gus also talked about the importance of conferences like PDAC, sponsoring Canadian racecar driver Zach Vanier, and how sugar pie brings people together.
On this month’s episode, Mike and Steve sat down with Bruno Lalonde, President & CEO of NSS Canada. Bruno talked about his journey in mining and becoming a leader in the sector’s bourgeoning tech ecosystem. Bruno also talked about the importance of community and culture and how he applies that to NSS.
On this month’s episode of the Unlikely Innovators, Mike and Steve sat down with Mario Grossi, President of Technica Mining. Mario talked about discovering his passion for mining, how he has managed the growth of Technica over the past quarter century, the importance of building Indigenous partnerships, and his hope for the City of Greater Sudbury.
On this month’s episode, Mike and Steve chatted with Alessandro Costantini, co-founder and Artistic Director of YES Theatre, on location at the Refettorio. Alessandro talked about what drew him to the performing arts and how he has made it his career. He also touched on the difference between film and stage acting. The guys also learned about the inspiration behind the Refettorio and how it is putting Sudbury on the map for outdoor theatre productions. Finally, since it’s the holiday season, Alessandro shared some of his favourite Christmas performances.
In the spirit of giving this holiday season, the Unlikely Innovators is giving you bonus episode this month! For this one, Mike and Steve chatted with Stephanie Curcio, CEO & co-founder of NLPatent. Stephanie talked about her journey from being a lawyer to a tech startup CEO, how her company NLPatent is disrupting the IP sector, and the state of IP in Canada. You can find Stephanie at the Legal Tech Fund Summit this week, where NLPatent is featured in the Startup Showcase.
On this month’s episode, Mike and Steve sat down with Jennifer Taback, Partner & Thought Leader at Design de Plume. Jennifer talked about her unlikely journey into graphic design, starting her own business, how she brings her unique perspective as an Indigenous woman into design, and the role that visual storytelling can play in truth and reconciliation in Canada.
On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve were on location at TESC to chat with Julie Zulich, the company’s President & CEO. Julie talked about her entrepreneurial journey from opening up a coffee shop franchise to joining and leading her family’s construction business. She also explained the importance of planning for growth and expansion, while also being strategic in selecting what projects TESC takes on. Julie also talked about the importance of making skilled trades more inclusive and diverse through initiatives like LeadHER Trades and Cambrian College’s Jill of All Trades, where she will be part of a Women in Trades panel on Wednesday.
The Unlikely Innovators are back! For the third season, Mike and Steve kicked things with Dr. Nadia Mykytczuk, their first repeat guest. Nadia talked about her early love of science, being a role model to young women in STEM, her new Industrial Research Chair in Biomining in partnership with Cambrian, and her plans for the future Centre for Mine Waste Biotechnology.
On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Mark Masotti, President & CEO of AlterBiota. Mark covered his journey from civil construction to chemical engineering to establishing a bio-graphene company. He talked about the benefits of using bio graphene in concrete mixtures from increasing building strength to helping to combat climate change.
On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve were joined by Brit Ho, a Project Manager at Hootsuite. Brit talked about her journey from hospitality to tech, her work at Hootsuite, what AI means for the tech industry, and her passion for boxing.
On this week's episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Chloé Arsenault, a recent graduate of College Boreal's civil and mining engineering technician program. Chloe talked about what drew her to skilled trades and how she uses her pageantry platforms "Tiaras and Trades" to inspire girls and women to consider a career in the skilled trades.
On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Dawn Larsen, Digital Solutions Manager for Epiroc Canada. Dawn shared her journey from software to business, as well as her transition to the mining sector. She also talked about digital transformation in the sector and the solutions Epiroc has brought to market to improve productivity, utilization, and safety.
On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Trent Mell, founder and CEO of Electra Battery Materials Corporation. Trent talked about Electra’s mission to create the only fully integrated, localized, and environmentally sustainable battery materials park in North America and what that would mean for Canada’s position as a leader in the global critical minerals sector. Trent also talked about his journey from law to mining and even gave the guys a history lesson about Cobalt, Ontario.
On this week's episode, Mike and Steve welcomed their second astronaut to the show, Colonel Jeremy Hansen. He talked about his unlikely journey becoming a fighter pilot and his even unlikelier journey becoming an astronaut. Colonel Hansen also explained the qualities he looks for in an astronaut and what his forthcoming Artemis II mission to the Moon means for humanity. And, since it's almost summer blockbuster season, Colonel Hansen reflected on last year's smash hit, Top Gun: Maverick, and how it stacks up for him as a fighter pilot.
On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Lee Elias, founder and CEO of Hockey Wraparound and Game Seven Group. Lee talked about his playing days, coaching, and discovering a need in the road hockey market that led to the invention of Hockey Wraparound. Lee also talked about his other venture, Game Seven Group, which helps individuals and teams unlock the Game 7 mentality for business and sports.
On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Laura O’Blenis, President and CEO of Stiletto. Laura talked about her journey from business to helping to build innovation ecosystems through her work at Stiletto. She also talked about research parks and the value they provide to communities, the state of the startup landscape in Canada, and the country's commercialization track record.
On this week's episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Trang Tran-Valade, Regional Sector Lead of Mining, Minerals, and Metals, Canada for Stantec. Trang talked about her unlikely journey into mining, her experience with mining technologies, her continued efforts to make mining more diverse, and what you can expect at this year's CIM Convention in Montreal.
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