Regional Directors offer in-depth innovation experience on both coasts

Natural Products Canada is pleased to announce the addition of two new Regional Directors to strengthen the company’s ability to help build and support Canada’s natural product innovation cluster.

“We are delighted to strengthen our presence across Canada,” says Shelley King, CEO. “We continue to see promising new innovation from all regions of the country that can benefit from our exclusive expertise, programs, and network.”

Regional Directors (RDs) play a pivotal role in NPC’s identification and development of high potential natural products and solutions for a range of industries, including health and life sciences, natural resources, agriculture and agri-food, and sustainable bioproducts. The RDs offer business and technical advice, facilitate connections and strategic introductions, and support clients in their access to NPC’s commercialization programs, events, network and services, including its venture arm, NPC Ventures. They also work closely with investors and corporations seeking Canadian innovation to invest in and/or partner with.

While the two new RDs are focused on their respective regions, they augment the organization’s national suite of expertise and experience in all aspects of research, development and commercialization of innovation.

Rishikesh (Rishi) Mankidy, PhD joins NPC as the Regional Director for British Columbia. He brings a diverse background, steeped in business and scientific expertise, covering technologies as broad ranging as human health to environmental toxicology.

“Rishi is a tremendous asset to our clients,” says King. “His experience with the intricacies involved in bringing truly innovative technologies to market will help many companies through the commercialization journey.”

Prior to the addition of Mankidy, BC stakeholders were primarily served by Darren Bolding, whose territory covered BC and Alberta. Bolding will now be Regional Director – Prairies, responsible for Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Barbara M. Campbell, MSc will serve as Regional Director for Atlantic Canada, covering all four Atlantic provinces. Her extensive background in university technology transfer as well as running her own consulting firm focused on life sciences start-ups provide her with 20 years’ experience in the innovation and commercialization space.

“Barbara’s network, business acumen and enthusiasm are a great addition to the NPC team,” says King. “She has a solid reputation for helping many complex technologies and companies succeed.”

For more information:

Sue Coueslan, VP Strategy and Partnerships

Natural Products Canada (NPC) is the driving force behind Canada’s Natural Product Innovation Cluster–a strategic and diverse community focused on the development and commercialization of naturally-derived products and technologies in health and life sciences, natural resources, agriculture and agri-food, and sustainable bioproducts. As part of its role in the Cluster, NPC offers in-depth advice and a suite of commercialization programs to Canadian early-stage companies and research institutes; provides connections and innovation scouting services to corporations and investors; and leverages an investment fund (NPC Ventures) to help develop and de-risk promising Canadian opportunities.