Innovation Alchemy

E39 | Written in Our DNA: Personalized Medicine Through Genetic Insights

What if your DNA could help determine which medications work best for you?

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast, host Adam Castle sits down with Dr. Govindaraja (Raj) Atikukke, CEO and Founder of One Tenacity, to explore the rapidly evolving world of personalized medicine and genomics.

From his early fascination with how a single cell develops into a human being, to building a CAP-accredited genomics laboratory in Windsor-Essex, Dr. Raj shares the 13-year journey behind turning cutting-edge science into real-world healthcare solutions.

The conversation explores how genomic testing is transforming the way we understand disease, why medication responses vary from person to person, and how pharmacogenomics could help patients and physicians make more informed treatment decisions by unlocking the original data centre - our DNA.

Dr. Raj also discusses the future of cancer genomics, the commercialization challenges faced by science-based startups, and why Windsor-Essex has been the ideal place to build a globally competitive biotechnology company.

Whether you're interested in healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship, biotechnology, or the future of medicine, this episode offers a fascinating look at how DNA is shaping the next generation of personalized care.

🎙️ In this episode:
• The science behind genomics and personalized medicine
• How pharmacogenomic testing can improve medication outcomes
• Building a biotech company from Windsor-Essex
• The challenges of commercializing scientific innovation
• Why cancer is increasingly understood as a genomic disease
• The future of precision medicine and targeted therapies
• Lessons learned from 13 years of persistence and entrepreneurship

Learn more about One Tenacity: https://www.onetenacity.com/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/ 

#InnovationAlchemy #Podcast #Technology #Innovation #YQG #CKont #Genomics #PersonalizedMedicine #PrecisionMedicine #Biotechnology #HealthcareInnovation #Entrepreneurship  #CancerResearch #Pharmacogenomics #WEtechAlliance #WindsorEssex #InnovationPodcast

E38 | Patent Pending: From Academic Discovery to Real-World Commercialization

In this episode of Innovation Alchemy, host Adam Castle sits down with Paul Brereton, Business Development and Commercialization Office from the University of Windsor, and researcher-entrepreneur Nick Vukotic, Assistant Professor and Industrial Research Chair at the University of Windsor, and Founder of Solid4m, to explore the messy reality of turning groundbreaking research into real-world innovation.

From intellectual property and commercialization to startup strategy and technology readiness, the conversation dives into what it actually takes to move ideas beyond the lab and into the market. Nick and Paul share candid insights about the nonlinear journey of entrepreneurship, the challenges researchers face when building companies, and the importance of balancing academic discovery with business execution.

Whether you're a founder, researcher, student, or innovation enthusiast, this episode offers an honest look at the complexities of commercialization and the people working to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Innovation Alchemy is a podcast by WEtech Alliance, dedicated to exploring the magic, mess, and mastery of innovation. Learn more: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/ 

Learn more about research & innovation at University of Windsor: https://www.uwindsor.ca/research/

Learn more about Solid4m: https://www.solid4m.com/

#Innovation #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #commercialization #research

E37 | Accessible By Design: Making Inclusion Your Competitive Advantage

Accessibility isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a catalyst for better innovation.

In this episode of Innovation Alchemy, we dive into what accessibility really means, why it matters more than ever, and how entrepreneurs can start making meaningful changes today.

Adam Castle is joined by co-host John-Marc Vachon, WEtech Alliance's Director of Marketing & Events; and accessibility experts and digital leaders David Best of BEST Consulting, and Jason Pomerleau of Elev8 Web Studio, for a conversation that moves beyond definitions and compliance to explore the real-world impact of inclusive design.

From rethinking user experiences to uncovering missed market opportunities, this episode breaks down how accessibility can strengthen your product, expand your reach, and future-proof your business. Most importantly, we share practical, actionable steps you can take right now—no matter your stage—to begin building more inclusive offerings.

Whether you're a founder, product builder, or marketer, this episode will challenge how you think about innovation, and who it's really for.

Innovation Alchemy is a podcast by WEtech Alliance, dedicated to exploring the magic, mess, and mastery of innovation. Learn more: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/ 

Learn more about BEST Consulting: https://www.bestaccessibility.consulting/

Learn more about Elev8 Web Studio: https://www.elev8webstudio.com/

#Innovation #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #Accessibility #Inclusion

E36 | ScalingUP with Transit Rewards

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks with Josipa Petrunic from Transit Rewards.

Transit Rewards is one of 10 companies in Cohort 9 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Communitech, the government of Ontario, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

TransitRewards.ca is an innovative digital platform that helps public transit agencies and their rider communities turn everyday commuting into real value. By rewarding frequent riders with points, discounts, and local offers, TransitRewards.ca strengthens rider loyalty, increases engagement, and encourages more people to choose sustainable, low-carbon mobility — all while helping transit systems boost ridership and deepen connections with their communities. The company is closely aligned with cutting-edge work in zero-emissions transit technologies, electrification, hydrogen fuel cell systems, autonomous shuttle deployment and broader clean transportation and mobility innovation.

Learn more about Transit Rewards: https://transitrewards.ca/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/

#Innovation #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #Transit

E35 | ScalingUP with Chocovate Labs

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks with Brittany Charlton from Chocovate Labs.

Chocovate Labs is one of 10 companies in Cohort 9 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Communitech, the government of Ontario, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Chocovate Labs is pioneering the world’s first scalable, cocoa-free chocolate alternative, an innovative, plant-based ingredient that looks, melts, and tastes just like traditional chocolate without the ethical, environmental, or supply chain challenges tied to cocoa. Positioned as a B2B ingredient platform, Chocovate Labs sells in bulk to food manufacturers, bakeries, and foodservice operators.

Learn more about Chocovate Labs: https://www.chocovatelabs.com/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/

#Innovation #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #FoodTech

E34 | ScalingUP with Stratus Plastics

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks with Colby Wu from Stratus Plastics.

Stratus Plastics is one of 10 companies in Cohort 9 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Communitech, the government of Ontario, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

ThermaRoot, developed by Stratus Plastics International’s agri division, StratusAgro, is an innovative root-zone heating and cooling technology designed for commercial greenhouses. By delivering precise climate control directly to the plant’s root system, ThermaRoot helps growers reduce energy costs, improve yields, and protect crops from extreme weather. With successful pilot trials in Ontario’s greenhouse cluster and collaborations with leading research institutions and technology partners, ThermaRoot is redefining sustainable climate control for high-value crops.

Learn more about StratusAgro: https://www.stratusagro.com/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/PODCASTS/

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/

#Innovation #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #Agritech

E32 | ScalingUP with Quotograph

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks with Taj Brah from Quotograph.

Quotograph is one of 10 companies in Cohort 9 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Communitech, the government of Ontario, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Quotograph is a construction technology company transforming how general contractors manage progress tracking, safety reporting, and permitting. With their construction analysis technology, contractors simply upload site videos of their construction sites to receive detailed reports highlighting project progress, risks, and actionable insights, or upload floorplans to generate digital measurements and automated takeoffs. By reducing the need for frequent on-site visits, eliminating manual reporting, and preventing blueprints from being printed, Quotograph helps contractors save valuable time, lower costs, and achieve meaningful CO2 reductions across projects.

Learn more about Quotograph: https://www.quotograph.io/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/ 

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/

#Innovation #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Podcast

E31 | ScalingUP with Storefront Stays

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks with Julie Edwards and Kyla Bardwell from Storefront Stays.

Storefront Stays is one of 10 companies in Cohort 9 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Communitech, the government of Ontario, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Storefront Stays is a platform designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners grow through flexible, low-risk connections. By linking storefront owners with makers, artists, and entrepreneurs, they make it simple to share space, showcase products, and create collaborations that drive revenue and visibility. This also breathes new life into a challenge many Canadian communities face – vacant storefronts that could otherwise be opportunities. Empty spaces aren’t just idle real estate; they’re missed chances for local economies. When activated by small businesses testing ideas and building momentum, they transform into vibrant hubs of community life.

Learn more about Storefront Stays: https://storefrontstays.ca/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/ 

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/

#Innovation #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Podcast

E28 | ScalingUP with USpeak

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks with Shayan Shaygani from USpeak.

USpeak is one of 10 companies in Cohort 9 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Communitech, the government of Ontario, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

USpeak is a cross-platform mobile app that solves the biggest hurdle for high-stakes English exam candidates: the speaking test. They instantly connect learners from around the world for live video and audio practice, providing exam-specific topics and a safe environment to build real confidence. After launching in August, their community grew to over 5,000 users in the first week, proving a massive market need for a dedicated, specialized practice tool.

Learn more about USpeak: https://uspeak.io/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/ 

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/

E27 | ScalingUP with Estare

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks with Vedagya Bakshi and Jay Astik from Estare.

Estare is one of 10 companies in Cohort 9 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Communitech, the government of Ontario, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Estare is a Canadian advanced materials company redefining how packaging and manufacturing are done. Through its flagship product, PackSeries+, Estare delivers high-performance fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) solutions that are lightweight, durable, and environmentally responsible. Designed to replace traditional materials like metal and plastic, PackSeries+ empowers manufacturers to reduce waste, lower emissions, and improve efficiency—without compromising strength or scalability. With a growing footprint across North America and a commitment to Sustainable Capitalism, Estare is building the future of industrial design, one smart material at a time.

Learn more about Estare: https://www.estare.co/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/ 

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/