Innovation Alchemy

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

E33 | ScalingUP with Adopli AI

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks with Ranem Ghalion and Abdulkafi Ghalion from Adopli AI.

Adopli AI 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).

Adopli AI transforms how businesses handle customer interactions through intelligent automation that drives real growth. Their multilingual AI agents seamlessly manage email, chat, and voice communications—from initial inquiries to follow-ups and appointment scheduling. Built specifically for growing small-to-mid-sized businesses, they eliminate operational bottlenecks that consume valuable time and resources. Through their blend of strategic automation and personalized multilingual support, they enable businesses to scale efficiently while reducing costs and maintaining exceptional customer experiences at every touchpoint.

Learn more about Adopli AI: https://adopliai.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 #AI

E26 | Beyond the A.I. Hype: Innovation, Ethics, and What Comes Next

AI is everywhere — ChatGPT, copilots, agents, automation — but how much of it is actually delivering real value?

 

In this episode of Innovation Alchemy, we re-connect with University of Windsor alum and current Managing Director of AI at PwC in Calgary, Danielle Gifford, to cut through the hype and explore what AI is really doing inside organizations today, how teams can best leverage it, and where it goes from here.

 

This episode is powered by Workforce WindsorEssex, as a continuation of the momentum sparked at our AI Workforce Summit this past September. Learn more: https://www.workforcewindsoressex.com/ai-summit/ 

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/

E21 | The State of Advanced Manufacturing in Canada

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast, Adam talks with three graduates of the i.d.e.a. Fund, Andrew Glover of Harbour Technologies, James Gibb of Affinity, and Vedagya Bakshi of Estare, about the state of manufacturing in Canada; where we can win; and where we're headed.

Learn more about Harbour Technologies: https://www.harbour-tech.com/

Learn more about Affinity Outdoor Living: https://www.affinityinc.ca/

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

Learn more about the i.d.e.a. Fund: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/idea/

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

E8 | Talk Less to Sell More with Hubspot’s Jose Martins

In this episode, the Adams talk selling with engineer, coach, mentor and self-proclaimed introvert entrepreneur, Jose Martins.

Learn how Jose was able to get out of his comfort zone to learn sales and marketing, while turning some of his attributes as an introvert into superpowers in sales to become a Top 1% sales performer at HubSpot!

Check out links to some of the tools talked about in this episode in our Alchemy Toolbox.

Need help? Let's connect www.wetech-alliance.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube

E5 | Marty McFlywheel

In part 2 of our 3-part "Death of the Funnel" series, Adam Frye makes the fatal error of referencing DC as a life-long Marvel fan, Adam Castle tries to connect with the youth by referencing the “New New” sales theory? The Adams give a good and proper sendoff to Elias St. Elmo Lewis, the father of the funnel. Oh yeah, and they also teach you how to get a flywheel up and spinning in your business.

Check out links to some of the tools talked about in this episode in our Alchemy Toolbox.

Need help? Let's connect www.wetech-alliance.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube