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Our Team / History

Our History

Founded in 2001 by pioneering scientists from the University of Calgary Biofilm Research Group, MBEC Bioproducts was formed to commercialize leading innovations in biofilm science.  The company was taken public via a qualifying transaction with Innovotech Inc. on the TSX Venture Exchange in 2004 and trades under the ticker IOT.V.

The Company has evolved into a diversified contract research organization, devoted to helping health product companies develop and test their products, ensuring their efficacy and safety. Our clients range from medical device companies to pharmaceutical and natural health organizations.

Innovotech operates out of Edmonton, Alberta, and has been in business for nearly 25 years. Over the past two years, we have made a concerted effort to grow, striving to become the go-to organization for health tech product companies globally, assisting them in their development.

Recently, the 2024 acquisition of Keystone Labs represented a pivotal development, bringing with it a 20-year legacy of client-focused boutique contract research. This addition has significantly enhanced our capabilities and solidifies our standing as a leading partner in the health tech development landscape.

Our Team

While we are all about the data, we understand that the people behind the data are just as important. The Innovotech team is a dynamic mix of scientists, technology enthusiasts, and business professionals. As leaders in our respective fields, our team thrives on collaboration with clients, offering a wealth of experience and knowledge.

Think of us as an extension of your team. We are singularly focused on delivering reliable, accurate solutions and providing results that you can apply immediately. Whether you have a specific problem to address or need help with regulatory compliance, Innovotech has the expertise ready to support you and your objectives.

Meet Our Leadership

Craig Milne, MBA, Ph.D.

CEO, Director

Bernard Grobbelaar, CPA.

Chief Financial Officer

Jodi McDonald, BSc.

Chief Operating Officer

Rod Szarka

Chief Commercial Oficer

Board of Directors

James Timourian, PH.D.

Director, Board Chair

Craig Milne, MBA, Ph.D.​

CEO, Director

David Tam, BSc, LLB,

Director

Julie Wright

Director

Karen Farkas

Director

Brad Clarke, CP, CBV

Director

Arden Tse, BSc, MBA, CEC.

Director

At Innovotech, we are committed to driving positive change in the health tech landscape, and with our talented team, we are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

Craig Milne, MBA, Ph.D.

CEO

Dr. Milne is the CEO of Innovotech as of August 2023 and has served on the Board and as a member of the Audit Committee for several years. He is a serial entrepreneur with nearly twenty years of experience in leadership, strategy, operations management, and business development of high-growth, technology-based companies. Dr. Milne has a Ph.D. in Immunology from the University of Toronto and an MBA in Finance from the University of Alberta.

Bernard Grobbelaar

Chief Financial Officer

Bernard is an experienced accountant serving public and private companies at international and national accounting firms. He currently provides contract accounting and financial management services (including IFRS compliance) to his clients. He is a chartered accountant in Canada and South Africa.

Jodi McDonald

Chief Operating Officer

Entrepreneurial leader and quality assurance professional with strong track record of client driven outcomes.

Rod Szarka

Chief Commercial Officer

Mr. Szarka is an industry professional with a successful track record in research and development, sales team management, business development and corporate marketing.  Mr. Szarka holds a BSc degree (Specialization in Biochemistry) from the University of Alberta.

James Timourian

Director, Chairman

Dr. Timourian is a former university mathematics professor and successful investor in technology companies. He possesses a Ph.D. in Mathematics.

David Tam

Director

Mr. Tam possesses an extensive legal background in the creation and financing of knowledge-based companies, including board directorships in many of these companies. He is currently a partner at Parlee McLaws of Edmonton. David holds a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy and a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Alberta.

Julie Wright

Director

Julie Wright owns (W)right On Communications Inc., a strategic communications firm named a top 200 public relations agency in the U.S. by Forbes. She is a graduate of the Corporate Directors Forum Governance Academy and serves on several private and not-for-profit boards. Julie has an MA from the University of Western Ontario Graduate School of Journalism.

Karen Farkas

Director

Dr. Farkas was the founder, then COO, and CFO of a wholesale company in the health-food industry, following and concurrent with university appointments. She brings experience from another public corporate board, as well as from substantive positions on several not-for-profit boards. Karen has an MBA, MS, and Ph.D. from Cornell University, with a specialization in finance, quantitative methods, and accounting.

Brad Clarke

Director

Finance and operations professional for high growth, technology enabled companies, M&A and tax strategies.

Arden Tse

Director

Arden is an Edmonton based venture capital investor with over 20 years of diverse investment management experience.