Our Panelists
Dr. Thomas Jones
Dr. Thomas Jones is the founder and CEO of Jones Microwave Inc., an Alberta-based spinoutb from the University of Alberta and Purdue University, focused on the commercialization of IP- protected cutting-edge microwave technologies for telecommunication, aerospace, and defense applications. He has extensive background in the theory, design, manufacturing, and characterization of high-power and high-speed millimeter-wave reconfigurable front end components including filters, switches, and antennas for 5G/6G wireless communications and radar systems.
Dr. Jones has over 300 citations, 4 patents, and has won numerous awards including the 2023 Douglas R. Colton Medal for Research Excellence by CMC Microsystems. With validated interest from the major industry players, and well over two million dollars in funding already raised, Dr. Jones is on the path to commercializing advanced high-frequency microelectronics technology which will alter the landscape of wireless communications and radars at the global level.
Sydney Hampshire
Sydney Hampshire is a rehabilitation scientist and childhood stroke survivor from Edmonton, Alberta. Currently, she is also a medical student at the University of Alberta. She is here today in her capacity as a founding shareholder and current President of Click&Push Accessibility Inc. Through wearables and software the social enterprise helps people engage with their community without fear of difficult terrain or unexpected barriers
In Sydney's masters thesis, she created a virtual reality manual wheelchair propulsion simulator for wheelchair track athletes. This work grew out of her love for innovative technology that improves the lives of those with mobility challenges. Sydney's own struggles with limited mobility and her quest to regain function while living in a remote Northern community drew her into the field of rehabilitation. As a result, Sydney is innately passionate about the different rehabilitation strategies available to those with disabilities.
Kelly Mottet
Kelly Mottet is the Chief Operating officer of Mach32. She is a medical device start-up aficionado, who is passionate to bring life to new products. Kelly has a positive attitude, and always finds a way to get things done! She excels in fast-paced environments, leading the team with agility in challenging environments. MACH32 is the third medical device start-up for Kelly, with previous success in North American and European markets, and it shows. Kelly makes sound decisions and inspires the team to perform at a high level to meet her vision of success.
Kelly is a self-starter, that is comfortable with ambiguity and taking calculated risks. She has the unique ability to rapidly assess situations and provide decisive leadership. Kelly considers herself a student of leadership, constantly striving to improve and lead by example. She values relationships, integrity and transparency.
Keenan Pascal
Keenan Pascal is the CEO and founder of Token Holdings, an Edmonton-based manufacturing company. Token Holdings is the parent company of Token Naturals, a cannabis manufacturing facility and a sister company Token Bitters which manufactures and distributes mocktails and beverages to local and international markets.
Prior to Token, Keenan spent more than eight years gaining financial and consulting experience at major banks paired with numerous entrepreneurial endeavors, angel investing, and an industrial and residential real estate portfolio.
Keenan has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Alberta and an MBA from UBC Sauder School of Business. With a mandate to stay engaged with his greater community, Keenan sits on the board of the Edmonton Downtown Business Association, Innovate Edmonton's Advisory Council and the University of Alberta’s Business Advisory Council.