Jody Dexter

Company Overview: Canadian Food Innovation Network

• Engaged by the Canadian Food Innovation Network through Bioenterprise Canada to lead Unpuzzle, a 12-week national program supporting early-stage foodtech entrepreneurs. Helped shape the program from inception by identifying startup pain points and co-developing targeted tools and content. As program lead and mentor, I will facilitate weekly sessions, provide guidance, and help startups clarify value, strengthen fundamentals, and prepare for partners and investors.

Company Overview: North Forge

• As an ElevateIP Advisor, I advise startups (TRL 3–9) navigate IP complexities and align IP assets with business and legal objectives. I facilitate collaboration between startups and law firms, deliver educational sessions on IP valuation, brand positioning, and investor readiness, and support the development of ElevateIP’s operational framework. My contributions also include improving program processes, documentation, and resource templates to enhance transparency and decision-making across the initiative.

Company Overview: Bioenterprise Canada

• Advised growth-stage SMEs (TRL 7+) across food and agri-tech sectors on scaling strategies, market expansion, and organizational development. Provide tailored business mentorship and ongoing support, helping companies overcome barriers by connecting them with high-impact contacts, funding sources, and specialized services to accelerate growth.

Company Overview: Manitoba Innovates (formerly Manitoba Technology Accelerator)

• At Manitoba Innovates, I advise Start-Up Visa entrepreneurs across the MedTech, AgTech, Cleantech, Veterinary, and Digital sectors. I assess product-market fit, customer demand, competition, and regulatory compliance, including Health Canada, CFIA, FDA, and data privacy standards. I support market validation, early customer outreach, go-to-market planning, and alignment of business plans with immigration and funding requirements. My work includes the development of investor-ready materials such as business plans, pitch decks, and financial models, along with strategic advice on IP, pricing, branding, human resources, and organizational culture to support successful entry into the Canadian market.

Company Overview: University of Manitoba

• At the University of Manitoba, I serve as a Senior Technology Transfer Manager within the Partnerships, Knowledge Mobilization and Innovation Office. My role involves assessing the patentability and commercial viability of faculty innovations, identifying licensing opportunities, and developing strategic commercialization plans. I mentor junior managers, liaise with external patent agencies, and oversee the preparation of IP and marketing materials. I also support researchers in startup development, grant writing, and business planning. I collaborate closely with legal, research, and industry stakeholders to structure agreements, negotiate licenses, and ensure alignment of IP terms in sponsored research.

Company Overview: Michael Smith Foundation for Health Innovation to Commercialization (I2C) Competition

• As an external reviewer for the Innovation to Commercialization (I2C) Competition, I evaluated over 50 grant applications for early-stage health-related technologies. I assessed the intellectual property portfolios, commercialization strategies, and business plans of applicants, offering critical recommendations on funding decisions. My insights helped identify technologies with strong potential to improve health outcomes, particularly for individuals with chronic diseases.

Company Overview: Cangene Corporation

• At Cangene Corporation, I contributed to business development through due diligence on potential acquisitions and licensing opportunities. I synthesized scientific and market intelligence into strategic business plans, assessed external and internal technologies, and worked collaboratively to draft agreements and term sheets. My efforts supported pipeline advancement and helped secure valuable partnerships aligned with corporate growth objectives.

Company Overview: Genome Prairie

• As Project Manager at Genome Prairie, I led a multidisciplinary research initiative involving over 50 personnel. I was responsible for tracking progress across scientific, financial, and IP dimensions, reporting to both internal leadership and Genome Canada. I facilitated stakeholder coordination, managed grant compliance, and supported the identification of commercialization opportunities. I also played a key role in leveraging external funding to support long-term project sustainability.

Company Overview: Canadian Food Inspection Agency

• While at CFIA, I conducted environmental risk assessments for Plants with Novel Traits (PNTs), providing scientific input for regulatory decisions and policy development. I liaised with Health Canada and other departments, contributed to interagency planning, and advised companies on compliance requirements. My work supported national biosafety standards and the responsible development and deployment of novel agricultural biotechnologies.