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MaRS Launched First-of-a-Kind Cleantech Commercialization Program

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MaRS Discovery District launched the First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) Lab, a new nine-month program designed to support Canadian cleantech ventures advancing from pilot projects to first commercial-scale deployment. Supported by Natural Resources Canada and philanthropic partners, the initiative aims to address financing and commercialization barriers facing emerging climate technology companies. The inaugural cohort includes Canadian ventures developing technologies in carbon nanofibres, low-carbon mineral processing, sustainable graphite production, industrial carbon recycling, and ocean-based carbon dioxide removal.

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Tasha Booth

Project Director

Tasha Booth comes with a strong background in developing and managing educational programs in the non-profit sector. Currently, at BC Bioenergy Network, she leads curriculum development for micro-credential courses, overseeing each project from concept through launch and ongoing improvement. She collaborates with subject matter experts to ensure content quality and manages all aspects of project execution, including partnerships, timelines, budgets, and reporting.

Previously, as a Continuing Education Coordinator at Engineers and Geoscientists BC, Tasha developed programs in environmental sustainability, mining, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her experience spans university and regulatory settings, focusing on collaboration, innovation, and building strategic partnerships. Tasha is passionate about creating impactful learning experiences that support professional growth. She holds a Business Administration degree from BCIT.

Petra Srutkova​

Business and Marketing Manager

Petra graduated from the Czech University of Life Sciences in 2016 with a Master’s Degree in Sustainable Rural Development in Tropics and Subtropics. She worked for the Czech Development Agency as a grants administrator for projects in the Czech Republic and partnering countries. In this role, Petra facilitated collaboration among the government, NGOs, and the academic sector, supporting initiatives that promoted awareness of development cooperation and capacity building. Her work took her to Moldova and Zambia.

As an adrenaline and safety enthusiast, Petra completed “Survival Training for Journalists and Humanitarian Aid Workers,” organized by the Czech Armed Forces. She later moved to Vancouver in 2019, where she enjoyed exploring Canadian nature and engaging in sports. Passionate about travelling and animal rights, she continues to seek new experiences.

Currently, as the Business and Marketing Manager at BC Bioenergy Network, Petra oversees marketing and communications, events, finances, reporting, and administration.

Ralohn Hunt

Project Director

Growing up on an orchard in the Okanagan, Ralohn cultivated a strong interest for sustainability and natural systems that sparked a seven-year career as an environmental professional in the energy industry. Throughout his experience at a consultancy firm, he built a proven track record of delivering small and large-scale projects on time and within budget for over 30 clients on 50+ projects. He completed a Master of Engineering Leadership in Green Bio-Products from the University of British Columbia in 2017 and holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from the University of Calgary. As Project Director, he will support and deliver on the advancement of renewable and bio-based products through collaboration with BC Bioenergy Network’s community of businesses and innovators.

In addition to his passion for the bioeconomy and sustainability, Ralohn is an avid biker, adventurer and volunteer for a variety of personal and professional interests.

Paul Austin

Director

Paul is a Business and Corporate Development Executive in advanced technology enabled infrastructure projects, systems, products and services.

Paul has worked throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia in private and public sectors, as well as not-for-profit organizations. Building international commercial alliances and investment relationships has been his focus while working for the Federal Government of Canada and its affiliates, in addition to executive roles with several foreign multi-nationals and Canadian corporations, including Mitsubishi Corporation, Hughes Aircraft Company, Telus and MDSI Mobile Data Systems Inc. Currently, Paul is with Fort Capital Partners, a Vancouver based boutique investment bank serving clients’ advisory and capital raising needs across a broad spectrum of industries. Prior to joining Fort Capital, Paul served as Regional Director for Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), a $1B+ foundation created by the Government of Canada focusing upon demonstration of pre-commercial technologies to deliver cleaner air, water, soil and reduction in greenhouse gases. Paul maintains a global network of corporate strategic, institutional and family office venture capital investors and government agencies and connects investors with private Canadian companies seeking growth capital.

Paul graduated from Queens University in Economics and completed an executive marketing program at UCLA. He loves living and learning in Vancouver, a leading centre for knowledge-based industries that is coupled with unsurpassed variety and access to outdoor activities in the Pacific Northwest.

Scott Stanners

Director

Dr. Scott Stanners has worked for over fifteen years in bioenergy technology evaluation and investment and has grown a 4,000+ network in the bioenergy sector. Scott serves as Executive Director at BC Bioenergy Network, a not-for-profit funding agency that has invested over $20 million in first-of-its-kind bioenergy demonstrations in B.C. Scott previously worked for a US-based technology marketing company and a Canadian engineering and management consulting company.

Scott is past-President of Pacific Energy Innovation Association; Managing Director of West Coast Bioenergy Guild; former Board Member at Canada, Australia & New Zealand Business Association; and Advisor at Eagle Energy. Scott has contributed as a mentor in the BC Innovation Council New Ventures Competition and Connecting Environmental Professionals, and as an interviewer for the Doctor of Medicine Program at UBC. Scott was awarded a PhD and a Graduate Certificate in Innovation and Enterprise from the University of Sydney, Australia in 2008, a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Calgary in 2000, and a professional Master of Business Administration from the University of British Columbia in 2022.

David Bennett​

Director

David A. Bennett is Director, Renewable Gas and Low Carbon Fuels for FortisBC Energy Inc.
He is responsible for providing leadership to growing our renewable energy portfolio, which is a key component focused on our transition to a low-carbon future. In his former role he was responsible for all corporate and customer communications and public affairs including municipal, provincial and federal government and indigenous relations, including managing FortisBC’s consultation on its major infrastructure projects.

David has been involved in the energy industry for over 30 years, holding positions with Shell Canada, Westcoast Energy and FortisBC. During that time, his roles have included work in marketing and customer service, gas supply, business development, energy efficiency and conservation programs, public affairs and communications.
David is a Director on the Surrey Board of Trade, the Private Sector Co-Chair of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, a member of the Executive Committee and Policy Chair of the National Electricity Roundtable and Chair of the Invasive Species Council of British Columbia.

David holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Victoria with a double major in economics and computer science.

Vivian Kan

Director

Vivian Kan is a Director in the Cleantech Practice at BDC Capital Inc. Vivian has over 15 years of experience in business development, structuring, risk analysis, and commercial and corporate finance. She has helped some of Canada’s top exporters and emerging global entrepreneurs in sectors ranging from cleantech, oil and gas, mining, transportation, infrastructure, light manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace, forestry pulp and paper, and consumer products. Vivian holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Calgary and has completed the Certificate in Carbon Finance from the University of Toronto’s Centre for Environment.

Dave Schick

Chairperson

Dave Schick is the Vice President of the Canadian Fuels Association. He has worked in the downstream energy business for over 30 years, primarily for a major integrated oil company in a variety of government relations, marketing, systems development, planning and finance roles, including his position as the Director of Policy and External Affairs at Parkland Fuel Corporation. Dave is active in the development of environmental policy at the federal, provincial and local levels. Recent activities include technical development of the Clean Fuel Standard and evolving the B.C. Low Carbon Fuel Standard to meet CleanBC targets. He has served as chair of the B.C. Used Oil Management Association for over 11 years.