I am a builder. I see potential and turn it into innovation. Whether securing funding, growing revenues or exceeding targets I design strategies that attract investment. For 20+ years, I have built, fostered and strengthened relationships within the innovation ecosystem - academia, industry and government. A collaborative leader who fuels growth for Canadian business, I develop working relationships that promote Canada as a top investment. In the last 15 years with Mitacs, my focus has been to help companies grow through R&D while building solutions that strengthen operations and drive teams to exceed targets. Some recent accomplishments include: * Raising $1.5B in government funding over 10 years including $708M in the last federal budget (2021). * Establishing partnerships and initiating 60+ MOUs within the innovation ecosystem. * Increasing innovation internships 70% year-over-year, despite the global pandemic. * Helping grow Mitacs from 15 to 350 employees and $4.5M to $400M budget. * Collaborating with governments, academia and industry to foster growth in Canadian companies. A high-tech thought leader and entrepreneur who promotes large-scale investment opportunities while safeguarding Canadian IP ownership, I uncover ways to optimize solutions. I am poised to help foreign firms, looking to invest in Canada, find top talent within academia, industry and government. I understand the need for foreign direct investment in digital trade and work to attract investors from around the world. With experience evaluating emerging challenges and formulating responses to minimize risks I navigate obstacles with calm, level-headed leadership. A creative and passionate leader, I see opportunities and make them happen. “Eric is exceptionally gifted at building strategic partnerships. Without his energy, drive, and vision, Mitacs could never have attained the heights it has reached. His leadership style is to be collaborative, to truly listen, to give constructive feedback, and to support those who take well thought-out initiatives. I know of very few individuals who can think strategically, lead compassionately, and execute as flawlessly as Eric.” CEO and Founder, Mitacs, then President of the University of British Columbia (now Professor at University of Toronto)