Join host Jim Wilson for a conversation with Zaid Atto, founder and CEO of Xpan in Vaughan, Ontario.

Xpan is a medical device company focused on minimally invasive surgery, developing a new approach to surgical trocars used in laparoscopic procedures - tools that haven’t changed much in decades, despite being used in millions of procedures every year.

Zaid shares how the idea started while he was studying biomedical engineering at the University of Toronto, after hearing firsthand from surgeons frustrated with the limitations of existing devices. He walks through the journey from a university capstone project to building a company, and why he chose to move beyond research and into entrepreneurship to bring real solutions to patients.

This episode offers a grounded look at what it takes to turn a real clinical problem into a viable medical device.

Based in Laval, Quebec, NMX Research and Solutions is a specialized biopharma firm helping scientists find new medicines faster. By using tools like NMR spectroscopy and Fragment-Based Lead Discovery, NMX bridges the gap between lab research and real-world cures while mentoring the next generation of Canadian biotech leaders.

In this episode, host Jim Wilson sits down with founder Steven LaPlante to trace his journey from a dairy farm in upstate New York to the front lines of drug discovery. Steven discusses the "shoveling manure" work ethic that fueled his move into science, his childhood spent building farm tools with a welder and torch, and why he eventually moved to Montreal to care for his family.

This conversation explores the role of curiosity in innovation, the shift from big pharma "four walls" to the fast-paced world of startups, and how a background in biophysics became the foundation for a revolution in medicine. From Hepatitis C to COVID-19 research, Steven explains why "building your own tools" is the secret to solving the world's biggest health challenges.

Join us for throwback insightful conversation with Matthew Miller, a distinguished scientist and academic leader, as he shares his journey from a small town in Ontario to becoming a key figure in infectious disease research.

Discover how serendipity and mentorship shaped his career, the challenges of starting a lab, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on his work.

Matthew also discusses the importance of basic science funding, the role of serendipity in scientific discovery, and his vision for the future of health sciences in Canada. Tune in to explore the next great big idea on the horizon and how it could transform the health and economy of Canadians.