At the recent Campus Party innovation festival, a thought-provoking panel brought together scientist-entrepreneurs to share their experiences launching startups from the lab bench. Hosted by V1 Studio and featuring local innovators, the panel focused on how academic researchers are translating deep science into real-world impact.
Among the speakers was Brandon B. Jaunky, co-founder of SEVO Bioscience (formerly GC Lipid Tech), and a master’s candidate in synthetic biology at Concordia University. Jaunky joined Alejandra (“Ali”), a chemistry PhD graduate and current participant in the Scientific Venture Program, for a candid discussion about the challenges and rewards of becoming a scientist-founder.
Ali is developing a smart beauty product called e-polish—press-on nails that shift color and design when near a smartphone. Jaunky, meanwhile, is working on a sustainable solution for aquaculture: microalgae-based alternative fish feed that addresses environmental and nutritional gaps in current options.
The conversation revealed striking similarities between scientific research and entrepreneurship—both require hypothesis testing, rapid iteration, and problem-solving under uncertainty. However, the panelists noted that the transition into business requires broader communication skills, adaptability, and an ability to manage multiple complex domains simultaneously.
The panel closed on a hopeful note, celebrating Montreal’s growing innovation ecosystem, which offers supportive infrastructure for scientists looking to commercialize research. With access to funding, mentorship, and collaborative spaces, the city is emerging as a hub for Canada’s next generation of science-driven startups.