Two South Asian Scientists Win Mitacs Innovation Awards, Celebrating Canada’s Top Talent. Canada celebrated its brightest minds at the 2024 Mitacs Innovation Awards, honoring eight exceptional innovators whose work spans fields such as healthcare, sustainable solutions, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence. Among the distinguished awardees were Dr. Timsy Bhando of Indian origin and Dr. Bishnu Acharya of Nepalese origin, whose groundbreaking research has garnered national and international acclaim.
The awards, presented by Mitacs, a Canadian leader in fostering innovation, underscore the importance of partnerships between academia, industry, and government. The event highlighted how cutting-edge research is driving economic growth and social progress.
South Asian Excellence in Canadian Innovation
Dr. Timsy Bhando, a postdoctoral researcher at McMaster University, was recognized with the Outstanding Innovation award for her groundbreaking work in natural drug discovery for brain health. Her research has led to the discovery of KCB-100, a fungi-derived compound showing immense potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases and depression. Dr. Bhando’s efforts, in collaboration with Vancouver-based startup Kapoose Creek Bio, mark a significant leap in the fight against central nervous system disorders and psychiatric conditions.
Dr. Bishnu Acharya, Associate Professor at the University of Saskatchewan, earned the Outstanding Research Leadership award for his innovative solution to repurpose canola meal, a by-product of oil extraction. By transforming it into a low-cost, nutrient-rich microbial feed for fermentation processes, Dr. Acharya is contributing to advancements in food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. His work addresses waste management and supports the burgeoning North American biotechnology sector.
Innovators Across Diverse Fields
The Mitacs Innovation Awards recognized excellence in various categories:
- Dr. Susanne Ouellet (University of Calgary): Developed an advanced monitoring system for mine safety using distributed acoustic sensing technology.
- David Black (University of British Columbia): Created a remote ultrasound system that allows medical professionals to provide procedures remotely, improving rural healthcare access.
- Dr. Nazanin Vafaei (University of Manitoba): Pioneered a sustainable oil extraction method, producing high-protein plant-based meals while achieving a near-perfect oil yield.
- Dr. Paul Onkundi Nyangaresi (University of British Columbia): Designed a rainwater-powered water disinfection system for Kenyan schools, with potential applications in Indigenous Canadian communities.
- Marine Queffeulou (Université Laval): Co-founded Kalego Solutions, which develops advanced plasma technology for applications such as anti-fog coatings for medical endoscopes.
- Thales Canada: Awarded Canadian Enterprise Innovator of the Year for ethical, human-centered artificial intelligence solutions through its CortAIx Labs.
Mitacs: Championing Innovation for 25 Years
Mitacs has been a cornerstone of Canadian innovation for over two decades, bridging the gap between research and industry. Supported by the Government of Canada and provincial and territorial governments, Mitacs drives competitiveness in areas such as digital technology, energy, AI, and sustainable manufacturing.
Mitacs CEO, Dr. Stephen Lucas, emphasized the significance of collaboration:
“These awards celebrate the infinite potential for impact when creative leaders work together. As Mitacs marks 25 years, we reaffirm our belief that partnerships between research, enterprises, and talent are key to a prosperous Canada.”
The Legacy of Innovation
From developing life-saving medical devices to addressing environmental challenges, the awardees exemplify how Canadian researchers are changing the world. Dr. Bhando and Dr. Acharya’s contributions are a testament to the growing impact of South Asian scientists in shaping a sustainable and innovative future.
About the Author
Indian American Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD FACEP, is the founder of Arlington Integrative Medical Center and a distinguished leader in the field, holding board certifications in Family Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Lifestyle Medicine. She is the U.S. Bureau Chief for The Desi Buzz, GCCStartup.News, and Startup Berita, where she contributes her insights on healthcare and innovation. As a committed member of the Academy of Integrative and Holistic Medicine, Dr. Parvez is also pursuing a Diploma in Naturopathic Medicine from the College of Medicine and Healing Arts in Leicester, UK. Certified in contemporary cupping skills, Hijama therapy, and leech therapy, she combines traditional healing techniques with modern medicine. Dr. Parvez is fluent in Spanish, French, Urdu, Hindi, and Arabic, enabling her to connect with patients from diverse backgrounds. A passionate foodie, she enjoys creating recipes, experimenting with recipe hacks, and finding ways to make meals healthier and more delicious.
