What if your DNA could help determine which medications work best for you?

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast, host Adam Castle sits down with Dr. Govindaraja (Raj) Atikukke, CEO and Founder of One Tenacity, to explore the rapidly evolving world of personalized medicine and genomics.

From his early fascination with how a single cell develops into a human being, to building a CAP-accredited genomics laboratory in Windsor-Essex, Dr. Raj shares the 13-year journey behind turning cutting-edge science into real-world healthcare solutions.

The conversation explores how genomic testing is transforming the way we understand disease, why medication responses vary from person to person, and how pharmacogenomics could help patients and physicians make more informed treatment decisions by unlocking the original data centre - our DNA.

Whether you're interested in healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship, biotechnology, or the future of medicine, this episode offers a fascinating look at how DNA is shaping the next generation of personalized care.

In this episode of Innovation Alchemy, host Adam Castle sits down with Paul Brereton, Business Development and Commercialization Office from the University of Windsor, and researcher-entrepreneur Nick Vukotic, Assistant Professor and Industrial Research Chair at the University of Windsor, and Founder of Solid4m, to explore the messy reality of turning groundbreaking research into real-world innovation.

From intellectual property and commercialization to startup strategy and technology readiness, the conversation dives into what it actually takes to move ideas beyond the lab and into the market. Nick and Paul share candid insights about the nonlinear journey of entrepreneurship, the challenges researchers face when building companies, and the importance of balancing academic discovery with business execution.

Whether you're a founder, researcher, student, or innovation enthusiast, this episode offers an honest look at the complexities of commercialization and the people working to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

Innovation Alchemy is a podcast by WEtech Alliance, dedicated to exploring the magic, mess, and mastery of innovation. Learn more: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/ 

Learn more about research & innovation at University of Windsor: https://www.uwindsor.ca/research/

Learn more about Solid4m: https://www.solid4m.com/

#Innovation #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #commercialization #research

Accessibility isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a catalyst for better innovation.

In this episode of Innovation Alchemy, we dive into what accessibility really means, why it matters more than ever, and how entrepreneurs can start making meaningful changes today.

Adam Castle is joined by co-host John-Marc Vachon, WEtech Alliance's Director of Marketing & Events; and accessibility experts and digital leaders David Best of BEST Consulting, and Jason Pomerleau of Elev8 Web Studio, for a conversation that moves beyond definitions and compliance to explore the real-world impact of inclusive design.

From rethinking user experiences to uncovering missed market opportunities, this episode breaks down how accessibility can strengthen your product, expand your reach, and future-proof your business. Most importantly, we share practical, actionable steps you can take right now—no matter your stage—to begin building more inclusive offerings.

Whether you're a founder, product builder, or marketer, this episode will challenge how you think about innovation, and who it's really for.

Innovation Alchemy is a podcast by WEtech Alliance, dedicated to exploring the magic, mess, and mastery of innovation. Learn more: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/ 

Learn more about BEST Consulting: https://www.bestaccessibility.consulting/

Learn more about Elev8 Web Studio: https://www.elev8webstudio.com/

#Innovation #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #Accessibility #Inclusion

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks with Josipa Petrunic from Transit Rewards.

Transit Rewards is one of 10 companies in Cohort 9 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Communitech, the government of Ontario, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

TransitRewards.ca is an innovative digital platform that helps public transit agencies and their rider communities turn everyday commuting into real value. By rewarding frequent riders with points, discounts, and local offers, TransitRewards.ca strengthens rider loyalty, increases engagement, and encourages more people to choose sustainable, low-carbon mobility — all while helping transit systems boost ridership and deepen connections with their communities. The company is closely aligned with cutting-edge work in zero-emissions transit technologies, electrification, hydrogen fuel cell systems, autonomous shuttle deployment and broader clean transportation and mobility innovation.

Learn more about Transit Rewards: https://transitrewards.ca/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/

#Innovation #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #Transit

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks with Brittany Charlton from Chocovate Labs.

Chocovate Labs is one of 10 companies in Cohort 9 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Communitech, the government of Ontario, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Chocovate Labs is pioneering the world’s first scalable, cocoa-free chocolate alternative, an innovative, plant-based ingredient that looks, melts, and tastes just like traditional chocolate without the ethical, environmental, or supply chain challenges tied to cocoa. Positioned as a B2B ingredient platform, Chocovate Labs sells in bulk to food manufacturers, bakeries, and foodservice operators.

Learn more about Chocovate Labs: https://www.chocovatelabs.com/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/

#Innovation #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #FoodTech

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks with Colby Wu from Stratus Plastics.

Stratus Plastics is one of 10 companies in Cohort 9 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Communitech, the government of Ontario, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

ThermaRoot, developed by Stratus Plastics International’s agri division, StratusAgro, is an innovative root-zone heating and cooling technology designed for commercial greenhouses. By delivering precise climate control directly to the plant’s root system, ThermaRoot helps growers reduce energy costs, improve yields, and protect crops from extreme weather. With successful pilot trials in Ontario’s greenhouse cluster and collaborations with leading research institutions and technology partners, ThermaRoot is redefining sustainable climate control for high-value crops.

Learn more about StratusAgro: https://www.stratusagro.com/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/PODCASTS/

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/

#Innovation #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #Agritech

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks with Ranem Ghalion and Abdulkafi Ghalion from Adopli AI.

Adopli AI is one of 10 companies in Cohort 9 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Communitech, the government of Ontario, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Adopli AI transforms how businesses handle customer interactions through intelligent automation that drives real growth. Their multilingual AI agents seamlessly manage email, chat, and voice communications—from initial inquiries to follow-ups and appointment scheduling. Built specifically for growing small-to-mid-sized businesses, they eliminate operational bottlenecks that consume valuable time and resources. Through their blend of strategic automation and personalized multilingual support, they enable businesses to scale efficiently while reducing costs and maintaining exceptional customer experiences at every touchpoint.

Learn more about Adopli AI: https://adopliai.com/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/ 

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/

#Innovation #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #AI

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks with Taj Brah from Quotograph.

Quotograph is one of 10 companies in Cohort 9 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Communitech, the government of Ontario, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Quotograph is a construction technology company transforming how general contractors manage progress tracking, safety reporting, and permitting. With their construction analysis technology, contractors simply upload site videos of their construction sites to receive detailed reports highlighting project progress, risks, and actionable insights, or upload floorplans to generate digital measurements and automated takeoffs. By reducing the need for frequent on-site visits, eliminating manual reporting, and preventing blueprints from being printed, Quotograph helps contractors save valuable time, lower costs, and achieve meaningful CO2 reductions across projects.

Learn more about Quotograph: https://www.quotograph.io/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/ 

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/

#Innovation #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Podcast

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks with Julie Edwards and Kyla Bardwell from Storefront Stays.

Storefront Stays is one of 10 companies in Cohort 9 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Communitech, the government of Ontario, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Storefront Stays is a platform designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners grow through flexible, low-risk connections. By linking storefront owners with makers, artists, and entrepreneurs, they make it simple to share space, showcase products, and create collaborations that drive revenue and visibility. This also breathes new life into a challenge many Canadian communities face – vacant storefronts that could otherwise be opportunities. Empty spaces aren’t just idle real estate; they’re missed chances for local economies. When activated by small businesses testing ideas and building momentum, they transform into vibrant hubs of community life.

Learn more about Storefront Stays: https://storefrontstays.ca/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/ 

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/

#Innovation #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Podcast

In this episode of the Innovation Alchemy podcast WEtech Alliance's Director of Venture Services and Partnerships, Adam Castle, talks with Tony Gale from Decades Developments.

Decades Developments is one of 10 companies in Cohort 9 of our award-winning ScaleUP Accelerator, powered by Libro Credit Union, in partnership with Communitech, the government of Ontario, and the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario).

Decades Developments' MyProjectWorld revolutionizes industrial project management with the Project Wheel, an AI-driven execution and cost management framework tackling the $12T construction industry’s chronic delays and overruns. The Canadian-based company converts estimates into precise, schedule-driven tasks using proven project intelligence. Project Wheel’s proprietary AI delivers real-time optimization, what-if planning, and unmatched procurement intelligence with AI enhanced Canada Buys API integration and 30+ industrial apps.

Learn more about MyProjectWorld: https://myprojectworld.ca/

Learn more about ScaleUP: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/scaleup/

Learn more about the Innovation Alchemy podcast: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/podcasts/

Learn more about how WEtech Alliance helps innovation and tech-based businesses start, sell and scale: https://www.wetech-alliance.com/

#Innovation #Technology #Entrepreneurship #Podcast