Skip to main content
The Unlikely Innovators

The Unlikely Innovators

By Mike Commito

Innovation can emerge from the most unlikely places. Each week, Mike Commito and Steve Gravel, two unlikely innovators in their own right, will highlight stories of unlikely innovation in post-secondary education and the private sector. Drawing from their experiences in the college applied research world, they will showcase the bright ideas happening in colleges and communities across Canada.

Mike Commito is the Director of Applied Research at Cambrian College and Steve Gravel is the Manager of the Centre for Smart Mining, Cambrian's Technology Access Centre.
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

Claudia Krywiak on connecting Ontario’s innovation ecosystem

The Unlikely InnovatorsMar 26, 2024

00:00
33:41
Claudia Krywiak on connecting Ontario’s innovation ecosystem
Mar 26, 202433:41
Gus Minor on getting home safe with tech

Gus Minor on getting home safe with tech

On this month’s episode, Mike and Steve sat down with Gus Minor, COO of Sofvie Inc. Gus talked about his entrepreneurial journey, transitioning from IT to mining, and how Sofvie is changing health and safety in industry. Gus also talked about the importance of conferences like PDAC, sponsoring Canadian racecar driver Zach Vanier, and how sugar pie brings people together.

Mar 05, 202438:44
Bruno Lalonde on the importance of community

Bruno Lalonde on the importance of community

On this month’s episode, Mike and Steve sat down with Bruno Lalonde, President & CEO of NSS Canada. Bruno talked about his journey in mining and becoming a leader in the sector’s bourgeoning tech ecosystem. Bruno also talked about the importance of community and culture and how he applies that to NSS.

Feb 21, 202431:15
Mario Grossi on doing what's right in business

Mario Grossi on doing what's right in business

On this month’s episode of the Unlikely Innovators, Mike and Steve sat down with Mario Grossi, President of Technica Mining. Mario talked about discovering his passion for mining, how he has managed the growth of Technica over the past quarter century, the importance of building Indigenous partnerships, and his hope for the City of Greater Sudbury.

Jan 16, 202435:56
Alessandro Costantini on making Sudbury a theatre destination

Alessandro Costantini on making Sudbury a theatre destination

On this month’s episode, Mike and Steve chatted with Alessandro Costantini, co-founder and Artistic Director of YES Theatre, on location at the Refettorio. Alessandro talked about what drew him to the performing arts and how he has made it his career. He also touched on the difference between film and stage acting. The guys also learned about the inspiration behind the Refettorio and how it is putting Sudbury on the map for outdoor theatre productions. Finally, since it’s the holiday season, Alessandro shared some of his favourite Christmas performances.

Dec 21, 202330:46
Stephanie Curcio on disrupting the IP sector
Dec 05, 202343:58
Jennifer Taback on communicating through visual storytelling

Jennifer Taback on communicating through visual storytelling

On this month’s episode, Mike and Steve sat down with Jennifer Taback, Partner & Thought Leader at Design de Plume. Jennifer talked about her unlikely journey into graphic design, starting her own business, how she brings her unique perspective as an Indigenous woman into design, and the role that visual storytelling can play in truth and reconciliation in Canada.

Nov 21, 202338:07
Julie Zulich on her passion for business

Julie Zulich on her passion for business

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve were on location at TESC to chat with Julie Zulich, the company’s President & CEO. Julie talked about her entrepreneurial journey from opening up a coffee shop franchise to joining and leading  her family’s construction business. She also explained the importance of planning for growth and expansion, while also being strategic in selecting what projects TESC takes on. Julie also talked about the importance of making skilled trades more inclusive and diverse through initiatives like LeadHER Trades and Cambrian College’s Jill of All Trades, where she will be part of a Women in Trades panel on Wednesday. 

Oct 24, 202329:42
Nadia Mykytczuk returns to the Unlikely Innovators

Nadia Mykytczuk returns to the Unlikely Innovators

The Unlikely Innovators are back! For the third season, Mike and Steve kicked things with Dr. Nadia Mykytczuk, their first repeat guest. Nadia talked about her early love of science, being a role model to young women in STEM, her new Industrial Research Chair in Biomining in partnership with Cambrian, and her plans for the future Centre for Mine Waste Biotechnology.

Sep 26, 202331:04
Jamie Dewar on making memories on the water

Jamie Dewar on making memories on the water

The Unlikely Innovators commemorates its 100th episode on a boat! For this week’s episode, Mike and Steve chatted with Legend Boats co-CEO Jamie Dewar on a pontoon boat in their showroom in Whitefish. Jamie talked about how the company has evolved over the years and how innovation undergirds everything that Legend does. As people start heading out onto lakes to make memories on the water, the podcast is going on summer vacation and will be back in September 2023. Thanks for listening!

Jul 05, 202340:43
Mark Masotti on changing concrete with bio-graphene

Mark Masotti on changing concrete with bio-graphene

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Mark Masotti, President & CEO of AlterBiota. Mark covered his journey from civil construction to chemical engineering to establishing a bio-graphene company. He talked about the benefits of using bio graphene in concrete mixtures from increasing building strength to helping to combat climate change.  

Jun 27, 202334:46
Brit Ho on going from hospitality to tech

Brit Ho on going from hospitality to tech

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve were joined by Brit Ho, a Project Manager at Hootsuite. Brit talked about her journey from hospitality to tech, her work at Hootsuite, what AI means for the tech industry, and her passion for boxing.

Jun 20, 202340:41
Chloé Arsenault on wearing tiaras and hard hats

Chloé Arsenault on wearing tiaras and hard hats

On this week's episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Chloé Arsenault, a recent graduate of College Boreal's civil and mining engineering technician program. Chloe talked about what drew her to skilled trades and how she uses her pageantry platforms "Tiaras and Trades" to inspire girls and women to consider a career in the skilled trades. 

Jun 13, 202337:04
Dawn Larsen on digital mining solutions

Dawn Larsen on digital mining solutions

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Dawn Larsen, Digital Solutions Manager for Epiroc Canada. Dawn shared her journey from software to business, as well as her transition to the mining sector. She also talked about digital transformation in the sector and the solutions Epiroc has brought to market to improve productivity, utilization, and safety.

Jun 06, 202332:28
Trent Mell on building a battery materials hub

Trent Mell on building a battery materials hub

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Trent Mell, founder and CEO of Electra Battery Materials Corporation. Trent talked about Electra’s mission to create the only fully integrated, localized, and environmentally sustainable battery materials park in North America and what that would mean for Canada’s position as a leader in the global critical minerals sector. Trent also talked about his journey from law to mining and even gave the guys a history lesson about Cobalt, Ontario.

May 30, 202330:17
Jeremy Hansen on leading humanity back to the Moon

Jeremy Hansen on leading humanity back to the Moon

On this week's episode, Mike and Steve welcomed their second astronaut to the show, Colonel Jeremy Hansen. He talked about his unlikely journey becoming a fighter pilot and his even unlikelier journey becoming an astronaut. Colonel Hansen also explained the qualities he looks for in an astronaut and what his forthcoming Artemis II mission to the Moon means for humanity. And, since it's almost summer blockbuster season, Colonel Hansen reflected on last year's smash hit, Top Gun: Maverick, and how it stacks up for him as a fighter pilot.

May 23, 202327:17
Lee Elias on making a career of hockey

Lee Elias on making a career of hockey

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Lee Elias, founder and CEO of Hockey Wraparound and Game Seven Group. Lee talked about his playing days, coaching, and discovering a need in the road hockey market that led to the invention of Hockey Wraparound. Lee also talked about his other venture, Game Seven Group, which helps individuals and teams unlock the Game 7 mentality for business and sports.

May 16, 202350:53
Laura O’Blenis on building innovation ecosystems

Laura O’Blenis on building innovation ecosystems

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Laura O’Blenis, President and CEO of Stiletto. Laura talked about her journey from business to helping to build innovation ecosystems through her work at Stiletto. She also talked about research parks and the value they provide to communities, the state of the startup landscape in Canada, and the country's commercialization track record.

May 09, 202333:57
Trang Tran-Valade on her unlikely journey in mining

Trang Tran-Valade on her unlikely journey in mining

On this week's episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Trang Tran-Valade, Regional Sector Lead of Mining, Minerals, and Metals, Canada for Stantec. Trang talked about her unlikely journey into mining, her experience with mining technologies, her continued efforts to make mining more diverse, and what you can expect at this year's CIM Convention in Montreal.

May 02, 202336:10
Paul Lefebvre on Sudbury's bright future

Paul Lefebvre on Sudbury's bright future

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve spoke with Paul Lefebvre, Mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury. From his office at Tom Davies Square, Mayor Lefebvre talked about his journey into politics, what makes Sudbury an ideal place for innovation, how the community can take advantage of the critical minerals opportunity, and his upcoming state of the city address. Mayor Lefebvre also talked about what he does in his spare time and who he will be cheering for in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Apr 25, 202331:07
Brian Kingston on the future of Canada’s EV supply chain

Brian Kingston on the future of Canada’s EV supply chain

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Brian Kingston, President and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association. Brian talked about his journey before he joined the CVMA, the Inflation Reduction Act and its implications for Canada, and consumer adoption incentives and the need for more EV charging infrastructure. Brian also talked about the changing skills profile needed to work in the EV supply chain sector.

Apr 18, 202335:01
Shouyi Ma on changing life trajectories

Shouyi Ma on changing life trajectories

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve spoke with Shouyi Ma, President and CEO of Hanson Canada, in front of a live audience at Cambrian College. Shouyi talked about his journey immigrating from China to Canada, his career path from telecommunications to becoming a CEO in higher education, and his advice for students. Shouyi also talked about learning to play hockey during the pandemic and his passion for guitar.





Apr 11, 202341:44
Dan Breznitz on innovation lessons from around the world

Dan Breznitz on innovation lessons from around the world

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Dan Breznitz, Co-Director of the Innovation Policy Lab and Munk Chair of Innovation Studies at the University of Toronto for a chat at Cambrian. Dan talked about why Canada should look beyond the Silicon Valley approach, what the Canada Innovation Corporation means for businesses looking to develop new technologies in our country, and some of the lessons from his latest book, Innovation in Real Places. Dan also shared some of his impressions of Sudbury in a recent visit to the community.

Apr 04, 202359:51
Daryl Adams on going from the front lines to the front office

Daryl Adams on going from the front lines to the front office

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Daryl Adams, President of RufDiamond. Daryl talked about how his military service prepared him for a second career in business. He also talked about RufDiamond’s vehicle platform, the Fat Truck, and how its bringing safe and versatile transportation solutions to many sectors in the north. Be sure to stick around until the end to hear Daryl talk about the annual Nijmegen Marches in the Netherlands.





Mar 28, 202344:15
Brent Neilly on power tool innovation

Brent Neilly on power tool innovation

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Brent Neilly, Director of Product Marketing for Milwaukee Tool Canada. Brent talked about his unlikely journey to working at Milwaukee, some of the company’s early innovations, and how Milwaukee has learned from product launches that missed the mark. Brent also talked about one of Milwaukee’s most famous and loyal customers.

Mar 21, 202338:47
Kevin Oulds on making wills accessible

Kevin Oulds on making wills accessible

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Kevin Oulds, co-founder and Head of Research & Innovation at Willful. Kevin talked about the impetus behind Willful, pitching on Dragon’s Den, the state of digital legal innovation in Canada, and what’s next for Willful.

Mar 14, 202351:18
Mike Campigotto on blending art and science in mining

Mike Campigotto on blending art and science in mining

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Mike Campigotto, President of SafeSight Exploration. Mike reflected on his journey from studying computer science at the University of Waterloo to how he was lured into the mining industry later in his career. Mike also talked about the challenges of designing tech for an environment as harsh as mining and how SafeSight’s development is not all that dissimilar from the film The Martian. If you’re at PDAC this week, you can find SafeSight at booth 7504N.

Mar 07, 202344:17
Shane Prodan on the business of distilling

Shane Prodan on the business of distilling

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve are broadcasting from Crosscut Distillery, where they interviewed Shane Prodan, owner of Crosscut. Shane talked about his career stops before founding Crosscut, the business of distilling, and the innovation that goes into making spirits. Shane also weighed in on the trend of overtopping Caesar's with food.
Feb 28, 202339:47
Jodi Cooley on science underground

Jodi Cooley on science underground

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve are coming to you from two kilometres underground at the world-famous SNOLAB research facility. For their first in-person recording, the guys welcomed Dr. Jodi Cooley, Executive Director of the centre. They talked about Dr. Cooley’s academic and research career that led her to SNOLAB, some of the groundbreaking research projects underway, and how she is settling in to life in Sudbury.
Feb 21, 202331:38
Jenn Harper on the importance of representation

Jenn Harper on the importance of representation

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Jenn Harper, founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty. Jenn talked about what inspired her to start Cheekbone Beauty, its mission and vision, the ins and outs of the cosmetics industry, the importance of representation for Indigenous girls and women, and the company’s charitable goals.

Feb 14, 202337:05
Frank Stronach on going from machinist to magnate

Frank Stronach on going from machinist to magnate

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Frank Stronach, founder and honourary chairman of Magna International, and now chairman of Stronach International. Mr. Stronach shared his story from his early beginnings to building a company that now spans five continents and 28 countries. He also talked about how is management philosophy, fair enterprise, led to incredible business results at Magna. Mike and Steve were particularly delighted by the discussion they had with Mr. Stronach about the future of post-secondary education and applied learning in Canada.

Feb 07, 202329:39
Adam Maxwell on future-proofing our favourite foods

Adam Maxwell on future-proofing our favourite foods

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Adam Maxwell, CEO of Voyage Foods. Adam talked about his journey from falling in love with food at an early age to studying food science and eventually co-founding Voyage Foods. At Voyage Foods, Adam leads a talented team of food scientists and CPG experts looking to revolutionize the food industry and secure the future of our favourite foods. He talked about some of the current products at Voyage Foods, such as the peanut-free spread, and where they hope to go in the future. 

Jan 31, 202333:25
Cem Kansu on democratizing language learning with Duolingo

Cem Kansu on democratizing language learning with Duolingo

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Cem Kansu, Vice President of Product at Duolingo. Cem talked about his career path, growing Duolingo’s monetization strategy, the human impacts the app has had, and what’s next for Duolingo.

Jan 24, 202341:19
Jamie Oakenfold on supporting women through fitness

Jamie Oakenfold on supporting women through fitness

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Jamie Oakenfold, owner of Oakenfold Strength & Athletics. Jamie talked about her fitness journey, starting her own business which focuses on pre and postnatal fitness, what it meant to win a Northern Ontario Business Award as Entrepreneur of the Year, and how she hopes to grow her business to help more women, particularly Indigenous women, across the north. Since Jamie resides in Thunder Bay, the guys also took some time to wax poetic about the community.

Jan 17, 202338:49
Guy Kawasaki on evangelism and Remarkable People

Guy Kawasaki on evangelism and Remarkable People

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Guy Kawasaki, chief evangelist of Canva and the creator of Guy Kawasaki’s Remarkable People podcast. Guy talked about tech evangelism and working at Canva, feeding your interests outside of your day job, email etiquette, and even his love of hockey.

Jan 10, 202301:02:24
The Unlikely Innovators Holiday Rewind

The Unlikely Innovators Holiday Rewind

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve reflect on the past year and share some of their favourite holiday treats before rebroadcasting their interview with Colonel Chris Hadfield, the most popular episode of 2022. The Unlikely Innovators will be back with fresh content on January 10, 2023. Happy New Year!

Dec 27, 202201:11:03
Mark Sherry on connecting shoppers with local retailers

Mark Sherry on connecting shoppers with local retailers

On this week's episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Mark Sherry, CEO of One Red Maple. Mark talked about his career as an entrepreneur, operating businesses in a variety of sectors from food services to mining technology and now e-commerce. Mark told the guys about his latest venture, One Red Maple, the retail Robin Hood app that helps consumers find and purchase virtually any product from locally-owned stores nearby. They also chatted about their favourite holiday tunes to get into the Christmas spirit.

Dec 20, 202230:25
Sheri Tingey on her passion for packrafts

Sheri Tingey on her passion for packrafts

On this week's episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Sheri Tingey, founder and lead designer for Alpacka Raft. Sheri talked about how she got her start in the outdoor industry by making custom ski clothing. After changing the fashion of ski wear, Sheri went from the slopes to the water, making garments for rafting and then eventually designing and building her own boats. And, with ski season around the corner, Sheri also shared her favourite après-ski beverage. 

Dec 13, 202201:00:07
Peter Cowan on leading Ontario's IP strategy

Peter Cowan on leading Ontario's IP strategy

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve chatted with Peter Cowan, CEO of Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON). Peter talked about his unlikely journey from mechanical engineering to intellectual property, the state of commercialization and IP development in Ontario, and how IPON will work with the province’s post-secondary institutions to help commercialize IP.
Dec 06, 202244:58
Raed Kadri on how Ontario is driving the future of mobility

Raed Kadri on how Ontario is driving the future of mobility

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Raed Kadri, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Business Development and Head of the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN). Raed talked about growing up in an automotive family, the automotive and mobility sector in Ontario, and the work being done by OVIN and the government of Ontario to cement the province’s leadership in the future of the sector globally. He also provided some insights on the future of the auto sector in Ontario and how the mining supply chain and critical minerals sector will be key to the rapid electrification of mobility. The guys also talked about what their dreams cars were when they were kids, so you won't want to miss that.
Nov 29, 202232:58
Kate Withers Hess on the future of decentralized computing

Kate Withers Hess on the future of decentralized computing

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Kate Withers Hess, Co-founder and Director of Partnerships at Functionland. Kate talked about her journey from studying plant physiology to working with technology companies and founding her own tech start-up. She also gave the guys an introduction to decentralized computing and storage and even taught them some Web3 terms. 

Nov 22, 202201:05:53
Ashley Kirwan on building a successful geoscience company

Ashley Kirwan on building a successful geoscience company

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Ashley Kirwan, President and CEO of Orix Geoscience. Ashley talked about her journey into geology, co-founding a company, her approach to selecting clients, and how Orix continues to place a premium on developing a positive workplace culture.

Nov 15, 202245:11
Gordon McCauley on building a bioinnovation sector from sea to sea

Gordon McCauley on building a bioinnovation sector from sea to sea

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve chatted with Gordon McCauley, President and CEO of adMare BioInnovations. Gordon talked about his journey from studying political science to working in life science, the current state of the biotech and bioinnovation in Canada, and if our country has what it takes to be a global leader in life sciences.

Nov 08, 202239:00
Brittlestar on the keys to creating viral content

Brittlestar on the keys to creating viral content

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve chatted with Stewart Reynolds, but you might know him better as Brittlestar. Stewart talked about his early career, his meteoric rise on social media, the keys to making a viral video, and his creative process for creating online content. Stewart, who is also known as the Internet’s favourite dad, even shared some parenting advice.

Nov 01, 202246:08
Emily Zarka on a career as a monster expert

Emily Zarka on a career as a monster expert

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Dr. Emily Zarka, ASU’s official “monster expert” and host of "Monstrum" on PBS’s Storied channel on YouTube. Emily talked about the underlying importance of monster tales, some of her favourite monsters, and what Halloween costume she is most afraid.

Oct 25, 202240:37
Tom Pederson on selling the best off-ice hockey puck

Tom Pederson on selling the best off-ice hockey puck

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Tom Pederson, former NHL player and owner of Green Biscuit. Tom talked about his NHL career, life after hockey, and founding and scaling a business. Tom also talked about the time Wayne Gretzky wanted to kill him.

Oct 18, 202246:57
Cate Murray on the power of stem cells and regenerative medicine

Cate Murray on the power of stem cells and regenerative medicine

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Cate Murray, President and CEO of Stem Cell Network. Cate talked about her career path, the state of regenerative medicine research in Canada, and how she uses her science communication background to combat misinformation about stem cell and regenerative medicine.
Oct 11, 202234:58
Medha Parlikar on the potential of blockchain

Medha Parlikar on the potential of blockchain

On this week's episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Medha Parlikar, co-founder and CTO of CasperLabs. After talking about her journey from studying biology to creating and delivering software products, Medha explained blockchain and NFTs to the guys. Medha also talked about the applicability of blockchain to other sectors such as natural resources, her martial arts background, and what the future holds for blockchain.
Oct 04, 202238:29
Dave Salmoni on creating a career with animals

Dave Salmoni on creating a career with animals

On this week’s episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Dave Salmoni, famed animal trainer, entertainer, and television producer. Dave talked about his journey from studying zoology to being in front of the camera, surviving animal attacks, navigating the late night TV circuit, and pursuing your passion.

Sep 27, 202257:39
Manjit Minhas on becoming a beer baroness and Dragon

Manjit Minhas on becoming a beer baroness and Dragon

On this week's episode, Mike and Steve welcomed Manjit Minhas, co-founder and co-owner of the Minhas Brewery, Distillery, and Winery. Manjit talked about how she got into the brewing and distilling world from engineering, her journey onto CBC's Dragon's Den, and the key to a successful pitch. 

Sep 20, 202240:32