Brock LINCS brings together innovation, networking opportunities and investors at Brock Innovation Showcase event.
On March 18, the Rankin Family Pavilion Atrium at Brock University buzzed with energy as students, faculty, industry professionals and community members gathered for the first annual Brock Innovation Showcase. Hosted by Brock LINC (Learn, Innovate, Network and Collaborate), the event celebrated five years of fostering research, innovation and entrepreneurship at Brock.
After a half-hour of exploring the showcases, Brock University President Dr. Lesley Rigg began a speech that kicked off the award ceremony. She began with a land acknowledgement before highlighting the significance of the evening. Dr. Rigg noted that while Brock University is celebrating its 60th anniversary, Brock LINC has been supporting innovation for five years, starting during the challenges of the pandemic. This year marked the first-ever Innovation Showcase, a milestone that, according to Dr. Rigg, will certainly not be the last.
Dr. Rigg emphasized that innovation can come in many forms, such as a product, service, method or tool designed to better the community. She spoke about the importance of connection at events like this, which serve as platforms for entrepreneurs to meet potential investors, customers and supporters. In the face of today’s complex political and economic environment, she stressed that innovation at Brock is needed more than ever. “We have the ability to shape tomorrow — but only if we do it together,” said Dr. Rigg, underlining the spirit of collaboration that drives the university forward.
Dr. Rigg also shared that Brock LINC supports over 500 entrepreneurs annually, providing them with the skills and structure necessary to learn, explore and build. Her remarks set an inspiring tone for the night, reinforcing that events like the Innovation Showcase are not just celebrations, but crucial gatherings that foster growth and possibility.
Brock LINC offers four entrepreneurship programs, each designed as a step-up towards creating a business. The first program is the Kick-Starting Entrepreneurship, a collection of introductory workshops delivered with local partners focused on topics around started a small business. No commitment is required, and students can take as many or as few workshops as they find they need.
After this introduction, there is NAVIGATE, an 11-week program that uses the Learn Startup methodology to validate a business idea. In this program, students work weekly with Brock LINC staff, external mentors and other entrepreneurs in the program.
Next is Blueprint, designed to help entrepreneurs manage the confusing and expensive process required to develop an interactive physical or digital prototype for their product or service.
Lastly is LINCubator, focused on supporting early-stage businesses. The LINCubator program includes customized growth plans, workshops, mentorships and peer-to-peer learning.
The Showcase delivered on its promise to highlight cutting-edge research and entrepreneurial achievements. Attendees had the chance to engage with groundbreaking startups and witness the remarkable technologies developed by Brock’s brightest minds. The evening also provided invaluable networking opportunities with business leaders, investors and industry experts, making it a dynamic meeting point for innovation and collaboration.
Spotlight on startups
Several standout startups were featured at this year’s event:
Adjective Noun Studios, co-founded by Brock alumni Agusia Krzywinska and Adam Henderson, showed off their impressive portfolio of interactive media projects, including collaborations with CBC Kids and Groupe Media TFO. ANS have partnered with game developer Falling Squirrel and have had numerous CBC commissions. For Accessibility Month in May, CBC Kids commissioned ANS to create a game for the visually impaired. The result was a game called Echo Hunter, where players take on the role of a small bat navigating its environment through sound cues — dodging trees using forest sounds and catching bugs through buzzing and chirping sounds. Using headsets, players need to determine whether the sounds are coming from the left, right or centre of the screen and respond accordingly. In addition, ANS is currently developing a fishing game featuring cute animals and audio descriptions, designed to be fully accessible for players who are blind or deaf.
Fawkes Consulting Inc., founded by Matthew Cary, presented its research-driven recruitment solutions for 911 dispatch centres, aiming to improve candidate selection and address staffing challenges.
Healthy Habits Coaches, led by Dr. Sean Locke and PhD student Isabelle Hill, demonstrated how their platform equips health professionals with tools and certifications to support lasting behavior change.
MosoPlay Games, the brainchild of GAME student Cole Bereskin and graduate Alex Fischer, gave attendees a sneak peek at their upcoming free-to-play game that blends racing and fighting genres.
OBN, founded by Graham McMillan, presented their A.I.-powered software that simplifies the often-overwhelming process of estate sales and decluttering. McMillan called the program an “efficiency tool” which he created after going through his late grandfather’s 30-acre property.
FrostFit, created by MSc Kinesiology student Matt Hodgkinson, attracted attention with its wearable cooling device designed to help those with thermoregulation difficulties manage heat more effectively. Hodgkinson was inspired by his sister, who has a condition that makes thermoregulation difficult, especially while exercising. With the help of Dr. Toby Mondel, Hodgkinson developed his product with the intention of helping not only people with conditions like his sister’s, but also athletes and people working under harsh conditions, like in factories.
pHer Health Inc. by Abbie Burchell is in the development stage of a wearable and non-invasive vaginal health monitor, which has been supported by a gynecologist. The prototype is in the development stage, estimated to be ready by December. The disposable product will cost between $10 to $20 and will be accompanied by an app also in development.
Spotlight on technological developments
The Innovation Showcase also highlighted major technological breakthroughs developed by Brock faculty and researchers:
Dr. Jianbo Gao shared advances in photodetector materials, which offer faster response times and greater efficiency for use in medical imaging, communications and solar technology.
Dr. Newman Sze presented promising research on new immunotherapy treatments targeting chronic, age-related diseases, which aims to reduce inflammation and improve long-term health outcomes.
Dr. Tony Yan and his team displayed progress in mucosal vaccines using innovative adjuvants, potentially revolutionizing treatments for gastrointestinal, respiratory and sexually transmitted infections.
Dr. Paul Zelisko demonstrated a self-healing silicone technology capable of repairing damage at room temperature, promising longer-lasting products in automotive, electronics and healthcare industries.
Awards
The evening also featured the presentation of several prestigious awards, recognizing outstanding innovation and entrepreneurship within the Brock community. Finalists for the Dobson Entrepreneurial Excellence Prize, valued at $5,000, included Isabelle Hill of Healthy Habits Coaches, Cole Bereskin of MosoPlay Games, and Matthew Cary of Fawkes Consulting Inc. Each finalist had the opportunity to present their business plans and articulate how they would utilize the prize funding. The award was ultimately presented to Bereskin.
The Brock Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognized exceptional entrepreneurial achievement. This year’s finalists were Dr. Thomas Wolf, Matthew Cary and Dr. Sean Locke, with the award being given to Cary.
The Brock Innovator of the Year Award, celebrating groundbreaking research with significant social or economic impact, was awarded to Dr. Sean Locke.
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Guests enjoyed complimentary refreshments, snacks and a lively atmosphere, with a cash bar and free parking making the event both accessible and enjoyable. The event was sponsored by Hill & Schumacher.
The 2025 Innovation Showcase was more than a night of celebration — it was a testament to Brock University’s growing role as a centre of innovation and research excellence. As the institution continues to support its community of thinkers, creators and entrepreneurs, it’s clear that Brock’s impact is being felt far beyond campus walls.