I hold a PhD in molecular and cellular biology from the Université de La Rochelle, a Master’s degree in biotechnology and management, and an engineering diploma in industrial biology. I also completed a post-doctorate in microbiology and immunobiology at the Université de Montréal, where I combined scientific projects, teaching and mentoring.

Currently Senior Director of Partnerships with Public Research Institutions at Axelys, I contribute to the development of relationships with research institutions, thereby promoting innovations from Quebec institutions.

Before joining Axelys in 2023, I worked at the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) as a communications and knowledge mobilization advisor, where I focused on disseminating scientific results and promoting FRQ activities.

As Regional Director of the Rimouski / Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie territories, I identify the most promising research results to transform ideas into innovations for Québec society. I take part in the regional innovation ecosystem to accelerate networking with businesses, the potential receptors of innovation. Anchored in my home region of Lower Saint-Lawrence and inspired by the Saint-Lawrence River on a daily basis, I work with the entire Axelys team to ensure that my areas are involved in the most innovative projects for Québec society.

As Regional Director for the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean area, I am responsible for the overall development and quality of Axelys’ services in my local ecosystem. My role is to make researchers aware of the value held by their research results, to accelerate and facilitate the identification of promising projects, and to generate business opportunities. Through my actions and my passion for innovation, I hope to make a difference by creating value for both my region and Québec as a whole.

As Regional Director for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue / Nord-du-Québec region, I am charged with the overall development of my local ecosystem. My role is to raise awareness, accelerate and facilitate the identification of promising projects and generate business opportunities. Strongly rooted in my community and open to my ecosystem partners, I’m motivated to support the growth and deployment of innovative research-based solutions, and to contribute to the development of communities in my region and across Québec.

As Southern Quebec Regional Director, I act as a liaison officer for the area, ensuring that our services are properly deployed at research establishments and companies in my region. Making sure to understand the innovation needs of companies, I then examine how public research can meet them. And because it is crucial that Axelys be influential in my local ecosystem, I take an active part in supporting innovation to maximize its impact for the benefit of Québec society.

As Regional Director for the Mauricie / Centre-du-Québec regions at Axelys, my role is pivotal with regards to developing innovation in the regional economy. Thanks to my extensive network of contacts in the research and business fields, I facilitate collaboration between public research institutions and Axelys, making sure that research findings are given their due value. I actively contribute to creating fruitful partnerships and to promoting scientific entrepreneurship in my area. Known for my commitment to quality customer experience, I make sure that Axelys’ services align with the needs of local stakeholders. And as a specialist in commercialing innovative research in the Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec territories, I also supervise the quality of services provided to institutions, thus bringing my share of contributions to the company’s performance and strategic development.

As Regional Director for Quebec City, I play a pivotal role between research institutions (where innovations originate) and business communities (interested in the fruits of this research). More specifically, I support researchers in accelerating the completion of their projects, while ensuring that they bring the greatest added value to Quebec society. I also support the emergence of regional structuring projects, mobilizing research expertise.

My territory covers the Capitale-Nationale and Chaudière-Appalaches regions.

Mika brings over a decade of experience in drug development, biotech venture creation and financing, and the commercialization of life sciences technologies. She has led translational research programs from preclinical discovery through first-in-human studies, both within early-stage biotech companies and in venture capital–backed initiatives. At Axelys, she plays a key role in identifying major market trends and channeling them into academic environments to accelerate the creation of high-impact innovations. Her background also includes experience as a trader at Abaxbank in Italy, which adds a unique financial perspective to her strategic leadership in life sciences. Mika is also CEO of PharmaLube and Scientific Advisor to Neolys Pharma, two companies built on technologies supported by Axelys.

As Director of the Axelia project, I bring all my experience at the heart of Quebec’s innovation ecosystem to Axelys’ mission of building bridges between the research community and the business world. Specializing in the creation and management of innovative structuring projects, I have been working in R&D and technology transfer for the past ten years. As a founding member of Axelia, an AI platform that puts collective intelligence at the service of Quebec innovation, my role is to plan and manage the development, deployment, and commercialization of this solution.

With a BAC in microbiology and immunology, Nadia quickly reoriented her career towards scientific administration, and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in project management at HEC, covering both the private and public sectors.

She held a position as Program Manager at the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ), where she specialized in collaborations with colleges and CCTTs. She also oversaw the development of various programs in partnership with Quebec researchers and universities. Before joining the Axelys team as RCIQ coordinator, Nadia worked as a senior program advisor at Employment and Social Development Canada.

Jessica holds a PhD in communications from UQTR, where she coordinated training, awareness-raising and events projects for the Réseau québécois sur l’énergie intelligente (RQÉI), the Institut de recherche sur l’hydrogène (IRH) and the Institut d’innovation en écomatériaux, écoproduits et écoénergies (I2E3). With over seven years’ experience in social communications in academic, event and humanitarian circles, notably with the United Nations, she is committed to promoting the socio-environmental impact of initiatives. As coordinator of Quebec’s network of innovation brokers, she puts her expertise at the service of the network’s animation and structuring, in order to promote a dynamic, high-impact innovation culture within Quebec’s research community.

Mikhail Volkovich holds a Master of Science in molecular pharmacology (McGill), and he is certified as a project manager with extensive experience in the healthcare sector. He plays an essential role in bridging the gap between academic research and commercial opportunities by proactively identifying promising inventions and supporting researchers throughout the valorization process. His experience in the healthcare sector and his ability to build collaborative networks with renowned research institutions in Montreal allow him to connect public research with emerging market needs and foster an entrepreneurial culture while focusing on the needs of researchers.