From Concept to Commercialization through Collaboration

Exploring how forest innovation, collaboration, and investment can grow Canada's forest bioeconomy. Date: Thursday, November 26, 2026 Time: 10:00am–11:15am Location: Superior Inn Hotel & Conference Centre - Kensington Ballroom Join us at the Superior Inn for a morning of forest innovation, collaboration, and investment. Continental breakfast will be provided, with the keynote and fireside chat running from 10:00am-11:15am. Canada's forest sector is at an important turning point. While research and innovation continue to create new opportunities to transform forest resources into higher-value products, commercializing those innovations requires collaboration, strong industry partnerships, and direct support for companies within the context of strong conditions for growth. Join us for an engaging keynote and fireside chat exploring how our region can better collaborate to bridge the gap between forest research, innovation, and commercialization. Drawing on the experience and expertise of the Bioproducts Institute (BPI) at the University of British Columbia, the Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE), and Lake Nipigon Forest Management, Inc. (LNFMI), this session will examine how research, intellectual property, and industry collaboration can be translated into market-ready opportunities that strengthen and diversify Canada's forest economy. The keynote will explore the evolution and impact of BPI, its research and industry partnerships, and the opportunities and challenges involved in mobilizing existing forest-sector innovations. Discussions will also consider the potential for greater collaboration across provincial boundaries in leveraging opportunities around strengths of a primary forest industry. Moderated Panel Discussion Following the keynote, a moderated fireside chat will bring together industry and innovation leaders to explore what it takes to move innovations in the bioeconomy toward commercial reality. Topics will include: • Connecting with end-users • Unlocking investment • Creating higher-value opportunities • Strengthening regional collaboration • Building sustainable fibre supply chains Be part of the conversation. Connect with researchers, industry leaders, and innovation partners to explore how we can turn Canada's forest-sector research and innovation into real commercial opportunities, strengthen existing industries, and build a more diversified and competitive forest bioeconomy. Keynote Speaker: Titichai Navessin, PhD, MBA Director, Research Operations | UBC BioProducts Institute, University of British Columbia Titichai Navessin brings more than 25 years of experience spanning science, government, and industry, with expertise in research operations, technology commercialization, and industry partnerships. As Director of Research Operations at the UBC BioProducts Institute, Titichai oversees a research portfolio valued at more than $55 million, supporting over 100 researchers and students. His work focuses on translating biobased materials research into commercial impact, helping promising technologies move from early-stage development toward licensing, investment, and market adoption. Previously, Titichai managed national catalyst networks and research programs, including the Pulp and Paper Centre and the National Fuel Cell Program. His experience includes supporting 18 technology-readiness projects through the Accelerating Technology Readiness (ATR) program, contributing to the development of two materials-based spin-off companies, and helping secure more than $2.33 million in follow-on funding for promising technologies. Titichai holds a PhD in Electrochemistry from Simon Fraser University and an MBA in Finance and Entrepreneurship from the UBC Sauder School of Business. He has co-authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications and holds three patents. His experience in advancing research, building partnerships, and connecting innovation with industry makes him uniquely positioned to explore the opportunities for Canada's forest bioeconomy. Your registration also includes 50% off your ticket to the RBC Innovation Awards following this event! A separate registration link will be sent with your confirmation email. Continue the conversation and celebrate innovation! Your ticket includes access to our RBC Innovation Awards luncheon ceremony at 11:30 AM, recognizing the people, organizations, and ideas helping shape the future of Northwestern Ontario. Whether you are an industry leader, researcher, entrepreneur, investor, government representative, or part of Canada's growing forest bioeconomy, this event offers an opportunity to connect, gain insights, and explore how collaboration and investment can help grow the next generation of Canada's forest economy.