Where Next Happens

About Where Next Happens

Big challenges spark big ideas. In Where Next Happens, Dr. Claudia Krywiak talks with Ontario’s innovators—founders, researchers, and changemakers—turning bold solutions into impact across healthcare, climate, housing, and beyond.Brought to you by the Ontario Centre of Innovation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

Publisher

Ontario Centre of Innovation

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Oct 2025

Latest episode

9 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

10 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Sept 2026

   Innovation in Ontario: The Best of Where Next Happens Season 1

   At the centre of all innovation is the hope for a healthier and happier population. In this first season of Where Happens Next, we met with founders, researchers, and builders trying to solve very human problems, such as how we feed people, care for people, move people, and ultimately improve quality of life. Today, we are revisiting some of our favourite moments from this season. Re-examining the words from Danielle Rose (Ceragen), Kurtis McBride (Miovision), Chenny Xia (Gotcare), Joe Eibl (Flosonics Medical), Saumik Biswas (Tenomix), Kaylene Ready & Jeremy Grushcow (Juniper Genomics), Christian Weedbrook (Xanadu Quantum Technologies), and Arman Bakirtzian (Intellijoint Surgical), we hope that their work reminds us that innovation is all about people and the lives we hope to improve. Here are three reasons you should listen to this episode: Revisit the individuals and insights that defined Season One and hear about their missions to improve the everyday life of not only people in Ontario, but the world. Learn about the pitfalls of current systems and how Ontario Innovators are planning to adapt and fix these issues. See how Innovators are prioritizing the needs of the population, focusing on real human issues. Resources: Ceragen’s Website (https://www.ceragengrow.com/) Danielle Rose on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-m-rose/) Miovision’s Website (https://miovision.com/) Kurtis McBride on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtis-mcbride-b7490b2/) Gotcare’s Website (https://www.gotcare.ca/) Chenny Xia on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/chennyxia/) Flosonics Medical’s Website (https://flosonicsmedical.com/) Joe Eibl on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-eibl-570909158/) Tenomix’s Website (https://www.tenomix.com/) Saumik Biswas on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/saumik-biswas/) Juniper Genomics’ Website (https://www.junipergenomics.com/) Jeremy Grushcow on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremygrushcow/) Kaylene Ready on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaylene-ready/) Xanadu Quantum Technologies’ Website (https://www.xanadu.ai/) Christian Weedbrook on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianweedbrook/) Intellijoint Surgical’s Website (https://intellijointsurgical.com/) Armen Bakirtzian on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/abakirtzian/) Highlights: 1:41 - Climate Change and Agriculture Climate change is deeply affecting agriculture, creating new challenges for farmers and food systems. To combat this, we need to face these problems today, in order to ensure food systems can be upheld in the future 3:13 - Healthcare and Innovation In our growing and aging population, the weight on our healthcare system gets heavier by the day. Through new technologies, innovators are hoping to modernize and adapt our systems, ensuring quicker and healthier outcomes for patients 7:54 - A New Era of Computing Through all of these sectors, one thing is clear: technology is the force behind innovation. From climate change, healthcare, running our cities, and adapting aging infrastructure, this new era of technology is more important than ever. Enjoyed this Episode? If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends! Where Next Happens is a podcast that explores bold ideas, breakthrough research, and entrepreneurial journeys shaping Ontario’s Future. Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. Share it with friends and colleagues. Let’s inspire everyone to innovate! Find out more about the Ontario Centre of Innovation at https://www.oc-innovation.ca/ (https://www.oc-innovation.ca/) Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

2. 

   10 Dec 2025

   Reinventing Home Care (Chenny Xia and Gotcare)

   Dr. Claudia Krywiak interviews CEO and co-founder of Gotcare Chenny Xia about the challenges and innovations in Canada’s home care system. Chenny discusses Gotcare’s technology-driven, human-centered platform that empowers patients and caregivers, improves access tohome care, and supports care workers. The conversation covers the importance of co-design, the thoughtful use of AI, and Gotcare’s efforts to upskill workers and foster multidisciplinary collaboration. About Chenny Xia Chenny Xia is the CEO and co-founder of Gotcare, a Canadian health technology company reimagining home care delivery. Gotcare connects patients with local care workers while improving working conditions and wages for caregivers. Chenny brings a background in human-centred design and innovation strategy, with experience spanning healthcare, technology, and social impact. She’s passionate about creating equitable systems that allow everyone to age with dignity and independence. Resources Mentioned / Links List Ontario Centre of Innovation: oc-innovation.ca/podcast Gotcare: https://gotcare.ca/ Enjoyed this Episode? If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends! Where Next Happens is a podcast that explores bold ideas, breakthrough research, and entrepreneurial journeys shaping Ontario’s future. Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. Share it with friends and colleagues. Let's inspire everyone to innovate! Find out more about the Ontario Centre of Innovation at ⁠⁠https://www.https://www.oc-innovation.ca/⁠⁠ (https://about:blank/) Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

3. 

   3 Dec 2025

   Revolutionizing Fertility and Family Planning (Jeremy Grushcow & Kaylene Ready, Juniper Genomics)

   This episode of Where Next Happens delves into the future of reproductive health with Jeremy Grushcow (CEO & Co-Founder) and Kaylene Ready (Chief Product Officer & Genetic Counsellor) of Juniper Genomics. Host Doctor Claudia Krywiak explores the shift towards later parenthood, the challenges of fertility decline, and how Juniper Genomics’ cutting-edge genetic testing is changing IVF outcomes and patient experiences. About Jeremy Grushcow and Kaylene Ready Jeremy Grushcow co-founded Juniper Genomics to improve IVF outcomes and launched the world’s first whole genome and transcriptome embryo test in US and Canadian clinics. He holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology and a J.D. from the University of Chicago, with experience at Cyclica and Sequence Bio. Kaylene Ready is a genetic counsellor and Chief Product Officer at Juniper Genomics, where she develops innovative genomic testing and digital health solutions. She holds an M.S. in Genetic Counselling from the University of Texas. Resources Mentioned / Links List Ontario Centre of Innovation: https://www.oc-innovation.ca/ ( https://www.oc-innovation.ca/) Jupiter Genomics: https://www.junipergenomics.com/ (https://www.junipergenomics.com/) Enjoyed this Episode? If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends! Where Next Happens is a podcast that explores bold ideas, breakthrough research, and entrepreneurial journeys shaping Ontario’s future. Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. Share it with friends and colleagues. Let's inspire everyone to innovate! Find out more about the Ontario Centre of Innovation at ⁠https://www.https://www.oc-innovation.ca/⁠ (https://about:blank/) Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

4. 

   26 Nov 2025

   Wearable Technology Meets Critical Care (Joe Eibl and Flosonics Medical)

   Ontario sees 1 in 6 hospitalizations involve sepsis—a critical condition where time and monitoring make all the difference. In this compelling episode, Dr. Claudia Kreviazuk sits down with Dr. Joe Eibl, co-founder of Flosonics Medical, creators of the FloPatch: the world’s first wearable, wireless ultrasound device for real-time, non-invasive blood flow monitoring in critically ill patients. Dr. Eibl shares the personal story that sparked this innovation, the challenges and strategies of bringing a breakthrough medical device to market, and what’s on the horizon for predictive, data-driven critical care. About Joe Eibl Dr. Joseph Eibl is co-founder and CEO of Flosonics Medical, a Sudbury-based medtech startup developing the FloPatch, a wearable ultrasound bandage that helps clinicians monitor patients at risk of sepsis in real time. He holds a PhD in Biomolecular Sciences, completed postdoctoral training in bioengineering, and leads the company’s technology, IP, and business strategy. Resources Mentioned / Links List Ontario Centre of Innovation: https://www.oc-innovation.ca/ (https://www.oc-innovation.ca/) Flosonics Medical: https://flosonicsmedical.com/ (https://flosonicsmedical.com/) Enjoyed this Episode? If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends! Where Next Happens is a podcast that explores bold ideas, breakthrough research, and entrepreneurial journeys shaping Ontario’s future. Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. Share it with friends and colleagues. Let's inspire everyone to innovate! Find out more about the Ontario Centre of Innovation at https://www.https://www.oc-innovation.ca/ (https://about:blank/) Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

5. 

   19 Nov 2025

   Building the Future of Computing in Canada (Christian Weedbrook, Xanadu Quantum Technologies)

   Quantum computing is no longer a distant theory or a topic for science fiction. It is emerging now, reshaping how we might model climate systems, discover new medicines, and design advanced materials. Yet, the industry stands at a crucial threshold. The question is how we move from promising research to real-world applications that touch billions of lives. Just as important, who is leading this effort to make the leap possible? Among the global players, one Canadian company is setting the stage for what may become the future of computing. In this episode of Where Next Happens, Dr. Claudia Krywiak speaks with Christian Weedbrook, Founder and CEO of Xanadu, a Toronto-based quantum computing company pioneering photonic quantum technologies. Christian shares his ambitious vision to build the world’s first quantum data center by 2029 and explains why Canada may be the ideal place to make it happen. He also highlights how a team of more than 230 scientists and engineers is tackling quantum’s hardest challenges, from networking to error correction. Quantum computing is moving beyond theory into real-world impact, because research breakthroughs alone are not enough. Funding, policy, and patient capital will determine who leads in this race. Let’s learn how Xanadu is one Canadian company standing tall among giants, and is working to turn scientific vision into global transformation. About Christian Weedbrook Christian Weedbrook is a physicist, entrepreneur, and the founder and CEO of Xanadu. Based in Toronto, Xanadu is a Canadian company pioneering photonic quantum computing. With a bold vision to build the world’s first quantum data center by 2029, Christian is helping shape the future of computing. He began his journey in Australia, completing a PhD in quantum computing before pursuing postdoctoral research at MIT. His path eventually led him to Toronto, where he set out to commercialize breakthroughs in photonic quantum research. In 2016, he launched Xanadu with a mission to make quantum technology practical and globally accessible. Christian’s leadership sits at the intersection of science, entrepreneurship, and national innovation. He is a strong advocate for Canada’s role in the quantum revolution, showing how purpose and perseverance can transform frontier research into world-changing infrastructure. Through Xanadu, he is proving that Canada can lead in building the next era of technology. Resources Mentioned Explore the Ontario Center for Innovation’s Website (https://www.oc-innovation.ca/). Christian Weedbrook: LinkedIn (https://ca.linkedin.com/in/christianweedbrook) | X (Twitter) (https://x.com/_cweedbrook?lang=en) Xanadu: Website (https://www.xanadu.ai/) | LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/xanaduai/) | Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/xanadu.ai/) | YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6ugvpIW6v6atEbnp4x0kHg) Canadian Strategic Innovation Fund: Website (https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/strategic-innovation-fund/en/strategic-innovation-fund) “Lighting up the quantum computing horizon with Aurora” (https://www.xanadu.ai/blog/lighting-up-the-quantum-computing-horizon-with-aurora) – Xanadu Blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

6. 

   12 Nov 2025

   Changing the Future of Cancer Diagnostics with Robotics (Saumik Biswas and Tenomix)

   Cancer affects almost every Canadian family, but advances in robotics and artificial intelligence are reshaping how we diagnose and treat this disease. In this episode of Where Next Happens, Dr. Claudia Krywiak speaks with Saumik Biswas, CEO and co-founder of Tenomix, to explore the company’s journey from early innovation to commercialization of a revolutionary robotic device that accelerates and standardizes cancer diagnostics. Biswas shares his personal inspiration, the hurdles of MedTech entrepreneurship, and the promise of AI-powered tools in transforming pathology and patient care. About Saumik Biswas Saumik Biswas is the CEO and co-founder of Tenomix, a medical technology company transforming cancer pathology. With a PhD in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine from Western University, Saumik developed a robotic scanning device that improves lymph node detection in colon cancer tissue—helping doctors more accurately stage cancer and guide treatment. Named one of Business London’s “Twenty in their 20s,” he brings the unique perspective of a scientist turned entrepreneur, bridging research and commercialization to improve patient care. Resources Mentioned Ontario Centre of Innovation: https://www.oc-innovation.ca/ (https://www.oc-innovation.ca/) Tenomix: https://www.tenomix.com/ (https://www.tenomix.com/) Enjoyed this Episode? If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends! Where Next Happens is a podcast that explores bold ideas, breakthrough research, and entrepreneurial journeys shaping Ontario’s future. Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. Share it with friends and colleagues. Let's inspire everyone to innovate! Find out more about the Ontario Centre of Innovation at https://www.https://www.oc-innovation.ca/ Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

7. 

   5 Nov 2025

   Using AI to Make Our Streets Safer (Kurtis McBride and Miovision)

   Canada’s roads are getting deadlier, but innovation may hold the answer. In this episode, Dr. Claudia Krywiak sits down with Kurtis McBride, CEO and co-founder of Miovision, to unpack his 20-year journey from University of Waterloo student to global leader in smart traffic technology. Kurtis shares how AI and digital tools are transforming traffic management, making streets safer, and empowering cities to solve big civic problems with data-driven approaches. This conversation dives into entrepreneurship, innovation policy, global growth, and the real impact of AI on software, city planning, and daily life. About Kurtis McBride Kurtis McBride is the CEO and co-founder of Miovision, a Canadian company at the forefront of smart traffic and mobility technology. Since founding Miovision as a graduate student at the University of Waterloo in 2005, Kurtis has built the company into a global leader, now active in over 60 countries with 5000+ customers. With a deep belief in data-driven urban planning, Kurtis has spearheaded innovations in AI-powered traffic management, road safety, and mobility analytics—helping cities worldwide tackle congestion, improve safety, and plan for a rapidly changing future. Resources Miovision: https://miovision.com/ (https://miovision.com/) Ontario Centre of Innovation: https://www.oc-innovation.ca/ (https://www.oc-innovation.ca/) Vision Zero (https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/streets-parking-transportation/transportation-projects/vision-zero/) Partnership between the Canadian federal government and Cohere (https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-development/news/2025/08/canada-partners-with-cohere-to-accelerate-world-leading-artificial-intelligence.html) Enjoyed this Episode? If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends! Where Next Happens is a podcast that explores bold ideas, breakthrough research, and entrepreneurial journeys shaping Ontario’s future. Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. Share it with friends and colleagues. Let's inspire everyone to innovate! Find out more about the Ontario Centre of Innovation at https://www.https://www.oc-innovation.ca/ (https://www.https//www.oc-innovation.ca/) Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

8. 

   29 Oct 2025

   Transforming Food Production with Microbes (Danielle Rose and Ceragen)

   On the surface, farming conjures images of soil-dusted boots and open fields under a vast sky. In Ontario, however, agriculture and food production is undergoing a rapid transformation. Climate shifts, resource scarcity, and rising demand for local food are all accelerating the need for change. A quiet revolution is taking root. It’s unfolding in greenhouses, beneath the soil, and within microscopic worlds. Could the key to our food future lie not in machinery or chemicals, but in the invisible power of microbes? In this episode of Where Next Happens, host Dr. Claudia Krywiak speaks with Danielle Rose, a scientist, entrepreneur, and head grower at Ceragen. Danielle brings a unique blend of academic insight and startup grit to the conversation. At Ceragen, she leads efforts to boost crop resilience through microbial inoculants, what she fondly describes as "probiotics for plants." Together, she and Dr. Krywiak explore how this emerging science is transforming Ontario’s greenhouse industry and redefining what it means to farm sustainably. This conversation uncovers the entrepreneurial grit behind Canada’s agri-tech movement. Danielle shares lessons from the frontlines of scaling a biotech startup, all while navigating an industry rooted in tradition. About Danielle Rose Danielle Rose is a microbiologist, entrepreneur, and the head grower at Ceragen, a biotech company leading the way in sustainable agriculture. Based in Ontario, she studied microbiology at the University of Guelph, where she became fascinated by the untapped world of microbes. Her curiosity about the 99% of microbes that can't be cultured in labs sparked a mission that would eventually lead to the founding of Ceragen. Danielle believes these microscopic organisms hold the key to healthier, more resilient crops. At Ceragen, she helps develop microbial inoculants or what she likes to call “probiotics for plants”. These are tp help support greenhouse growers across Ontario. Her work bridges science and agriculture, combining rigorous research with real-world application. With a deep respect for farmers and a hands-on approach to innovation, Danielle is reshaping how we think about food production. She continues to build strong relationships with growers while scaling a company at the forefront of agri-tech. Through her journey, she shows that science and sustainability can thrive together in the soil beneath our feet. Resources Explore the Ontario Center for Innovation’s ⁠Website⁠ (https://www.oc-innovation.ca/). Ceragen: ⁠Website⁠ (https://www.ceragengrow.com/) | ⁠LinkedIn⁠ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ceragengrow/) | ⁠Instagram⁠ (https://www.instagram.com/ceragengrow/) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

9. 

   22 Oct 2025

   Transforming Surgery in Canada (Armen Bakirtzian and Intellijoint)

   Ontario’s healthcare system is facing a crisis, one that strikes at the very heart of patient care. Despite the promise of advanced medical technology, such as AI diagnostics or precision medicine, wait times for procedures remain alarmingly high. In January 2025, hip replacement patients in Ontario waited an average of 62 days. This is more than double the recommended 30-day window. For knee replacements, the wait time ballooned to 122 days. These delays raise an urgent question: Can innovation meaningfully improve access and outcomes in a system under strain? In this episode of Where Next Happens, Dr. Claudia Krywiak speaks with Armen Bakirtzian, co-founder and CEO of Intellijoint Surgical. With a personal connection to orthopedic surgery and a passion for solving real-world problems, Armen has spent over a decade building medtech solutions designed to improve surgical precision and patient care. His company, which started as a student project, is now an award-winning medical device firm pushing for systemic change in how Canada supports healthcare innovation. This conversation reveals the reality behind scaling medical devices in Ontario’s public system. Walk away understanding why good technology alone isn’t enough. Learn how reimbursement codes can make or break adoption. Finally, hear how one Canadian entrepreneur is working to align innovation with impact at home and abroad. About Armen Bakirtzian Armen Bakirtzian is a medtech entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Intellijoint Surgical. It’s a Canadian company improving the accuracy of joint replacement surgeries. Born into a family of healthcare professionals, Armen grew up around orthopedic surgery. He studied engineering at the University of Waterloo, where he helped turn a capstone project into a global health innovation. Intellijoint’s first product, Intellijoint HIP, has now supported thousands of surgeries around the world, giving surgeons better data and patients better outcomes. Armen’s work sits at the intersection of engineering, healthcare, and public policy. He’s an advocate for strengthening Canada’s medical technology ecosystem and founded the Medical Innovation Exchange (MIX) to help other startups grow at home. With a mission to make advanced surgical tools more accessible, Armen is pushing for change in how innovation is funded, adopted, and scaled in Canada. His leadership reflects a deep belief: that life-changing health solutions should be built and used here. Enjoyed this Episode? If you did, be sure to subscribe and share it with your friends! Where Next Happens is a podcast that explores bold ideas, breakthrough research, and entrepreneurial journeys shaping Ontario’s future. Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review. Share it with friends and colleagues. Let’s inspire everyone to innovate! Find out more about the Ontario Centre of Innovation at https://www.https://www.oc-innovation.ca/ (https://www.healthequity.ca/) Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

10. 

    2 Oct 2025

    Introducing: Where Next Happens

    Each week, join Dr. Claudia Krywiak for conversations with innovators tackling big challenges, from healthcare and climate change to housing and tech. Where Next Happens shines a spotlight on the people and technologies shaping Ontario’s future. To learn more about the Ontario Centre of Innovation, visit oc-innovation.ca (https://oc-innovation.ca/podcast) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.

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Spotify

4.8 / 5

5 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.