UCalgary professor works to bridge gap between research and startups as a mentor

Dr. Adam Pidlisecky, PhD, began his academic journey knowing he wanted his research to have an economic impact beyond the lab. He was less clear on how to do it. 

Today, the associate professor in the University of Calgary’s Department of Earth, Energy and Environment in the Faculty of Science has not only successfully navigated that journey but he’s helping others to do the same.

It has led to Pidlisecky being named Associate of the Year at Creative Destruction Lab-Vancouver, a special recognition. CDL brings together leaders and venture capitalists with scientists who have technical insights – and he’s acknowledged as an expert in both areas.

“CDL is a business-forward environment,” says Pidlisecky. “For a scientist to be recognized shows that what we’re doing at UCalgary — bridging the gap between research and entrepreneurship — is resonating in a meaningful way.”

The challenge: Turning academic research into market solutions

Pidlisecky’s path has been shaped by a desire to solve impactful problems through practical solutions. 

“I have always been wired to find research problems that have impact,” says Pidlisecky. “However, even when that problem had potential for impact, I learned that the specific problem I was working on in the lab wasn’t the end user’s problem — it was just a piece of the puzzle.”

He believes an effective way to achieve impact is bringing together inquisitive science and entrepreneurship — in alignment with UCalgary’s Ahead of Tomorrow strategic plan.

Pidlisecky’s journey shows the value of being a scientist and an entrepreneur. He’s been involved with multiple startups, co-founded an innovation institute and served as an executive for a high-growth technology company. Technically, he has worked on everything from medical imaging to Earth science modeling. He has also worked with customers, product developers and investors and has been involved in acquisitions on the business side.

Returning to UCalgary in 2021 after his latest voyage in the private sector, Pidlisecky connected with others who have both academic and entrepreneurial experience. 

“We recognized that academics needed tailored support to bridge the gap between their research and market impact,” he says. That realization led to the creation of Aeir, a mentorship program that connects academics looking to be entrepreneurs with those who have already travelled that path.

The solution: Creating a culture of customized, impactful mentorship

Through Aeir, Pidlisecky and a team of entrepreneurial academics help researchers turn ideas into startups. The program is hands-on, helping teams understand market needs, de-risk innovations and develop entrepreneurial skills.

For Pidlisecky, mentorship not only helps others but is also deeply fulfilling. “Over the past three years, what has stood out to me most is how rewarding this work is,” he says. “There’s an immense sense of satisfaction in knowing you played a small role in helping others succeed. But equally valuable is the reward of learning from others.”

That sense of mutual benefit motivates Pidlisecky to continue his work. “What makes mentoring so special is the synergy—it’s truly a win-win relationship. That’s why I love doing it.”

The results of Aeir’s approach speak for themselves. Many Aeir-supported startups have been accepted into CDL programs in both the Vancouver and Rockies chapters — bringing them one step closer to market. Five were admitted in the last intake: MHCombiotics Inc., O-Two Carbon, FibroDynamx, PEACH DACquiri, and Teresagenics Pharma.

The CDL award: The power of the science-business nexus

Being named Associate of the Year at CDL-Vancouver is a testament to Pidlisecky’s unique approach. At CDL, he offers mentorship in climate, mining, and computing, bringing a scientist's precision and an entrepreneur's vision.

The award was “created to celebrate those who play a crucial role in advancing CDL’s mission to make Canada a global leader in commercializing academic research,” says Bree Stanlake, director of CDL-Vancouver. “Connecting deep-tech startups with mentors like Adam — who combine deep technical expertise with practical operational experience — is one of the most essential and effective ways to de-risk these ventures.”

She adds that the ability to guide founders through the complexities of commercialization is what sets Pidlisecky apart and “also strengthens Canada’s innovation ecosystem and future.”

The award not only highlights his individual contributions but also signals a broader shift. It shows that scientists can lead in spaces traditionally dominated by business professionals.

Building an ecosystem of innovation

Pidlisecky’s work at Aeir is also part of an effort to foster innovation at UCalgary. 

By combining experiential teaching with mentorship, Aeir helps academics at all levels — postdocs to professors — develop the skills needed to bring their research closer to market success.

“We meet people where they are,” he says. “Every team and every journey is different, but we guide them through a tailored process to turn their ideas into impactful ventures.”

He says he’s excited to continue growing Aeir’s mentorship bench and expand its impact.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see researchers realize they can be more than they ever imagined — whether that’s a CEO, a scientific advisor, or something entirely new.”  

— Colette Derworiz is senior external communications specialist in the Faculty of Science. Jason Curtis Droboth is specialist, growth lead (AEiR) in the Hunter Hub.