With academic expertise in Chemistry and Physics, coupled with formative training in both Canada and the USA that has led to an academic research career in three different countries, John Hepburn deftly navigates uncharted waters. Having taken the helm at Mitacs just one month before the COVID-19 lock-down, he has led the Canadian not-for-profit in fostering growth and innovation by solving business challenges with research-based solutions. During this unprecedented time of COVID-19, John has overseen the development of new initiatives that support economic resiliency. Enabled by connecting Canada’s talent pipeline of highly qualified personnel with industry to deliver data-driven innovations, these Mitacs initiatives and internships address global challenges to deliver solutions for cleantech, pandemic preparedness, and food security to name just a few.