VANCOUVER, B.C. — April 14, 2026 — Innovate BC is pleased to announce four new appointments to its Board of Directors in Andrew Fursman (CEO, 1QBit), Nancy Harrison (Venture Partner, Amplitude Ventures), Dr. Ray Muzyka (Angel Investor, Threshold Impact, and Co-founder/former CEO, Bioware), and Christina Zacharuk (CEO, The Research Universities’ Council of British Columbia), effective April 7, 2026 by Order In Council.
Each new Board Member has been appointed to a term ending May 14, 2028, and will bring a depth of experience, insight, and perspective that will strengthen the Board’s collective leadership and contributions.
Additionally, effective May 31, 2026, Jessie Adcock will step in as Board Chair for a one-year term. Adcock is currently the Host Committee Lead for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Vancouver and has served on the Board since June 2025. Current Board Chair Emilie de Rosenroll will continue to serve on the Board for the remainder of her term.
Lastly, Dr. Elicia Maine’s 6-year term on Innovate BC’s Board of Directors will expire on May 14, 2026.
“Congratulations to Innovate BC’s new Board members and to Jessie Adcock as she steps into the role of Chair. The leadership and expertise this group brings to the table will help shape B.C.’s innovation economy and support entrepreneurs across the province,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance. “I look forward to the Board’s continued contributions to our province’s growing innovation sector.”
“I am excited to welcome this group to Innovate BC’s Board of Directors, who bring a wealth of expertise growing innovation here in the province and across Canada,” shared outgoing Board Chair Emilie de Rosenroll. “It has been a pleasure serving on the Innovate Board of Directors as Chair and I look forward to working with Jessie and the Board for the remainder of my term.”
“It was a privilege to join the Innovate BC Board in 2025, and I’m both honoured and excited to serve as Board Chair for what is set to be a significant year head,” said Adcock. “I look forward to continuing the Board’s work with the Innovate BC team and its partners, building on the strong foundation already in place and supporting innovation across British Columbia.”
Dr. Ray Muzyka is an angel investor at Threshold Impact and co-founder and former CEO of BioWare, where he led the company for over two decades. A former physician, he now focuses on mentoring and investing in early-stage health and deep-tech ventures, and is a recipient of the Order of Canada.
Andrew Fursman is CEO of 1QBit and a technology investor and founder across ventures in quantum computing, health, and space. A partner at Cambium Capital and Minor Capital, he has been recognized as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum.
Nancy Harrison is a Venture Partner at Amplitude Ventures with more than 30 years of experience building and investing in life sciences companies. She previously co-founded MSI Methylation Sciences and led the life sciences portfolio at Ventures West, helping scale the firm to over $800 million in assets under management.
Christina Zacharuk is CEO of the Research Universities’ Council of British Columbia, with more than 20 years in the BC Public Service, including senior executive roles. She most recently served as Deputy Minister of Education and Child Care and has extensive expertise in public sector governance and policy.
“On behalf of Innovate BC, I’m thrilled to welcome these four outstanding leaders to our Board, each bringing a unique blend of expertise, perspective, and lived experience that reflects the diversity and strength of British Columbia’s innovation ecosystem,” said Peter Cowan, President and CEO, Innovate BC. “Their collective insight will be instrumental as we continue to support entrepreneurs, accelerate the commercialization of new ideas, and ensure that innovation drives sustainable economic growth across every region of the province.”
Innovate BC extends its sincere thanks to Emilie de Rosenroll for her contributions as Chair, and to Dr. Maine for her expertise and guidance during her tenure.
About Innovate BC
Innovate BC helps turn bold ideas into real-world impact. As a Crown agency, we serve as a trusted advisor and partner for British Columbia’s innovation ecosystem. Our diverse programs and initiatives advance opportunities for made-in-B.C. innovations, giving companies, industries, and communities the resources they need to grow and prosper.
Media Contact
Michael Gleboff
Communications + Community Manager
mgleboff@innovatebc.ca
604-602-5210
