Innovation Fuel: Real-World Business Cases

<p>What if finding work felt more personal and actually worked?</p><p><br></p><p>Stephanie Brown, CEO of GigsUp, explains how her platform is rethinking talent marketplaces in an AI-driven world. From personalized career matching to education planning, GigsUp is putting people back at the center of career development.</p>

<p>In this episode of Innovation Fuel, we sit down with Robert Boies, founder and CEO of Rented123, a cutting-edge fintech rental technology platform. Discover how Rented123 is revolutionizing the rental market by empowering renters to build credit through timely rent payments while providing landlords with innovative tools for tenant screening and property management. Robert shares insights on the importance of credit scores, the challenges faced by renters, and how Rented123 is bridging the gap in the housing market. Tune in for an enlightening conversation about the future of renting!</p><p><br></p><p>Chapters:</p><p>(00:00) Robert Boies is the founder and CEO of Rented123</p><p>(05:09) Rented123 uses AI to verify ID and score prospective tenants</p><p>(12:11) Rent it123 helps landlords and tenants build their credit scores</p><p>(14:51) How do you attract landlord tenants? What's your strategy to attract them</p><p>(17:15) We're trying to help people provide forever. Give a man a fish, he eats today</p><p>(20:52) Rob: How do you handle liability on the platform when something goes wrong</p><p>(23:33) Rent123 helps international students build credit scores by reporting on time rent payments</p><p>(28:20) How can our listeners reach you through rented123redented123.com</p>

<p>In this episode, we explore the innovative world of sustainable water solutions with Claire Shao, Chief Operating Officer at Rainstick Shower. Discover how this groundbreaking technology is designed to save water without compromising on shower quality. Claire shares her journey from consulting in London to spearheading a clean tech startup in Vancouver, and discusses the mission behind Rainstick. Join us as we delve into the future of water conservation and the impact of technology on our daily lives.</p>

<p>>> Gelareh: Got an idea that keeps you up at night or one that makes people say, hm, that will never work.</p><p><br></p><p>>> Dave: Perfect. That's what we talk about here on Innovation Fuel. So let's get that conversation started. Welcome back to Innovation Fuel. Hey guys, we're here. We've got exciting journey ahead of us today. We've got some really interesting things. We're talking about AI and AI in healthcare. But AI and healthcare, Gelareh has been around for a long period of time and only recently because of what we've been exposed to with generative AI, we're now seeing it. And you even actually had a personal experience with Nava?</p><p><br></p><p>>> Gelareh: Yes, AI is here for 40 years and data, is here for a long time. The problem is how we can use that one. So, for example, Nava and I went to the hospital and she had to do EEG. And I had some questions with the technicians about what's the age range of using EEG? Is a criteria, is related to gender, is related age or any races. You can say these things, except you don't have those data. And I was like, why you don't have that data means you are creating a lot of data, a lot of data right now just by looking at this EEG. No, we cannot use that data. I don't know how to use it either. So for me was like, oh my God, how's possible? Because that can help a lot of predictions about health of a patient. As you said, generative AI became more accessible for any individuals. But pure AR and AI by itself or data modeling, why is not incorporated in our healthcare?</p><p><br></p><p>>> Dave: Well, hey, AI is great for getting us our Amazon products, but it's not, hey, it still has some challenges and it has some challenges, regulatory challenges, some things around involvement the customer. Who is the customer, where does these things lie and how do we collect.</p><p><br></p><p>>> Gelareh: This information and data? Privacy.</p><p><br></p><p>>> Dave: And we look at the privacy and so I think we might have someone today that actually is wrestling with this today.</p><p><br></p><p>>> Gelareh: Yes, we have Dr. Meriam Abedi the founder of Aplicare. AI. She's here to explain her product and her journey from scientist to an entrepreneur.</p><p><br></p><p>>> Dave: Hello, Dr. Abedi Let's start at the very beginning before we get into AI and the business. What initially led you to explore the intersection of healthcare and artificial intelligence?</p><p><br></p><p>>> Dr. Meriam Abedi: From 2017 to 2021, I had the opportunity to do my postdoctoral research at the University of Montreal in Quebec. By the end of my postdoctoral research I got the idea to explore scientific entrepreneurship because I had this unique mix of expertise in informatics, AI and data analysis. Especially with time series data like continuous vital science. So during my postdoc I had the chance to work with doctors and web device company. But I wanted to take it a step further, see my research make a real world impact more. Not just writing papers and programs but truly supporting doctors and approving patient journeys by the end to turn my expertise into something that could create value. But here is the thing. I didn't have any business skill and I didn't know where to start.</p><p><br></p><p>>> Gelareh: I just want to know that what particle incidents or insight that highlighted that need for AI driven digital healthcare.</p><p><br></p><p>>> Dr. Meriam Abedi: First about my expertise because I got this expertise that combine AI and healthcare. Then it come from my personal experience because when I had this expertise in continuous data monitoring and the importance of continuously monitoring vital signs data the patient and from my personal experience my grandfather died with stroke and he had diabetes. But when I see that continuous monitoring can help even see these patterns and size before stroke happens because in general population are not aware about the signs and symptoms and wearable devices can help to detect these signs to be able to intervene before stroke happens.</p><p><br></p><p>>> Gelareh: And is your product is a new system or it's a whole new product or is already built up and something.</p><p><br></p><p>>> Dr. Meriam Abedi: Is there having getting insights from continuous data is something that is emerging. I am using scientific approach so I am looking at paper what is going on? What is new technologies is still not implemented in health care really so it's still in research stage and it takes time to really in real world application. So it's really an emerging field.</p><p><br></p><p>>> Dave: One of the biggest insights you've discovered so far that have started to shape this pe

In this episode of Innovation Fuel, we explore the transformative power of artificial intelligence in career readiness with Imran Muna, co-founder and director of strategic partnerships at Instage. Discover how AI-driven simulations are revolutionizing experiential learning, helping students build confidence and develop essential skills for job interviews and presentations. With insights from leading institutions and inspiring success stories, this episode sheds light on the future of education and workforce training.

In this episode of Innovation Fuel, we are joined by Cindy Greenglass, a thought leader in data-driven decision-making and storytelling with data. With over 20 years of experience, Cindy shares her insights on transforming raw data into compelling narratives that drive business success. We discuss the importance of data context, the evolution of data accessibility, and how businesses can leverage storytelling to connect with their audiences. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will inspire you to rethink how you use data in your marketing strategies!

In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of workspaces in a post-COVID world with co-founders Erin Scarlet and Mike Agerbo of the Fountainhead Network. Join us as we discuss the importance of flexible work environments, community building, and innovative solutions for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Discover how co-working spaces can foster creativity and collaboration while providing a balance between work and life.

In this episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Gary Wilson, the CEO of Tiicma Enterprises, who is dedicated to creating sustainable, community-driven economies for Indigenous communities. Join us as we explore Gary's vision for Indigenous entrepreneurship, the challenges faced by remote communities, and the innovative solutions being implemented to foster economic growth and generational wealth. This enlightening conversation sheds light on the importance of cultural integrity and collaboration in shaping a prosperous future for Indigenous peoples.

In this episode of Innovation Fuel, hosts Dave and Glory sit down with Satvic Sinha, a global marketing leader and head of growth at Saura, known for transforming messy business challenges into structured systems for growth. With over a decade of experience leading campaigns for brands like Samsung, Honda, Coca-Cola, and Reckitt Benckiser, Satvic shares how marketers can go beyond ad campaigns to build sustainable systems that drive awareness, acquisition, and retention.He dives into his philosophy of “marketing as a system of levers,” explaining how each stage of the customer journey demands its own strategy, message, and mindset. From using AI ethically to balancing data with intuition, Satvic explores how automation, personalization, and creativity intersect in today’s marketing landscape.

Career growth and job search strategies for newcomers, students, and professionals in Canada. In this episode, we sit down with Boris Poludo, a veteran IT leader with nearly three decades of experience across telecom, healthcare, and finance. Boris shares his inspiring journey from a newcomer in Canada to the founder of START Group Consulting Inc. and the Start Canada Initiative — platforms dedicated to helping job seekers, students, and newcomers build their employability skills and thrive in their career development journeys. Discover how Start Canada is transforming interview preparation, career coaching, and employability assessments through innovative tools and personalized strategies. Whether you’re a new immigrant, a recent graduate, or a professional looking to grow your career in Canada, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you showcase your skills, gain confidence, and stand out in today’s job market. Shownotes:(00:00) Boris Puluto is a seasoned IT leader with nearly 30 years experience(00:34) Start Group Consulting is a business entity that we formed just a couple of years ago(03:59) Paludo Institute helps people prepare for interviews using a quiz based assessment(11:04) Start Canada aims to help people build their professional profiles on the job market(14:47) How do you make sure someone's skills are visible in those first 10 seconds(19:47) Boris: Isn't starting something new a great way to start life

On this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, we welcome Anna Kostecka, a Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategist at What Works. Anna joins hosts Dave and Gelareh to discuss making classrooms and curriculum development more inclusive. Encouraging companies or schools to create a place of understanding among a diverse team of people to create a positive group work experience. Listen now to this meaningful discussion with the end goal of inspiring organizations to create workplaces that work for everyone in the present and the future. #MyUCW #InnovationFuel #GoingWest #inclusion #inclusive #ucwstudents #interns #workexperience #machinelearnine #ai #inspiring #workplace #leadership

On this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, UCW Alum Massimo Bellini and founder of Bellini Consulting joins hosts Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian to discuss global events like COVID-19 and breakthroughs in technology that affect a business’s brand. With Massimo’s many years of experience working with major fashion brands, he discusses the positives and negatives of keeping a company thriving in an ever-changing world.

Join Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian in another enlightening episode of Innovation Fuel Business podcasts by University Canada West as we discuss the future of sustainable technology with Paige Whitehead, CEO and co-founder of Lux Bio. Discover how Paige is revolutionizing the glow stick industry with bioluminescence, offering a non-toxic, eco-friendly alternative. Contact Paige in her LinkedIn to learn more about LuxBio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-whitehead/

Join us for another exciting episode of Innovation Fuel, where your hosts, Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian, are joined again by the brilliant CEO of NexOptic, Paul McKenzie. This time, Paul unveils the secrets behind successfully securing funding for his groundbreaking startup—an invaluable episode for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking financial backing for their ventures.

On this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian talk to Juliana Lopes CEO and Founder of the Fem group about encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone, break free from your friendly community, and embark on a journey of creating a brand new network.

In this episode of Innovation Fuel, Our hosts, Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian, explore digital marketing in the automotive industry, focusing on B2B and employer branding. Our guest kris Granger Digital Marketing Manager at Volvo discusses creating diverse content, aligning with brand values, and using social media to build connections. Discover how data analytics and virtual reality shape the future of customer engagement.

On this week's episode of Innovation Fuel, Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian explore the story of Blossom Social. An innovative investing platform that allows users to see what others are putting money into and connect with like-minded investors. They talk to two out of three co-founders, Maxwell Nicholson and Kartik Bhutani, about how their app offers a unique approach to social investing, making it easy for users to connect with other people who share their investment goals and values—changing the way how generations think about investing.

Discover how blockchain and facial recognition are revolutionizing livestock traceability and sustainability in our latest episode of Innovation Fuel with Corlena Patterson, CEO of PrüvIT Technologies. Our hosts, Dave Keighron and Dr. Gelareh Farhadian discuss the future of agritech!