Pavankumar Yecham

Recruited 2 PhD researchers and interviewed over 15 professors candidates from prestigious Canadian universities such as University of Waterloo and University of Toronto via the MITACS program.

Helped secure $500K in non-dilutive funding allocated for IP protection, institution collaboration, and regulatory support which has positioned company as a notable startup in MedTech ecosystem in Greater Toronto Area.

Conducted market research on healthcare needs, creating and leading focus groups with MD leaders in respiratory care, engaging with Health Canada, and collaborating with patient advocacy groups to ensure product-market fit.

Led company entry into prominent incubator programs and pitch competitions including VentureLab’s HCI, McMaster’s Synapse, Innovation Factory, and Altitude Accelerator. Led and won top-tier Canadian pitch competitions including Synapse and Gitex, and advanced to pitch in Dubai (Oct 2025) for a $200K prize.

Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the scientific team, fostering a collaborative environment to achieve critical R&D milestones.

Managed cross-institution collaborations with Sheridan CIM and hardware development teams, ensuring timely delivery of functional prototypes.

Represent DIA Labs Canada at key scientific forums, conferences, and industry events, expanding the organization's network and visibility. Appeared as guests on Asthma patient advocate podcast to discuss ongoing research in the field.

Oversee end-to-end scientific research and development operations, ensuring alignment with business goals and market needs for medical devices and community initiatives.

Contributed to laying the strategic foundations for upcoming projects and roles, directly impacting the initial setup of DIA Labs Canada's R&D pipeline.

Participated in the early-stage commercialization of research from various institutions, identifying technologies with potential to improve patient care.

Represented the company at multiple symposiums and conference events, expanding professional network and enhancing corporate visibility.

Executed complex stereotaxic brain surgeries, viral injections, and fiber placements routinely and proficiently, ensuring precision for neuroscience research.

Designed and implemented behavioral paradigms, collecting neural activity data through fiber photometry and advanced microscopy (Keyence Bzx800 fluorescent microscope).

Organized and analyzed extensive neural activity data using TDT and P-MAT software, contributing to robust research findings.

Mentored and trained multiple undergraduate and summer students, fostering their development in laboratory techniques and research methodologies.

Authored and defended a Master's thesis on 'Lateral Preoptic Area Glutamatergic and GABAergic Activity After Cocaine Conditioning,' advancing understanding of addiction neurobiology.

Researched and co-developed a Scalable Optogenetic Sciatic Nerve Cuff for an Honors Interdisciplinary thesis project, demonstrating innovative bioengineering skills.

Improved and coded an Arduino Lickometer for a research project, enhancing data collection efficiency and accuracy.

Contributed to a brief research program focused on cancer metabolism, expanding practical knowledge in biomedical research.

Gained hands-on experience with flow cytometry and other essential laboratory techniques, building foundational research skills.

Led a project to determine the most efficient DNA extraction and PCR method, optimizing laboratory protocols for improved research outcomes.

Participated in research on cranberry flavonoids and their oxidative properties, contributing to findings in plant biochemistry.

Acquired practical exposure to fundamental laboratory techniques used in nerve cell research, building a strong base in neurobiology methodologies.

Engaged in preliminary biochemical laboratory research, developing initial understanding of pharmaceutical research environments and practices.