Join host Moshe Mikanovsky in a powerful conversation with Jon French, a leader within the University of Toronto’s entrepreneurship ecosystem, exploring how one of North America’s top universities is transforming research into venture-backed startups.

From AI and robotics to life sciences and quantum computing, Jon shares how U of T is building a structured, scalable deep tech engine — supporting 12+ accelerators across three campuses and helping founders commercialize breakthrough research

🔍In this episode, we unpack:

• How university research becomes VC-backed companies • The rise of AI-native and robotics startups • Why quantum feels like “AI 10 years ago” • The shift in Canadian early-stage funding expectations • Why some founders leave Canada — and what needs to change • The importance of domestic investment and procurement

One key insight from Jon:

Founders must fall in love with solving the problem — not just raising capital.

As global competition intensifies in AI and deep tech, Canada’s ability to retain talent, fund innovation boldly, and commercialize research effectively will determine its position on the world stage.

If you’re a founder, investor, researcher, or product leader — this episode is for you.

Don’t miss this deep dive into Canada’s deep tech and innovation ecosystem. Subscribe now for actionable insights and stay ahead in the evolving world of AI, quantum, and venture-backed startups. 🚀

👤 About Jon French

Jon French plays a key role in advancing entrepreneurship at the University of Toronto, supporting deep tech founders, faculty spin-outs, and venture-backed startups across AI, life sciences, robotics, and quantum innovation.

🙋 About Host

Moshe Mikanovsky is a Product Management Coach helping companies build lean software products with his unique experience in engineering and managing products for 30 years.

🎙️ About the Show

Beyond Product Podcast is brought to you by ⁠Rootquotient⁠ - Canada's Leading Product Engineering company.

🔔 Follow us for regular updates

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/rootquotient

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootquotientltd

X - https://twitter.com/rootquotient

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rootquotient

Rootquotient’s Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rootquotient.com ⁠⁠⁠

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H2wpIJmYrmYwLv0J2260R?si=b3f5f49963c24367

Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions, meaningful insights, and all things 'Beyond Product.'

#DeepTech #AI #QuantumComputing #StartupEcosystem #UniversityOfToronto #VentureCapital #InnovationEconomy #BeyondProduct #Rootquotient #FounderStory #TechInnovation #productinnovation #innovation #productengineering #techtalk #podcastdiscussion #productdevelopment #FounderStory

Join host Moshe Mikanovsky in this engaging episode of the Beyond Product Podcast as he sits down with Calvin Benchimol, Co-founder & CEO of CrewScope. The construction industry is facing a labor crisis, productivity challenges, and outdated planning methods. CrewScope is tackling these problems head-on by empowering field crews with simple, intuitive site planning and collaboration tools. 🏗️📲In this episode, Calvin shares his journey from working in construction logistics to launching a tech-driven solution for hourly workers, why simplicity is a strategy, and how gamification and behavioral psychology are reshaping workforce engagement on industrial sites.💡 Key Highlights:✅ Fixing Construction Productivity – Why hourly worker efficiency has declined since the 1970s and how CrewScope is changing that.✅ The Power of Simplicity – How reducing complexity in technology makes adoption easier for industrial teams.✅ Winning Together – How CrewScope fosters team collaboration, goal-setting, and performance rewards to keep workers engaged.✅ Gamification in Construction – How real-time incentives and progress tracking help crews stay motivated and aligned.✅ A Data-Driven Future – The role of AI, predictive analytics, and workforce data in shaping smarter, more efficient job sites.🎧 Listen now to learn how CrewScope is bridging the gap between frontline workers and leadership, creating a culture of accountability and efficiency in construction!👥 About Calvin Benchimol:Calvin Benchimol is the Co-founder & CEO of CrewScope, a site planning and collaboration tool built specifically for industrial and construction field teams. With nearly two decades of experience in the industry—including leadership roles at Lafarge and eCompliance—Calvin saw firsthand how disconnected job sites were from strategic planning. CrewScope is his solution to streamlining workflows, improving productivity, and making work more engaging for hourly workers.🔗 Reference LinksCrewScope Website - https://www.crewscope.comCrewScope LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/crewscopeCrewScope Twitter - https://twitter.com/crewscope🙋 About HostMoshe Mikanovsky is a Product Management Coach helping companies build lean software products with his unique experience in engineering and managing products for 30 years.🎙️ About the ShowBeyond Product Podcast is brought to you by Rootquotient—Canada's leading product engineering company.🔔 Follow us for regular updates🔗 LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/rootquotient📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootquotientltd✖️ X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/rootquotient📘 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rootquotient🌍 Website - https://www.rootquotient.com🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H2wpIJmYrmYwLv0J2260RStay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions, meaningful insights, and all things Beyond Product.#beyondproduct #constructiontech #proptech #industrialinnovation #gamification #B2Btech #supplychain #productmanagement #UX #digitaltransformation #hourlyworkers #founderstory #rootquotient #techforgood

Join host Moshe Mikanovsky in this eye-opening episode of the Beyond Product Podcast as he speaks with Sylvia Ng, CEO & Founder of Return Bear. Returns are now a $900 billion problem, with massive financial, logistical, and environmental consequences. Sylvia and her team at Return Bear are on a mission to revolutionize reverse logistics, making returns smoother for customers, more profitable for brands, and better for the environment. 🌱📦In this episode, Sylvia shares her journey from Shopify to building a logistics startup, how AI and predictive analytics help brands minimize waste, and why returns are one of the biggest sustainability challenges in e-commerce today.💡 Key Highlights:✅ The Hidden Cost of Returns – How returns contribute 24 million metric tons of CO2 annually and why most returned items end up in landfills.✅ Fixing the Broken System – How Return Bear provides instant refunds, local logistics hubs, and cuts return costs by 40%.✅ Amazon’s Influence – Why Amazon’s return policies have set new consumer expectations, forcing brands to adapt or fall behind.✅ Using AI for Smarter Returns – How predictive analytics help brands decide what to restock, resell, or donate.✅ Building a Mission-Driven Startup – Sylvia’s founder journey, insights on pivoting, and balancing impact with profitability.🎧 Listen now to learn how e-commerce brands can turn returns into an opportunity—for business and the planet!👥 About Sylvia Ng:Sylvia Ng is the CEO & Founder of Return Bear, a reverse logistics company tackling the e-commerce return crisis. With a background in growth product management, she previously led teams at Shopify and 500px before launching Return Bear to create a sustainable, tech-powered solution for returns. Sylvia has been recognized as EMC’s Woman of the Year (2024), WeWorking Woman CEO of the Year (2023), and one of Canada’s Most Inspiring Women in STEM (2018).🔗 Reference LinksReturn Bear Website - https://www.returnbear.comReturn Bear LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/returnbearReturn Bear Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/returnbear🙋 About HostMoshe Mikanovsky is a Product Management Coach helping companies build lean software products with his unique experience in engineering and managing products for 30 years.🎙️ About the ShowBeyond Product Podcast is brought to you by Rootquotient—Canada's leading product engineering company.🔔 Follow us for regular updates🔗 LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/rootquotient📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootquotientltd✖️ X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/rootquotient📘 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rootquotient🌍 Website - https://www.rootquotient.com🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H2wpIJmYrmYwLv0J2260RStay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions, meaningful insights, and all things Beyond Product.#beyondproduct #ecommerce #returns #reverseLogistics #sustainability #greentech #productmanagement #growthhacking #supplychain #logistics #customerexperience #founderstory #rootquotient #innovation #techforgood

Join host Moshe Mikanovsky in this powerful episode of the Beyond Product Podcast as he sits down with Thomas Fletcher, Co-founder & CTO of Leynek Medical. Leynek Medical is on a mission to revolutionize cancer care with ReneCare, a digital platform designed to support patients and caregivers throughout their cancer journey. 🏥💡In this episode, Thomas shares his journey of building a tech-driven solution for cancer care, the challenges of startup funding, and how AI-powered insights are transforming patient support. Discover how ReneCare helps patients track symptoms, manage their health data, and stay connected with caregivers—all while reducing stress and improving treatment outcomes.💡 Key Highlights:✅ Bridging the Cancer Care Gap – How ReneCare helps patients log symptoms, journal experiences, and receive personalized insights.✅ Beyond AI Hype – How AI is used for intelligent summarization, not diagnostics, to improve patient-doctor communication.✅ The Positivity Bucket – A unique feature helping patients receive emotional support from their loved ones at the right moments.✅ Startup Lessons from a Serial Founder – Insights on bootstrapping vs. VC funding and why co-founder compatibility is key.✅ Real-World Impact – How cancer patients and caregivers worldwide are already benefiting from the platform.🎧 Tune in now for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of technology, healthcare, and human-centered design.👥 About Thomas Fletcher:Thomas Fletcher is the Co-founder & CTO of Leynek Medical, an innovative healthtech company focused on digital tools for cancer care. With a background in embedded systems and UX, he previously co-founded Crank Software, later acquired after 15 years of success. His passion lies in creating impactful technology solutions that enhance patient care.🔗 Reference Links🌍 Leynek Medical Website - https://www.leynekmedical.com📱 ReneCare App (iOS & Android) - Available worldwide💼 Leynek Medical LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/leynekmedical🙋 About the Host:Moshe Mikanovsky is a Product Management Coach helping companies build lean software products with his 30 years of experience in engineering and managing products.🎙️ About the Show:Beyond Product Podcast is brought to you by Rootquotient—Canada's leading product engineering company.🔔 Follow us for regular updates🔗 LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/rootquotient📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootquotientltd✖️ X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/rootquotient📘 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rootquotient🌍 Website - https://www.rootquotient.com🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H2wpIJmYrmYwLv0J2260R📌 Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions, meaningful insights, and all things Beyond Product.#BeyondProduct #HealthTech #DigitalHealth #AIinHealthcare #CancerCare #StartupJourney #FounderStory #PatientCare #Rootquotient #Innovation #TechForGood

Join host Moshe Mikanovsky in this insightful episode of the Beyond Product Podcast as he speaks with Oz Azaria, CEO & Co-founder of Hoox. Hoox is revolutionizing customer activation for banks and card issuers, providing real-time, personalized incentives at the point of purchase—without friction. 🏦💳In this episode, Oz shares his journey from MasterCard business development leader to fintech founder, the challenges of breaking into a slow-moving industry, and why banks struggle to adapt to rapid innovation. Discover how Hoox is bridging this gap by making customer engagement seamless and effective.💡 Key Highlights:✅ Revolutionizing Card Loyalty – How Hoox shifts incentives from post-purchase rewards to real-time engagement at checkout.✅ The Challenge of Slow-Moving Giants – Why big banks struggle to innovate and how fintech startups can help.✅ Navigating Regulations & Compliance – Insights into building a secure, compliant fintech startup from the ground up.✅ The Founder’s Journey – How Oz transitioned from corporate stability to startup uncertainty—and the lessons learned.✅ Scaling a Global Fintech Business – Why Hoox started in Israel but expanded to North America for growth and market potential.🎧 Tune in now to explore how fintech innovation is reshaping the payments landscape!👥 About Oz Azaria:Oz Azaria is the CEO & Co-founder of Hoox, a fintech company transforming how banks and card issuers engage with customers through embedded, real-time incentives. With a decade of experience at MasterCard and major financial institutions, Oz saw the inefficiencies in the industry and set out to bridge the gap between banks, merchants, and consumers.🔗 Reference LinksHoox Website - https://www.hoo.comHoox LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/hooxHoox Twitter - https://twitter.com/hoox🙋 About HostMoshe Mikanovsky is a Product Management Coach helping companies build lean software products with his unique experience in engineering and managing products for 30 years.🎙️ About the ShowBeyond Product Podcast is brought to you by Rootquotient—Canada's leading product engineering company.🔔 Follow us for regular updates🔗 LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/rootquotient📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootquotientltd✖️ X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/rootquotient📘 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rootquotient🌍 Website - https://www.rootquotient.com🎧 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H2wpIJmYrmYwLv0J2260RStay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions, meaningful insights, and all things Beyond Product.#beyondproduct #fintech #payments #customeractivation #embeddedfinance #digitalbanking #startupjourney #founderstory #bankingtech #rootquotient #innovation #techforgood

Join host Moshe Mikanovsky in this enlightening episode of the Beyond Product Podcast as he engages with Trung Pham, founder of Ryse. Ryse is a platform specializing in innovative, smart window-covering solutions that blend intelligence with simplicity.

In this episode, Trung delves into the intricacies of intellectual property (IP) and innovative funding strategies, offering valuable perspectives on safeguarding your innovations and leveraging alternative funding avenues to fuel startup growth. 📈

💡Key Highlights:

☑️Cost Reduction & Quality: Trung shares how Ryse cut costs by 50% and improved quality, reducing return rates from 20% to under 4%.

☑️The Grit Factor: Learn about the importance of resilience and adaptability in a founder’s journey.

☑️Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Hear how a VC setback led Trung to discover and benefit from community-based fundraising.

☑️Expanding Retail Presence: Insights into Ryse's retail strategy and partnerships with Best Buy, Lowe's, and Linen Chest.🎧Listen now to hear Trung’s valuable insights on IP protection, overcoming obstacles, and innovative fundraising strategies.

👥 About Trung Pham:

Trung Pham is the founder of Ryse, a platform specializing in smart window-covering solutions that combine intelligence with simplicity. Trung is a seasoned entrepreneur with deep expertise in intellectual property and innovative funding strategies. His journey includes overcoming significant challenges and driving Ryse’s success through resilience and strategic growth.

🔗 Reference Links

Ryse’s Website - https://www.helloryse.com Ryse’s

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/helloryse/Ryse’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/helloryse/

🙋 About Host

Moshe Mikanovsky is a Product Management Coach helping companies build lean software products with his unique experience in engineering and managing products for 30 years.

🎙️ About the ShowBeyond Product Podcast is brought to you by ⁠Rootquotient⁠ - Canada's Leading Product Engineering company.

🔔 Follow us for regular updates

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/rootquotient Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootquotientltd X - https://twitter.com/rootquotient Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rootquotient Rootquotient’s Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rootquotient.com ⁠⁠⁠Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H2wpIJmYrmYwLv0J2260R?si=b3f5f49963c24367

Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions, meaningful insights, and all things 'Beyond Product.'

#beyondproduct #entrepreneurship #techinhealthcare #techinnovation #intellectualproperty #smarthometech #startupjourney #productinnovation #innovation #productengineering #techtalk #podcastdiscussion #productdevelopment #rootquotient #startupjourney #fundingstrategies #CommunityFunding #windowcoverings #RyseSmartShades

Join host Moshe Mikanovsky in a heartfelt episode of the Beyond Product Podcast as he sits down with Jackie Hanson, founder of Sprout Family, a groundbreaking platform dedicated to transforming the landscape of family planning and fertility care. 🌱❤️ In this episode, we delved deep into the emotionally charged and complex realm of fertility, surrogacy, and adoption. Jackie shared her inspiring journey from a finance professional to a passionate founder, driven by a mission to improve access to fertility care for everyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or financial circumstances. Discover how technology and compassionate support converge to empower individuals worldwide in their family-building journeys. Gain profound in bridging the gap between technology and human-centered care. 🙌🏻 🎧 Dive into the full episode and join us in supporting a world where everyone can achieve their dream of building a family while pursuing their career aspirations. 📈 👥 About Jackie Hanson: Jackie Hanson is the founder of Sprout Family, a trailblazing platform empowering individuals with comprehensive options for fertility care, adoption, and surrogacy. With a background in finance and a deep-seated passion for healthcare equity, Jackie leads Sprout Family in its mission to provide accessible, supportive, and inclusive family planning solutions. 🔗 Reference Links Sprout Family’s Website - https://www.sproutfamily.ca/ Sprout Family’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/sproutfamily/ 🙋 About Host Moshe Mikanovsky is a Product Management Coach helping companies build lean software products with his unique experience in engineering and managing products for 30 years. 🎙️ About the Show Beyond Product Podcast is brought to you by ⁠Rootquotient⁠ - Canada's Leading Product Engineering company. 🔔 Follow us for regular updates LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/rootquotient Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/rootquotientltd X - https://twitter.com/rootquotient Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rootquotient Rootquotient’s Website - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.rootquotient.com ⁠⁠⁠ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H2wpIJmYrmYwLv0J2260R?si=b3f5f49963c24367 Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions, meaningful insights, and all things 'Beyond Product.' #beyondproduct #entrepreneurship #techinhealthcare #EmpowerWithTech #founderstory #healthtech #womenintech #techinnovation #productinnovation #innovation #productengineering #techtalk #podcastdiscussion #productdevelopment #rootquotient #startupjourney #digitalhealth #innovationinhealth