Innovate BC is strengthening its leadership ranks with the appointment of four new members to its Board of Directors, bringing a mix of deep tech, life sciences, and public sector experience to the province’s innovation agency.
Andrew Fursman, Nancy Harrison, Dr. Ray Muzyka, and Christina Zacharuk have been appointed effective April 7, 2026, with terms running through May 14, 2028. The appointments were made by Order in Council.
The new additions arrive at a time of transition for the board, with Jessie Adcock stepping into the role of Chair and outgoing Chair Emilie de Rosenroll continuing her involvement for the remainder of her term. Meanwhile, Dr. Elicia Maine will conclude her six-year tenure on May 14.
“Congratulations to Innovate BC’s new Board members and to Jessie Adcock as she steps into the role of Chair,” said Brenda Bailey, Minister of Finance. “The leadership and expertise this group brings to the table will help shape B.C.’s innovation economy and support entrepreneurs across the province.”
The incoming board members reflect a cross-section of British Columbia’s innovation ecosystem.
Fursman, CEO of Vancouver-based quantum computing firm 1QBit, brings experience across frontier technologies including quantum, health, and space, alongside investment roles with Cambium Capital and Minor Capital. He has also been recognized as a World Economic Forum Technology Pioneer.
Harrison joins as a Venture Partner at Amplitude Ventures, with more than three decades of experience building and backing life sciences companies. She previously co-founded MSI Methylation Sciences and helped scale Ventures West’s life sciences portfolio to more than $800 million in assets under management.
Muzyka, best known as co-founder and former CEO of BioWare, adds a blend of entrepreneurial and investment experience. Now an angel investor at Threshold Impact, he focuses on early-stage health and deep-tech ventures. A former physician, Muzyka is also a recipient of the Order of Canada.
Zacharuk rounds out the group with extensive public sector leadership experience. As CEO of the Research Universities’ Council of British Columbia and a former Deputy Minister of Education and Child Care, she brings expertise in governance, policy, and the intersection of academia and innovation.
Peter Cowan, President and CEO of Innovate BC, said the appointments reflect the breadth of talent across the province.
“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,” he said.
The organization also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing leadership, thanking de Rosenroll for her service as Chair and Maine for her guidance during her time on the board.
With new leadership in place, Innovate BC is positioning itself to continue supporting startups and scaling companies across the province, as B.C. looks to build on its momentum as a hub for emerging technologies and innovation.
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