UBC VMS Mentees
Our mentees are innovators, researchers and early-stage entrepreneurs working across multiple sectors and stages. Their ventures reflect diversity, ambition and the spirit of exploration.
“Being part of UBC VMS has truly been transformative. My mentors’ genuine care, wisdom and encouragement have guided me through challenges, clarified my direction and strengthened iMaster Health’s vision. Their support has not only helped the venture grow but also shaped me as a founder. It’s the kind of community every entrepreneur needs!” —Amanday Holyk, Founder iMaster Health
Since September 2023, UBC VMS mentees have reported:*
$
343
K
funding secured**
$
692
K
revenue growth while in program
27
jobs created by ventures
9
products launched
*Based on annual active mentee self-reporting of ventures as of June 2025
**All funding in figures is non-dilutive.
MEET THE MENTEES
Samir Aliyev, Alumni
Venture: RentalHunt
An automated marketplace that makes matchmaking between landlords and tenants simple, safe and secure.
Capreece Bowers, PhD Student
VENTURE: Bridging the Gap
Explores who funeral celebrants are, what they do and how they help shape meaningful death rituals, recognizing the vital role such rituals play in individual and collective grief.
Shariff Faleel, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow
venture: HPUI System
A wearable AR/VR interface enabling hands-free, sterile interaction for enhanced precision and collaboration.
Segun Fatudimu, PhD Student
Venture: Impact Toolbox
Providing educational resources, tools and support that helps people start socially and environmentally aware enterprises.
Casey Hewes, PhD Student
Venture: Soaring Research, Support & Projects
Supporting Indigenous health equity, projects and support through cultural respect, collaboration and wholistic wellbeing.
Amanda Holyk, Alumni
Venture: iMaster Health
A virtual platform offering pulmonary rehabilitation resources and promoting overall wellbeing.
Ike Ibebugwu, Staff
Venture: Jobnest
AI-powered recruitment platform for small and medium-sized businesses, streamlining fair hiring with voice interviews, resume analysis and collaborative tools.
Dr. Mary Jung, Faculty
Venture: Small Steps for Big Changes
Patient-centered, evidence-based program to help individuals at risk of type 2 diabetes make lasting exercise and dietary changes.
Shiven Khera, Alumni
Venture: Linkbase Technologies Inc
A complete plug-and-play software solution that helps short-term rental property managers digitize and monetize their guest journey.
Vanessa Lo, Alumni
Venture: VanTech Med
Health tech startup leveraging AI and robotics to tackle loneliness and isolation in the aging population.
Walid Mazyan, Alumni
venture: Element Extraction
Specializes in value-added products extractions from fresh food and food waste. The final extracts containing antioxidants are beneficial for health.
Shayan Narani, PhD Student
venture: Cement Dioxide
Producing high-strength, durable and low-emission concrete designed for the construction industry, making it an environmentally friendly choice for infrastructure development.
Mahmoud Sakr, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow
Venture: ResearchTube.Ai
A platform for scientists to create marketing videos about their research articles using AI.
Adam Yasunaga, PhD, Postdoctoral Fellow
venture: Flow Force Technologies
Developing a scalable and accessible single-molecule force spectroscopy technique to be used for high-throughput analysis of molecules under tension.