Darren Fast

Darren Fast has a diverse work experience spanning multiple industries and sectors. Darren is currently working at the University of Alberta as the Associate Vice President - Innovation, Knowledge Mobilization and Partnerships. Prior to that, they were employed at the University of Manitoba, where they held roles as the Director of Partnerships and Innovation, as well as the Director of Technology Transfer. Darren also has experience as the President of Solalta Advisors Ltd., where they provided businesses with scientific, market, and commercial due diligence services in the life-sciences sector. Additionally, they have worked as a Senior Intellectual Property Advisor at the Public Health Agency of Canada and served as the Executive Director (Interim) at the Life Sciences Association of Manitoba. Earlier in their career, they held the position of CEO at DiagKNOW and Chief Technology Officer at Lombard Life Sciences. Darren began their professional journey at Viventia Biotech Inc., where they worked as a Manager of Product Planning and Development. Overall, Darren Fast has demonstrated a strong expertise in innovation, partnership development, technology transfer, and strategic planning within the life sciences industry.

Darren Fast holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Alberta, which they obtained between 1990 and 1995. Prior to that, they completed an M.Sc. in Chemistry at the University of Manitoba from 1988 to 1990. Darren'sundergraduate studies were also at the University of Manitoba, where they earned a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from 1984 to 1988. In 2015, Darren obtained an edX Honor Code Certificate for U.Lab: Transforming Business, Society, and Self.