Virtually un-reported (as with many success stories arising from Atlantic Canada - and Canada to a lesser extent) is the recent (October) award given to Dr. Abbey Kirumira and Hermes Chan. The former is now the head of Biomedica Diagnostics Inc. and the latter is now the head of MedMira Inc.
What did they do and what sort of award did they receive? The answer to the first is that they developed a rapid HIV test capable of producing results within 30 seconds. The award? The prestigious Economist Innovation award. Yes, the Economist - as in the magazine that forever to read.
This is no lightweight award and the mere fact that the recipients are based in the Atlantic region should be trumpeted - and I am trying to make my small contribution to the effort.
All of which reminds me of a book I am reading now called "Why Mexicans don't drink Molson" by Andrea Mandel-Campbell - in my mind one of the best books ever written about this country. if I had enough money I would send it out to everyone I know as a Christmas present.
In any event, I will not delve into the details of the books - sufficed to say that it does not paint a very flattering portrait of much Canada and its business culture/environment.
Why do I mention it? Well, for two reasons. One, I think everyone should read it. Two, the lack of fanfare Dr. Kirumira and Mr. Chan received reminds me of several points the author makes in her book....but I will leave that for you to discover.
Oh yes, the rest of the crew mentioned in this article's header - the inventors/business owners all received the same award.
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