ONE MOLECULE.
MILLIONS SAVED.
Dr. David Dolphin's discovery of Verteporfin, commercialized as Visudyne, reversed blindness for patients worldwide and established photodynamic therapy as a medical discipline. Now, Verteporfin shows promise against fibrosis, a condition responsible for nearly half of all human deaths. The David Dolphin Foundation for Innovation & Bioindustry exists to ensure discoveries like this reach the world.
The Story Behind
the Foundation
Hear the story behind why we established the Foundation and the vision that brought it to life.
Our Vision
We envision a future where Canadian science and innovation improve lives, create opportunities, and inspire future generations — strengthened by collaboration across the Asia-Pacific and translated into lasting public benefit.
Our Mission
Build a Trans-Pacific Collaborative Network
Connect academics, students, and industry leaders across Canada and the Asia-Pacific to foster cross-border knowledge exchange, joint research, and strategic partnerships.
Advance Scientific Discoveries for Global Health
Champion high-impact discoveries and collaborative research initiatives that accelerate innovative solutions for human health and well-being.
Catalyze Innovation &
Bioindustry Growth
Bridge the gap between academic research and commercialization by aligning scientific breakthroughs with industry resources, capital, and global markets.
Empower Next-Generation Industry Builders
Cultivate student innovators, young researchers, and entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, international exposure, and platforms to build sustainable future industries.
The Founders
"My creation of Verteporfin saved the vision of millions worldwide... Verteporfin has recently been found to inhibit fibrosis — the possible future of which could be monumental."
Advisory Board
Pieter Cullis
Advisory Board MemberPioneer of lipid nanoparticle technology enabling mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and multiple FDA-approved medicines.
Karimah Es Sabar
Strategic Advisor / Venture CapitalRenowned life sciences leader and venture capitalist. Former CEO of Quark Venture and CDRD, recognized for shaping global biopharmaceutical innovation and health research translation.
Andrew D. Hamilton
Advisory Board MemberFormer President of NYU and Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Distinguished leader in chemical science.
Jennifer Han
Advisor / China RelationsExpert in healthcare negotiations and investment, connecting Canadian scientific innovation with Chinese industrial and philanthropic networks.
Roald Hoffmann
Nobel Laureate / AdvisorNobel Laureate in Chemistry (1981) recognized for pioneering theories on electronic structures of transition metal complexes.
Jay Ingram
Science Communicator / AdvisorCelebrated science broadcaster and author appointed to the Order of Canada. Prominent host of CBC’s Quirks and Quarks and Discovery Channel’s Daily Planet.
Jean-Marie Lehn
Nobel Laureate / AdvisorNobel Laureate in Chemistry (1987) and father of supramolecular chemistry. Expert in molecular self-organization.
Richard J. Roberts
Nobel Laureate / AdvisorNobel Laureate in Medicine (1993) credited with discovering split genes and RNA splicing, redefining molecular biology.
Ronald Shon
Advisor / Venture Capital & GrowthPresident of Shon Group of Companies and Co-Chairman of REDDS Capital. Distinguished business leader and investor with decades of expertise scaling technology enterprises.
Richard B. Silverman
Advisory Board MemberCreator of Lyrica and distinguished medicinal chemist. His research has revolutionized drug synthesis and global clinical care.
Community Members
Sophia Gleener
Executive AssistantProviding strategic administrative excellence and operational management to streamline executive workflows, coordinate global stakeholders, and ensure seamless execution of the foundation's core philanthropic initiatives and international programs.
Dr. Taesun Kang
South Korea LeadFacilitating strategic alliances and fostering academic-industrial relations within South Korea, utilizing deep sector expertise to bridge international research communities and accelerate the development of a resilient global biotechnology ecosystem.
Dr. Alan Chan
Community LeadEngaging global stakeholders and inspiring the next generation of biotech pioneers through proactive advocacy, community builder outreach, and strategic alignment to amplify the foundation's vision of curiosity and collaboration.
HOW YOUR SUPPORT CREATES IMPACT
Advance Solutions for Health
Support scientific collaboration and innovation that accelerate new approaches to preventing, diagnosing, and treating disease.
Create High-Value Jobs
Help Canadian scientists and innovators turn knowledge into opportunities, building careers and retaining world-class talent in Canada.
Strengthen the Bioindustry
Catalyze connections between Canadian science and Asia-Pacific entrepreneurs, industry, and resources to build a stronger bioindustry ecosystem.
Inspire Generations of Innovators
Educate, mentor, and inspire generation after generation of scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry builders.
Focus Areas
Facilitate collaboration between Canadian and Asia-Pacific entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders.
01
Molecular Medicine & Advanced Therapeutics
Molecular Medicine & Advanced Therapeutics
Drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, photodynamic medicine, mRNA/LNP technologies, fibrosis, targeted therapeutics, and next-generation drug platforms.
02
Microbiome & Translational Health
Microbiome & Translational Health
Microbiome science, host–microbe interactions, immunology, metabolic health, precision nutrition, fermentation, and microbiome-derived therapeutics.
03
Human-Driven Innovation
Human-Driven Innovation
Harnessing AI while championing the human curiosity, creativity, scientific judgment, and entrepreneurship that turn ideas into breakthroughs.
Science
to Industry
The David Dolphin Foundation connects scientific discovery, industry, community, and the next generation of innovators to create lasting social and economic impact.
Inspire the Next Generation
Educate, mentor, and connect emerging scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
Engage Communities
Make science more accessible through education, dialogue, events, and public engagement.
Canada–Asia-Pacific Bioindustry
Act as a catalyst connecting Canadian science and innovation with Asia-Pacific entrepreneurs, industry, and resources to accelerate innovation and strengthen the bioindustry ecosystem.
Get in Touch
Have questions about our foundation or a media inquiry? Connect with us to join our journey in strengthening Canada’s scientific future.
