Colin Gervais is a passionate advocate for the role of educational institutions in supporting decolonization, climate action, and the development of novel technologies. 

Born in Timmins, Ontario, and raised in Kitchener, Ontario, Gervais moved to British Columbia in 2021 after initially coming to work remotely for a month and deciding to make a home for himself here in the mountains. 

Colin's educational journey began with an Advanced Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management from Seneca Polytechnic, a Certificate in Strategic Public Relations from the University of Toronto, and a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University); and continues today at Simon Fraser University where he is pursuing a Part-time Master of Business Administration.

Colin has worked in education for over nine years, focusing on student and faculty research commercialization and entrepreneurship at Seneca Polytechnic, Northern College, the University of Waterloo, and the University of British Columbia. Currently, he serves as a Senior Advisor for Mitacs in the Pacific Region, specializing in developing partnerships between industry and academia that help retain talent in Canada and stimulate industry innovation. Colin is deeply committed to fostering collaboration between industry and academia, recognizing educational institutions' unique role in addressing pressing global challenges. 

Outside of his professional endeavours, Colin is an avid outdoor enthusiast. He can often be found hiking, biking, and running, having recently completed the Vancouver Marathon. 

Through his work and personal pursuits, Colin continues to champion the power of education, collaboration, and innovation in shaping a better future for all.