With the semester coming to a close, this session is particularly valuable to both students still searching for their summer employment as well as those graduating and looking for that perfect next-step! Sign up today. The session will take place on March 26 at 12:00 pm, in Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall.

Permjot Valia (he/him) is co-founder at Nava Develop Inc., a business development firm serving innovation focused corporates, startup organizations and academic institutions. A globally recognized mentor, facilitator and business coach, he has led strategic planning successes for organizations throughout Canada’s innovation ecosystem. He founded MentorCamp and was Lead Mentor of Cape Breton’s Navigate Startup House. He served as a Mentor-in-Residence at the University of Arkansas Sam Walton School of Business and has helped multiple researchers commercialise their research. This work continues through the 3 day Lab2Market program he delivers across Canada to researchers.

He is an expert pitch coach with companies he has coached winning over $10m in prize money.

Permjot serves on Boards of several startups, works with Dal Innovates, and lectures globally on business modelling, strategy and leadership. He is passionate about contributing to Canada’s economic development and cultural success. 

Permjot holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from University of Leeds and an MBA from Open University (UK). He is an MIT-trained mentor program manager.