ColdBlock is disrupting the analytical laboratory technology sector with the introduction of its innovative sample digestion technology. Developed in partnership with Brock University in 2012-2014, this technology utilizes focused short-wave infrared heating and a unique cooling zone to dissolve solid sample matter into solution for multi-element analysis with a significantly faster, simpler, and safer process compared with older digestion methods. ColdBlock’s sample digestion system is being utilized in laboratories across several industries, saving time and money by increasing sample throughput capacity and significantly reducing turnaround times, while providing accurate and reliable results. ColdBlock Technologies Inc. is a privately owned company based in Ontario, Canada.

Executive Team

Craig West (CEO) – A founding investor, serving on the Board since 2015, was appointed CEO in July 2021. Through prior careers in capital markets (17 years in equity research, sales, & capital markets), and engineering (7 years in project management & execution, engineering consulting), Craig has developed extensive experience in corporate strategy, management, sales & marketing, and corporate finance. Craig has an MBA specializing in innovation & finance, and a B.Sc. Engineering degree, both from Queen’s University, Kingston Ontario.

Akash Kapoor (CFO) – Joined the ColdBlock team as CFO in July 2023. Akash has 25-year career in sectors ranging from tech to consulting and capital markets. He has worked in a range of roles (strategic/operational executive, co-founder, advisor, and investor) in numerous businesses and has developed a particular expertise around the scale up of small-medium size enterprises. Akash is a Chartered Accountant (CPA, CA), and holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business, London, and a B.Com (HONS) from Queen’s University, Kingston.

Kirill Pereverzev (CTO) – An integral member of the ColdBlock operating team since the early founding days, Kirill has spearheaded the development, testing, and commercialization of ColdBlock’s newest product lines. Experienced in engineering and design with a focus on developing and bringing ideas to market, Kirill was promoted to Chief Technology Officer in 2021 and leads the advancement of numerous R&D projects that will help shape the future of ColdBlock. Kirill holds a degree in Chemistry (HONS), and a Master’s degree in Biotechnology.

Board of Directors

Nick Kuryluk (CHAIR) – Founding investor and CEO from 2014 until 2021. Nick is a principal at Virtus Insights Inc., a boutique strategic management services firm focused on biopharma and medical device sectors. Prior to ColdBlock, Nick spent 23-years with Amgen Canada Inc. He brings experience in strategic planning, new products commercialization, program management and change management. Nick is frequently a guest speaker and panelist at RIC, I-CUBE, BioLINC and OBIO.

Craig West (CEO) – See above.

Damir Strk – Damir was appointed to the Board in 2017 by the estate of Ron Emburgh, Co-Inventor of ColdBlock Digestion Technology. Damir has a 20-year career in commercial & residential real estate and is currently a broker with REMAX Reality Specialists Inc. Damir brings strong financial knowledge and has provided insights into channel distribution strategies.

Terry Windrem – Terry is President and CEO of Park Place Financial, and a co-founder of Peak Benefit Solutions, a leading group benefits company in Central Ontario. Terry brings more than 40-years of experience in investment strategies. He is a current member of the Peterborough Region Angel Network (PRAN), a Lakefield College School Trustee, and a former charter member of Kawartha Rotary.

Thomas Wong – Thomas joined the board in 2020 and is an angel investor in several start- up stage companies. His background is in Mechanical Engineering, with degrees from the University of Hong Kong, McMaster University, and Wilfrid Laurier University, and a career in industrial manufacturing. He is a certified greenbelt and blackbelt in Six-Sigma Manufacturing and has overseen implementation of ISO 9000 quality control systems.

Russ Calow – Russ joined the board in Sept. 2022 and comes from a 35-year career in the analytical laboratory sector and is a renowned industry expert with experience expanding laboratory operations, integrating new acquisitions, reducing costs, and increasing lab productivity. Russ was most recently Vice President Global Analytical Services at SGS. Through his career Russ was also involved with a number of industry agencies including CALA, IAETL/CCIL, CIMM, and the CMA.

Rory Cattanach – Rory joined the board in April 2023. He is a partner of Wildeboer Dellelce LLP practicing primarily in the areas of corporate finance, governance, commercial transactions, and mergers and acquisitions. Rory has served on boards of several technology companies and been involved in numerous public and private financings. Prior to joining Wildeboer in January 1996, Rory practiced law at Stikeman Elliott LLP. Rory is an adjunct professor at Osgoode Hall Law School.