Uncovering the Untapped Benefits of Polyphenols
Canurta has brought together leading experts with decades of research experience on polyphenols including flavonoids, cannflavins and stilbenes, to reimagine their therapeutic potential with technology-driven drug development.
Technology-Driven Drug Development with our Partners
Meet Our Founder and CEO
Five years ago, Akeem embarked on a journey to impact health through hemp cultivation. His passion for botanical solutions to inflammation spurred Canurta’s early innovations forward.
Akeem Gardner, a bold entrepreneur, possesses the unique combination of academic, athletic, and professional experiences to lead and create exceptional shareholder value. With dual degrees in Psychology and Philosophy and a Bachelor of Law, Akeem excels in grasping complex scientific concepts and navigating regulatory guidelines, IP, and patent strategy.
Board of Directors
Sam Katz
Board Member
Angel investor and board member, Manitoba Harvest and Fresh Hemp Foods
Led first Canadian company to commercialize industrial hemp to $132.5M exit
Kyley Paul
Board Member
Canadian Natural Health & Cannabis Regulatory Expert
CEO of NaturalSci
Regulatory consulting
10+ years regulatory experience
Alex Chwaiewsky
Board Member
Co-Founder, Manitoba Harvest
Created Canadian market for hemp hearts
Manitoba Harvest first sale of $132.5 Million
Jerry Zeifman
Advisor
Founder, Organic Traditions
and President, Advantage Health Matters
30+ years experience in
health space
Portfolio of over 100
natural ingredients
Scientific Advisory Board
Dr. Ethan Russo, M.D.
Senior Medical Advisor
Preeminent global medical cannabis expert
16 years at GW Pharmaceuticals
Study Physician for Sativex® and Epidiolex® clinical trials
Dr. Neal Davies, Ph.D., RPh, FCAHS
Principal Investigator, Pharmacokinetics
Dean and Professor, Faculty of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta
Leading investigator of anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer nutraceuticals including flavonoids
Jasmin Lalonde, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator, Neuroscience
Department of Molecular Cellular Neurology,
University of Guelph
2020 Future Leader in Canadian Brain Research
José Casaretto, Ph.D.
Senior Technical Advisor
Research Scientist focused on genomics and biochemical engineering approaches to produce secondary metabolites
Inventor on extraction and biosynthesis patents
Tariq Akhtar, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator, Molecule Development
Department of Molecular Biology Associate Professor, University of Guelph
Research focus on natural products and specialized metabolites
Mark Loveless, M.D.
Medical/Scientific Advisor
Senior Medical Epidemiologist, Director of the HIV/STD/TB Program of the Oregon Health Unity
Consultant for COVID-19 response with public health agencies in Pacific Northwest
Core Team
Kelly Boddington, Ph.D.
Research Associate
Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Bsc. in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Guelph
Published several articles, including "Bibenzyl synthesis in Cannabis sativa L."
Cameron Parry
Production Lead
MSc. in Biotechnology from the University of Guelph
3+ years of experience in quality control, including at Labatt Breweries Canada and Atlas 365 Inc.
Gurkamal Deol
Bioinformatics Scientist
MSc. in Bioinformatics from the University of Guelph, BSc. in Genetics from Western University, and certificate in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Toronto
Skilled in python, Linux, APIs, R, SQL, RDKit, Machine Learning, Git, AWS, Streamlit, TensorFlow, and PyTorch
Ricardo Hewitt
Lead Front-End Developer
BSc. (Hons) in Computer Science from Ryerson University.
9+ years of experience in software development and expertise in blockchain technology
Pamela Kisun
Head of Operations
MA. in Climate Change from the University of Waterloo.
Expertise in research, analysis, policy advising, project management, and administration.
Jordan Chin
Brand and Design Lead
B.In.Dsn. and a minor in Psychology from Carleton University
3+ years of experience in Graphic Design and expertise in brand identity and packaging design
Eric Soubeyrand, Ph.D.
Research Associate
Ph.D. in Plant Biology from the University of Bordeaux (France)
Author of 20+ peer-reviewed journal articles and expertise in biochemistry, genetics, and molecular biology
Gaukhar Zhurykbay
Bioinformatics Scientist
BSc. in Biochemistry from the Memorial University of Newfoundland, and Applied Bioinformatics post-graduate certificate from UC San Diego
Competent in scripting languages such as Python, Bash, RStudio/R, HTML, and JavaScript
Helia Ghazinejad
Bioinformatics Scientist
MSc. in Biomedical Informatics and BSc. in Biology and Psychology from York University
Competent in R, Python, and Bash scripting languages, and experienced in using cloud computing, machine learning, Git, and Streamlit
Dominic Poku-Aidoo
Lead Back-End Developer
BSc. (Hons) in Computer Science from Ryerson University
8+ years of experience in software programming and strong proponent of blockchain technology
Shega Youngson
Head of Marketing
BSc. (Hons) in Public Policy, Media, and Graphic Communications from RIT, and MA in Democracy & Human Rights from the University of Bologna.
10 years of marketing experience for leading cannabis brands.
Samantha Palloo
People and Culture Lead
CHRP Designation, MSc. Occupational Environmental Safety and Health, and a BSc. Biology from the University of the West Indies
Experience in HR and Administration, leveraging HR and scientific knowledge to advance the company