TORONTO – MaRS Innovation (MI) announced that Steven Chackowicz (pictured) has been appointed Executive-in-Residence where he will oversee the technology scouting and commercialization efforts for MI in the medical device space.

Steven Checkowicz is an experienced technology executive.

A serial entrepreneur in early-stage companies, he defined and executed strategies and tactics that enabled newly formed companies to move to significant commercial success. Steven has been successful in assisting companies toward positive liquidity events by driving revenue growth and new product adoption in the healthcare and life sciences sectors.

Prior to joining MI, Steven was the CEO of Nanovista, a company focused on imaging agents for precision medicine and worked with the lead investors to successfully close the financing.

He has previously held executive positions at Exact Imaging, Aspect Imaging and VisualSonics. Steven earned his Bachelor of Science, Honours in biochemistry with a minor in metaphysics and epistemology at the University of Toronto.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to recruit an executive with such intimate knowledge and expertise in the medical device arena,” said Rafi Hofstein, president and CEO of MI. “MI’s Members offer a rich pipeline of technologies in that space, and Steven joining MI means we have the seasoned oversight to develop the best and most promising of these new inventions in a professional and expedient manner. Through this new hire, MI continues to add to its roster of talented staff and executives.”

About MaRS Innovation
MaRS Innovation is a leading provider of commercialization services, early-stage funding, and deal-brokering with industry and private investors. As a member-based organization made up of 15 member institutions, our mandate is to drive the commercialization of their most promising research breakthroughs. MaRS Innovation’s portfolio consists of early-stage assets and companies, and we leverage our deep expertise and experience to mature this portfolio via important global and strategic partnerships. With an active portfolio of more than 40 companies which have raised in excess of $250M from global investors, and with the creation of more than 400 direct jobs, MaRS Innovation is a leader in the commercialization field. For more information please visit www.marsinnovation.com and follow us on Twitter @marsinnovation.