Laurentian University Welcomes Don Duval as Entrepreneur in Residence

(March 10, 2026) - Laurentian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Don Duval as Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR), further strengthening the University’s commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry engagement.

In his volunteer role, Duval will support students, faculty, researchers, alumni, and early-stage founders by providing mentorship and strategic guidance on venture development and commercialization. Working in close collaboration with the Office of Research and Innovation Services, he will also advise on the continued evolution of entrepreneurship programming and supports at Laurentian, with particular attention to opportunities in the mining and resource sectors.

Duval brings more than two decades of leadership experience across Canada’s innovation ecosystem. He is currently Principal, Head of Mining at Evok Innovations, and until recently served as Chief Executive Officer of NORCAT, where he advanced mining innovation, technology adoption, and industry–academic collaboration. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at MaRS Discovery District, supporting the growth and commercialization of technology-based ventures. He is also an active mentor in the Creative Destruction Lab Minerals program.

“Don Duval’s experience at the intersection of innovation, commercialization, and the mining sector makes him an invaluable resource for our university community,” said Tammy Eger, Vice-President, Research at Laurentian University.  This was echoed by Gisele Roberts, Director of Research and Innovation, who noted: “Our roles have intersected throughout Don’s time at NORCAT, and his appointment represents a fantastic opportunity to enhance the support we provide to founders and innovators at Laurentian.”

“I’m pleased to support Laurentian University as its first Entrepreneur in Residence,” said Duval. “There is strong entrepreneurial potential across Northern Ontario, particularly in mining and related technologies, and I look forward to working with founders and innovators as they develop ideas and pursue impactful ventures.”

The Entrepreneur in Residence program is delivered through The Foundry, Laurentian’s dedicated entrepreneurship program housed within the Jim Fielding Innovation and Commercialization Space. Through mentorship, advisory support, and community engagement, The Foundry plays a central role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship at Laurentian University.

Duval’s appointment as Entrepreneur in Residence runs through the end of the calendar year.

For more information about entrepreneurship and innovation at Laurentian University, visit:
https://laurentian.ca/research/fielding-innovation-centre/foundry