Co-Founders
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Dr. Victor Yang
Dr. Yang is the President of NVS. He is a neurosurgeon-engineer and entrepreneur with a track record of developing cutting-edge medical technologies. He previously co-founded 7D Surgical, a company that revolutionized image-guided cranio-spinal surgery, leading to its successful acquisition. His research focuses on real-time intraoperative imaging, vascular biomaterials, and minimally invasive interventions that leverages integrations with optical, ultrasound, and robotic-assisted technologies. Dr. Yang holds an MD and PhD in Medical Biophysics from the University of Toronto and is a Professor and practicing Neurosurgeon at Western University and London Health Sciences Centre. His research group continues to drive innovation at the intersection of medical imaging, robotics, biomaterials, and endovascular therapies.
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Dr. Konrad Walus
Dr. Walus is the Chief Science Officer of NVS. He is a leading expert in microsystems, nanotechnology, bioengineering, entrepreneurship and commercialization in the area of deep tech. His research spans advanced biomaterials, soft matter physics, and 3D bioprinting, contributing to next-generation vascular biomaterials and medical devices. He is also a co-founder of Aspect Biosystems, a global leader in bioprinting and tissue engineering. With a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Calgary and as a Professor at the University of British Columbia, Dr. Walus continues to develop innovative biomaterials and fabrication technologies that push the boundaries of regenerative medicine and minimally invasive therapies.
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Yuta Dobashi
Yuta is the Chief Technology Officer of NVS. With a background in electrical and biomedical engineering, he pioneered photomodulated hydrogel extrusion technology early in his doctoral studies, forming the foundation for NVS’ core innovations. Prior to cofounding Northern Vascular, Yuta’s research focused on advanced hydrogels, smart materials for biomedicine, robotics, and energy storage. Notably, Yuta led a study on ionic skins - flexible, biocompatible hydrogels that use ions to transmit electrical signals - published in Science in April 2022. Yuta’s work emphasizes on impactful real-world applications, forming strong industry partnerships along the way such as Honda Research Institute Japan on developing soft robotic sensors based on smart polymers. He holds an MASc in Biomedical Engineering from the University of British Columbia and is PhD candidate in Medical Sciences at the University of Toronto.
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Joel Ramjist
Joel is the Chief Executive Officer of NVS. He brings an interdisciplinary background focused on translational medical device development, taking emerging technologies from bench-top to bedside. Prior to starting Northern Vascular, Joel managed the Biophotonics and Bioengineering Laboratory - a research group whose work spans optical imaging, robotics, and computer vision for neurosurgical and neurointerventional applications. In this role, Joel oversaw multiple trials and academic-industrial partnerships, while also securing over $5M in research funding from granting organizations including NSERC, CIHR, CFI, and REMAP. He has a BSc in Biology from York University, and is currently an MASc candidate at in Biomedical Engineering at Toronto Metropolitan University.