Global Innovation Summit 2025

1–2 Apr 2025 | HANNOVER MESSE, Germany

Sophia Chan-Combrink

VP External Relations

ventureLAB Innovation Centre

Markham, Canada

6 profile visits

My organisation

ventureLAB is a leading global community for hardware technology and enterprise software companies in Canada, located in Ontario’s innovation corridor in York Region. As part of one of Canada’s largest tech communities, we focus on raising capital, talent retention, and commercializing technology. Our initiatives have helped thousands of companies create over 7,300 jobs and secure more than $420 million in investment capital. At ventureLAB, we empower hardtech founders to build and scale globally competitive ventures, advancing Canada’s knowledge-based economy.
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About me

As ventureLAB's VP of External Relations, Sophia leads the development of the organization's strategic plan to support national and global expansion, with a particular focus on managing government relations, public sector stakeholders and academic institutions. With over 20 years of hands-on managerial experience in non-profit organizations across Canada and Asia, she has held senior roles in various governmental and non-profit entities.

‍Sophia has direct experience working with and advising corporations and governments on policy-related issues, corporate communications, and leading impactful initiatives. Prior to ventureLAB, she served as the Executive Director of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, a role of global significance. Prior to that, she was the Head of Education and Society for the British Council in Hong Kong, also acting as the Deputy Director of Education for East Asia.

‍Her previous positions have enabled her to collaborate with high-profile organizations, including the World Bank, IUCN, and Environment Canada. In these roles, she has shaped and advised strategic directions on social policy and led initiatives ranging from social innovation to gender equity, positioning her well to drive ventureLAB’s mission forward.