InnovateNB Hall of Fame
presented by Mariner
The InnovateNB Hall of Fame is a celebration of New Brunswick’s most accomplished innovation leaders. Each member of the Hall of Fame represents their own brand of successful innovation, and each has contributed in a meaningful way to innovation in this province.
Marcel Lebrun
2025 Inductee
Marcel LeBrun is a builder of companies, communities, and opportunity. Over more than three decades, he has helped shape New Brunswick’s digital economy, from his early work at NBTel to co-founding global tech leaders including Radian6, one of Atlantic Canada’s most successful technology exits. Beyond entrepreneurship, Marcel has been a trusted mentor to founders across the region, helping cultivate a strong and generous innovation ecosystem. Today, he applies that same problem-solving mindset to social impact as the driving force behind 12 Neighbours and Neighbourly Homes. Marcel’s career reflects a rare combination of vision, execution, and deep commitment to community.
Sandy Bird, Chris Newton,
and Brian Flood (In Memoriam)
Co-founders of
Q1 Labs
2024 Inductees
Sandy Bird, Chris Newton, and Brian Flood are celebrated co-founders of Q1 Labs, a Fredericton-born cybersecurity firm that became a global leader in security intelligence software and put New Brunswick on the map in the tech world. Their vision and collaboration grew Q1 Labs from an idea at the University of New Brunswick into one of the province’s most successful technology exits, showcasing the capacity for world-class innovation here at home. Brian Flood’s legacy as an innovator and leader continues to inspire, even after his passing, and he is honoured alongside his co-founders for his role in their collective journey. Sandy and Chris have helped empower a generation of innovators by proving that ambitious tech companies can be built in Atlantic Canada and compete globally. Their induction into the InnovateNB Hall of Fame recognizes a remarkable legacy of leadership, impact, and inspiration within the province’s innovation ecosystem.
Dave Grebenc and Roxanne Fairweather
Co-owners and Co-CEOs of Innovatia
2023 Inductees
Roxanne Fairweather and Dave Grebenc are visionary leaders whose combined careers span more than 30 years of innovation, collaboration, and impact. As co-owners and co-CEOs of Innovatia, they grew the Saint John–based company into the largest locally owned tech firm in New Brunswick, serving Fortune 100 and 500 clients worldwide. Dave is widely recognized for his role in advancing practical innovation across Atlantic Canada, including the creation of ProcedureFlow and long-standing leadership within the region’s technology ecosystem. Roxanne has played a pivotal role in shaping economic development, governance, and gender equity in New Brunswick, and is a nationally recognized leader and Member of the Order of Canada. Together, they exemplify innovation-driven leadership and the power of collaboration to build stronger companies, communities, and futures.
Gerry Pond
Inaugural 2022 Inductee
Gerry Pond is a foundational figure in New Brunswick’s innovation story and the inaugural inductee into the InnovateNB Hall of Fame, presented by Mariner. As a co-founder of Mariner, Gerry has helped shape a culture of innovation that extends far beyond technology, rooted in curiosity, community impact, and change that matters. He has been a driving force behind the creation of some of Atlantic Canada’s most successful ICT companies, including iMagicTV, Q1 Labs, Radian6, and others that have scaled globally. A tireless champion of entrepreneurship, Gerry co-founded Propel, East Valley, and the Pond-Deshpande Centre, helping generations of founders turn bold ideas into enduring companies. His leadership, mentorship, and commitment to social responsibility have left a lasting imprint on New Brunswick’s economy and communities.
Read the full story here.