Paula Berton

Dr. Paula Berton is currently serving as Manager of Founders & Venture Initiatives at the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at the University of Calgary. Her expertise lies in designing and leading programs and initiatives that support researchers and entrepreneurs in transforming cutting-edge ideas into scalable ventures, while also working closely with teams through mentorship and hands-on guidance, with a strong focus on bridging academia and industry.

Beyond her current role, Paula brings over 15 years of experience in research and innovation, beginning with her doctoral studies and continuing through a career dedicated to advancing sustainable technologies. She previously served as a Research Associate in the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, where her work focused on the use of ionic liquids for sustainable separation and purification processes in biomass and energy applications. She also held the role of Chief Scientific Officer at CalAgua Innovations Corp., leading efforts to advance university-developed technologies toward market adoption.

Paula is a co-founder of the Academic Entrepreneurs in Residence program, where she played a key role in guiding more than 35 ventures from early-stage innovation to commercialization readiness through both program design and direct mentorship. Her work reflects a deep commitment to creating pathways for researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and students to translate their discoveries into real-world impact.

With a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Argentina, Paula brings global experience across academia, startups, and innovation ecosystems. Her contributions include over 50 publications, multiple patents, and more than 1,300 citations, underscoring her impact at the intersection of science, innovation, and entrepreneurship.