UniTartu Navigator Mentors
Dr Sarah Mardle
Dr Sarah Mardle brings a rare combination of deep scientific expertise, strategic leadership, and hands-on operational experience across the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Through Alma Business Consulting and her coaching work, she empowers founders and senior leaders to scale effectively and lead with clarity and resilience. Her continued engagement with Cambridge Judge Business School and innovation programmes underscores her commitment to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and accelerating impactful ventures.
Brian Corbett
Brian brings decades of hands-on experience in commercialising deep tech innovations, spanning AI, advanced computing, and nanorobotics. Through Sayle House Ventures, he has supported scientists, innovators, and technology transfer professionals to turn cutting-edge ideas into impactful ventures. His long-standing role as a mentor, coach, and ecosystem builder highlights his commitment to strengthening innovation pathways and accelerating technology-driven entrepreneurship.
Alex Smeets
Alex brings extensive experience in research commercialisation, innovation consultancy, and ecosystem development, drawing on Cambridge’s globally recognised expertise. He has supported universities, public authorities, and early-stage ventures through advisory, assessment, and acceleration activities, combining policy, practice, and hands-on mentoring. With a PhD in Materials Science and a long career in innovation support roles, he offers a strong blend of scientific understanding and practical commercialisation insight.
Shaz Ansari
Shaz is a leading scholar in strategy and innovation with a strong academic and institutional leadership profile at the University of Cambridge. His research addresses critical social, environmental, and technological challenges, combining rigorous theoretical perspectives with real-world relevance. Through extensive executive education engagements with global corporations and institutions, he bridges academic insight and practical strategic impact.
Samela Kivilo
Samela is an Investment Manager at Specialist VC, one of the few early stage venture funds in Estonia investing in both software and deeptech startups. With 6 years of experience in the venture capital industry, Samela has analysed hundreds of startups across various verticals in the Baltics and Finland. She is here to help bridge the gap in turning scientific projects into VC-backable startups.
Gary Urb
Gary is a co-founder and CEO of UpCatalyst, an Estonian deep-tech cleantech company focused on converting industrial CO₂ emissions into sustainable carbon materials such as graphite and carbon nanotubes for batteries and other applications. He holds a PhD in chemistry and has prior experience as a researcher and R&D leader in international corporations before moving into entrepreneurship.
