Dr. Mukal (Mike) Jain, PhD (Materials), MBA (International Business) Industrial Technology Advisor, NRC IRAP

Session Synopsis: Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)

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Biography

Dr. Mike Jain is a seasoned innovation and sustainability expert with over 25 years of global experience in clean technologies, construction materials, materials science, and the circular economy. As an Industrial Technology Advisor with the National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP), he works closely with Canadian SMEs—including those in the construction sector—offering technical and business advisory services to support innovation and commercialization.

Mike serves as the Pacific Representative on the NRC Construction Sector Team and leads NRC's Low-Carbon Construction Challenge on behalf of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). In these roles, he works with Canadian innovators and global industry stakeholders to accelerate the development and adoption of low-carbon technologies in the built environment.

Earlier in his career, Mike worked with global construction material giants such as Fosroc Chemicals, and led sustainability-driven product development initiatives across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region while serving as Managing Director of Technology at Authentix Asia-Pacific. He also led the materials division at BC Hydro, where he advanced recycling and sustainable materials innovation, including work on insulation and composites.

Mike actively contributes to the CSA Committee responsible for developing standards for hydrogen compatibility with polymers, supporting the safe adoption of clean hydrogen technologies across industries.

His technical expertise spans the recycling of plastics, textiles, insulation materials, and construction composites. He has contributed significantly to government policy and program development on circular economy through technical assessments for Environment and Climate Change Canada, ISED, SDTC, and Innovate BC, including initiatives such as the Plastics Roof Challenge and Construction Waste Innovation Pilots.

An active member of Canada's Interdepartmental Circular Economy Working Group and host of Vancouver's Circular Economy Forum, Mike brings a rare combination of deep technical knowledge, strategic insight, and hands-on global industry experience. He holds four patents, has authored over 45 technical papers, and regularly speaks at national and international conferences on materials, recycling, and circular economy.