Markham, ON – January 12, 2026, ventureLAB, a leading global founder community for hardware and enterprise software companies, is pleased to announce the internal promotion of Sophia Chan-Combrink to Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). This expanded executive role strengthens the organization’s operational foundation and supports its future growth. In her role as CAO, Sophia will assume broader organizational responsibilities to ensure ventureLAB is positioned for long-term sustainability and scale. In addition to her existing leadership portfolio, she will focus on strengthening internal processes, reinforcing strong governance by serving as Board Secretary, and overseeing general and administrative functions across the organization.
This appointment reflects ventureLAB’s continued evolution as a globally connected innovation hub operating at the intersection of founders, industry, government, and academia. As the organization advances its strategic focus across Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Medical Technology (MedTech), strong internal infrastructure and governance are critical to delivering sustained impact at scale. By investing in leadership that aligns internal capability with external ambition, ventureLAB continues to enable founders to commercialize breakthrough technologies and compete on the global stage.
“Sophia’s promotion to Chief Administrative Officer recognizes the central role she plays in how ventureLAB operates and grows,” said Hugh Chow, CEO of ventureLAB. “Her leadership, global perspective, and deep understanding of innovation ecosystems have been instrumental in building the partnerships, talent pipelines, and governance structures that support our founders. As we continue scaling our programs and global reach, Sophia’s expanded mandate will help ensure ventureLAB remains aligned, resilient, and fit for the future.”
Sophia brings deep expertise in nonprofit leadership, higher education, and international innovation ecosystems. She previously served as Vice President of External Relations at ventureLAB, where she forged strong government and academic partnerships, promoted international collaborations, and spearheaded the organization’s national and global growth.
“I’m honoured to step into the role of Chief Administrative Officer at a time of strong momentum for ventureLAB,” said Sophia Chan-Combrink, Chief Administrative Officer. “ventureLAB plays a critical role in Canada’s innovation ecosystem, and I’m excited to support our team and our founders by strengthening the internal foundations that enable long-term impact, collaboration, and global competitiveness.”
Prior to ventureLAB, Sophia held senior leadership roles, including Executive Director of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, where she built high-impact networks between Canadian and Asian business communities, and Deputy Director of Education, East Asia at the British Council, supporting cross-border education and institutional partnerships. This global experience continues to inform ventureLAB’s international engagement strategy, connecting founders with commercialization opportunities worldwide.
Sophia’s appointment underscores ventureLAB’s commitment to building a strong, values-driven organization that supports innovation, not only through programs and infrastructure, but also through people, governance, and operational excellence.
About ventureLAB
ventureLAB is a leading global founder community for hardware technology and enterprise software companies in Canada. Located at the heart of Ontario’s innovation corridor in York Region, ventureLAB is part of one of the biggest and most diverse tech communities in Canada. Our initiatives focused on raising capital, talent retention, commercializing technology and IP, and customer acquisition have enabled thousands of companies to create over 7,100 jobs and raise more than $480 million in investment capital. ventureLAB is powering hardtech founders to build and scale globally competitive ventures that advance Canada’s knowledge-based economy.
