Celebrating Dr. Soror Sharifpoor

After eight transformative years at the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research (TRCHR), Dr. Soror Sharifpoor is embarking on an exciting new chapter in her career. As the Director of Strategy & Translation at the Translational Biology and Engineering Program (TBEP) since 2017, Soror has played an integral role in shaping TBEP’s vision and impact in the cardiovascular health sector.

From fostering partnerships to driving scientific and clinical translation, Soror’s leadership has been pivotal in developing TBEP into what it is today. Her contributions have left an enduring mark on cardiovascular innovation, research translation, and entrepreneurship in Canada.

A Leader in Cardiovascular Innovation

One of Dr. Sharifpoor’s most defining achievements at TRCHR has been co-founding the Entrepreneurship for Cardiovascular Health Opportunities (ECHO) program. Since its launch in 2018, ECHO has become a leading force in supporting innovators in cardiovascular technologies, providing training, mentorship, and the resources needed to bridge the gap between research and commercialization.

External reviewers have praised the ECHO program, and it remains one of Soror’s greatest legacies. Under her leadership, the program has flourished, helping researchers and entrepreneurs translate their ideas into real-world impact.

ECHO’s Impact by the Numbers:

• 6 cohorts graduated, 1 in training
• 69 ventures and 181 members
• 171 sessions, 143 workshops, and 28 seminars
• Over 110 mentors
• $1.5M in funding awarded

Building on the success of ECHO, Soror also led the creation of ECHO Discovery, a unique program designed to expose trainees to the realities of translating cardiovascular research into industry.

ECHO Discovery’s Reach:

• 2 cohorts graduated, 1 in training
• 95 trainees from 14 Canadian universities
• 12 sessions, 8 workshops, and 4 fireside chats
• 100 hours of shadowing with 10 host companies

Outside of these initiatives, Soror has been a dedicated mentor and advisor to various ventures in the cardiovascular space, guiding countless researchers and entrepreneurs toward success. Her leadership has helped shape TBEP into a thriving hub for cardiovascular innovation.

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter

Soror’s influence extends far beyond numbers and programs—her vision, passion, and dedication have built a lasting foundation that will continue to shape cardiovascular research and translation at the Centre for years to come.

On behalf of the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research team, we extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Sharifpoor for her years of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to innovation.

As she moves forward into the next chapter of her career, we are excited to see all that she will accomplish and remain confident that her impact will only continue to grow.