Emlyn Nardone

I N N O V A T O R D I S R U P T O R T H O U G H T L E A D E R

Emlyn Nardone is developing the SMARTlab Living Lab to develop radical solutions for the edges of our society and those voices that most often are unheard or overlooked. He is developing a place where those who require innovation are empowered as leaders and co-creators in their own journey.  Previously he was a National Director at March of Dimes Canada (MODC), where he led initiatives that ensured people with disabilities have access to well designed, affordable assistive technology and related services such as TELUS’s Tech For Good Program. He also led innovation efforts in the wearable tech field and in Telehealth using a living lab approach and worked with various stakeholders in tech and government to address employment access. 

Originally from Ireland, Emlyn has been involved in human centered design, technology and education for nearly two decades. Before moving to Canada, he had a career in research and lecturing at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG), where he taught and published in the areas of economics, innovation, political economy and globalization. He worked on various R&D policy initiatives with the OECD, EU and Enterprise Ireland. 

Since relocating to Canada he consulted on end-user design at NAV Canada, led the Information Communication Technology Council’s (ICTC) digital skills and education initiatives, while at the International Council of Design (ico-D), he managed the Adobe Design Awards (ADAA) and led ico-D’s international policy and research workgroups in the areas of design research and education, understanding the value of design, professional design certification as well as national design policy.