Darren Burke

Industry Professor, Kinesiology

I'm an entrepreneur, scientist, and university professor whose career has focused on translating academic research into practical, real-world impact. My work spans human performance, nutrition, sustainability, and the commercialization of science-based innovation.

I built my early career in academia, developing a strong research program and reputation as a scientist. During my time as a professor at St. Francis Xavier University, I taught courses in sports nutrition, exercise physiology, and metabolism, and trained students who went on to careers in science, medicine, dentistry, and related professional fields.

In 2008, I made the decision to leave a tenured university position and enter entrepreneurship. I launched a sports nutrition company focused on protein, energy products, and creatine supplements designed specifically for professional athletes. The brand was among the first to offer supplements safe for athletes competing in drug-tested sports, helping to influence industry expectations around safety and quality. Over five years, the company grew from concept to category leadership across Canada and the United States before being acquired by Nutrivo, in Chicago.

Driven by a continued interest in solving meaningful problems through science, I later co-founded a sustainable technology company with former NHL player T.J. Galiardi. The venture focused on reducing food waste by upcycling surplus and cosmetically rejected fruits and vegetables. Working with farms, food brokers, and grocery partners, the company transformed late-life produce into nutrient-dense, shelf-stable ingredients for use in natural health products. Within three years, the business scaled from concept to an operating company with multiple manufacturing facilities.

Alongside building companies, I have remained active as a speaker and advisor, presenting on topics including nutrition, sustainability, cleantech, food waste reduction, and entrepreneurship. In 2021, I was recognized with the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award for Atlantic Canada.

I completed graduate studies in Kinesiology and earned a PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Saskatchewan. Across both academia and industry, my work has consistently focused on translating science into products, companies, and systems that create durable value.

Today, I continues to build, advise, and mentor at the intersection of science, performance, and responsible innovation, supporting researchers and entrepreneurs in turning complex ideas into practical, scalable solutions.