Ryan D'Arcy
Ryan D'Arcy
Privett '90
University of Victoria, Victoria, BC
Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
President and Chief Scientific Officer, HealthTech Connex
Co‑Founder, Health and Technology District
BC Leadership Chair, Neurotechnology and Neuroimaging
Professor, Computer Science and Engineering Science
Simon Fraser University
Professor, DM Centre for Brain Health, Department of Radiology
University of British Columbia
After graduating from Brentwood College School in 1990, Ryan pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Victoria, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in science with a focus on Neuropsychology and Biology. This foundation in neuroscience and biology laid the groundwork for his future academic and professional endeavors.
Following his undergraduate studies, Ryan furthered his education by attending Dalhousie University in Halifax in 1996, where he embarked on his master’s and doctoral studies in neuroscience, completing his PhD in 2002. This advanced degree provided him with the specialized knowledge and expertise necessary to pursue his career as a neuroscientist and neurotechnology entrepreneur. This foundation led to Ryan’s success within academia as a full tenured professor at SFU, and appointment as the BC Leadership Chair in neuroimaging and neurotechnology.
Today, Dr. Ryan D'Arcy is a prominent figure in the fields of neuroscience and
neurotechnology. He holds several significant positions, including co-founder, President, and Chief Scientific Officer of HealthTech Connex. Alongside HealthTech Connex, Ryan co-founded the Health and Technology District, a billion-dollar Healthtech cluster designed to foster collaboration and innovation in the field of healthcare and technology. This is a significant initiative that has played a pivotal role in advancing Canada's biotechnology industry.
Alongside the creation of HealthTech Connex, the NeuroCatch® Platform was launched. NeuroCatch is an industry leading medical device for the objective physiological measurement of cognitive function.
Coming full circle to where his passion for science and innovation began, Ryan brought his NeuroCatch technology to Brentwood in 2021. Today, grade 11 and 12 students continue to actively investigate concussive and sub-concussive impacts across different sports using NeuroCatch. This initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to understanding and mitigating the risks associated with head injuries in student athletes. The program has led to multiple academic publications, and a highly successful student led TEDx talk. Overall, the collaboration between Brentwood College School students and NeuroCatch exemplifies the intersection of education, research, and technology in advancing our understanding of brain health and promoting safety in sports.
Dr. D’Arcy’s impact and contributions extend beyond academia and research, as
evidenced by his substantial publication record of over 300 academic works and his success in securing more than $100 million in competitive research and innovation funding. Dr. D'Arcy's efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he has received numerous awards and distinctions, including Canada's Public Service Award of Excellence and recognition as one of BC's 500 Influential Business Leaders.
The skills established in his formative years at Brentwood remain a key contributing factor to Ryan’s multifaceted success. Ryan brings the passion first cultivated and nurtured as a Brentwood student to all aspects of his work. He remains truly thankful for his experience as a Brentonian, and the grit and authenticity he embodies as a result.
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