Karolina Valente, CEO/CSO of VoxCell BioInnovation, is one of 11 recipients of UVic’s ɬíɬəl ʔa kʷs ƛ̓kʷəxnəq Skʷukʷəlstəŋəƛ̓ | SIÁMĆEȽ |Distinguished Alumni Awards for 2026. 2025 VIATEC Award winner, Harsh Rathod (Niricson Software), has also made the list!

Karolina Valente’s connection to cancer research is deeply personal—it began with her late mother’s battle with breast cancer. A scientist, entrepreneur and educator, she is driven by purpose and committed to building a better future through science.

Valente, chief executive officer and chief scientific officer of VoxCell BioInnovation is receiving an Emerging Alumni Award from the University of Victoria (UVic) for her leadership in cancer research and drug testing.

Shortly after completing her PhD at UVic, Valente founded VoxCell to create 3D bio-printed tissue for drug testing. The company is working to replace animal testing with more accurate, human-relevant models, creating faster, safer and more effective pathways to life-saving treatments.

Under Valente’s leadership, the company has raised millions in funding, filed multiple patents, expanded internationally and gained global recognition for its work in oncology and bioprinting.

In addition to the impact that Valente is making on the biotech industry, she is also reshaping biotech leadership. Her team reflects a wide range of lived experiences and harmonizing skills which for her “make the science stronger.”

Valente remains deeply connected to UVic as an educator and mentor. She sees her roles as complementary, not competing.

“My training at UVic gave me a strong foundation in how to think critically, lead with intention, and support people as they grow,” says Valente. “Those principles shape everything I do today.”

Learn more about all 11 Alumni Award 2026 recipients.