Building bridges for global innovation
Born and raised in Ottawa with proud Haitian roots, Léonie Hyppolite embodies the values of perseverance, education and integrity—lessons passed down by her mother and grandmother. A first-generation Canadian, she channels those values into every project she leads.
After earning a degree in Political Science from the University of Ottawa and certifications in project management, risk management and business analysis, Léonie built a career defined by growth and purpose. From the Privy Council Office to the NRC's Construction Research Centre, and now with the NRC's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) International, her path reflects a steady pursuit of meaningful impact.
Connecting Canada to the world — Behind the scenes
At NRC IRAP International, Léonie plays a vital role in shaping and coordinating the programs that make global collaboration possible.
As a program advisor, she contributes to program design and manages initiatives that empower Canadian innovators to connect internationally, ensuring that the frameworks, tools and partnerships behind those programs run smoothly.
Behind the scenes, Léonie turns strategy into action, aligning people, resources and ideas to make collaboration possible. "What drives me the most is the chance to make a meaningful difference through collaboration and program design," she explains. "Creating the right structure so Canadian SMEs and their project partners can succeed is where I find purpose."
Driving impact through global programs
Léonie has helped create and grow programs that strengthen Canada's role in global innovation networks, including:
- The 3+2 Program, which connects Canadian and international SMEs with research partners
- The Multinational Corporate Collaboration Program, linking SMEs with global industry leaders
- The International Technology Pilot and Demonstration (ITPD) Program, which helps Canadian clean tech firms validate, adapt and integrate their technologies with international partners
She also co-led the International Co-innovation Action Plan Women-led Initiative, equipping women entrepreneurs with strategies to overcome barriers in international markets. "It was inspiring to see women share their experiences and realize how many opportunities exist once you have the right support," she says.
Her leadership extends to organizing large-scale matchmaking and pitch events, including the Eureka Global Innovation Summit at Hannover Messe 2025, which brought together over 100 organizations from 14 countries. "Seeing Canadian innovators present alongside peers from around the world — and form collaborations that last — that's what success looks like," she says.
Championing inclusion in innovation
Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of Léonie's mission.
"To me, innovation without diversity lacks its full potential," she says. "Inclusion means creating spaces where every voice is heard and where collaboration leads to solutions that reflect the world we live in."
Her perspective on innovation has evolved through experience. "Early in my career, I thought innovation was about big ideas," she says. "Now I see it's about empowering others and creating spaces where diverse voices and perspectives come together to solve problems differently."
Her approach reflects how NRC IRAP International champions inclusive innovation by breaking barriers, amplifying voices and designing programs that make global impact accessible to all.
Léonie hopes her work helps build an innovation ecosystem where representation and opportunity go hand in hand. "I want to help create pathways for underrepresented groups, especially women-led and visible minority-owned SMEs, to thrive globally," she adds.
Beyond the office
Outside of work, Léonie finds balance through travel, running and exploring new recipes and restaurants with her husband. She has completed more than a dozen half-marathons. Each year, she completes one half-marathon in Ottawa and one abroad. "Running reminds me to stay grounded, focused and curious," she says.
Her advice for women pursuing careers in science, business or public service is to "be confident, stay true to yourself and never underestimate the value of your voice. Challenges will come, but every setback is an opportunity to learn, grow and rise stronger."
Léonie's story reminds us that innovation doesn't just happen in labs or boardrooms, it happens when people connect, collaborate and believe in the power of possibility.