Hugh Scholaert

Hugh Scholaert|

Executive-In-Residence

In 1983, Hugh Scholaert received his Master of Applied Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Toronto. Shortly thereafter he co-founded what would become Aastra Technologies. Aasra developed and manufactured products and systems for accessing communication networks, including the Internet. Listed on the TSX and reaching $800 million in revenues, the company was acquired by Mitel Networks in 2013. Having served the firm for over 40 years as a member of the board of directors and in multiple executive functions, Hugh briefly retired to work on his hobby farm; he then joined the National Research Council as an Industrial Technology Advisor in 2016. After leaving the NRC in 2022, he has now been supporting the activities of Innovate Niagara as Entrepreneur in Residence.