From Scientist To CEO

As David Lloyd puts it, he was “never one of those selling-lemonade-on-the-sidewalk type of kids.” While he may not have been an entrepreneur from the jump, his natural curiosity and love of science led him to wonder how biotechnology could change the world.  

Now, he is the co-founder of FREDsense Technologies in Calgary, Alberta, a growing company that tests water quality for municipalities and other governmental entities, as well as for commercial enterprises.

Lloyd shares his career journey, from “geeky tech kid” to CEO, and the key lessons he’s learned along the way.

What interested you in a career in biochemistry?

I have always been inspired by the potential for using bio-inspired solutions to solve problems. My father was an organic chemist and professor at a college in Alberta and I was always surrounded by wonder and interest in science as a child. Biochemistry in particular was an area I felt compelled to enter to learn more about how the world works and how I could make an impact.

In my undergraduate schooling, I had the opportunity to take part in an international team-based synthetic biology competition called iGEM—the International Genetically Engineered Machines competition. This competition, created by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, challenged teams of students to use biotechnology to solve some of the world’s biggest challenges. This is where I truly became enthralled with the idea of how bio-based solutions could help change our world.

What interested you in becoming an entrepreneur?

I was never one of those selling-lemonade-on-the-sidewalk type of kids. More so, I was the geeky tech kid whose curiosity and need for discovery is what drove forward my interests. The moment I really felt entrepreneurship was after we had competed in the iGEM competition. This was such a unique experience where a more team-based science approach was used to quickly build a prototype to solve a problem in the market.

Without even realizing it, the zeal I was feeling for how this technology could make an impact in society and the ability to build something rapidly to deliver value was uncovering a fit that I was always looking for—entrepreneurship. This is what ultimately and very naturally shifted me into starting FREDsense Technologies with my co-founders.

We designed technology through the competition that we felt would have a tremendous impact in the water space and were excited to commercialize these ideas into real-world products. It truly feels like I stumbled into entrepreneurship focusing more on how great technology needs in the world and impact could align to create something that could grow into a company.

Tell us how you’ve been able to combine your expertise in biochemistry with your entrepreneurial instincts to co-found your company.

Combining my biochemistry background with an entrepreneurial mindset, I co-founded FREDsense Technologies to harness synthetic biology for disruptive water chemistry analysis. Recognizing the untapped potential of bio-based systems, we specialized in transforming slow, complex biosensors into scalable, field-ready solutions.

As we built FREDsense, my co-founders and I identified gaps in our business expertise, driving me to develop the acumen needed to scale our innovation and impact in the environmental sector. 

You started the company as COO; what lessons have you learned transitioning to the role of CEO?

Transitioning from COO to CEO has been a profound learning experience. As COO, my focus was primarily on internal operations and ensuring our technologies were developed efficiently. Stepping into the CEO role expanded my perspective to encompass the broader strategic vision of the company.

I’ve learned the importance of balancing innovation with market needs, fostering a strong company culture and building relationships with stakeholders. This role has reinforced the value of adaptability and the necessity of clear communication in leadership. More than anything, I’ve learned that a strong team and a great culture are the foundation of success. The ability to attract and retain top talent can make or break an organization.

You have been involved in some very intriguing mentorship programs for junior high and high school students. Tell us about that.

I have always been passionate about science education and have collaborated with a number of organizations that share this commitment. Creating pathways for disruptive thinking means that we need to re-imagine the types of tools and opportunities that young students have.

One program in particular helped high schools in rural community areas across the province of Alberta build their own synthetic biology labs, develop cutting edge research projects and compete at international-level competition. It is incredible to see the motivation and support that teachers and students have in these areas when you provide them with the tools to create new innovative pathways for success.

This model of expansive thinking and removing common barriers to the classroom—financial, training and resource based—has had an incredible impact on our communities.

What’s next for FREDsense Technologies?

Looking ahead, FREDsense Technologies is focused on bringing to market the next generation of water quality instrumentation solutions. We’re excited to be launching the industry’s first ever portable detection technology for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAs, which brings game changing capability to a market that needs rapid data to make critical decisions that affect our community’s health.

This innovation aims to provide real-time, onsite testing capabilities, enabling quicker decision-making for environmental monitoring and protection. Our goal is to make water testing fast, accessible and reliable, ultimately contributing to a safer and healthier environment.