People

Jay Godsall is the founder and CEO of Solar Ship.  He has provided overall management and strategic leadership to the company since its inception in 2006.  Jay was the co-founder of Fio Corporation, a biotech company specializing in barcoding infectious disease, where he recruited the initial management team and with them raised $25M in start-up financing.  Jay specializes in executing strategic priorities for early stage technology companies and entrepreneurial organizations.  His focus on reducing the cost, time and risk associated with innovation is recognized in Canada and around the world.  

John Hutchinson has 30 years experience manufacturing and maintaining aircraft for remote area markets and is a pioneer in the remote area power systems development. John holds pilot’s licences in fixed wing and rotary aircraft categories. He is considered a world leader in developing and commercializing sustainable power products for global remote area markets.  In his capacity as Technology Director of Freeplay Energy, an LSE publically traded company, John oversaw all engineering related issues, industrial design and product development.  John has an Engineering degree, an MBA and a Law Degree from the University of Cape Town.  

Dr. Fournier manages Solar Ship’s R&D networks in strategic areas to reduce the cost and risks associated with commercialization.  Previously, as CTO of Fio Corporation, he developed and patented the world’s first method of bar-coding pathogens to be used in handheld diagnostic devices for infectious disease in remote areas. His expertise ranges from materials science & polymers to biotechnologies with international industrial experience. He obtained his PhD in chemistry at the University of Toronto.  

Michel Rugema has over 20 years experience as an operations manager in remote areas. He has been the manager of a diverse number of organizations ranging from USAID operations in Africa and Haiti to 5 star restaurants in New York. He is the founder and was the managing director of Archipel Enterprises in Burundi, an owner and operator of hotels and restaurants. Michel has a Masters in Management from Cornell University where he was also Director of Operations for the university’s hotel. He has a BSc from Université de Montréal.