DeGroote Heersink Hub celebrates Jon Stokes’ Top 40 Under 40 recognition

Congratulations to Jon Stokes on being named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 for 2026. An internationally recognized researcher, entrepreneur and McMaster alumnus, Stokes is advancing the discovery of new antibiotics through artificial intelligence while helping move promising therapies from the laboratory toward patients through McMaster spinout company Stoked Bio.

As a Heersink Distinguished Scholar, Stokes brings this real-world perspective to students, researchers and aspiring founders, showing how scientific discovery, entrepreneurial thinking and a commitment to solving urgent problems can come together to create meaningful impact. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and his contribution to McMaster’s growing culture of commercialization and entrepreneurship.