Propel, Atlantic Canada's technology accelerator, has appointed Kumaran Thillainadarajah and Dr. Jason Cleaversmith to its board of directors, adding two technology-sector leaders with experience in scaling companies and supporting entrepreneurs.

Thillainadarajah is co-founder and chief technology officer of Smart Skin Technologies, a Fredericton company that previously participated in Propel's accelerator programs. Smart Skin develops industrial sensing technology used by pharmaceutical, food and beverage manufacturers to improve production processes.

A spinout from the University of New Brunswick, Smart Skin Technologies has received several industry awards, including recognition at the World Beverage Innovation Awards and as one of Canada's Top 10 Established Foodtech Leaders in 2025. Thillainadarajah has also been named one of RBC's Top 25 Canadian Immigrants for his contributions to Canada's technology sector.

Cleaversmith serves as executive director of incubation and infrastructure at the PEI BioAlliance, where he oversees the organization's Emergence incubation program and bioscience infrastructure initiatives.

His career has included senior roles in biotechnology and aquaculture, including positions with the Center for Aquaculture Technologies, AKVA Group Scotland, the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre and Novartis Aqua Health in Prince Edward Island. He has also advised early-stage companies through the international aquaculture accelerator HATCH Blue.

"Propel has always been powered by founders and leaders who understand what it takes to build exceptional companies," said Propel Chair Barry Bisson in a statement. "Kumaran and Jason each bring invaluable experience, strategic perspective, and a passion for supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs. We're thrilled to welcome them to the Board."

Propel supports technology startups across Atlantic Canada through founder development, coaching, mentorship and partnerships aimed at helping companies grow. The accelerator works with founders across a range of technology sectors and focuses on helping early-stage companies build businesses capable of expanding into global markets.