Our Story
This is the The names ZalvaTech and AnkiBind are inspired by the Persian legend of Zāl, also pronounced Zal, from the Shahnameh.
Zāl was born different and abandoned on Mount Alborz, where he was found and raised by the Simurgh, a mythical bird of wisdom and healing, known in other traditions as Anka, a phoenix-like symbol of renewal.
The Phoenix gave Zāl knowledge from beyond the ordinary world: wisdom of healing, balance, foresight, and connection. When Zāl returned to human society, he carried that wisdom with him. He became a just leader who bridged the unseen and the seen, the mystical and the practical, bringing prosperity, peace, and harmony to his people.
That story reflects what we are building.
AnkiBind is our Anka: the source of hidden intelligence. It helps uncover the deeper patterns behind biomaterial optimization, site chemistry, and selective metal recovery.
ZalvaTech is our Zāl: the force that brings that intelligence into practice. We translate AnkiBind’s insights into real-world biomaterial solutions for mining waste, tailings, low-grade ore, and mine-impacted water.
Together, ZalvaTech and AnkiBind represent the movement from hidden knowledge to practical impact.
By putting AnkiBind’s knowledge into action, ZalvaTech aims to bring prosperity through enhanced metal recovery and peace through more sustainable outcomes for people, communities, and the planet.
to introduce visitors to the business or brand. Briefly explain who's behind it, what it does and what makes it unique. Share its core values and what this site has to offer.
Dr. Leili Abkar - Founder & CEO
Leili Abkar is a multidisciplinary scientist and entrepreneur working at the intersection of environmental biotechnology, AI, and engineering. At ZalvaTech, she leads the development of site-specific, AI-optimized, non-living biomaterials that help mining companies recover valuable metals from tailings, low-grade ore, and mine-impacted water.
She brings over 15 years of experience in water and wastewater treatment, microbial systems, membrane processes, bioinformatics, and data-driven environmental technologies. Her work combines scientific depth with market validation: 18 peer-reviewed publications, 180+ mining stakeholder interviews, and a key role in securing more than CAD $1.315M in non-dilutive and early-stage funding.
Before founding ZalvaTech, Leili gained hands-on entrepreneurial experience through water-tech ventures including EnerUthopia and Drinkable, with one successful exit from a desalination technology company that was later acquired. She combines deep technical expertise, customer discovery, and startup execution to move ZalvaTech from lab validation toward pilot deployment and commercial adoption.Outside of work, Leili enjoys running, biking, hiking, and exploring the science of human performance.
Our Inter-Disciplinary Team
Dr. Elham Darabi
Molecular Assay & Biotechnology Development
Elham Darabi brings over 10 years of expertise in medical genetics, molecular diagnostics, genetic test development, and laboratory quality systems. At ZalvaTech, she supports genetic assay design, molecular workflow development, biomolecular testing, and method validation for biomaterial and trace metal recovery applications. Her diagnostic-quality systems background helps strengthen the reliability, reproducibility, and scientific rigor of ZalvaTech’s biotechnology workflows.
She spends her free time hiking around British Columbia, swimming, and baking.
Dr. Shima Kamyab
AI, Machine Learning & Scientific Software Development
Shima Kamyab brings over 10 years of expertise in machine learning, data analysis, optimization, generative AI, and scientific software development. At ZalvaTech, she leads AI and software development for AnkiBind, the company’s optimization platform for site-specific biomaterial formulation. Her work helps ZalvaTech rapidly screen, optimize, and adapt biomaterial designs for complex mining streams, reducing trial-and-error and supporting faster deployment.
Outside her professional work, Shima is curious by nature—she enjoys traveling, reading, watching inspiring films, and recharging through swimming.
OUR TEAM
This is the space to introduce visitors to the business or brand. Briefly explain who's behind it, what it does and what makes it unique. Share its core values and what this site has to offer.
Past & Co-op Contributors
Dr. Ramis Rafay
PhD in microbiology, Simon Fraser University
Brendan Tescione
Biomedical sciences student (B. Sc.), Toronto Metropolitan University
Gurnoor Sandhu
Computer science and applied statistics student (B. Sc.), University of Totonto
Krish Suryavanshi
Computer science and finance student (B. Sc.), University of Waterloo
Holly Le
Biomedical engineering student (B. Sc.), Simon Fraser University
Yazdaan Ahmad
Health engineering science and entrepreneurship student (B. Sc.), MacMaster University
