Former BlackBerry Executive Frenny Bawa Joins Vancouver’s Nanotech Security

Nanotech Security, based out of Simon Fraser University, is welcoming back an alumnus to join the team for anti-counterfeit technology KolourOptiks.

Frenny Bawa, who earned a bachelor’s degree from SFU and an MBA from McGill University, has over 25 years of experience in the business. Most recently she served as the vice-president and managing director of BlackBerry. Bawa was also responsible for expanding BlackBerry’s global distribution channels as well as the operation in India but quit in 2011 to “pursure other interests.” Currently, Bawa is currently serving on the British Columbia Jobs and Investment Board, the Dean’s External Advisory Board of the Beedie School of Business, SFU’s Foundation Board, and the India Advisory Council. 

Recognized by Forbes as one of India’s most powerful women in business, Bawa will now be leading Nanotech as their chief commercial officer. Nanotech executives expect nothing less of her after seeing her achieving a 300% growth for BlackBerry in India.

“Nanotech has started to move into the commercialization phase of its business,” says Doug Blakeway, CEO of Nanotech, “so it was critical for us to attract someone with a track record of establishing and executing on aggressive growth plans. Frenny has been successful in extremely competitive industries, in both startups and large technology corporations, and throughout her career she has developed effective strategies and built lasting partnerships that produce exceptional results.”

Nanotech’s new development, KolourOptiks, is a state-of-the-art authenticity identification feature. Using vibrant colours and seemingly animated images, observers can effortlessly identify products affixed or marked with this new technology. KolourOptiks can be imprinted onto any surface allowing unlimited possibility for authentication and security. From currency to concert tickets, Nanotech is aiming to globalize their product and Bawa is all-aboard.  

“Nanotech Security’s KolourOptiks is unlike anything now available in the market,” says Bawa, “and Nanotech shows tremendous potential in an industry that constantly seeks new solutions for enhanced security. I am thrilled to be a part of the team and to have an opportunity to grow the company.”

Photo: Ward Perrin, Vancouver Sun