Our Team

At 8 Bit Cortex, we’re more than a team—we’re a collective of mission-driven strategists, scientists, and builders united by a common purpose: to help changemakers do what they do best, better.

We bring together expertise in data science, impact measurement, fundraising strategy, and technology development to empower non-profits, startups, and community organizations across Canada. Our backgrounds are diverse, but our commitment is shared—delivering smart, practical, and measurable solutions that accelerate real-world change.

Our work is rooted in collaboration. Whether we’re helping an organization secure non-dilutive funding or designing custom tools to evaluate program effectiveness, we approach every partnership with curiosity, rigour, and care. We believe that data can do more than measure progress—it can spark it.

Dr. Ty McKinney, PHD

CEO / Co-Founder

Dr. Ty McKinney is a Neuroscientist and Grant Strategist focused on turning research into real-world solutions. He leads vision and innovation at 8 Bit Cortex, helping organizations measure impact and reduce burnout through data-driven tools.

Dreden Gianetto, BHSc.

Fundraising & Operations Manager

Dreden manages fundraising strategy, grant writing, and internal operations. With a background in biomedical sciences and scientific research, he blends research insight with practical execution to support clients and drive growth.

Araz Minhas, BSc.

Tech Development Lead / Co-Founder

Araz leads tech development at 8 Bit Cortex, building systems that make data collection simple and engaging. His background in neuroscience and data science fuels the company’s AI-enhanced tools.

Zanika Malden

Fundraising Associate

Zanika supports grant writing and research for client projects. She helps non-profits and startups align their goals with funding opportunities and craft compelling applications.

Hayden Godfrey, BA, MA

Director of Indigenous Relations & Contracts Administration

Hayden oversees Indigenous partnerships and contract compliance. He ensures ethical collaboration and clear agreements across 8 Bit Cortex’s projects and funding engagements.

Why We Exist

We’ve seen how many purpose-driven organizations struggle to quantify their value and access the funding they deserve. Our team exists to close that gap. By combining advanced analytics, customizable assessments, and AI-supported grant writing, we help our clients turn ambition into action—and action into impact.

What Drives Us

Clarity: We distill complexity into clear, actionable insights.

  • Innovation: We embrace tools and technologies that help our clients stay ahead.

  • Integrity: We treat every project as a partnership, not a transaction.

  • Impact: We care about outcomes, not just outputs.

If you’re looking for a team that understands the unique challenges of scaling purpose-driven work—and knows how to navigate them—you’re in the right place.

Let’s build something meaningful, together.