There are some people whose presence you trust instinctively. You can’t always explain it. You just know they’re steady, capable, and always paying attention, even if they don’t say much. Luke Melo is one of those people.

I met Luke in the summer of 2022, when he and his now-wife, Regina, showed up to one of our earliest Thursday Grind rides with The Last Drop. While most of us were in clip-ins, carbon bikes, and fitted kits, Luke rolled up on a steel bike from the 80s wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and a skateboard helmet. I didn’t know what to expect, but by the time we hit the Grouse climb, all expectations were reset.

The Longboarder Who Descended the Alps

After the ride, I learned that Luke wasn’t just fit—he was once a professional longboarder, and not just someone who cruised down local hills. He’d competed around the world and, somehow, managed to complete most of the iconic Tour de France descents on a longboard.

The idea of bombing down Alpe d’Huez or Mont Ventoux on four tiny wheels is something most of us can’t even fathom. But for Luke, this was normal. And even then, he didn’t brag about it. 

This kind of quiet intensity has defined every layer of his life. Because beyond longboarding, cycling, and DJing, Luke is also the co-founder of J-Wave Diagnostics, a startup he launched after completing his PhD in data science.

The Code That Saves Lives

J-Wave builds AI tools that detect early signs of heart disease using ECG data, a project with life-saving potential and complex clinical implications. And Luke isn’t just writing code. He’s leading clinical trials, navigating hospital databases, and shaping how cardiology will work in the future.

“One of the early wins I’ll never forget was when our AI flagged a patient missed by cardiologists. That alert led to reassessment and treatment.
That was the moment it felt real.”

Building healthtech is often romanticized in pitch decks. Luke’s version is far less glamorous. Wrangling messy hospital data, coordinating with clinical teams, and waiting on regulatory approvals is all part of his day to day. And yet, he keeps showing up.

“There are so many uncontrolled variables that coincide on the path to success, but ones I can always control is dedication and effort."

Quiet Creativity, Loud Impact

As if that weren’t enough, Luke is also a talented DJ. He’s been an active member of UBC’s Electronica Club and the go-to sound architect for Plain Nights, community rides, and countless events we’ve hosted at Fist Bump Studio.

Whether it’s figuring out how to sync 22 TVs across the studio wall, or mixing a set that turns a car meet into a full-on experience, Luke shows up early, solves the hard problems, and fades into the background once the job’s done.

He’s never doing it for recognition. He’s doing it because that’s who he is.

The Kind of Partnership You Notice

Luke’s presence in my life isn’t limited to work or events. It’s personal.

In 2023, I had the chance to shoot an engagement film for him and Regina, which became one of my favourite projects to date. During filming, I asked them both the same interview questions separately. And somehow, they gave identical answers. Same tone. Same intention. Same love.

Their partnership reminded me what patience looks like.
What mutual respect can sound like.
What support, when it’s real, actually feels like.

In an industry—and world—where most people are busy trying to impress others, Luke has always focused on being there for the people who matter.

The Plain Pillars

Impact First

“The ultimate currency is time, so finding time to build from ideas into reality with motivated like-minded individuals always comes first.”

Identity is Earned

“I believe in something called "Technology Karma", which is like a manna counter for using and fixing technology. From a very young age I took apart computers and electronics, nerding out on forums, absorbing data like a sponge. I believe this fed my technology karma, which results in most of my technology problems dissolving away pretty quickly, but also with the consequence of being my family's forever IT support."

Small Bets, Big Ideas

“I started skateboarding with very little skill, and quickly accumulated a lot of injury. The path to landing a trick is riddled with very real consequences, but solidifies a mindset of perseverance."

The Middle of the Mission

Right now, Luke is in the thick of it. Juggling software trials. DJ sets. Studio support. The occasional longboard run. And yet, he still finds time to troubleshoot the studio audio setup or help out on the final details of a car event.

“It’s rewarding and frustrating all at once.
There are peaks and valleys. But every hurdle cleared leaves behind a little more confidence.”

If he could whisper something to someone about to start their own thing?

“Bet on yourself.
You’re going to make mistakes. That’s not the problem.
The key is learning fast and moving forward.”

That’s Luke. No fluff. No shortcuts. No ego. Just quiet mastery, built rep by rep.

Follow Luke: @djlukemelo
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