Cleantech Energy Efficiency Features News News
Six Canadian cleantechs “Fostering low-carbon communities” receive SDTC seed funding

January 26, 2023 – Sustainable Development Technology Canada is meting out a total of $2.5 million in seed funding to 25 Canadian companies that are “developing new technologies to fight the effects of climate change, contribute to the circular economy, and promote the well-being of people and the protection of nature”.

“PolarBlock is grateful to be chosen as one of only 25 organizations in Canada to receive funding from SDTC,” said Jennifer Billesberger, founder and executive director. “Thanks to this funding, PolarBlock will be able to support builders in their efforts to meet the increasing sustainability requirements for new builds across the country.”

“Our unique seed funding stream allows us to invest in companies exploring bold new areas of innovation,” said Zoë Kolbuc, vice-president, Ecosystems, SDTC, “enabling them to further prove their solutions, build their business, and create a pipeline of opportunities for Canadian IP creation for immediate and long-term sustainable technology solutions.”

Companies approved for funding under the category of “Fostering low-carbon communities” include:

AI Shading (Alberta)—supported by Platform Innovation Centre—has developed an intelligent window shading solution that helps property managers optimize building energy efficiency.

Carbon Lock Tech (Manitoba)—supported by North Forge Technology Exchange—is helping to remove carbon from the atmosphere through a biochar sequestration method that converts organic waste into a stable form of biocarbon for use in agriculture, construction, manufactured goods, etc.

Domely Technologies (Quebec)—supported by Quantino—is developing an AI-powered technology that remotely monitors roofs to improve maintenance efficiency and intervention response time.

FORM innovations Inc. (Alberta)—supported by Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre—is working to improve the energy efficiency of residential and commercial buildings through insulated, easy-to-install energy-efficient wall systems (a.k.a. PolarBlock).

Maket Technologies Inc. (Quebec)—supported by District 3—has an AI platform that generates thousands of architectural plans based on programming needs and environmental impacts.

Smart Cocoon Inc. (Ontario)—supported by Altitude Accelerator (Powered by RIC Centre)—has an AI-driven zoning platform for indoor climate control. It connects through the cloud and syncs with the home’s central forced-air HVAC system to provide room-by-room temperature control.

SDTC seed funding supports early-stage Canadian sustainable tech entrepreneurs by providing grants of $50,000 to $100,000 to technology projects with the potential to generate economic and environmental benefits for Canada.

Applicants for seed funding are nominated by SDTC’s partnership with Canadian accelerators, incubators, and entrepreneurial service organizations.