Sustainable Development Technology Canada

At Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC), they fund Canadian cleantech projects and coach the companies that lead them as they move their ground-breaking technologies to market. SDTC’s support of cleantech translates into jobs, growth, and export opportunities for Canadian companies, as well as economic, environmental and health benefits for all Canadians. They are independent but don’t work alone. A big part of their role is building and sustaining networks of partners and stakeholders from private industry, academia and governments, at home and abroad. They operate at arm’s length and receive funding from the Government of Canada.

Leah Lawrence

President and CEO

Vicky J. Sharpe

President and CEO

Leo Bever Ph.D

Investment Director

Past deals in Fuel Cell

Hydrogen Optimized

Grant in 2021
Hydrogen Optimized specializes in the development and commercialization of advanced large-scale green hydrogen production systems aimed at high-growth markets. The company’s flagship technology, the RuggedCell™ high-current water electrolysis system, is engineered to provide cost-effective green hydrogen essential for large industrial applications. By utilizing renewable energy to power its proprietary systems, Hydrogen Optimized enables industries to achieve economical hydrogen production, contributing to the transition towards sustainable energy solutions.

Calogy Solutions

Seed Round in 2020
Calogy Solutions specializes in developing advanced thermal management technologies tailored for electric transportation applications. The company offers a range of solutions, including thermal calculations, compact liquid cooling systems, heat pipes, and vapor chambers. Additionally, Calogy Solutions provides comprehensive thermal characterization, testing, and validation services, which help clients expose microelectronic components to varying temperature conditions. This enables companies to identify and address thermal challenges in their products, ultimately enhancing safety, extending component lifespan, and reducing initial vehicle costs. Through its innovations, Calogy Solutions aims to improve the safety, autonomy, charging speed, and battery life of electric vehicles.

Hydra Energy

Seed Round in 2020
Hydra Energy is accelerating the shift to clean combustion in transportation. Hydra leverages their unique expertise and business model with its partnerships to provide hydrogen supply and fueling as critical elements of “Hydrogen as a Service”. Hydrogen fuel helps fleets run smarter, reduce fuel spend, and cut emissions – all while incurring no additional costs to fleet operators.

SeeO2 Energy

Seed Round in 2020
SeeO2 Energy is a company dedicated to converting carbon dioxide and water into marketable, clean value-added products through reversible fuel-cell technology. The company utilizes advanced electrolyzers that reliably generate gases such as hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and oxygen on-site. This innovative approach not only transforms greenhouse gas emissions into valuable assets but also enables customers to reduce their CO2 emissions. By employing high-performance reversible solid oxide cells, SeeO2 Energy's technology facilitates the electrochemical conversion of water into hydrogen, carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide, and the combination of CO2 and water to create syngas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. This process effectively stores excess carbon electricity in the form of fuels and chemicals, offering a sustainable solution for energy production.

Salient Energy

Grant in 2020
Salient Energy is commercializing a revolutionary new battery based on research at the University of Waterloo. Their zinc-ion battery is perfectly suited, both technically and economically, for storing electricity in the grid. The company's proprietary cathode materials store energy in zinc in a way that has never been commercialized before – Salient Energy has made unique cathode materials that can actually incorporate zinc in their crystal lattice instead of just reacting on the surface. This allows the batteries to have a relatively high energy density. It also allows the user to use of traditional battery designs that are compatible with standard manufacturing equipment. This means that the cheaper, safer, and the longer-lasting battery can be made in existing battery factories around the world.

Effenco

Grant in 2020
Effenco is an autotech company focused on the electrification of heavy-duty vehicles and connected mobility within the transport sector. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Montréal, Quebec, the company has developed the Active-Stop-Start electric hybrid technology, which enhances the energy efficiency of heavy goods vehicles and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. This innovative system utilizes ultracapacitor-based technology to electrify the propulsion and on-board equipment of vocational trucks. Effenco's solution automatically shuts down the engine when vehicles are stationary, providing electric power to essential systems such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. By eliminating engine use during idling, the technology significantly lowers operational costs and environmental impact, making it an attractive option for both existing and new heavy-duty vehicles. Effenco operates in the United States and Europe, leveraging extensive real-world operating data and advanced AI algorithms to support its mission of fostering a sustainable future in the transport industry.

Fibracast

Grant in 2020
Fibracast is a manufacturer specializing in advanced purification systems for water and wastewater treatment. The company has developed FibrePlate™, an innovative hybrid ultrafilter that combines the advantages of hollow-fiber and flat-plate membranes into a compact and energy-efficient design. This technology addresses operational challenges in water treatment by effectively filtering impurities from wastewater, transforming it into potable water. Fibracast serves a diverse clientele across municipal, industrial, and commercial sectors, providing them with cutting-edge ultra-filtration solutions to enhance water quality.

e-Zinc

Grant in 2020
e-Zinc is a company that has pioneered a novel electrochemical technology for energy storage using zinc metal. This innovative solution provides a low-cost and flexible method for long-duration energy storage, crucial for facilitating a transition to renewable energy sources. The technology involves an electrochemical cell composed of recyclable materials, where energy is absorbed in the charging section and released in the discharging section as zinc metal is dissolved. This system allows businesses to effectively store and utilize energy during peak demand periods, contributing to cost reduction and supporting the shift toward a zero-carbon energy future.

H2nanO

Grant in 2019
H2nanO Inc. is a Canadian company that specializes in the development of advanced wastewater treatment technologies for municipal and industrial applications. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Kitchener, with an additional office in Waterloo, the company focuses on creating innovative nonmaterial and nanotechnology products aimed at enhancing water treatment processes. H2nanO emphasizes sustainable and nature-based solutions that not only improve water quality but also contribute to emissions reduction, particularly in the resources sector.

Cellufuel

Grant in 2019
CelluFuel Inc. specializes in producing synthetic renewable fuels derived from forestry resources. Established in 2008 and headquartered in Halifax, Canada, the company is dedicated to advancing the commercialization of renewable liquid fuels across North America. It focuses on the development and deployment of innovative technology that converts woody biomass into renewable diesel fuel. By operating a synthetic renewable fuel refinery, CelluFuel aims to provide sustainable energy solutions that deliver both economic and environmental benefits.

Intelline

Grant in 2019
Intelline offers the dependable and safe power production you expect from diesel engines, in a revolutionary new package. Intelline has designed a diesel generator that they claim has 40 percent better fuel efficiency, which translates to enormous savings at scale; Mining operations, they note, could save millions per year with better diesel generators.

Li-Cycle

Grant in 2018
Li-Cycle is a clean technology firm specializing in the resource recovery of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. The company utilizes its proprietary Spoke and Hub recycling process, which involves two main components: the Spokes, where battery manufacturing scrap and used batteries are processed to produce black mass, and the Hubs, where this black mass is further refined to recover essential raw materials such as lithium carbonate, cobalt sulfate, and nickel sulfate. Li-Cycle's innovative approach aims to recover 80 to 100% of materials from lithium-ion batteries, promoting a sustainable and safe solution for the growing demand for critical battery resources.

Ionomr

Grant in 2018
Ionomr is pioneering and commercializing the world's most advanced ion-exchange materials. These provide an enabling platform for clean tech solutions after more than five decades of stagnation in available materials. Using our deep knowledge of scalable electrochemical systems, we enable more efficient systems that will lead to the decarbonization of the planet for future generations. To date, electrochemical applications in the clean tech realm use materials that contain toxic fluorinated chemicals (PFCs). PFCs leach into water sources and bioaccumulate for hundreds of years, having a dire impact on human health and the entire ecosystem. We are driven to replace these materials with our environmentally friendly hydrocarbon alternatives that reduce pollution at the source, and are proven to be more durable and efficient than incumbent materials. Ionomr's membranes and polymers are highly processable, which allow for simple integration into electrochemical systems. We enable optimal performance in applications for chemical & water remediation, energy storage and hydrogen. We are passionate about empowering the development of resilient and sustainable systems that will underlie the future of the renewable energy and circular chemical economies.

Springpower

Grant in 2018
Springpower is a manufacturing company that specializes in producing clean cathode materials for battery manufacturers. The company focuses on developing and commercializing graphene and silicon nanomaterials specifically designed for lithium-ion batteries. These materials are engineered to require less water and energy during production, while also generating no wastewater, thereby eliminating the need for costly wastewater treatment processes. By providing these innovative and environmentally friendly materials, Springpower supports battery manufacturers in accelerating the development of electric vehicles, contributing to a more sustainable and cost-effective future in energy storage technologies.

Morgan Solar

Grant in 2017
Morgan Solar Inc., founded in 2007, aims to create efficient and cost-effective solar technologies. The company's founder, John Paul Morgan, a Physics Engineer with expertise in optics and photovoltaics, developed an innovative optical concentration system to address challenges in existing concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems. Morgan Solar's initial product, the Sun Simba HCPV, targets solar farm applications, with commercial availability expected in early 2010 after demonstration installations began in 2009. Additionally, the company has introduced products like the Sun Stream Window and the Sun Block Panel for building applications, with sales anticipated to start after mid-2010. Morgan Solar also offers advanced sunlight management systems designed for both utility and architectural solar sectors, utilizing ray tracing software for modeling urban environmental factors and an IoT sensor with a data analytics portal to meet clients' energy needs.
Forward Water Technologies is revolutionizing the remediation of wastewater by breaking the water-energy paradigm and recover water that is permanently lost today.It commercializing a greener and more efficient way to purify and desalinate water, using a proprietary forward osmosis process.

Electrovaya

Grant in 2017
Electrovaya Inc., based in Mississauga, Canada, specializes in the design, development, manufacturing, and marketing of advanced lithium-ion battery technologies. The company offers proprietary Lithium Ion Super Polymer® batteries and battery systems for various applications, including materials handling electric vehicles, electric transportation, and energy storage solutions. Its products cater to sectors such as industrial and residential energy storage, electric trucks, and electric buses, emphasizing safety and longevity. Electrovaya's operations are segmented into large format batteries and other products, with significant revenue generated from the United States. The company was founded in 1996 and was previously known as Electrofuel Inc. before rebranding in 2002.

Heliene

Grant in 2017
Heliene is a manufacturer of solar panels that aims to serve the utility-scale, commercial, and residential markets. The company focuses on delivering intelligent photovoltaic products as integrated solar module systems, ensuring they are available precisely when and where customers need them. By leveraging advanced technology and maintaining low levels of debt and fixed costs, Heliene operates a sustainable business model that emphasizes high-quality, reliable products. Positioned as a significant player in the growing Solar Energy Infrastructure market in Ontario, Heliene strives to contribute to the transition towards more sustainable energy solutions, addressing the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting the solar power generation industry's supply chain.

GBatteries

Grant in 2017
GBatteries is focused on advancing battery technology specifically for electric vehicles. The company has developed a method that allows lithium-ion batteries to charge significantly faster, comparable to the time it takes to refuel a gasoline tank, while maintaining the longevity of the battery. This innovation does not alter the battery's chemistry or manufacturing processes, thus offering a practical solution for consumers looking to transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles. By improving charge times and cycle life, GBatteries aims to enhance the overall user experience and adoption of electric vehicles.

e-Zinc

Grant in 2016
e-Zinc is a company that has pioneered a novel electrochemical technology for energy storage using zinc metal. This innovative solution provides a low-cost and flexible method for long-duration energy storage, crucial for facilitating a transition to renewable energy sources. The technology involves an electrochemical cell composed of recyclable materials, where energy is absorbed in the charging section and released in the discharging section as zinc metal is dissolved. This system allows businesses to effectively store and utilize energy during peak demand periods, contributing to cost reduction and supporting the shift toward a zero-carbon energy future.

NextGrid

Grant in 2016
NextGrid specializes in the development and manufacturing of a micro-steam turbine combined heat and power (CHP) system designed for multi-residential and small commercial applications. This innovative system utilizes advanced turbine and combustion technologies to deliver hot water and electricity with significantly enhanced fuel efficiency, achieving up to 50 percent higher efficiency compared to conventional water heaters. The CHP system is particularly beneficial for markets such as hotels, multi-unit residential buildings, and various commercial operations, as it helps reduce electricity transportation and distribution losses, resulting in cost savings for users and promoting more sustainable energy practices.

FORGE Hydrocarbons

Grant in 2016
FORGE Hydrocarbons Corporation is a University of Alberta spin-off company based on a proprietary Lipid-to-Hydrocarbon (LTH) technology that offers an innovative approach to producing a cost effective drop-in renewable diesel fuel.

Nano One

Post in 2016
Nano One is a Vancouver-based technology company with a scalable industrial process for producing low cost high performance energy storage materials for batteries and a wide range of advanced nanostructured composite materials. This novel three-stage process uses equipment common to industry and is being engineered for high volume production and rapid commercialization. Nano One has 6 US and 6 International patents pending. Our management and technology teams consist of individuals seasoned in financing, capital growth, technology management, chemistry, materials science, batteries, process engineering and intellectual property.

Loop Energy

Grant in 2016
Loop Energy Inc. specializes in designing, developing, and marketing electric and hydrogen fuel cell solutions aimed at heavy-duty transportation applications. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Burnaby, Canada, the company focuses on creating pollution-free transportation technologies that significantly reduce harmful emissions. Its fuel cell systems are versatile, catering to various applications including backup power and portable uses. By integrating electric and hydrogen technologies, Loop Energy enables organizations to replace heavy-duty diesel engines with more sustainable alternatives, offering a competitive cost of ownership while minimizing environmental impact.

General Fusion

Grant in 2016
General Fusion Inc. is a Canadian company focused on the development of commercial Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF), a promising hybrid approach that combines elements of magnetic fusion and inertial confinement fusion. Founded in 2002 and based in Burnaby, the company aims to create utility-scale fusion power plants that can provide clean, safe, and abundant energy. General Fusion is pioneering a patent-pending concept that leverages advancements in MTF, which has seen limited exploration since the 1970s. The company is dedicated to demonstrating and commercializing this innovative energy solution by the end of the decade. It is supported by a network of global energy venture capital firms, industry leaders, and technology innovators, all working to reduce technical risks and accelerate the path to viable fusion energy.

Thetis

Grant in 2016
Thetis constructs the cross-flow filtration system. It improved and verified the unique, ground-breaking PermaFluxTM technology. They use membranes for reverse osmosis, ultrafiltration, microfiltration, and other types of water filtration.

ARDA Power

Grant in 2016
ARDA Power Inc. specializes in designing and developing microgrid systems tailored for non-residential buildings. Based in Oakville, Canada, the company focuses on creating direct current (DC) microgrid solutions that integrate battery storage and solar energy. Its offerings include a control system, modular battery converters, and validated third-party components, all of which can be seamlessly incorporated into existing electrical infrastructures, such as photovoltaic plants and gas generators. This modular approach allows for the easy modification of system components, enabling the addition or removal of energy sources and loads without significant redesign. Established in 2009, ARDA Power aims to provide resilient and versatile microgrid solutions that support the needs of commercial and industrial applications.

CHAR Technologies

Grant in 2015
CHAR Technologies is a cleantech company that focuses on high-temperature pyrolysis to transform woody materials and organic waste into renewable gases, including renewable natural gas and green hydrogen. The company also produces a proprietary activated charcoal-like material known as SulfaCHAR, which effectively removes hydrogen sulfide from gas streams, particularly those rich in methane and odorous compounds. After its initial use in gas cleaning, SulfaCHAR can be repurposed as a sulfur-enriched biochar, serving as a valuable soil amendment for agricultural applications. In addition to its core products, CHAR Technologies offers customized equipment for industrial water treatment and provides a range of services in environmental compliance, environmental management, engineering, and resource efficiency.

General Fusion

Venture Round in 2015
General Fusion Inc. is a Canadian company focused on the development of commercial Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF), a promising hybrid approach that combines elements of magnetic fusion and inertial confinement fusion. Founded in 2002 and based in Burnaby, the company aims to create utility-scale fusion power plants that can provide clean, safe, and abundant energy. General Fusion is pioneering a patent-pending concept that leverages advancements in MTF, which has seen limited exploration since the 1970s. The company is dedicated to demonstrating and commercializing this innovative energy solution by the end of the decade. It is supported by a network of global energy venture capital firms, industry leaders, and technology innovators, all working to reduce technical risks and accelerate the path to viable fusion energy.

Hydrostor

Seed Round in 2012
Hydrostor Inc. is a company based in Toronto, Canada, that specializes in developing and operating compressed air energy storage systems. Founded in 2010, Hydrostor's technology offers a solution for addressing the electricity system's needs for dispatchable capacity and renewable energy integration. The company's systems provide long-duration, emission-free energy storage, capable of delivering hundreds of megawatts for 4 to 24 hours, making them suitable for both behind-the-meter applications and remote operations, particularly in mines and large industrial facilities. Hydrostor's approach also allows for the repurposing of retired fossil fuel plants and utilizes existing mining infrastructure. The company serves clients primarily in the United States, Australia, and Canada, and has established a strategic partnership with AECOM to enhance its service offerings.

CarbonCure

Grant in 2011
CarbonCure Technologies Inc. offers innovative technology that allows concrete producers to sequester waste carbon dioxide (CO2) into their products, effectively transforming it into a solid mineral during the concrete manufacturing process. By sourcing CO2 from industrial emitters, the company enables manufacturers to create greener and stronger concrete without compromising on quality or price. This retrofit technology not only enhances the performance characteristics of traditional concrete but also helps producers tap into the growing green building market. CarbonCure's solutions are designed to provide material, environmental, and production advantages while reducing the overall carbon footprint associated with concrete production. The company, incorporated in 2007 and headquartered in Dartmouth, Canada, also supports its clients with marketing and environmental reporting services to strengthen their competitive position in the industry.

Electrovaya

Grant in 2010
Electrovaya Inc., based in Mississauga, Canada, specializes in the design, development, manufacturing, and marketing of advanced lithium-ion battery technologies. The company offers proprietary Lithium Ion Super Polymer® batteries and battery systems for various applications, including materials handling electric vehicles, electric transportation, and energy storage solutions. Its products cater to sectors such as industrial and residential energy storage, electric trucks, and electric buses, emphasizing safety and longevity. Electrovaya's operations are segmented into large format batteries and other products, with significant revenue generated from the United States. The company was founded in 1996 and was previously known as Electrofuel Inc. before rebranding in 2002.

General Fusion

Grant in 2009
General Fusion Inc. is a Canadian company focused on the development of commercial Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF), a promising hybrid approach that combines elements of magnetic fusion and inertial confinement fusion. Founded in 2002 and based in Burnaby, the company aims to create utility-scale fusion power plants that can provide clean, safe, and abundant energy. General Fusion is pioneering a patent-pending concept that leverages advancements in MTF, which has seen limited exploration since the 1970s. The company is dedicated to demonstrating and commercializing this innovative energy solution by the end of the decade. It is supported by a network of global energy venture capital firms, industry leaders, and technology innovators, all working to reduce technical risks and accelerate the path to viable fusion energy.

Electrovaya

Debt Financing in 2005
Electrovaya Inc., based in Mississauga, Canada, specializes in the design, development, manufacturing, and marketing of advanced lithium-ion battery technologies. The company offers proprietary Lithium Ion Super Polymer® batteries and battery systems for various applications, including materials handling electric vehicles, electric transportation, and energy storage solutions. Its products cater to sectors such as industrial and residential energy storage, electric trucks, and electric buses, emphasizing safety and longevity. Electrovaya's operations are segmented into large format batteries and other products, with significant revenue generated from the United States. The company was founded in 1996 and was previously known as Electrofuel Inc. before rebranding in 2002.

Hydrogenics

Grant in 2003
Hydrogenics Corporation designs, develops, and manufactures hydrogen generation and fuel cell products utilizing water electrolysis and proton exchange membrane (PEM) technologies. The company operates through two main segments: OnSite Generation and Power Systems. The OnSite Generation segment offers hydrogen generation products, including alkaline electrolyzers branded as HySTAT and HyLYZER, which are tailored for both indoor and outdoor applications, primarily targeting industrial customers in need of high purity hydrogen produced on-site. The Power Systems segment provides PEM fuel cell products under the HyPM brand for various applications, including motive power for vehicles and stationary power solutions, catering to original equipment manufacturers and system integrators. Hydrogenics maintains a global presence with operations in Canada, Belgium, and Germany, and distributes its products through a direct sales force and a network of distributors. The company has also partnered with Air Liquide to advance PEM electrolysis technologies. Headquartered in Mississauga, Canada, Hydrogenics has been a subsidiary of Cummins Inc. since September 2019.
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