The Alberta-based startup Innova Cleantech wants to revolutionize the transition to clean energy by focusing on graphite and hydrogen production. They are following a trend in the industry. According to the World Bank, graphite will experience the greatest demand for all critical materials, growing 500 percent by 2050.
Innova aims to reshape the landscape of critical mineral sourcing by locally producing high-quality graphite for battery and other technology manufacturing. Their effort helps to reduce the reliance on imports and minimize environmental footprints associated with conventional extraction or synthesizing methods.
Central to Innova’s work is their proprietary catalytic pyrolysis technology, a revolutionary method for producing clean hydrogen and high-quality synthetic graphite.
Unlike traditional methods that contribute to environmental degradation, Innova’s approach produces graphite from natural gas, preventing the emission of carbon dioxide. This work means that an essential component of many cutting-edge technologies can be made more cleanly and closer to the Canadian manufacturing market.
Driving Innovation with Fresh Perspectives
Through a collaboration with Mitacs and the University of Alberta, top-tier talent — graduate students and postdoctoral fellows — is fostering innovation within Innova by introducing fresh views, new ideas, and cutting-edge research abilities.
Interns run experiments, develop models, and analyze data, which are crucial for advancing the technology and achieving Innova’s goals. This continuous influx of innovation is vital for the company as it keeps them at the forefront of technological advancements in the industry.
From the students and postdocs’ perspectives, internships provide invaluable real-world experience and allow them to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their careers and be eyed for potential future roles within the company.
Mitacs internships accelerate the careers of young engineers like Ehsan Abbasi, who quickly ascended from intern to Innova’s Chief Technology Officer and supported groundbreaking advancements in hydrogen and graphite technology.
Ehsan credits those experiences with how quickly Innova has progressed: “As a former Mitacs intern, I know firsthand how this program cultivates talent and fosters groundbreaking ideas. It’s empowered me to lead technological advancements that are making a tangible impact on energy transition and mitigating climate change. Our four current Mitacs interns are the engine of the company.”
The interns’ contributions are enhancing efficiency and shaping the future of clean energy.
“Innova Cleantech’s partnership with Mitacs addresses critical challenges, accelerates research and development, and brings innovative hydrogen and graphite solutions to market more swiftly,” notes Kamelia Giles, co-founder and CEO. “Together with Mitacs, we’re pioneering technologies that not only reshape industries but also redefine what’s possible for a cleaner planet.”
Moving Cleantech Forward Through Collaboration
Innova Cleantech’s story is a testament to the power of collaboration in rapidly advancing global sustainability goals. Through their partnership with Mitacs and the University of Alberta, Innova is not only pushing technological boundaries but setting new standards for environmental responsibility and economic prosperity and training the next generations of Canadian cleantech innovators.
As Alberta’s cleantech sector continues to grow, the future looks brighter than ever. This partnership not only fuels innovation but also drives economic growth, positioning the province as a hub for cutting-edge research and sustainable technology development.
Mitacs’s programs receive funding from multiple partners across Canada. We thank the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta, the Government of British Columbia, Research Manitoba, the Government of New Brunswick, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Nova Scotia, the Government of Ontario, Innovation PEI, the Government of Quebec, the Government of Saskatchewan, and the Government of Yukon for supporting us to empower Canadian innovation.
Do you have a business challenge that could benefit from a research solution? If so, contact Mitacs today to discuss partnership opportunities: BD@mitacs.ca.
