Impact Canada Cleantech Challenge – Women in Cleantech

Amanda Hall, founder and CEO of Calgary-based startup Summit Nanotech won the Women in Cleantech Challenge’s $1M dollar prize

Amanda’s team has developed an improved method of lithium-ion extraction from produced brine water, having the potential to revolutionize both the mining and energy-storage sector. The approach creates an inexpensive and sustainable source of green lithium for batteries used in electric vehicles, portable devices and mobile gadgets, all of which are fast-growing, multibillion-dollar markets. Recently, Summit Nanoteh was awarded the Solar Impulse Efficient Solution label.

“Support in the cleantech ecosystem for women is growing stronger every day. There are opportunities in various incubators and acceleration platforms, but beyond this your fellow female cleantech CEOs will catch you before you fall.”

More on Amanda Hall

• Simply Science: How a monk, a scientist and even a bit of cowboy inspired a new lithium extraction process
• Calgary’s Amanda Hall wins the $1-million Women in Cleantech Challenge
• An innovative leap: Amanda Hall’s secret to sustainable success
• Government of Canada Announces $1-Million Grand Prize Winner of the Women in Cleantech Challenge

Evelyn Allen, Evercloak Inc.

Evelyn’s company uses an energy-efficient and affordable process to develop nanofilms and nanocoatings. The films significantly reduce the energy required for commercial and residential air conditioning and are often used in cleantech applications, including water purification, energy storage, corrosion prevention, sensing, and smart packaging. In 2021, Evercloak engaged in a $4.5M collaboration with Environmental Systems Corp.

“The Women in Cleantech Challenge was the launch pad for Evercloak, inspiring me to make the leap to entrepreneurship. The tailored mentoring and access to federal labs to scale Evercloak’s technology has equipped me with tools to accelerate our growth.”

Julie Angus, Open Ocean Robotics

Julie and her team design and build autonomous solar-powered boats that collect real-time data on emissions, oil spills, and other risks to the ocean. Her goal is to create a ‘digital ocean’ to connect and exchange ocean data. Open Ocean Robotics is a recipient of the Solar Impulse Efficient Solutions label and Julie won the British Columbia Cleantech Industry Icon Award.

“Cleantech entrepreneurship offers incredible opportunities to improve our planet's sustainability, create economic prosperity and advance technological innovations. To achieve these things we need diversity and more women to pursue STEM fields and take leadership roles in driving change”

Nivatha Balendra, Dispersa

Dispersa has harnessed a bacterial process to produce biodegradable biosurfactants — active agents that are used in a variety of products today. Dispersa’s non-toxic, palm-oil free biosurfactants can be readily integrated into end-user formulations, including cleaning products, detergents, cosmetics, and function as well as chemical surfactants. While Dispersa started with technology intended for remediating oil contamination in the oil and gas sector, they have pivoted to producing biosurfactants that can be used as ingredients for a wide range of products. Recently, Dispersa has been selected as a SheEO Venture Semi-Finalist in Canada.

“Creating an impactful sustainable difference through innovation has always been a dream of mine. The Challenge helped transform my vision into reality by providing an incredible amount of curated support and resources necessary to transition from an idea I had as an undergrad into the growing cleantech venture Dispersa is today.”

Alexandra Tavasoli, Solistra Corporation

Alexandra has developed a technology that converts CO2 and methane into clean carbon products. The approach could prove a powerful, energy-efficient way to turn CO2 captured from power plants or the atmosphere into clean chemicals and fuels. In 2019, Alexandra was named a top 30 under 30 sustainable leader in Corporate Knights magazine.

“As a PhD engineer, it has been invaluable to learn about the broader cleantech ecosystem, business practices and strategies, and the economics of technology commercialization. I have been able to broaden my STEM career, since STEM in isolation cannot solve the world’s problems — a more holistic approach is required.”

Luna Yu, Genecis Bioindustries Inc.

Luna’s company has developed a solution that converts organic waste into a type of bioplastics called polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). PHA bioplastics are fully biodegradable in marine and terrestrial environments. PHA bioplastics can make packaging films, bags, containers, utensils, and other items. Genecis is one of the youngest teams to receive a multimillion-dollar grant from Sustainable Development Technology Canada.

“The Women in Cleantech Challenge has not only navigated our company out of an innovation ‘Valley of Death’ and played an instrumental role in our success but, most importantly, it demonstrated that there is no longer a ceiling to what women pursuing a career in cleantech can do.”