Webinar Summaries
To launch the "Accelerating Cleantech Innovation in Oil & Gas" program for startups, Canada Cleantech Alliance (CCTA) in collaboration with CRIN hosted two virtual webinars to set the stage:
- “Exploring Cleantech Innovation Opportunities in Oil & Gas” (watch the event recording)
- “The start-up cycle” (watch the event recording)
The “Accelerating Cleantech Innovation in Oil & Gas” program will help Canadian oil and gas producers and cleantech innovators (TRL 2-5) advance through the acquisition of knowledge, tools and skills needed to design and implement cleantech solutions that will contribute to reducing industry’s environmental footprint.
- Applications open through February 2022
Panel Highlights: January 18, 2022
A panel of industry experts and reps. from the investment and student energy sectors explored
innovation gaps and opportunities within the oil and gas sector and provided advice to cleantech innovators
on how to connect and engage with industry and funders.
"The Accelerating Cleantech Innovation in Oil & Gas" program will allow producers and cleantech entrepreneurs exchange knowledge of their sectors and co-create and customize environmental solutions. Relationship building and partnerships among industry’s subject experts and cleantech startups will be crucial for moving technology development faster."
- Joy Romero, CRIN President and Executive Advisor Innovation at Canadian Natural Resources Limited
"When pitching an idea to a producer:
- be clear and explain in depth what problem your technology is solving and how it is doing so
- show that you understand the operation
- make sure the improvement your technology achieves is quantified, and
- demonstrate that you know your market and competitors."
- Anamika Mukherjee, Director of Innovation Gateway at Cenovus
"There is a need to decarbonize the oil and gas sector and Canada’s government has established this as a priority. Examples of this are the grant funding opportunities through Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) and Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC). The Business Development Bank of Canada (BCD) usually supports cleantech ventures at a later stage (TRL 9+). My advice for startups is to go to grant funding agencies first and to engage, participate and take advantage of programs and resources offered by organizations like CRIN and Canada Cleantech Alliance."
- Cheri Corbett, Managing Director within BDC’s $600M Cleantech Practice
"COSIA is a one-of-a-kind alliance in which competitors work collaboratively to address the environmental challenges of the oil sands sector through new technologies and innovation. One of the biggest challenges we sometimes find in the cleantech sector is the lack of understanding of what the oil sands industry needs. Our sector entails a massive size of operations, and any potential innovative solution must consider both its environmental and economic viability."
- Wes Jickling, Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA) Chief Executive
“To attract young professionals, oil and gas producers must show them how interesting and meaningful the working environment can be in the oil and gas sector. Skills development, innovation to resolve the most urgent environmental challenges worldwide and a diverse workforce are fundamental career priorities in the younger generations of professionals.”
- Meredith Adler, Executive Director of Student Energy
Watch a recorded version of the January 18, 2022 "Exploring Cleantech Innovation Opportunities in Oil & Gas" webinar.
Key Takeaways: January 20, 2022
Representatives of Foresight CAC, Cycle Momentum, GHG Sat Hydrodine Catalytics, Acceleware and Eunike Ventures shared their first-hand insights and advice for start-ups based on their journey from generating that first introduction to working alongside the industry with lots of success.
- It’s a huge undertaking to tackle major industry challenges; sectors’ collaboration is key.
- The challenges faced by cleantech developers include having the right talent, knowing market realities and accessing capital. To compete, startups need to develop the right value proposition with a strong business model and a clear competitive advantage.
- The risks and safety aspects of the energy sector are very complex; ensuring technological solutions are operationally realistic is crucial.
- Breaking barriers to access producers and knowing how to sell innovative ideas to large corporations are major hurdles to overcome.
- It’s not enough to engage and work with one producer. It’s opening one door after another. Startups need to continue telling their success stories broadly.
- Organizations and accelerators such as PTAC, CRIN, CTTA, Foresight, Eunike Ventures, Alberta Innovates and NSERC can help with initial introductions and are exceptionally supportive.
Watch the event recording: