The Vestas SDG Connect Challenge was seeking circular economy solutions within the recycling, material processing, and new materials sectors to create the next generation of fully recyclable blades for their wind turbines. Vestas worked in partnership with Foresight and the Canadian TCS to create and market the challenge to Canadian companies.
“Following a diligent research, marketing, and evaluation effort, Vestas is pleased to announce we will be exploring further opportunities with ZILA Works and PointSource Processing. Both companies offer novel technologies with the potential to transform how wind turbines are made and recycled,” said Jeppe Hjorngaard, Senior Venture Specialist, representing the corporate VC arm of Vestas Wind Systems.
ZILA Works uses industrial hemp to change the way that plastics are made. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, the company has developed a patented, 100% BPA-free bio-epoxy resin made from industrial hemp. Victoria, BC-based Pointsource Processing has developed an advanced environmental extraction process that operates on site to mitigate pollution in a wide variety of industrial settings.
“The Trade Commissioner Service is pleased to have worked with Foresight to identify two made-in-Canada solutions with the potential to support Vestas’ sustainable development goals. Sustainability is a global challenge and linking innovative solutions to the places where they can have the most impact is key to achieving our global goals,” said Michael Willmott, Senior Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Canada to the Kingdom of Denmark.
Vestas will now work with both ZILA Works and Pointsource Processing to explore mentorship and one-to-one support for their technologies.
“Foresight is delighted to see the interest generated by this industry challenge and the innovative solutions generated by Pointsource Processing and ZILA Works,” said Jeanette Jackson, CEO of Foresight. “Programs like the SDG Connect Challenge with Vestas are an important way to accelerate the adoption of cleantech solutions that will advance the global transition to a green economy.”
About SDG Connect - Solving Global Sustainability Challenges with Canadian Innovations
Foresight’s SDG Connect Challenge Program sources clean technology solutions that align industry innovation with UN Sustainable Development Goals. The SDG Connect program is a structured and simple open innovation challenge that introduces international businesses that are looking to address sustainability challenges to Canadian companies with cleantech solutions. The program is delivered in partnership with the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service.
About Vestas
Vestas is pioneering the energy industry on sustainable energy solutions. Vestas designs, manufactures, installs, and services wind turbines across the globe, and with +117 GW of wind turbines in 81 countries, they have installed more wind power than anyone else.
Through their industry-leading smart data capabilities and +104 GW of wind turbines under service, they use data to interpret, forecast, and exploit wind resources and deliver best-in-class wind power solutions. Together with their customers, suppliers and partners, Vestas’ more than 25,000 employees are bringing the world sustainable energy solutions to power a bright future. Find out more at https://www.vestas.com/
About the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
The Trade Commissioner Service helps Canadian businesses grow by connecting them with its funding and support programs, international opportunities, and its network of Trade Commissioners in more than 160 cities worldwide. Learn more at www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca and follow on Twitter @TCS_SDC, on Facebook at @TCSSDC and on LinkedIn at @tcssdc.
About Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre
Foresight is Canada’s cleantech ecosystem accelerator. Foresight supports the identification and validation of cleantech opportunities and the successful commercialization of solutions. We bring together industry, government, academia, investors, and innovators to address today’s most urgent climate issues and support a global transition to a green economy. Find out more at www.foresightcac.com and follow on Twitter @ForesightCAC.
For more information, please contact:
Astrid Nunez
604-358-5079
anunez@foresightcac.com
