CASE STUDY

Atlantic Canada: Strengthening East Coast Innovation

Through a shared vision for a net-zero future, Canada’s eastern-most provinces are proving that geographic boundaries are no barrier to world-class cleantech innovation. By bridging the gap between research and commercial viability, the region is now producing cleantech companies that are both highly investible and essential to the global energy transition.

From a quiet innovation corner to a premier hotbed for cleantech excellence, Atlantic Canada’s transformation is the result of deliberate, coordinated efforts to turn regional ingenuity into global impact.

Access Regional Expertise Join a Working Group

Recognizing East Coast Cleantech Innovation: The Atlantic Canada Cleantech Awards

On April 14, 2025, Halifax became the focus of East Coast sustainability. Held in partnership with EventWorx, the Atlantic Canada Cleantech Awards recognized the visionaries driving our clean economy forward.

Broad Impact

Generated 15,000+ views and 1,600+ engagements across social media, sparking conversation on regional excellence.

Industry Recognition

Celebrated 26 finalists and 5 exceptional winners, providing a platform for the region's most promising ventures.

National Visibility

Amplified East Coast innovation through a nationwide PR campaign, ensuring regional breakthroughs gained the attention of investors and partners.

Unified Ecosystem

Brought together innovators, investors, and industry leaders to strengthen the network accelerating our path to net zero.

Meet the Winners

It was amazing to connect with people who share similar goals and are working hard to make their mark in the cleantech space. I felt truly honored to be among the nominees and to celebrate so many inspiring initiatives happening across Atlantic Canada.

Nagila Almeida PLAEX Building Systems

Championing Cleantech Impact: The ACOA Partnership

Problem: A critical commercialization gap existed for Atlantic Canadian cleantech founders. While technical innovation was strong, ventures lacked the dedicated mentorship and direct industrial connections needed to bridge the divide between a proven prototype and a bankable, industrial-scale solution.

Solution: In partnership with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Foresight delivered a suite of targeted initiatives designed to scale East Coast ventures, bridge the gap between innovation and industry, and prepare regional founders for significant capital investment.

Key Initiatives & Regional Impact:

10 Ventures Accelerated

Delivered specialized Kickstart, Launch, Deliver, and Investor Readiness programming in collaboration with regional partners like Tribe Network and Genesis.

$50,000 Prize Awarded

Angler Solutions secured the top prize in the Econext Clean Energy Optimization Challenge (May 2025) to advance remote infrastructure performance in Newfoundland and Labrador.

24 Applications

The Amlamgog Microgrid Challenge attracted significant interest in scalable renewable solutions for the Fort Folly First Nation, with Lighthouse Energy named the winner (June 2025).

385+ Participants Engaged

The Atlantic Road Tour spanned four provinces, strengthening ties between regional innovators and support hubs like NBIF and the PEI Cleantech Academy.

$5,000 Investment Sparked

Partnered with Invest Nova Scotia and Volta to launch the Investor Challenge, awarding Resolve Composites the top prize while training rural entrepreneurs to activate new angel investment.

Sector-Specific Barriers Addressed

Convened industry leaders for collaboration roundtables in water, energy, and the built environment to streamline the commercialization of Atlantic-made solutions.

National Future-Proofing Integrated

Featuring regional panelists in the Future-Proofing Canada webinar series, ensuring Atlantic trade perspectives informed the national dialogue.

The Result

By combining ACOA’s regional expertise with Foresight’s national network, we moved the needle on cleantech investability, ensured Atlantic voices are heard on the national stage, and provided a clear pathway for East Coast cleantech to scale globally.

This challenge showcased the depth of clean energy innovation across Canada. Angler Solutions stood out with a technically advanced solution tailored to the infrastructure needs and opportunities here in Newfoundland and Labrador. We're proud to support their journey with Foresight Canada and our industry partners. — Colin Corbett Director, Clean Energy Innovation, econext

Colin Corbett Director Clean Energy Innovation, econext

SECTORAL WORKING GROUPS

Driving Sector-Specific Impact Through Collaboration

Working Groups provide members unparalleled access to a network of like-minded peers and forward-thinking organizations, offering tangible resources including affordable research, essential project development support, and cost-sharing initiatives.

These efforts tackle specific sectoral challenges, enhance sustainability goals and ensure active, equitable, and impactful outcomes through collaboration.

Join a Working Group

<strong>Metro Vancouver Clean Transportation Working Group</strong> - <span>This groups aims to advance sustainable transportation solutions by identifying, developing, and promoting innovative projects that will contribute to the region's transition towards cleaner and more efficient transportation systems.</span>

Metro Vancouver Clean Transportation Working Group This groups aims to advance sustainable transportation solutions by identifying, developing, and promoting innovative projects that will contribute to the region's transition towards cleaner and more efficient transportation systems. Learn More

<strong>Mining Decarbonization Solutions Working Group</strong> - <span>This group addresses the environmental challenges associated with mining operations and reduce their carbon footprint by developing innovative strategies and practical solutions to mitigate GHG and promote sustainability in mining.</span>

Mining Decarbonization Solutions Working Group This group addresses the environmental challenges associated with mining operations and reduce their carbon footprint by developing innovative strategies and practical solutions to mitigate GHG and promote sustainability in mining. Learn More

<strong>Drought Water Technology Working Group</strong> - <span>This group focuses on streamlining the fragmented landscape of water technology research, development, and adoption to support drought management and water conservation in BC. </span>

Drought Water Technology Working Group This group focuses on streamlining the fragmented landscape of water technology research, development, and adoption to support drought management and water conservation in BC. Learn More

<strong>Opportunities for Industrial Byproducts Working Group</strong> - <span>This group explores the best opportunities for lignin use and other bioeconomy industrial byproducts in BC, identifying the key next steps to adding value.</span>

Opportunities for Industrial Byproducts Working Group This group explores the best opportunities for lignin use and other bioeconomy industrial byproducts in BC, identifying the key next steps to adding value. Learn More

<strong>Biomass to RNG Working Group with FortisBC</strong> - In partnership with FortisBC, this one-year project advances renewable natural gas (RNG) development from forest biomass. By delivering a feasibility assessment, technology scouting, and a techno-economic analysis (TEA), the working group creates a strategic launchpad for RNG production in British Columbia.

Biomass to RNG Working Group with FortisBC In partnership with FortisBC, this one-year project advances renewable natural gas (RNG) development from forest biomass. By delivering a feasibility assessment, technology scouting, and a techno-economic analysis (TEA), the working group creates a strategic launchpad for RNG production in British Columbia. Learn More

<strong>Canadian Decarbonization Working Group</strong> - Facilitated by Foresight and ClearBlue Markets, this industry-led initiative convenes Canadian heavy industry to address cross-sector decarbonization challenges. The forum develops practical tools and actionable guidance to help members navigate a viable path to net zero.

Canadian Decarbonization Working Group Facilitated by Foresight and ClearBlue Markets, this industry-led initiative convenes Canadian heavy industry to address cross-sector decarbonization challenges. The forum develops practical tools and actionable guidance to help members navigate a viable path to net zero. Learn More

The Foresight Launch accelerator program has been instrumental in driving our business growth, providing us with the mentorship, resources, and strategic insights needed to scale efficiently. Through expert guidance and a powerful network, we've gained the tools to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and accelerate our path to success.

Renita Dominaux President, ASL Energy

REGIONAL EXPERTISE, GLOBAL IMPACT

Leverage Canada’s Top Cleantech Sector Network

With a network spanning from coast to coast, we know that regional challenges demand localized expertise. We bridge the gap between Canada’s vital sectors—including food and water, infrastructure, and natural resources—and the world-class clean technology needed to future-proof them.

We provide:

Cleantech Adoption Services

We de-risk the path to net zero by connecting industry leaders with vetted, market-ready cleantech solutions to solve their most pressing challenges.

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Custom Research

Gain unparalleled insights into Canada’s cleantech landscape with data-driven reports tailored to your specific region, sector, and unique challenges.

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Acceleration

Through numerous programs, we scale Canadian SMEs and strengthen the innovation ecosystem by providing the strategic frameworks, capital pathways, and market access required to turn high-potential ventures into global leaders.

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Expert Mentorship

Leverage a national network of 250+ mentors and Executives in Residence (EIRs)—proven industry leaders dedicated to providing the tactical support necessary for global market success.

Meet Our Experts

Ready to lead the net-zero transition?

Whether you are looking to launch a provincial initiative, access regional support, or integrate clean technology into your operations, our team is ready to help.

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