econext Clean Energy Infrastructure Optimization Challenge
The econext Clean Energy Infrastructure Optimization Challenge sought solutions to improve efficiency, reliability, and sustainability in clean energy systems. Angler Solutions was awarded $50,000 to develop its MESO software, and gained increased credibility, new partnerships, and pilot opportunities.
WINNER
Angler Solutions
Angler Solutions is an innovation-driven consulting firm with international experience providing strategic advisory and project delivery services across the energy and ocean technology sectors.
Angler Solutions won the challenge with their proprietary software tool, MESO (Model for Energy Systems Optimization). The system enables smarter planning, optimizing both the early-stage design and the long-term reliability of projects in remote and complex environments.
PARTNER
econext
econext is a not-for-profit association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador by: (1) stimulating research, development, and innovation; (2) preparing its workforce for a greening economy; and (3) acting as a catalyst for climate change action within its industries, businesses, and communities.
econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development.
CHALLENGE LAUNCH: FEBRUARY 2025
Challenge Outcomes
econext was looking to identify Canadian cleantech solutions that reduce the monitoring and maintenance costs of clean energy infrastructure across remote regions of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).
Angler Solutions was selected as the Innovation Challenge winner for its proprietary software, MESO (Model for Energy Systems Optimization), which integrates GIS mapping, environmental data, and scenario modelling to support informed decision-making in the implementation of renewable energy projects. The solution is designed to reduce monitoring and maintenance costs, function in harsh weather, and minimize on-site workers.
Angler Solutions was awarded $50,000 CAD to continue developing MESO and, in collaboration with econext, they were introduced to key industry partners to discuss technology piloting opportunities.
Winning the Challenge also provided Angler Solutions with:
- Increased Credibility and Visibility: The media coverage after winning the Challenge boosted the company's credibility and market visibility, proving instrumental in securing new pilot opportunities.
- Technology Advancement: The prize money was reinvested into the MESO software to enhance its capabilities, while valuable feedback from the challenge helped shape the product's roadmap.
- Commercialization and Growth: The experience was instrumental to Angler's commercialization strategy, facilitating its transition from a consulting firm to a software company with plans to spin off the platform.
- New Partnerships and Opportunities: The win has led to new pilot opportunities and partnerships, with projects initiated in Canada and the Netherlands.
We chose Foresight's Innovation Challenges program to address systemic industry issues spanning Newfoundland's energy sector. The Challenge program provided an opportunity to explore a wide range of technical solutions without preconceived expectations. We can't recommend the program enough! Foresight made it so simple through their support materials, timelines, application management, and evaluation process.
Chelsea Linfield Project Finance Manager, econext
Innovative approaches and advanced technologies are key to unlocking Newfoundland and Labrador's clean energy potential. To remain competitive and profitable in today’s rapidly evolving market—and to support net zero goals—continuous innovation in operational efficiency is vital.
Challenge Statement
Lowering monitoring and maintenance costs for clean energy infrastructure is crucial to operational efficiency and reducing costs for end-users.
econext was seeking Canadian innovators to propose solutions that reduce these costs while enhancing the performance and reliability of clean energy infrastructure in remote regions of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).
Challenge Opportunity
This Challenge offered a unique opportunity for innovators to showcase their solution, gain industry visibility, and establish valuable partnerships.
The winner received:
- $50,000 CAD cash prize to help advance the technology.
- An introduction to industry partners interested in solution exploration
Challenge Background
Newfoundland and Labrador is rapidly emerging as a global hub for clean energy production, including green hydrogen, thanks to:
A clean electricity grid powered by nearly 100% renewable energy.
Significant energy storage potential.
Substantial untapped clean energy resources, with ample land and freshwater availability.
Existing port infrastructure and proximity to export markets and established shipping routes.
A skilled workforce and supply chain experience in supporting large-scale energy projects.
To ensure the long-term success of future projects in the province, improving financial viability while minimizing environmental impacts is essential. Innovative approaches and advanced technologies are key to unlocking NL's clean energy potential. To remain competitive and profitable in today’s rapidly evolving market—and to support net zero goals—continuous innovation in operational efficiency is vital.
High maintenance costs frequently create barriers to scaling clean energy solutions. Reducing these costs can make clean energy infrastructure more attractive to investors, accelerating NL’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Lower operational expenses create a ripple effect, lowering costs for end users and making clean energy more accessible and affordable for communities.
Much of NL’s clean energy infrastructure is located in remote, harsh environments where routine maintenance can be both costly and logistically complex. Reducing these operational costs is essential to improving the economic viability of clean energy projects, particularly in isolated and off-grid communities.
Electricity demand in NL continues to rise, driven by projected population growth, industrial expansion, and the need for reliable power generation to support electrification efforts. Enhancing the reliability and efficiency of clean energy infrastructure—such as wind turbines, transmission lines, and energy storage systems—will be critical to maintaining consistent power generation and ensuring long-term energy security.
The econext Clean Energy Infrastructure Optimization Challenge directly aligned with our goal and market, providing us with an opportunity to enhance our energy system modelling platform, MESO, by adding and improving key operational capabilities.
Working with econext was a great experience, with frequent touch points to facilitate valuable connections and gather insights. Feedback from our pitch presentation evaluation panel was extremely valuable to our platform’s growth and helped to further shape our software backlog. The Challenge provided us MESO with added credibility and provided Angler with exposure and visibility to new markets.
Chad LaFitte Manager of Innovation, Angler Solutions Inc.
Eligibility
Successful solutions:
- Utilized innovative technologies to reduce monitoring and maintenance costs of clean energy infrastructures.
- Functioned effectively within NL's climate, environment, and clean energy industries.
- Provided a remote, autonomous, and/or digital solution.
- Reduced GHG emissions and/or minimized environmental impacts.
- Improved the operational performance and reliability of clean energy assets.
- Operated in harsh weather conditions, including strong winds and freezing temperatures.
- Minimized the need for in-person technician inspections through remote diagnostics.
Challenge Updates
May, 2025: Winner announced
March 21, 2025: Applications closed
February 19, 2025: Informational webinar held
February 4, 2025: Applications opened
News
Our Partners
The Clean Energy Infrastructure Optimization Challenge is run in partnership with econext and their industry partners, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and RBC.
Industry Partners
Find Market-Ready Innovation without the Risk
We connect industry with the world's best clean technologies. From agriculture to water to oil and gas, our Challenge program works to connect end-users with cleantech solutions to overcome sustainability and operational hurdles.