Feds invests $1.9M in clean technology and sustainable materials

Government of Canada announces support for innovation in clean technology and sustainable materials (CNW Group/Western Economic Diversification Canada)

KELOWNA, BC — The Government of Canada announced $1.9 million in funding to the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus (UBCO) to develop an innovation hub that will promote clean technologies that convert carbon-based additives and components into new, sustainable products.

“By promoting a sustainable future and a thriving economy, the University of British Columbia Okanagan is aligning this project with the priorities of the Government of Canada,” said Mélanie Joly, minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada, in a prepared statement. “Together, we are showing our commitment to a country that provides opportunities and economic benefits to Canadians, while also ensuring the development of technologies that will lead to a cleaner, greener environment for future generations.”

With this funding, UBCO will work with manufacturing, mining and lumber companies in Western Canada to research how industrial waste can gain a second life as high-quality carbon products. One example is the conversion of carbon collected during the recycling process of heavy industry vehicle tires into battery electrodes that power electric vehicles. These new products have applications in both domestic and international markets and will open up new exporting opportunities for Canadian-made innovation.

Targeted action by the government to mobilize private capital will better position Canadian firms to bring their technologies to market, unlocking both the economic and environmental potential of the growing global clean technology market. This project will build on British Columbia’s reputation as a leader in the clean technology sector.