Exciting business ventures and investment opportunities are happening in and around Edmonton. From hydrogen production and next-gen batteries to award-winning communities and software start-ups, here are some of the latest Edmonton business news headlines you’ll want to catch up on.
Aurora Hydrogen demonstration facility to open this year
Edmonton-based Aurora Hydrogen recently received $3.9 million in funding from Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) and $2 million from Alberta Innovates.
Some of this funding will be used towards the construction of a demonstration facility located just outside Edmonton that will showcase the company’s innovative microwave-based method of hydrogen production.
Aurora Hydrogen’s CEO, Andrew Gillis, explains how their way of making emissions-free hydrogen may just be the most electricity-efficient method yet:
“We build a reactor that is totally made of microwave transparent or reflective materials, so we can really target the heating right where we want, and we have a very efficient process of providing heat to the reaction to make hydrogen.”
Currently Aurora employs a team of eight and is in the process of hiring another five. Once the demo facility is up and running, they expect to have a team of approximately 20. The company aspires to produce a couple of tonnes of hydrogen per day by the end of 2024, and then 10 to 20 tonnes per day the following year.
The hydrogen boom is well underway in Alberta, with the province set to become a world leader in hydrogen production and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).
Cleantech startup Nanode Battery Technology pitches next-gen batteries
Edmonton-based cleantech startup Nanode Battery Technology is developing a next-generation high-capacity tin anode for lithium and sodium-ion batteries that can double a battery’s functionality.
“With our technology, you could really rethink how batteries are formed,” explains COO Brian Worfolk.
Many of Nanode’s current customers are aviation and drone manufacturers looking for ways to improve battery efficiency. Having spent 10 years in cleantech, developing solar and battery technologies (including time spent engineering the materials used in Apple iPhones), Worfolk has leveraged this expertise to launch his entrepreneurial journey with Nanode.
Looking to raise a seed round and attract investors for future growth, Worfolk will be attending the Venture Connect summit in North Carolina at the end of March. Worfolk recently shared with GrepBeat: “As more technologies and companies grow, the cleantech space is going to attract more investors in this area.”
Blatchford recently named “Best New Community”
The innovative Blatchford development in Edmonton earned top honours as “Best New Community” at the 2023 Awards of Excellence in Housing event hosted by the Canadian Home Builders’ Association - Edmonton Region.
The category recognizes a residential development for its innovative concepts of land use, while also evaluating its current and future amenities and environmental initiatives.
“Building a community doesn’t happen overnight, but when the efforts of many come together with a shared vision, the possibilities are endless. Winning the award for Best New Community is a testament to teamwork, collaboration, and continued commitment to City Council’s vision for Blatchford,” explains Tom Lumsden, Blatchford’s Development Manager.
The community is a 536 acre development in the heart of Edmonton that aims to reduce the city’s ecological footprint by being carbon neutral and solely using renewable energy. Blatchford also aligns with the City’s goals of building a healthy city and creating vibrant urban places.
“Blatchford is being custom designed to prioritize connected streets, vibrant public spaces, active transportation and renewable energy, which make it a great place to live and contribute to a more resilient future.”
Search Blatchford Homes For Sale
Software startup Dyne Technologies expands to Edmonton
Vancouver-based software startup Dyne Technologies’ expansion into Edmonton represents a $500,000 investment with plans to grow significantly over the next several years. The company aims to expand its team in Edmonton to seven members by the end of 2023.
Dyne uses machine learning and data analytics to help restaurants improve their profitability through smart-surge pricing, automated marketing and revenue optimization strategies.
Dyne has built a strong partnership with the University of Alberta including two research projects which were instrumental in fueling its early growth.
Over the next six months, Dyne will be focused on building new partnerships within the Edmonton region and growing their capacity. They are also focused on attracting large restaurant brands to adopt their SaaS tool.
“I was overwhelmingly pleased with our first official Edmonton event “Connecting Edmonton Entrepreneurs,” bringing together an amazing assortment of local investors, business developers and entrepreneurs. With such a warm welcome from Edmonton, Dyne is excited to further develop and expand operations in Alberta and we look forward to host many more events in the vibrant city of Edmonton,” says CEO Arnav Mishra.
With 20 years of Edmonton real estate experience, Wally is confident we’re about to turn the page on Edmonton’s most exciting chapter yet! Call/text him at 780.238.7384 to discuss all things related to real estate and Edmonton business news