Clean Tech
Improving Environmental Impact for a Sustainable Future
The roots of innovations made in the development of leading Canadian technologies (think fibre optic and wireless networks, computer sciences, and natural resources exploration) remain firmly planted in Canada, providing the foundation for the advancements taking place across Canada’s Cleantech sector.
Canada is a big country. Our impact on the environment doesn’t have to be. Collaboration between government, universities, and industries fuels Canada’s 4th place ranking on the Global Cleantech Innovation Index, where it has a firm hold in the Global Cleantech 100 list for work being done to reduce carbon, diminish waste, mitigate use of materials, and to significantly scale back energy consumption. Clean technologies developed today ensures a tomorrow for all of us.
Canada’s Key Clean Tech Centres
Economic Impact of Clean Tech in Canada

$13.3 Billion Annual Revenue

$1.5 Billion Annual Research & Development

55,000 Clean Tech Jobs
Canadian Success Stories
Toronto Hydro is testing the world’s first underwater compressed-air energy storage project. The system, developed by Hydrostor, converts electrical energy into compressed air, which is then stored in a series of flexible wall air accumulators below the surface of Lake Ontario until required by the grid.
Axine Water Technologies of Vancouver has developed a low-cost, energy-efficient and chemical-free solution for treating high concentrations of complex, toxic organics and ammonia in industrial wastewater. A wide range of water-intensive industries, such as chemical manufacturing and oil and gas, employ this breakthrough.
In 2017, Ballard Power Systems became the first fuel cell company to power buses for more than 10 million cumulative kilometres of revenue service. Fuel cells generate onboard power to recharge batteries, thus improving electric bus performance.
Nexterra Systems Corp. has developed the world̓s most commercialized energy-from-waste gasification technology, enabling communities to convert non-recyclable organic waste into clean, renewable heat and power.
Calgary-based Acceleware’s simple and inexpensive RF heating technology solution provides oil sands producers with energy efficiencies and significant environmental and cost benefits when compared to Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage.
DarkVision Technologies’ high-resolution ultrasound-based well imaging technology is helping oil and gas producers reduce operating costs, increase production, improve well integrity and minimize environmental impacts.
In 2016, GHGSat launched the world’s first high-resolution satellite capable of measuring greenhouse gas emissions coming from any industrial facility in the world. The technology lets owners monitor their facilities with a common technology, in near-real-time.
Enerkem offers a sustainable solution for waste management and energy diversification through the manufacture of biofuels and renewable chemical products from non-recyclable waste.
Vancouver is one of the best places in the world for a clean tech business to thrive. Vancouver is attracting global attention for its greenest city vision, aggressive building policies and highly supportive business environment, including global game-changers involved in everything from fusion energy to carbon sequestration.
John McPherson, Sector Development Manager, Cleantech, Vancouver Economic Commission
With a dedication to innovation, Toronto is a destination that is committed to research and development in clean technology and sustainability. Our network of colleges and universities are driving advancements and are home to some of the world’s top industry experts. With the arrival of Sidewalk Labs’ smart city project, the focus on creating sustainable communities will continue to push our growth in this sector.
Tara Gordon, VP, Sales & Service, Business Events Toronto
Calgary’s rapidly growing cleantech sector is a natural evolution from the city’s position as a global hub for the energy industry. Our cleantech ecosystem is supported by a vibrant startup support community that is symbiotic with R&D led by large corporate players. As we build our next economy, we will leverage that entrepreneurial success to create a cleantech economy with global reach.
Dr. Terry Rock, President & CEO, Calgary Technologies Inc.
With growing public awareness of climate issues and increasing commitment from governments, Quebec’s booming cleantech sector has businesses paying close attention. Cleantech companies already have a solid presence in the province of Quebec, where startups operate alongside more established companies.
Patrick Bossé, Partner and Quebec Energy Sector Leader, EY
After extensively researching several cities across the country, we decided to organize ECORISMO Canada—the first North American edition of an internationally-renowned forum/tradeshow on sustainable tourism—in the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Its access to world-class, eco-responsible accommodations and conference space in a culturally diverse and bilingual region, were of primary importance and its dynamic, vibrant travel industry was already well connected with the fastest growing innovation and tech hub in Canada.
Martin Lacelle, Director, Economic Development, Société Économique de l'Ontario
HERE'S HOW WE CAN HELP YOU GET PLANNING
The team at Destination Canada Business Events helps organizations meet with purpose in Canada. Contact our team for:
- Specific information regarding Canada's sector expertise
- Recommendations on destinations based on their sector strengths
- Introductions to industry leaders, academia, and economic development agencies
- Recommendations of expert speakers to augment events
- Assistance in sourcing RFPs for conference placement