Month: March 2024

SmartBin

Posted on by Colin Heffernan

SmartBinSensor Technologies Inc. is a pioneering company positioned at the forefront of technological innovation within the waste management sector. Focused on enhancing operational efficiency and fostering environmental sustainability, SmartBin employs cutting-edge sensor technology and advanced route optimization software to revolutionize the approach to waste management. The company’s primary product, a sensor module, attaches to commercial waste bins to monitor fill levels. These sensors are integrated with SmartBin’s proprietary software, which suggests the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly routes for waste collection trucks, thereby reducing operational costs by up to 50% and significantly mitigating environmental impact.

Established in 2022 and headquartered in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, SmartBinSensor Technologies Inc. has rapidly distinguished itself through strategic partnerships and successful pilot programs. A notable collaboration with Heave Away Waste Management Ltd. demonstrated the effectiveness of SmartBin’s solutions, leading to significant fuel savings and customer acquisition. Building on this success, SmartBin is actively expanding its technological offerings, with ongoing development in machine learning-based sensors for waste type identification to further enhance efficiency and prevent contamination.

SmartBin’s business model is predicated on a monthly subscription fee, supplemented by one-time setup costs for sensor installation. This strategy not only ensures a steady revenue stream but also provides waste management companies with the flexibility to upscale their services based on demand. The company targets waste management companies across North America, with a keen focus on small to medium-sized enterprises in Canada as its initial market.

The company is co-founded by Aneesh Raghupathy, a recent graduate with a background in Computer Science and Economics, and Niraj Shukla, an experienced business development executive. Together, they bring a combination of technological innovation and strategic business acumen to the company. With the support of grants, funding, and a dedicated team, SmartBinSensor Technologies Inc. is poised for rapid growth, aiming to implement its SmartBin system across a significant portion of Canada’s waste collection services, thereby contributing to the country’s environmental sustainability goals.

In anticipation of scaling up for commercial deployment, SmartBin is enhancing its product lineup and expanding its team to include roles such as Technical Product Manager and Full Stack Developer. The company’s strategy includes refining its hardware for commercial-scale production, enhancing data quality, and preparing for a broader market launch. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency, SmartBinSensor Technologies Inc. is setting new standards in the waste management industry, positioning itself as a leader in smart waste management solutions.

Tides of Opportunity: The Launch

Posted on by kieran

The Tides of Opportunity video series stemmed from a number of in-person events and real-time demonstrations where both students and skilled professionals could learn directly from industry leaders about available and emerging ocean cleantech careers in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This video spotlights The Launch. The Launch is the Marine Institute’s hub of ocean innovation, discovery, and leadership, providing a collaborative and inclusive space for Canada’s ocean stakeholders and rights holders to operationalize the vital technology needed to support ocean health and economic prosperity from coast-to-coast-to-coast.

See the Full Series!

This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Community Workforce Development program.

econext’s Industry Awards to be presented on April 26

Posted on by kieran

For Immediate Release
March 28, 2024

econext will recognize and celebrate the winners of its 2024 Industry Awards on April 26 at an event at the Delta St. John’s.

“Internationally there is a growing focus on the environmental performance of economies, industries, and communities,” said Kieran Hanley, econext‘s CEO. “Organizations and individuals are doing some world class things here in Newfoundland and Labrador that deserve to be recognized and be part of that story.”

Awards will be distributed in the following categories:

  • Cleantech Innovation
  • Business Excellence
  • International Business
  • Industry Champion

econext‘s Industry Awards are being presented this year in partnership with TD. TD provides a wide range of banking services and access to instruments for lending, equipment and asset financing, and integrated, customized solutions for their clients. “TD has been a supporter of econext and its work to grow Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy, and we are happy to have them be part of our awards ceremony this year.”

Hanley noted that nominations are still being accepted for the awards until April 9. Nominations can be made here.

Tickets for the awards ceremony are available here.

econext is an association that accelerates clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador and works on behalf of over 200 members to foster environmentally sustainable economic development. More information can be found at https://econext.ca.

Media Contact:
Colin Heffernan
heffernan@econext.ca

Call for Interest in econext’s Board of Directors

Posted on by kieran

In April econext will elect its Board of Directors for 2024/25.

econext‘s Board of Directors provide direction and support to the organization’s staff in their work to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. There are a total of four (4) positions to be filled.

Interested individuals can contact econext’s CEO, Kieran Hanley, at kieran@econext.ca for more information about the nomination process. Nominees will be asked to provide (1) a photo, (2) a biography – 500 words or less, and (3) a statement as to their objectives for serving as a member of econext‘s Board of Directors – 250 words of less.

econext Directors must represent a voting member of the organization’s membership in good standing.

The deadline for nominations is April 22, 2024. Voting for director positions shall take place online April 24 – 29, 2024. Nominees will have an opportunity to speak directly to members at econext‘s 2024 Annual General Meeting and Industry Awards Reception taking place on April 26. Click here for more information on this event.

econext 2024 AGM and Industry Awards Reception

Posted on by kieran

econext‘s 2024 Annual General Meeting and Industry Awards Reception is taking place on April 26, 2024.

Date: Friday, April 26, 2024
Location: Delta Hotel and Conference Centre – St. John’s

Annual General Meeting

The AGM portion of the meeting will take place at 2:00 and will feature a 2023-24 Year in Review, a look ahead to 2024-25, and an opportunity for members to ask questions and engage in discussion. Voting matters will occur online as to allow for maximum participation from members across the province, and will take place between April 25-30. For members interested in Board of Directors nominations, click here. This portion of the event is for members only.

Industry Awards Reception

econext will recognize and celebrate the winner of its 2024 Industry Awards in the following categories: Cleantech Innovation, Business Excellence, International Business, and Industry Champion. Awards nominations are due by March 29, 2024. To make a nomination, click here.

Registration

Tickets for this event are $22.63 for members and $38.61 for non-members. Click the button below to complete your registration.

Register Now

Online Voting

Members will be provided a personalized access code (distributed on April 25) which will be used for the casting of votes through to 17h00 NST on April 30, 2024.

Resources

Tides of Opportunity: BioLabMate

Posted on by kieran

The Tides of Opportunity video series stemmed from a number of in-person events and real-time demonstrations where both students and skilled professionals could learn directly from industry leaders about available and emerging ocean cleantech careers in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This video spotlights econext member BioLabMate. BioLabMate is on a mission to eliminate single-use plastics from research labs and medical facilities through sustainable seaweed-derived bioplastic production. Follow along and discover how this plentiful and renewable cold-water resource could impact the future of plastics worldwide.

See the Full Series!

This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Community Workforce Development program.

Tides of Opportunity: eDNAtec

Posted on by kieran

The Tides of Opportunity video series stemmed from a number of in-person events and real-time demonstrations where both students and skilled professionals could learn directly from industry leaders about available and emerging ocean cleantech careers in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This video spotlights econext member eDNAtec. Environmental DNA and advanced genomics technologies are being used to generate new information about our oceans. eDNAtec is leading the way to deliver unique insights about the health of our oceans, and our impact on wildlife.

See the Full Series!

This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Community Workforce Development program.

Green Economy: Highlights from 2024-25 Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Budget

Posted on by kieran

Below are some highlights from the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial budget, delivered on March 21, 2024, relevant to green economy stakeholders. Click here to view the budget materials.

Tax Credits

Two provincial tax credits that can support cleantech adoption and production will continue, including:

  • The 20% ‘Green Technology’ tax credit (to help businesses with specific capital costs for green activities, such as equipment for energy conservation and clean energy generation and the efficient use of fossil fuels).
  • The 10% manufacturing and processing investment tax credit.

Green Transition and Innovation

Financing to assist businesses and research institutions pursue green economy opportunities will be funded again in 2024-25, including:

  • $13.7 million in funding for the Innovation and Business Development Fund.
  • $11.5 million for the Green Transition Fund.
  • $35 million to support economic development, with a focus on research and development, commercialization, investment attraction, and regional development – not specifically tied to ‘green’ but green activities eligible.

Net Zero

Investments to help decarbonize and reduce GHGs in the province, including:

  • $81.9 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while addressing energy affordability including support to transition homes from oil to electric heat.
  • $1.1 million for electrical vehicle infrastructure.

Climate Change Adaptation

Contributions to help acquire vital information for municipalities and planners:

  • $1.5 million for flood risk mapping.

Wastewater

Dedicated funds to assist in tackling wastewater challenges in NL, including:

  • $50 million over five years to support water and wastewater projects.
  • $650,000 for a permanent wastewater surveillance program.

Mining

Plus, investments to help the province continue to position itself as a leader in critical minerals:

  • $2.6 million to support implementation of the Critical Minerals Strategy to enhance the province’s competitiveness and attract private investment.
  • $1.7 million for the Mineral Incentive Program, including $1.3 million for Junior Exploration Assistance.
  • $1.6 million annually for a Labrador-specific geoscience program that supports exploration in frontier regions.

Also of note, a $72.4 million contribution is being made to the Newfoundland and Labrador Future Fund (revenues from one-time sources and non-renewables resources) bringing the total contributions to $358.8 million.

Nominations are now open for econext’s Industry Awards!

Posted on by kieran

Do you know of an econext member that should be recognized for their successes?

econext is launching its industry awards program, celebrating the businesses, researchers, and professionals building the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador over the past year.

The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Awards categories include:

  • Cleantech Innovation
  • Business Excellence
  • International Business
  • Industry Champion

To see the awards categories and make your nomination, click the link below.

Make a Nomination!

WEBINAR: Clean fuels and economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador

Posted on by kieran

Newfoundland and Labrador is on the frontier of clean fuels development and production on a global scale. There are several projects being explored within the province that would be internationally significant in terms of their contribution in the fight against climate change.

These types of projects not only allow for Newfoundland and Labrador to make an important contribution to the world’s pursuit of net zero, but also create good jobs, business opportunities, and community investment here at home.

In partnership with the Economic Developers Association of NL, join econext CEO Kieran Hanley on April 12 for a webinar to learn more about the emerging clean fuels industry, explore the economic development considerations and opportunities that may present themselves, and understand what practitioners can do to prepare.

Date: April 12, 2024
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Location: Online
Price: Free

Click to Register