For Immediate Release
May 20, 2025
St. John’s, NL — econext, along with program partner Synergy Foundation, is pleased to announce the ventures selected for the 2025 cohort of the Project Zero econext Incubator. This initiative supports early-stage businesses developing solutions in the circular economy to divert waste, extend product life cycles, and increase resource-efficiency and sustainability in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The 2025 Cohort includes:
• Chemisphere
• Ecofoundland Innovation
• FutureSprout
• Gale’s Wastewater Services
• MME Energy
• Oil Filtration Solutions Ltd.
• PrinterAPI
• ReLab Arts
• Starfish Anchor
This group of entrepreneurs will take part in a six-month, no-cost program that provides business coaching, tailored workshops, and access to a network of mentors and industry professionals, all contributing to a comprehensive business plan for each participant. The program concludes with a final pitch event in December 2025.
To learn more about each venture, you can find more information in the backgrounder below.
For additional details about the Project Zero econext Incubator, visit econext.ca/project-zero.
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. For more information, visit https://econext.ca/.
Synergy Foundation was created in 2013 by the Synergy Enterprises team and a group of passionate community members and leaders who recognized the need for a non-profit organization to lead the transition towards a green economy on the west coast. Since its inception, Synergy Foundation has focused on innovative projects and programs that have pushed the envelope, supported hundreds of businesses, and turned great ideas into action.
Our core focus areas include supporting communities and businesses in adopting circular economy practices and advancing green business operations to foster a regenerative, inclusive, and equitable economy. This is represented in our core initiatives: BC Green Business, Project Zero, and the Ecostar Awards.
Below is an overview of the nine ventures selected to participate in this year’s Project Zero Circular Economy Incubator.
Chemisphere
Chemisphere makes renewable energy from biomass by using the process of wastewater gasification for local use in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Ecofoundland Innovation
Ecofoundland Innovation Corp. (EIC), is launching a Waste valorization micro plant to transform waste tires and plastics into high-value products—carbon black, liquid fuels—using proven Thermal Decomposition Technology (TDT). This initiative addresses Newfoundland and Labrador’s pressing waste management challenges, including the lack of local carbon black production and reliance on imported materials.
FutureSprout
FutureSprout designs and manufactures modular, 3D-printed vertical farming kits using eco-friendly materials to support sustainable food production for remote, urban, and educational communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Gale’s Wastewater Services
Gale’s Wastewater Services provides sewage wastewater collection and treatment and biosolids management for rural, municipal, government and commercial clients in a region where there is no wastewater treatment. Their wastewater and biosolids facility is completely off grid and uses sustainable, low impact technology for treatment services.
MME Energy
MME Energy is launching a process to divert trash into value by converting discarded organic waste to animal feed.
Oil Filtration Solutions Ltd.
Oil Filtration Solutions Ltd. offers oil recycling technologies for industrial applications. Its new app-based technology would work in conjunction with the recycling tech and is designed to notify clients via text or email that it is time to replace the ORT element and their oil.
PrinterAPI
PrinterAPI eliminates wasteful paper receipts with a tap-to-get digital receipt solution, ensuring privacy, cost savings, and a seamless customer experience for retailers and hospitality businesses.
ReLab Arts
ReLab Arts seeks to utilize laboratory waste to create art pieces in collaboration with community.
Starfish Anchor
Starfish Anchor seeks to create a sustainable agriculture program coupled with therapeutic eco art to support the community.
Our newsletter is the #1 source of information on news, events, and projects relevant to Newfoundland and Labrador's clean growth priorities.
