Author: Chelsie Cake

ReLab Arts

This social enterprise repurposes physical waste from Memorial University’s laboratories into unique artwork, transforming discarded materials into creative, sustainable pieces. Through a process of collection, design, and artistic reimagining, these artworks will be sold in galleries and local shops, accompanied by storytelling that traces their journey from the lab to the community. By bridging science and art, this initiative fosters a deeper connection between the university and the public, promoting sustainability, innovation, and environmental responsibility. What sets this venture apart is its ability to turn waste into cultural value while raising awareness about waste reduction and the creative potential of discarded materials.

Founders:

Yiyin Liu: I am a second-year PhD student in Memorial University’s interdisciplinary program, with a background in civil engineering, architectural design, and urbanism. My extensive lab experience has made me deeply aware of the untapped potential in research by-products that often go unrecycled. With several years as a project manager in the construction industry, I bring a strong understanding of business operations and project coordination. My roles with CSCNL, the Internationalization Office, and AMAL in St. John’s have also allowed me to build meaningful connections within the local community and deepen my commitment to public engagement.

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.

Founders:
Aneesh Raghupathy: Aneesh is a tech entrepreneur with a background in Computer Science and Environmental Economics. He specializes in IoT, AI, and sustainable business solutions, co-founding PrinterAPI to digitize receipts and cut paper waste.

Oil Filtration Solutions Ltd.

Oil Filtration Solutions Ltd. offers oil recycling technologies for industrial applications and their new technology would work in conjunction with this existing technology. It will be designed to notify customers via text or email when to replace the ORT element and their oil.

Founders:

Bill Butler: Bill is originally from Springdale, NL, and now resides in Conception Bay South. He is a graduate of Memorial University – B.A. (1992), B.Sc. (1994).

MME Energy Inc.

MME Energy Inc. will help reduce organic waste being diverted to landfills, address rising costs of animal feed, provide local employment and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices and a healthier planet. It will provide alternate low cost feed to agricultural farmers, reducing reliance on imported and transported feed from outside the province.

Founders:

Michael Ekine: Michael has an MBA (UFred) completed in 2022, B.A Econs (SFU) completed in 2014, and is a Certified Financial Planner/Certified Investment Manager. He has 11 years of experience in the Financial Services sector. Michael is passionate about research and leaving the world a better place.

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 our treatment services.

Founders:

Shelley Gale: I have been working at Gale Wastewater Services, a family business, since 2009. In 2021, we designed and installed a new wastewater and biosolids treatment facility. I have education in wastewater management, project management, environmental technology and environmental assessment. Prior to this business, I was a Boilermaker, and NDT technician, and worked on various sites throughout the country.

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.

Founders:

Yasaman Alidadi: I hold a Master’s degree in Dietetics and a second Master’s in Community Health and Humanities, with a focus on food waste management and behavioral economics. My academic journey has been deeply rooted in understanding the intersection of nutrition, sustainability, and public health. During my graduate studies, I conducted a community-based research project on food waste reduction interventions in a local restaurant in St. John’s. The study used behavioral nudges to influence customer choices and successfully demonstrated a measurable reduction in plate waste, highlighting the power of low-cost, scalable solutions to address environmental and food system challenges. In addition to my academic and research experience, I have completed an Entrepreneurship Training Program, which equipped me with foundational skills in business planning, market research, financial modeling, and product development.

Pablo Rodriguez: I hold a Medical Degree and a Master’s in Transdisciplinary Research, currently a candidate for a Master’s in Community Health and Humanities, with a strong career focus on health education as an Instructional designer and knowledge mobilization advisor. My academic and professional journey centers on creating accessible, low-cost solutions at the intersection of health, education, and innovation. I’ve collaborated with surgical planning research using 3D-printed anatomical models and developed instructional 3D-printed materials for medical education. Alongside this, I’ve applied 3D printing in a variety of contexts—designing functional gadgets, custom replacements, and prototyping low-tech home solutions. Through this venture, I aim to merge my technical background with public health strategies to empower individuals and communities to grow their food sustainably.

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.

Founders:

Mehdi Naderi: is an experienced Mechanical Engineer with over 40 years of expertise in industrial projects. His professional background includes extensive work in copper smelter and concentrator expansions, equipment fabrication, and industrial maintenance, as well as business leadership in mining operations. Mehdi spent 23 years at heavy industrial projects, overseeing continuous production from copper ore to metal, followed by 18 years as CEO of his own mining and engineering company. His experience spans equipment design, fabrication, process optimization, maintenance, and project management. Currently, Mehdi is leading the Ecofoundland Microplants Waste Valorization initiative, applying his vast knowledge to sustainable industrial processes.

Chemisphere

Chemisphere makes renewable energy from biomass by using the process of wastewater gasification for local use in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Founders:

Mohammed Furqan: I am a final year process engineering student at MUN, Class of 2026. I have completed the majority of my work terms in the energy industry working on projects that aim to take the province to net zero. I have had experience dealing with econext through Hatch, working on the Workforce Capacity Study, and I have experience with designing a greenfield facility through work experience with companies like Hatch and Equinor. Previously, I have competed in and won the 2024 econext Ideathon and have since enrolled into the Foresight program for new innovators to further my idea. I am truly passionate about renewable energy and am eager to see this project through to benefit our province.

Abdelrahman Mohamed: I am a final year process engineering student at MUN, Class of 2026. I have completed 4 work terms so far, primarily in energy resources and developing sustainable solutions to complex energy problems. I have a Project Management background through most of my work experience, as well as on-field experience at a processing plant in Newfoundland. Last year, I competed in and won the econext Ideathon and have also received the Dean’s Award for best student presentation. I am interested in taking my experience and applying to something as revolutionary as this technology so that we can provide people with sustainable energy and make our planet greener.