econext Summer Social 2026

Celebrate summer with econext! Our Summer Social is just around the corner, and you’re invited.

Join econext, in partnership with TakeCharge on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. NDT for an afternoon of networking at the Alt Hotel St. John’s (125 Water Street).

Connect with professionals from across Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy while enjoying drinks, snacks, and great conversation. It’s a fantastic opportunity to expand your network, catch up with industry peers, and meet members of the econext team.

Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Register Here

Greening Business Workshop

Greening Business Workshop

In partnership with the Board of Trade, we invite you to join a free, interactive workshop focused on practical strategies to support business growth while minimizing environmental impacts.

Hear from econext’s Alex Rumbolt, Business Sustainability Lead, as she discusses how environmental data can drive informed business decisions, identify funding opportunities, and more! Matthew Hatcher, Energy Solutions Specialist at TakeCharge, will also provide an overview of a business efficiency program designed to help organizations reduce energy use and costs.

Date & Time: Thursday June 25, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM NDT

Location: alt Hotel, St. John’s (lunch included)

Register

econext Members’ Webinar – June 2026

econext Members’ Webinars are geared to provide an opportunity in each quarter for members to showcase what they do and engage with potential collaborators, connect members with guest speakers who have projects, services and programs that can enhance member businesses, and present the latest in econext initiatives, events and opportunities to members.

During each session there will be a member presentation, a guest presentation, a staff presentation, and an open floor at the end for members to ask questions and highlight what they’re doing in the clean growth spheres. For the June edition, our session will feature:

  • Updates from econext’s Manager of Climate Services and CLIMAtlantic NL Climate Services Specialist, Sepehr Khosravi
  • A presentation from econext member St. John’s International Airport Authority on their recent projects to be come more sustainable
  • Updates from MITACS and the Green Transition Fund about their programming and funding mechanisms

What: econext Members Webinar – June 2026
Presented by: ethree Consulting
When: Thursday June 18, 2026 @ 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Where: Virtual Session Hosted on Zoom

Register Here

Interested in being one of our member presenters in a future edition of econext Member Webinars? Reach out to our Manager of Industry and Community Engagement Colin Heffernan by e-mail – heffernan@econext.ca.

Greening Business Workshop – Gander

Are you a business owner looking to embrace sustainability and green your operations?

econext, with support from Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Department of Industry, Energy and Technology, is hosting a series of regional Green Business Workshops in 2025-2026.

This time, we’re partnering up with the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce. Start your day with us on Thursday June 4th to:

  • discuss businesses’ impacts on the environment, how climate change affects businesses, and the benefits of greening operations.
  • learn about tools and resources to help businesses assess their impact and leverage funding/incentives to implement changes
  • learn about econext’s Green Business Program which allows businesses to access sustainability assessments (GHG quantification, waste audits, and energy audits) at a 75% discount.
  • enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet

Date: Thursday June 4, 2026

Time: 9:00-11:00am NST

Venue: Albatross Hotel, Gander

Deadline to register June 2.

Click here to register.

 

About econext

econext is a not-for-profit industry association dedicated to advancing environmentally sustainable economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. With a network of approximately 200 member businesses, research institutions, governments, and organizations, econext serves as a leading voice for the province’s green economy.

We connect members to opportunities in the green economy, champion supportive public policy, build capacity across businesses and communities, and advance innovation through research and sector insights.

Together, we strengthen Newfoundland and Labrador’s green economy by supporting our members, and help drive sustainable growth and innovation across the province. Learn more at econext.ca.

Green Business Program – Info Session Webinar

About the Event

Date & Time: Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 11:00AM-12:00PM
Cost: Free
Location: Online Webinar (Zoom)

Are you a business looking for some insights on your environmental impact?

Join us for an info session all about our Green Business Program which offers eligible businesses the opportunity to explore their energy efficiency, waste generation and/or GHG emissions through partially funded assessments (75% of cost).

The session will include an overview of the program details. As well, we will be joined by speakers Emma Power from Fundamental Inc. and Sarah Halliday from Heave Away Waste Management, who will share information about GHG assessments and waste audits.

Why Participate?

  • Make better business decisions with real environmental data
  • Save costs and optimize operations
  • Strengthen competitiveness locally and globally
  • Prepare for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting and investor expectations
  • Build sustainable growth and resilience

Register now!

This program was made possible through support provided by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Department of Jobs, Growth, and Rural Development.

Webinar: IP-101, Software Patents and Patent Pitfalls

Join econext, Springboard Atlantic, techNL, and Mining Industry NL for a practical, insight-driven session on protecting your intellectual property (IP), with a special focus on AI, software, and common patent pitfalls.

This webinar will explore how to safeguard your innovations, maintain a competitive edge, and navigate the evolving IP landscape. You’ll also hear from Springboard Atlantic on the federal ElevateIP program, including key insights on available funding and how to apply.

Whether you’re a start-up founder, researcher, or expanding into new markets, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to better protect and grow your ideas.

Speakers:

Kushal Shah, Associate & Patent Lawyer, Gowling WLG
Libby Carew, IP Counsellor, Springboard Atlantic (Newfoundland & Labrador)

Register Here

econext Members Webinar – March 2026

econext is inaugurating a new member outreach event held virtually! econext Member Webinars Presented by ethree Consulting are geared to provide an opportunity in each quarter for members to showcase what they do and engage with potential collaborators, connect members with guest speakers who have projects, services and programs that can enhance member businesses, and present the latest in econext initiatives, events and opportunities to members.

During each session there will be a member presentation, a guest presentation, a staff presentation, and an open floor at the end for members to ask questions and highlight what they’re doing in the clean growth spheres. This edition will feature updates from econext staff, an introduction to new econext member ShipNow, and much more. It will be a jam-packed hour! We hope you can join us on March 17th!

What: econext Members Webinar – March 2026
Presented by: ethree Consulting
When: Tuesday March 17, 2026 @ 10 – 11 AM
Where: Virtual Session Hosted on Zoom

Register Here

Interested in being one of our member presenters in a future edition of econext Member Webinars? Reach out to our Manager of Industry and Community Engagement Colin Heffernan by e-mail – heffernan@econext.ca.

econext ideathon | March 20-22, 2026 | MUN Grenfell Campus

econext Ideathon

econext is excited to announce its next Ideathon — an opportunity to spark innovative solutions and accelerate sustainable progress across Newfoundland and Labrador. This time, the ideathon will be hosted at Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus in Corner Brook! The weekend-long event, open to all MUN and CNA students, will be taking place in-person March 20-22, 2026.

Challenge: How can Newfoundland and Labrador transform its freight and distribution networks to be more resilient and sustainable by 2035?

Click here for the prompt presentation

What is an ideathon?

econext Ideathon’s brings students together to tackle real-world challenges and opportunities within Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing green economy. Participants collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, gain hands-on experience, and develop innovative solutions with guidance from industry mentors.

The specific challenge, relating to clean growth, will be released at the beginning of the weekend where we will provide you with all the necessary information needed to participate. You do not need a background in science or environmental studies to participate.

Teams will consist of 3-5 students.

Learn more about our previous ideathons here:  March 2025 | September 2025

Who can participate?

This is a multi-disciplinary event and we welcome any student from Memorial University or CNA to participate. If you are interested in clean growth, we encourage you to join us! Please note that this event takes place at Grenfell campus, and transportation and accommodations will NOT be provided.

When and where?

The ideathon will take place at the Atrium at Memorial University’s Grenfell Campus over a 48-hour period from March 20-22, 2026. A detailed schedule will be provided soon.

We encourage students to stay on campus while working to take part in workshops and activities and to benefit from mentors.

Why should you participate?

  • Cash prizes awarded to the top three teams
  • Complimentary meals, snacks, and event swag
  • Networking opportunities with industry professionals
  • Interactive workshop sessions
  • Insights into the clean growth industry
  • Team-building and collaborative group activities
  • A multidisciplinary event experience
  • And most importantly, to have fun!

How to register?

Registration is individual, but you will be required to work on teams of 3-5 studentsSubmission of teams will take place on the evening of Friday March 20. If you have already established a team, you will be required to submit your teams then. If you haven’t already established a team, there will be opportunity throughout the evening to network to form teams. We will assist in matching individuals to teams as needed.

Interested in competing? Register here!

What is the schedule?

Our ideathon is a weekend-long event, beginning on Friday, March 20 at 5pm and ending on Sunday, March 22 at 5pm. Please review the tentative schedule:

econext’s 2026 AGM and Industry Awards Reception

econext‘s 2026 Annual General Meeting and Industry Awards Reception is taking place on April 22, 2026.

Date: Wednesday April 22, 2026, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: alt Hotel, 125 Water Street, St. John’s NL

Industry Awards Reception
econext will recognize and celebrate the winner of its 2026 Industry Awards in the following categories: Cleantech Innovation, Business Excellence, International Business, and Industry Champion.

Registration

Register Here

 

Annual General Meeting Resources

Electricity Industry Fundamentals: Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Power Grid Course

econext’s 1-day course provides a practical, systems-level introduction to Newfoundland and Labrador’s electricity sector.

This course is designed for professionals, businesses, and stakeholders who interact with the energy system but do not work day-to-day as power system specialists. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how electricity is generated, transmitted, regulated, and managed in Newfoundland and Labrador, with specific attention to the Island Interconnected System and the Labrador Interconnected System. The course draws on real provincial infrastructure examples, including Bay d’Espoir, Churchill Falls, Muskrat Falls, HVdc transmission, and the provincial regulatory framework.

The training emphasizes plain-language explanations of technical concepts such as power versus energy, system frequency, transmission constraints, reliability, and capacity limits. It also provides context for current and future developments that matter for renewable integration, electrification, industrial development, and decarbonization in the province.

The content is based on publicly available information and is structured to improve electricity literacy, support informed decision-making, and reduce common misunderstandings about grid capability and constraints

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the structure of Newfoundland and Labrador’s electricity system
  • How electricity is generated, transmitted, and delivered across the Island and Labrador systems.
  • Interpret transmission infrastructure and system limitations
  • Why capacity, stability, distance, and system design constrain power transfers and new connections?
  • Apply core electricity system concepts
  • Including power versus energy, system frequency, reliability, peak demand, and capacity management.
  • Understand the regulatory and institutional framework
  • The roles of NL Hydro, Newfoundland Power, the NL System Operator, and the Public Utilities Board, and how legislation shapes system planning and access.
  • Evaluate future system developments and implications
  • Planned generation, transmission, and interconnection projects and their relevance to renewable integration and electrification.

Registration

Date: February 27, 2025

Location: econext Boardroom, St. John’s, NL

Time: 9 am – 4 pm

Cost:
$315 + HST for econext members
$445 + HST for non-members

 

Registration is open. Contact ogaga@econext.ca to register.

 

About the Instructor

Kyle Tucker, M.Eng., P.Eng.

Kyle is a Professional Engineer with nearly 30 years of experience in electrical power systems, specializing in high-voltage transmission and large-scale infrastructure projects.

His experience spans the full lifecycle of transmission system development, including concept selection, detailed engineering, regulatory approvals, construction management, and commissioning. Kyle has worked on projects ranging from local capital upgrades to multi-billion-dollar transmission systems, with experience in AC systems up to 735 kV and HVdc systems up to ±350 kV.

Kyle has led and supported terminal station expansion projects up to 230 kV and has operational experience with hydroelectric facilities, remote diesel generation, and gas turbines. He is actively expanding his expertise in wind generation and energy storage systems.

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering (1995) and a Master of Engineering (2007) from Memorial University of Newfoundland and is a registered Professional Engineer with PEGNL.

About Angler Solutions Inc.

This course was developed in collaboration with Angler Solutions Inc., a Newfoundland-based consulting and technology firm providing professional services in the energy and ocean technology sectors.

Angler specializes in early-phase project development (FEL 1–2), supporting renewable energy, energy diversification, and electrification initiatives. The firm delivers integrated services including energy systems modelling, techno-economic analysis, grid interconnection assessments, infrastructure readiness studies, project management, and strategic advisory support.

Angler’s in-house Model for Energy Systems Optimization (MESO) enables advanced modelling and techno-economic evaluation of hydro, wind, solar, battery storage, hydrogen, and hybrid energy systems. MESO was the winner of Econext’s Clean Energy Optimization Challenge in 2025.

With strong local knowledge and partnerships across Canada, the UK, and Europe, Angler supports clients in de-risking early investment decisions and building credible pathways toward commercial energy projects.