Category: econext Event

Greening Business Workshop – Gander

Posted on by Alex Rumbolt

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 association with a mission to accelerate clean growth in Newfoundland and Labrador through a focus in three areas of activity: innovation, workforce, and net zero. econext has been working for over 30 years on behalf of its members across many sectors to support environmentally sustainable economic development. With a membership of over 150 businesses, research institutions, governments, and organizations – econext is Newfoundland and Labrador’s leading voice on the green economy.

Green Business Program – Info Session Webinar

Posted on by Alex Rumbolt

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

Posted on by Sam Sweetapple

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

Posted on by Colin Heffernan

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

Posted on by Sam Sweetapple

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 students. Submission 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

Posted on by Colin Heffernan

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

techNL + econext Networking Event

Posted on by Alex Rumbolt

Join techNL and econext for an in-person evening of networking that brings together professionals, emerging talent, and innovators from Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing clean energy and tech sectors. This collaborative event creates space to build meaningful connections, share insights and experiences, and explore opportunities across clean tech and technology-driven industries. 

Whether you’re an industry professional looking to connect with peers, a student exploring career pathways, or a job seeker interested in clean tech, this event offers a chance to expand your network and learn more about the province’s evolving clean energy landscape. 

Date: Thursday, January 29th, 2026.  

Time: 5:00-7:00pm 

Location: Co. Innovation Centre – 710 Torbay Road, St. John’s, NL.  

Refreshments provided! 

Register now!

econext insights: Modernizing Regulatory Engagement to Support Innovation

Posted on by kieran

Both the push to decarbonize the economy through fuel-switching and increasing clean energy demands are putting significant stress on the systems that regulate electricity grids.

Regulatory frameworks and processes around the world are being challenged by this transformation, as they were not designed to manage the speed and breadth of projects being put before them. Globally, efforts are underway to implement regulatory innovations that will address key barriers.

Join us for a webinar with Dunsky Energy + Climate Advisors to present their findings on emerging program examples from across North America that can help inform innovative approaches to regulatory processes in the electricity sector – programs that are helping governments, utilities, regulators, developers, and technology providers collaborate more closely to meet the moment.

Date: February 2, 2026
Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Cost: Free!

View the Recording!

econext 2026 Conference

Posted on by kieran

econext‘s Annual Conference is Newfoundland and Labrador’s premier green economy event, attracting leaders in business, government, academia, and the community.

Join us on October 15, 2026 in St. John’s, NL to hear about the latest developments in the province from decision makers and thought leaders relating to clean energy, green innovation, ongoing environmental challenges, and the pursuit of net zero.

Date: October 15, 2026
Location: St. John’s NL
Venue: Delta Hotel St. John’s

More Information Coming Soon

econext insights: Marine Transportation Decarbonization – Technology and Training Priorities

Posted on by kieran

Join us as we present recently released data on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions sources in Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine transportation sector. We will outline best available data relating to:

  • Tankers
  • Supply ships
  • Cruise ships
  • Fishing vessels
  • Ferries
  • and more!

Marine transportation is responsible for ~11% of Newfoundland and Labrador’s total GHGs. The achievement of net zero by the year 2050 depends on our ability to develop and implement new decarbonization solutions – from the use of low-carbon or clean fuels to the implementation of battery/electric technologies.

Access to this new data will allow us to better understand where our province’s efforts are best placed as we prioritize the research, development, and adoption of new technologies – and develop training and professional development programs in support.

Date: December 12, 2025
Time: 10:00am NST
Location: Online
Price: Free!

View the Recording!

With support from: