CRINcast Cleantech Competition Conversations cover art

CRINcast Cleantech Competition Conversations

CRINcast Cleantech Competition Conversations

By: Clean Resource Innovation Network
Listen for free

About this listen

 Special Edition Podcast Series: Accelerating Cleantech Innovation
This four-part CRINcast special edition celebrates the launch of the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition, highlighting how collaboration fuels Canada’s energy transformation. The series features an in-depth conversation with MaRS Discovery District, the competition coordinator, two inspiring success stories from companies funded in CRIN’s previous technology competitions, and insights from CRIN’s Director of Operations on how these initiatives spark new partnerships, accelerate commercialization, and create real-world impact across sectors. Together, these episodes showcase the people, ideas, and innovations driving Canada’s clean energy future — and why this competition is a launchpad for the next generation of solutions.

#cleantech #climatechange #cleanresourceinnovationnetwork #collaboration #innovation #canada #canadatechnology #technologyClean Resource Innovation Network Economics Politics & Government
Episodes
  • CRINcast | Cleantech Competition Conversations | CRIN

    CRINcast | Cleantech Competition Conversations | CRIN
    Dec 9 2025
    In this episode, host Bill Whitelaw speaks with CRIN’s Director of Operations, Glen McCrimmon, about the launch of the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition and what it represents for Canada’s oil and gas innovation ecosystem.

    Glen reflects on how CRIN’s first three competitions helped build a stronger, more connected innovation landscape—enabling technology development, field validation and commercialization across the country. He breaks down CRIN’s seven technical theme areas and explains how they shape industry priorities, guide collaboration and open pathways for cross-sector applications.

    The conversation also explores Canada’s competitive position globally, the importance of de-risking first-of-a-kind technologies, and how CRIN’s model brings together operators, innovators, governments and researchers to accelerate adoption. Glen shares insights from CRIN’s engagement on the international stage, including COP, and highlights why coordinated national action and public funding have been critical to Canada’s progress.

    For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • CRINcast | Cleantech Competition Conversations | VL Energy

    CRINcast | Cleantech Competition Conversations | VL Energy
    Dec 2 2025
    VL Energy: Digital Innovation, Methane Intelligence and Lessons from CRIN’s Competition

    In this episode of CRINcast, host Bill Whitelaw talks with Ling Bai, CEO of VL Energy, about how CRIN’s previous technology competition helped the company move from early concept to national credibility and commercial growth. Ling describes how participating in the competition provided more than funding. It created access to critical advisory support, intellectual property guidance, mentorship, and a strong network of ecosystem partners.

    VL Energy’s collaboration with Suncor became a turning point, allowing the company to test, refine, and scale its digital emissions intelligence technology. Through that partnership, VL Energy learned how to communicate across complex corporate structures, navigate technical and business needs, and accelerate its move from consulting to software and predictive analytics.

    This conversation highlights how participation in a CRIN competition can help innovators find the right operating partner, build credibility, and unlock commercialization opportunities. Ling’s key advice to prospective applicants is to be prepared, explore strategic alignment, understand regulatory and business drivers, and take full advantage of CRIN’s network and guidance.
    VL Energy now operates across oil and gas, power generation, and agriculture, demonstrating that Canadian clean technology can scale across sectors and across borders.

    For more information about VL Energy visit: https://vlenergy.ca/

    For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • CRINcast | Cleantech Competition Conversations | Kathairos

    CRINcast | Cleantech Competition Conversations | Kathairos
    Nov 25 2025
    In this episode of CRINcast, host Bill Whitelaw speaks with Dr. Jacqueline Peterson, Chief External Relations Strategist at Kathairos, a company leading the way in methane emissions reduction. Jacqueline explains how Kathairos uses liquid nitrogen to eliminate pneumatic methane venting at well sites, and how this approach is creating reliable, scalable, and commercially viable results across North America.

    She shares how CRIN’s previous technology competition helped Kathairos move from concept to commercial deployment, secure partners like Cenovus and Ovintiv, and build credibility to support large-scale adoption. The discussion explores why industry partnerships matter, how real field data drives decision making, and why alignment with regulation, efficiency, and cost savings is so important.

    Jacqueline also reflects on lessons learned, including the importance of persistence, industry insight, and putting your technology in the right context. Kathairos is a strong example of how CRIN funding can help innovators demonstrate value, accelerate growth, and contribute to meaningful environmental and economic outcomes.

    For more information about Kathairos visit: https://www.kathairos.com


    For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
No reviews yet