GreenCentre Canada’s Advance-ON Program: A Boost for Cleantech and Battery Startups

by Mehr Sokhanda

For entrepreneurs in the cleantech and battery technology sectors, bridging the gap between promising ideas and market-ready products is a common challenge.

Startups in these fields may struggle with limited resources, lack of specialized equipment, and technical expertise. This can slow down product development and make it harder to attract investors or reach the market.

The recent announcement of $2 million in funding for GreenCentre Canada’s Advance-ON program marks a significant development for early-stage cleantech and battery companies in southern Ontario. GreenCentre Canada and this program’s mission is to ensure the sustainable growth of companies by transforming their chemistry and materials innovations into marketable products through its talented team and well-equipped lab facilities. By providing access to scientific expertise and facilities at reduced costs, the program can help startups accelerate their development process and increase their chances of success.

This investment, made through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), will fuel the continuation of the program for the next four years. For founders, understanding and taking advantage of such opportunities can be a game-changer, potentially saving years of development time and significant costs.

Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for the FedDev Ontario, emphasized the importance of this investment: “Today’s investment into GreenCentre Canada symbolizes the Government of Canada’s dedication to supporting innovators and moving towards a more sustainable future. This project will help up to 40 SMEs expand and grow their businesses, all while fortifying Canada’s green economy for the future.” For founders, participating in the Advance-ON program not only aids their individual success but also positions them as key players in Canada’s transition to a greener economy.

Program Focus and Scope

The Advance-ON program is set to support 40 innovative Ontario businesses developing sustainable chemicals and advanced materials. This includes companies working on cleantech products for water treatment, food additives and ingredients, and packaging materials from renewable sources. Additionally, the program will back companies developing new battery technologies for use in electronic vehicles and energy storage. These areas of focus align well with current market demands and environmental concerns, making the program particularly relevant for founders operating in these spaces.

Tailored Support for Startups

One of the most appealing aspects of the program is its tailored approach to supporting startups. The successful applicants to this competitive program will receive a customized technical project delivered by GreenCentre’s team of scientists at a significantly reduced cost. This personalized support can speed up the journey from ideas to market-ready products, helping startups attract more investors and further create skilled jobs in these cutting-edge industries.

Andrew Pasternak, Executive Director of GreenCentre Canada, emphasizes: “The Advance-ON program will accelerate the commercialization of new products in southern Ontario, creating jobs and expanding export markets.”

The Bigger Picture: Canada's Cleantech Ambitions

This funding for the Advance-ON program is part of a broader push to position Canada as a leader in clean technology and sustainable innovation. The government’s support for programs like this reflects its commitment to meeting climate targets while also fostering economic growth. Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, highlighted: “By supporting GreenCentre Canada, the Government of Canada is supporting the transition towards a clean and sustainable economy. This investment empowers local entrepreneurs and promotes the inclusive engagement of all kinds of businesses in our economic environment.”

For founders, this creates a favorable environment. There’s increasing support for cleantech innovations, not just from government programs but also from private investors who see the potential in this sector. This trend is likely to continue, creating more opportunities for startups in this space, leading founders to consider how they can contribute to and benefit from this broader economic shift.

Long-Term Planning and Growth

The Advance-ON program’s duration of four years provides a stable platform for long-term planning and development. Founders should think strategically about how they can leverage this support not just for immediate gains, but for sustainable growth over time. This might involve planning a series of developmental milestones or considering how to use the program’s resources to attract additional private investment.

Preparing for Success and Challenges

While the program offers significant benefits, founders should also be prepared for the challenges that come with rapid growth and innovation. Scaling up operations, managing increased visibility, and navigating new regulatory landscapes are all potential hurdles that successful startups might face. It’s important to use the program’s resources and network to prepare for these challenges proactively.

Application Process

GreenCentre Canada carefully evaluates each application based on several key factors, including the strength of the proposal, how well it aligns with GreenCentre’s technical capabilities, the potential impact on the applicant’s business, and the company’s financial standing. Interested SMEs are required to provide certain information about their company, current financial status, specific technical needs, and projected economic outcomes. A company overview presentation is also a crucial part of the application. For full details on the application requirements, visit GreenCentre’s website.

Altitude Accelerator is committed to supporting cleantech founders through expert advisory services and specialized programming. Our organization offers valuable resources and guidance to help innovators in the clean technology sector thrive and grow. If you’re interested in learning more about how we support cleantech initiatives, please visit our website . To explore our specific programs in greater detail, we encourage you to check out the program page .