Emissions Reduction Alberta is investing nearly $50 million across several different projects to accelerate technological solutions oriented toward boosting Canada’s circular economy.
Through the Advanced Materials Challenge, ERA has committed $49M to 18 projects, with funding hailing from the Government of Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction fund.
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, for example, is receiving half a million dollars to help the school build a commercial unit to produce recycled asphalt and shingle pavers from construction waste.
And Edmonton’s TerraVerdae Bioworks garnered more than $1M to scale production of biodegradable biopolymers to displace non-recyclable options currently used in dyes and films.
“This is how we drive responsible growth,” stated Justin Riemer of Emissions Reduction Alberta, by “supporting home-grown technologies, accelerating commercialization, and building stronger, more resilient industries.”
One of the larger projects being funded by ERA is from Carbonova Corporation.
Alongside support from strategic partner Tailwind Ventures, the Calgary cleantech is receiving over $4M from ERA to develop a process to produce carbon nanofibres from various carbon-rich feedstocks, culminating with the design, construction, and operation of a first-of-its-kind commercial demonstration unit in Calgary.
“This support from ERA enables Carbonova to turn breakthrough science into real-world infrastructure,” says cofounder and chief executive officer Mina Zarabian. “Alberta is proving that climate leadership and industrial innovation can go hand-in-hand.”
Built on proprietary catalytic technology, U of C spinoff Carbonova has developed a process that converts CO₂ and methane into sustainable, high-performance carbon nanomaterials for use in batteries, plastics, and construction.
“With customers lined up and eager for better, lighter, and more sustainable materials, ERA is catalyzing the emergence of a new industry—one where carbon emissions become the feedstock for high-performance advanced materials,” remarked Zarabian.
Zarabian was recently recognized as an Emerging Leader at the Global Energy Show Canada 2025, held at Calgary’s BMO Centre in June 10 to 12, while Carbonova accepted the Emerging Clean Technologies honour.
In total, the collection of regional projects are expected to cut millions of tonnes worth of emissions by 2050 and generate more than 1,500 new jobs over the next few years, according to a statement from ERA.
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