The Government of Canada is reinforcing its commitment to clean technology innovation with a $2 million investment in GreenCentre Canada, aimed at accelerating the growth of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in southern Ontario’s cleantech sector.
The funding, provided through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario), was announced today by Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Filomena Tassi, during a visit to the Kingston-based not-for-profit organization.
GreenCentre Canada, founded in 2009, provides technology development services to companies in the chemical, advanced materials, and battery materials sectors. The organization specializes in helping these companies bring sustainable innovations to market.
The $2 million investment will support GreenCentre’s Advance-ON program, which will assist up to 40 SMEs in commercializing their products and scaling their businesses. The program offers businesses access to GreenCentre’s team of expert scientists who will deliver customized technical projects at significantly reduced costs, a move designed to expedite the market entry of these companies and position them for private sector investment.
“Today’s investment in 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,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister responsible for Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
GreenCentre’s work aligns with the federal government’s long-standing commitment to fostering innovation in clean technology and supporting the growth of Canada’s green economy. Since 2015, FedDev Ontario has invested over $700 million in more than 300 projects aimed at supporting clean growth initiatives in southern Ontario, demonstrating the government’s focus on building a sustainable future.
“By supporting GreenCentre Canada, the Government of Canada is supporting the transition towards a clean and sustainable economy. Today’s investment not only aligns with our national goals but also supports Kingston’s vibrant entrepreneurial community. This investment empowers local entrepreneurs and promotes the inclusive engagement of all kinds of businesses in our economic environment,” MP Mark Gerretsen said during the announcement.
GreenCentre Canada has played a key role in helping Ontario companies develop new technologies that benefit both the economy and the environment. Since its establishment, the organization has gained recognition for its advanced lab facilities and a vast network of industry leaders, service providers, and investors, all of which contribute to its success in accelerating sustainable product development. The Advance-ON program builds on this foundation, focusing on expediting commercialization and expanding export markets for southern Ontario businesses.
“The team at GreenCentre Canada is pleased to continue helping innovative Ontario companies develop new technologies and products that will benefit both the Ontario economy and the environment. The Advance-ON program will accelerate the commercialization of new products in southern Ontario, creating jobs and expanding export markets,” said Andrew Pasternak, Executive Director of GreenCentre Canada.
In addition to the current funding, FedDev Ontario previously invested $3.8 million in GreenCentre in 2022 to support the first intake of the Advance-ON program. The program is part of GreenCentre’s broader mission to ensure the sustainable growth of companies by transforming chemistry and materials innovations into market-ready products.
Applications for the Advance-ON program are now open, with more details available on the GreenCentre Canada website.
