A $1.2-million cleantech challenge has been announced by Foresight Cleantech Accelerator Centre, Canada’s Oil Sands Innovation Alliance (COSIA), and Alberta Innovates.
The challenge is focused on mining hot water production technologies. The goal is to develop methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase energy efficiency by identifying alternative methods for generating hot water for mining and extraction processes in the oil sands.
Run by the ARCTIC Challenge series, the Advanced Resource Clean Technology Innovation Centre (ARCTIC), the program is Foresight Cleantech’s flagship program. There have been two previous rounds of ARCTIC challenges, which have focused on capturing heat waste in steam generating technology and improving the cost and accuracy of timber appraisal. The first challenge was also delivered in partnership with COSIA, and the winner of the challenge is set to be announced in early 2017.
“In Canada’s oil sands, we are fortunate to have some of the world’s best minds partnering with COSIA companies,” said Dan Wicklum, COSIA’s chief executive. “We know that focusing a challenge, and bringing the brightest minds together to face that challenge through successful platforms like the ARCTIC program, propels us towards solutions.”
The Mining Hot Water Production Challenge is the first ARCTIC Challenge to be sponsored by the federal and Alberta governments, in partnership with COSIA. Government and industry have partnered on the challenge to seek solutions that drive low-carbon projects, sustainable growth, and reduce environmental impacts.
“The ARCTIC program connects entrepreneurs with industry on real-life problems, as well as with the funding, support, and mentoring they need to develop and commercialize their products,” said Neil Huff, managing director of Foresight.
Other industry sectors that could benefit from improved mining hot water technologies include water treatment, pulp and paper, and other mining sectors.
The deadline for proposals is December 16, 2016. Shortlisted candidates will be selected in January 2017, followed by a Challenge Sprint process in which a total of $500,000 in funding will be available for two to five candidates to advance their solutions. Following the Challenge Sprint, one solution will be selected for additional funding and field testing. Full details are available here: http://arctic.foresightcac.com/arctic-challenges/sprint-3-mining-hot-water-production-cosia/.
