04 June 2024, Calgary: SVG Ventures| THRIVE, a global venture and innovation platform, and Alberta Innovates, the innovation engine of Alberta, Canada have announced the winners of their Climate Challenge – a ground-breaking initiative aimed at accelerating innovation at the intersection of agriculture and energy to combat climate change and drive a more sustainable future.
Nine finalists selected from a global applicant pool of 132 companies spanning 33 countries took to the stage at the Inventures Conference in Calgary last Thursday to pitch their solutions which focused on the challenge key themes: Advancing the Biofuel Value Chain, On-Farm Energy, and Water Stewardship. THRIVE was joined on the judging panel by representatives from CAAIN, Alberta Innovates and Onward.
Alberta-based Rimrock Renewables emerged as the overall winner, taking home the top award for their exceptional on-farm bio digester facility which captures greenhouse gasses from livestock manure and organic food resources and converts them to a usable energy resource called renewable natural gas. Rimrock will receive acceptance to THRIVE’s award-winning global accelerator program which includes investment up to USD $100,000 in addition to a USD $10,000 cash prize courtesy of Onward and tickets to attend THRIVE’s Global Impact Summit in Silicon Valley courtesy of CAAIN.
The People’s Choice Award went to SolarSteam for their innovative zero-emissions heat solution. Their technology delivers sustainable heat to agtech industrial and institutional clients through a closed concentrated solar system. This approach not only supports sustainability but also significantly reduces carbon footprints in agricultural and industrial operations.
“We are committed to fostering innovation that addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges, said John Hartnett, CEO of SVG Ventures|THRIVE. “The Climate Challenge has showcased the incredible potential of innovators at the intersection of agriculture and energy which is essential for building a sustainable future and we look forward to seeing their continued impact on the global stage.”
The awards were presented Friday on the Inventures Main Stage by Laura Kilcrease, CEO of Alberta Innovates, and John Cassidy, Managing Director of Canada at SVG Ventures | THRIVE.
Climate Challenge finalists include:
Aqua- Cell Energy (Alberta, Canada)
Cap Clean Energy (Alberta, Canada)
Chomp (Washington, United States)
GS Vortex Systems (Texas, United States)
Hago Energetics Benefit Corporation (California, United States)
