CRINcast Cleantech Competition Conversations

In this episode, host Bill Whitelaw speaks with CRIN’s Director of Operations, Glen McCrimmon, about the launch of the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition and what it represents for Canada’s oil and gas innovation ecosystem. Glen reflects on how CRIN’s first three competitions helped build a stronger, more connected innovation landscape—enabling technology development, field validation and commercialization across the country. He breaks down CRIN’s seven technical theme areas and explains how they shape industry priorities, guide collaboration and open pathways for cross-sector applications. The conversation also explores Canada’s competitive position globally, the importance of de-risking first-of-a-kind technologies, and how CRIN’s model brings together operators, innovators, governments and researchers to accelerate adoption. Glen shares insights from CRIN’s engagement on the international stage, including COP, and highlights why coordinated national action and public funding have been critical to Canada’s progress.For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

VL Energy: Digital Innovation, Methane Intelligence and Lessons from CRIN’s Competition In this episode of CRINcast, host Bill Whitelaw talks with Ling Bai, CEO of VL Energy, about how CRIN’s previous technology competition helped the company move from early concept to national credibility and commercial growth. Ling describes how participating in the competition provided more than funding. It created access to critical advisory support, intellectual property guidance, mentorship, and a strong network of ecosystem partners. VL Energy’s collaboration with Suncor became a turning point, allowing the company to test, refine, and scale its digital emissions intelligence technology. Through that partnership, VL Energy learned how to communicate across complex corporate structures, navigate technical and business needs, and accelerate its move from consulting to software and predictive analytics. This conversation highlights how participation in a CRIN competition can help innovators find the right operating partner, build credibility, and unlock commercialization opportunities. Ling’s key advice to prospective applicants is to be prepared, explore strategic alignment, understand regulatory and business drivers, and take full advantage of CRIN’s network and guidance. VL Energy now operates across oil and gas, power generation, and agriculture, demonstrating that Canadian clean technology can scale across sectors and across borders.For more information about VL Energy visit: https://vlenergy.ca/For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

In this episode of CRINcast, host Bill Whitelaw speaks with Dr. Jacqueline Peterson, Chief External Relations Strategist at Kathairos, a company leading the way in methane emissions reduction. Jacqueline explains how Kathairos uses liquid nitrogen to eliminate pneumatic methane venting at well sites, and how this approach is creating reliable, scalable, and commercially viable results across North America. She shares how CRIN’s previous technology competition helped Kathairos move from concept to commercial deployment, secure partners like Cenovus and Ovintiv, and build credibility to support large-scale adoption. The discussion explores why industry partnerships matter, how real field data drives decision making, and why alignment with regulation, efficiency, and cost savings is so important.Jacqueline also reflects on lessons learned, including the importance of persistence, industry insight, and putting your technology in the right context. Kathairos is a strong example of how CRIN funding can help innovators demonstrate value, accelerate growth, and contribute to meaningful environmental and economic outcomes.For more information about Kathairos visit: https://www.kathairos.comFor information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

Accelerating Cleantech Innovation with MaRS In this special episode of CRINcast, host Bill Whitelaw sits down with Tyler Hamilton, Senior Director of Climate at MaRS Discovery District, to discuss CRIN’s upcoming Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition — with MaRS serving as the competition coordinator.Together, they explore how pan-Canadian collaboration is driving the next wave of clean technology solutions across energy, agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. Tyler shares how MaRS’ 25-year legacy as North America’s largest urban innovation hub connects startups, investors, and industries to accelerate commercialization and scale impact. The conversation also highlights why Canada’s oil and gas sector is uniquely positioned to lead the transition through innovation, storytelling, and collaboration. For innovators, producers, and entrepreneurs alike, this episode reveals how joining the competition connects you to a powerful national ecosystem — and helps position your technology for real-world success in Canada and beyond.For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

In Episode 6, host Bill Whitelaw sits down with Mark Godin, Director of Technology at the Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC), to discuss Canada's approach to climate innovation at COP29. As Mark attends his first COP, he shares insights on PTAC’s role in advancing collaborative climate solutions. Highlighting PTAC's Alberta Upstream Petroleum Research Fund (OPERF), he explains how this unique program addresses environmental challenges across air, water, and land—proving how Canada’s industry-led efforts make a global impact. From technology development to partnerships, Mark emphasizes PTAC’s commitment to promoting Canadian cleantech solutions on the international stage. As COP29 focuses on “enhancing ambition and enabling action,” PTAC’s presence brings attention to the progress Canada has made in sustainable energy practices. Tune in for a deeper look at the innovative initiatives shaping Canada’s climate leadership.For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

In this episode, Bill Whitelaw hosts Nanette Ho-Covernton to discuss Canada's role at COP29 in Baku. They explore CRIN’s collaborative model, uniting industry, government, and academia to advance clean technologies. Reflecting on COP28, Nanette emphasizes showcasing Alberta’s climate innovation efforts and highlights CRIN’s $80 million investment in impactful projects. Through partnerships and the Alberta TIER program, CRIN fosters sustainable growth and technology deployment. She views CRIN as a replicable model for global networks, aligning with COP29's theme of "enhancing ambition and enabling action" for climate solutions.For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

In this episode, we’re joined by Dagmar Knudsen, founder and chairman of the Ten Peaks Innovation Alliance, for an insightful conversation on transgenerational impact in climate action. Together, host Bill Whitelaw and Dagmar explore how fostering knowledge, training, and encouragement for younger generations is essential in tackling climate challenges. They discuss Canada’s unique approach to empowering future leaders and share inspiring stories set to be highlighted in Baku, illustrating how Canadians are working to drive long-term, sustainable change. For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

In episode 3 of the CRIN@COP29 Podcast, we delve into the transformative role of universities as conveners of meaningful dialogue. Our guest, Dr. Ian Gates of the University of Calgary shares that the true power of a university lies in its ability to bring people together—both within its walls and beyond—creating spaces for understanding and innovation. With two decades of commitment to this mission, Ian shares his passion for continuous conversations that seek solutions to pressing challenges. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion about the importance of dialogue in driving progress and how education institutions can lead the way in addressing societal issues. Don’t miss this insightful exploration of partnership and shared vision!For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

In Episode 2 of the CRIN@COP29 Podcast, our guest, Scott Volk of Tourmaline Oil, discusses the collaborative potential between Canada and the global community in tackling environmental and resource-related challenges. He emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and solutions, highlighting how Canadian technologies can be applied to international issues and, conversely, how successful strategies from around the world can be adopted to enhance sustainability efforts in Canada. This exchange fosters innovation and supports emissions reduction initiatives at home and abroad. Scott’s insights shed light on the benefits of global partnerships in driving progress toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com

Join us as Bill Whitelaw speaks with Justin Riemer, CEO of Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), ahead of #COP29 in Baku. Justin shares insights on Alberta's progressive approach to emission reduction and the impact of ERA’s competitive funding model on cleantech innovation. From geothermal to smart electrification, ERA invests in later-stage tech projects with real emissions reduction results. Alberta is setting a global example, balancing economic growth with sustainability. For information about CRIN, or the Accelerating Cleantech Innovation Competition visit www.crincanada.com