The B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) hosted its annual CONVERGE conference this week, spotlighting the future of climate technology and the challenges of scaling solutions for a net-zero world. The event featured keynote speakers, strategic announcements, and funding updates, all aimed at accelerating B.C.’s clean energy leadership.
Sarah Goodman, President and CEO of CICE, kicked off the conference by unveiling a Call for Energy Storage Innovation in partnership with BC Hydro. The initiative offers up to $3 million in non-dilutive funding for projects that advance scalable energy storage solutions and grid innovations across the province.
“We have partnered with BC Hydro to identify the areas of innovation needed to support and diversify an abundant, reliable, and affordable clean energy future,” said Sarah Goodman, President and CEO of CICE.
“Now, we’re calling on innovators to deliver the energy storage and grid solutions that BC Hydro and other utilities worldwide need most. Together, we can fast-track market readiness, attract investment, and strengthen B.C.’s leadership in clean energy innovation.”
Goodman’s announcement was followed by a wide-ranging conversation with Jonah Goldman of Generate Capital. Their discussion explored the inadequacy of traditional financing models, the critical importance of commercialization, and the need for robust collaboration between public and private sectors.
Prior to joining Generate Capital, Goldman led Breakthrough Energy, a network founded by Bill Gates that includes investment funds, nonprofit and philanthropic programs, and policy efforts aimed at scaling technologies needed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Goldman emphasized that many startups in the climate space overlook the importance of early commercialization strategies, repeatedly highlighting the necessity of getting “steel in the ground”—a term he used to signify tangible progress in building projects and infrastructure.
Another highlight of the conference was the announcement of CICE’s most recent round of funding recipients. Thirteen innovative climate tech companies were awarded a total of $7.7 million in non-dilutive investments. These investments, made through CICE’s Call for Wildfire Tech and the July 2024 Open Call for Innovation, align with the organization’s mission to accelerate transformative decarbonization solutions and support B.C.’s transition to a clean economy.
With initiatives like the Call for Energy Storage Innovation and its continued support for climatetech startups, CICE is poised to drive B.C.’s leadership in the global transition to a clean energy economy.
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