Breaking down barriers and promoting diversity in the tech sector, the B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) is investing $2.46 million in five women-led climate tech ventures. This funding is crucial for driving decarbonization in the transportation, construction, and bio-industrial sectors.
Funding for Climate Tech Solutions
- Agora Energy Technologies: Turning CO2 into clean power by combining capture, purification, and conversion in a one-step process.
- Ayrton Energy Inc.: Making hydrogen easy to move and store using today’s fuel infrastructure.
- EnviCore Inc.: Transforming industrial waste into low-carbon cement alternatives.
- Gaia Refinery: Removing carbon at scale with a plug-and-play system for bio-industries.
- Seacork Studio Inc.: Creating carbon-negative building materials from seaweed.
These women-led ventures are tackling some of the toughest challenges in industrial decarbonization, while helping build a stronger climate tech ecosystem.
The Business Case for Gender Equity in Climate Tech
According to the MaRS Discovery District, increasing the number of women-owned SMEs by just 10% could contribute an estimated $198 billion to Canada’s GDP.
“Backing diverse founders isn’t charity—it’s how we win,” says Sarah Goodman, President and CEO of CICE. “When we bring more voices to the table, we unlock better ideas, build stronger businesses, and find smarter solutions.”
By supporting women founders today, CICE is unlocking untapped potential in innovation, job creation, and economic competitiveness.
Catalytic Beyond Funding
CICE’s commitment to inclusive climate innovation goes beyond funding. Through initiatives like R2WS: Innovation with Impact – Women in Tech, CICE is increasing access to networks and cultivating the community women founders need to thrive.
- Key initiatives include:
- R2WS: Innovation with Impact – Women in Tech
By investing in practical climate solutions—and the diverse talent behind them—CICE is driving economic growth, strengthening our innovation economy, and helping ensure Canada builds competitiveness in a changing world.
Investment History
| Year | Amount Invested | Total Value of Projects |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $39.7 million | $264.3 million |
To date, CICE has invested $39.7 million in 65 projects valued at over $264.3 million.
About CICE
The B.C. Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) is an independent, not-for-profit corporation that funds the development, commercialization, and scaling of made-in-B.C.
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